Located in the heart of the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Blue Diamond Retreat is a 5-hectare property in Phong Nha Commune, Quang Tri Province. It is known as a peaceful getaway where visitors can connect with nature, enjoy modern comforts, and join various exciting outdoor activities. Beyond offering great experiences, Blue Diamond Retreat also focuses on sustainable development, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting the environment.
From its very beginning, Blue Diamond Retreat has been designed as a Net Zero tourism model – an accommodation that is fully powered by renewable energy and implements a range of green initiatives in its design, construction, and daily operations.
In 2024, the retreat continued its greenhouse gas inventory to assess the environmental impact of its operations comprehensively. The results, compared with 2023 data, show that Blue Diamond Retreat has successfully maintained its sustainable emission reduction direction and is steadily moving closer to its Net Zero goal.
| CARBON FOOTPRINT – Unit: kg CO₂e | 2023 | 2024 | +/- % |
| Scope 1: Direct Emissions | 26663 | 24179 | -9% |
| Fuel and combustion use | 23238 | 21965 | -5% |
| Emissions from wastewater | 3425 | 2214 | -35% |
| Refrigerant use | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Scope 2: Emissions from Electricity Use | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Scope 3: Emissions from Supply Chain | 130228 | 153713 | 18% |
| Procurement of food and materials | 84818 | 64113 | -24% |
| Transportation | 3106 | 7186 | 131% |
| Waste treatment | 941 | 384 | -59% |
| Support activities (commuting, office, construction, maintenance, etc.) | 41363 | 82030 | 98% |
| Total annual greenhouse gas emissions | 156891 | 177892 | 13% |
Scope 1 – Direct Emissions
In 2024, Blue Diamond Retreat’s direct emissions reached 24,179 kg CO₂e, a 9% reduction compared to 2023. This improvement was achieved through controlled fuel consumption, optimized use of combustible materials, and enhanced efficiency in wastewater treatment systems. Moreover, the retreat does not use any refrigerants in its operations, contributing to a sustainable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Scope 2 – Emissions from Electricity Use
All operations at Blue Diamond Retreat are powered by solar energy, resulting in zero emissions from this energy source. Solar panels installed across the property provide sufficient electricity for lighting, cooling, and operating electric boats and vehicles for guests, creating a truly green and sustainable retreat environment.
Scope 3 – Emissions from the Supply Chain
Total supply chain emissions amounted to 153,713 kg CO₂e, an 18% increase from the previous year, mainly due to higher outsourced transportation activities and new construction investments. However, other operational areas showed notable improvements: food and material procurement were optimized by prioritizing local suppliers, reducing emissions by 24%. Waste management practices were also enhanced, open burning was eliminated, and organic waste was converted into animal feed for local households, cutting emissions in this category by 59%.
According to the 2024 emissions report, the average carbon footprint of each guest during a one-day experience at Blue Diamond Retreat is approximately 19 kg CO₂e, and around 38 kg CO₂e for a one-night stay.
These results highlight Blue Diamond Retreat’s continuous efforts to optimize operations, apply green technologies, and reduce emissions across all activities. The retreat remains firmly committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2030, positioning itself as one of Vietnam’s leading sustainable eco-tourism models.
