Necker Island CASE STUDY

Necker Island, the private island enclave owned by Richard Branson and available year-round for rent, has taken a significant step toward sustainability and waste reduction. In 2006, Mr. Branson pledged to invest in carbon-reducing initiatives, including enhancing waste management practices on this secluded paradise. The conventional disposal of waste often comes at a high cost, making composting a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative.

For this remarkable initiative to succeed, the composting system needed to be resilient, particularly during the island's hurricane season, ensuring uninterrupted operation. It was equally important to create a nutrient-rich compost product that could foster self-sufficiency, supporting the island's ability to sustain food growth in the event of future natural disasters. The client's requirements were clear: resilience against the elements, the creation of high-quality compost, and the capability for remote island delivery. These specifications served as the foundation for a sustainable and resilient waste management solution on Necker Island.

Turning the vision of composting into a reality, GMT's 20’ Intermodal Earth Flow composter has significantly improved the sustainability of Necker Island. This cutting-edge in-vessel composting system transforms landscaping waste, food scraps and other biodegradable materials such as horse manure & bedding into nutrient-rich compost and soil amendments that nourish the island's vast landscaped grounds.

Before implementing the Earth Flow, Necker Island grappled with the hefty expense of shipping a 20-cubic yard dumpster of waste off the island twice a week, amounting to a staggering $32,000 monthly expenditure. The Earth Flow Composter has transformed this dynamic by enabling the processing of 40 cubic yards of materials each month, resulting in significant reductions in disposal costs. Beyond cost savings, the Earth Flow offers additional advantages, including lowered waste disposal and fertilizer expenses, while enhancing the island's self-reliance in waste management – a critical asset during the hurricane season. GMT's Earth Flow Composting System stands as the cornerstone of a sustainable, efficient, and resilient waste management solution, fundamentally transforming the environmental and economic landscape of Necker Island.