INNOVATION
Sustainability
POWERED BY RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES
Α specially designed, 10KW autonomous photovoltaic unit powers the AMLS building using state of the art technology for efficient energy production. Comprising 32 solar panels covering 100% of the current needs for the sanctuary building and the anticipated future requirements.
On site two electrical generators and a biodiesel converter will operate as a backup for tasks requiring higher amounts of electricity. The generators will run on biodiesel from recycled cooking oil provided by local restaurants. This offers a sustainable solution to the local community eliminating the need for management of this waste.
WATER & ENERGY SUPPLY
Water is provided to the AMLS building through the collection of rainwater and at a later stage this will be coupled by installing a solar powered desalination system. Grey water will be recycled and used for irrigation. In this way, the building will be completely autonomous with zero carbon footprint. All needs are covered by renewable sources, educating and inspiring both on-site and online visitors.
We aim for this system of operation to become a model for electricity and water supply, with a relatively small cost and zero impact to the landscape.
ANTIBACTERIAL COPPER
Sustainable antibacterial copper alloy is the chosen material for the underwater fencing as an alternative to plastic. It is efficient for water circulation, easy to maintain, long lasting, recyclable, non-corrosive and prevents biofouling, e.g. algae growth.
Copper has been used throughout millenia and more recently its natural antimicrobial properties are also being widely acknowledged.
The AMLS will host the first veterinary clinic in the world to use antibacterial copper surfaces to minimise the transfer of diseases.
NATURAL ENRICHMENT PROCESSES
Our goal is to employ only natural processes to maintain a healthy habitat for the marine life under our care. The bay will be selectively populated with native detritivore species to help manage organic waste from large marine mammals.
If required, a noise-reducing solar pump will complement natural sea currents leading in and out of the bay. It will also assist the provision of nutrient enrichment that is necessary to maintain a balanced and healthy ecosystem, whilst preventing organic waste build up.
Biodiversity enrichment
Controlled enrichment practices will boost the existing biodiversity of the bay and increase the overall abundance of marine fauna. The creation of an experimental underwater seagrass garden will help to maintain high water quality within the bay, creating a biodiverse natural environment. It is based on low-cost and high-yield practices, through which extensive planting can be implemented in large maritime areas using natural and biodegradable materials.
Ecosystem destruction and anthropogenic activities have depleted the abundance of flora and fauna within our seas. Through the installation of artificial reefs, which are designed to target specific species, natural habitats will be provided as a mitigation tool encouraging flora and fauna to flourish.
Scalability, expansion & replicability
The AMLS aims to become a model sanctuary that can be globally replicated and scaled to local conditions and different budgets, facilitating and promoting the creation of new sanctuaries. Once completed the AMLS will be extended to additional sites that have already been identified on nearby islands, allowing the sharing of important resources locally.