Sustainability Story of RAAS Devigarh
RAAS Devigarh brings together palace restoration and operational sustainability with unusual discipline. Set in Delwara, the restored palace carries the grandeur of heritage, but its Pinwheel story is equally shaped by energy, water, waste reduction, local livelihoods, community support, and careful preservation.
Solar power is used for water heating, while a Platinum LEED-rated air-conditioning system reduces carbon-based energy consumption. Aerators reduce water use, greywater is recycled for gardens and public areas, and rainwater harvesting lowers pressure on public resources.
RAAS eliminated single-use plastic across its properties in 2016, replacing plastic bottles with glass and using refillable bathroom amenities. Vendor engagement extends this reduction into the supply chain, ensuring that responsibility does not end at the hotel gate.
Devigarh’s heritage conservation is its most visible story. The palace has been restored with care, and continued renovation and upkeep are undertaken with caution to maintain its architectural integrity. Local materials, herb and vegetable gardens, organic produce, and local sourcing help reduce the hotel’s footprint while keeping the experience rooted in place.
A predominant part of the workforce is local, and local businesses are supported. Through the Virasat Foundation, RAAS renovates and refurbishes government-run schools in the Delwara area, including classrooms, toilets, and potable drinking water.
RAAS Devigarh shows that heritage luxury need not be a retreat into nostalgia. Done well, it can become a living structure of stewardship, beauty, and local consequence.
