John Hardy

Background

About John Hardy

I am a renowned artist and entrepreneur with a unique talent for having unconventional ideas and making them a reality. After graduating from the Ontario College of Art & Design, I travelled the world before eventually settling in Bali. In 1975, I started a modest jewelry business that grew into a major international company. In 2007, I exited the business to dedicate my time to advocating and building a more sustainable world through education and design. The first creation of my tireless energy and industry was Green School in Bali, Indonesia. Green School was co-conceived with my wife, Cynthia, make our world more sustainable by inspiring students to live a life of purpose through action-based learning in a truly unique environment. I spoke at TED Global about Green School and the USGBC awarded the school with the 2012 Greenest School on Earth award. In February 2020, Green School New Zealand opened. Green Schools in South Africa and Mexico are underway. Cynthia and I also co-founded Bambu Indah, a radically distinctive boutique hotel in Ubud. In 2005, eleven antique Javanese bridal homes were brought to Bali, restored, and decorated with the finest details. Since then, we have expanded the property to the riverside, where we are pioneering a sustainable future with innovative, bespoke and luxurious bamboo structures for a truly one a kind experience. Now, Bambu Indah is available to travelers from around the world seeking unique experiences while being comforted by the luxury of a natural environment and service of an intimate hotel. In 2010, my daughter, Elora, founded IBUKU, a uniquely creative and innovative design house. IBUKU is founded upon our shared experience and passion for art and design and our deep interest in architecture. In addition, I have served as the visionary for Green Village Bali, a collection of custom homes made almost exclusively from bamboo and only a short walk from Green School, and a growing community which a number of Green School families now call home. I am passionate educator and student and speak regularly at events around the world about my vision for a sustainable and greener world.