Shelendra Singh, Fairmont Dubai

About Shelandra
Shelendra Singh has always taken an active approach to sustainability, and his interest was piqued further at University while studying for his Bachelor’s degree in Bio-Science from Dr. H.S.G. (Sagar) University, where he helped to start up an ‘Eco Campus’ scheme to encourage environmental awareness amongst his peers. Shelendra continued leading the program when he went on to study for a Master’s Degree in Microbiology from Barkatullah University, India. After graduating, Shelendra started his career in Quality Assurance as a Microbiologist in 2003, working for companies such as Makson Healthcare Private Limited in Raisen and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Private Limited in Bhopal. In 2006 an opportunity arose to join the hospitality industry in Dubai. Leaving his native India and moving to the United Arab Emirates, he took on the role as Hygiene Officer at the Marco Polo Hotel. In 2007, Shelendra joined the Fairmont Dubai in the capacity of Hygiene Officer, managing food safety for the hotel. He was soon promoted to Manager, Environment Health & Safety in 2009 where he also became responsible for HACCP (food safety) compliance, and the division wide Health & Safety program for the hotel. In July 2010, he was appointed to his current position as Operations Manager, Environment, Health and Sanitation, taking on the additional responsibilities of Chief Steward including procurement, recruitment, training, and operations management.

Above and beyond the call of duty…

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Despite the intense challenges faced when trying to be green in a city located in the middle of a desert, Shelendra actively fights to overcome these obstacles through innovative initiatives. Fully committed to improving the sustainability of the Fairmont Dubai and eliminating unnecessary waste, he makes continuous operational improvements to conserve resources as it relates to waste management, energy and water conservation, as well as community involvement. Bursting with enthusiasm about environmental sustainability, Shelendra is dedicated to his role as Operations Manager, Environment, Health and Sanitation, well beyond what is required by his title. He goes above his call of duty most notably in his commitment to education, community involvement, and in his dedication colleagues. Shelendra is passionate about educating his peers about green issues. Many colleagues in Fairmont Dubai remember Shelendra from their very first day of orientation, where he encourages staff to take a proactive approach to caring for the environment daily in the workplace. In December 2011, Shelendra was invited to share his expertise in the hospitality industry as a panel spokesperson in the World Green Tourism Conference in Abu Dhabi where he spoke about Fairmont Dubai’s sustainability initiatives. As a green ambassador, he shares new environmental practices with his colleagues via a monthly internal newsletter. He encourages members of the Green Team to pass this information on, and ensure that all new hires in their department are trained in environmental practices. He also encourages all departments to have their own Green Corner as a place to share tips on preserving the environment. In the monthly team meetings, he has managed to create an environment for new ideas to be shared, encouraging the development of new green ambassadors.

Testimonials for Shelandra
"Shelendra Singh played an important role in engaging Fairmont’s employees and guests with the EWS-WWF Marine Turtle Conservation Project. The three-year project uses satellite tracking technology to chart the migratory patterns of critically endangered Hawksbill Turtles in the Gulf region and has already uncovered some interesting data. Shelendra also organized a sustainable seafood competition for chefs, thus mirroring EWS-WWF efforts to encourage restaurants and hotels to provide residents and guests with sustainable seafood choices to encourage consumer action to curb the demand on overfished species, through our “Choose Wisely” campaign.” Nicolas Delaunay, director, business development & marketing, Emirates Wildlife Society in association with the World Wild Fund for Nature (EWS-WWF)

“I would like to take this opportunity to recommend Shelendra for this award not only because of his professional work ethics but also on account of his honest passion to the health & environmental cause. In fact being environment friendly is something I have learnt a lot from him in terms of saving of paper, disposing of plastic, unnecessary use of electricity, and reducing the use of air-conditioning, to name a few. In fact I have taken all these wonderful tips from him and have used this religiously in my daily life. Most importantly he ensures that the equipment that he purchases from us belongs to a company that practices environmental friendly practices. I would say he is a perfect ambassador and a very passionate one, in helping to make Dubai an environmentally friendly place to live in.” Sydney Pinto, product manager (V.A.E), Sara Hotel Supplies, Dubai

“Shelendra demonstrates through his actions at the property, staff residences and beyond in the local community, his countless steps to raise expectations and achievements in environmental performance. At the hotel level, he ensures recycling rates continue to increase, and water conservation from the linen reuse program is realized through the tracking system he implemented within the housekeeping and rooms departments. Shelendra spends time with the property chefs to ensure sustainable seafood is featured on the hotel’s menu, and continues to source sustainable products to be used in the outlets. He continues to interact and work with suppliers to discuss and reduce excess packaging as a means to minimize and reduce waste. He is very passionate about supporting the local community and organizations that operate within. Shelendra focuses on various philanthropic activities; from partnering with the World Wildlife Fund to support marine turtle research to arranging for the hotel green team to host various fundraising activities to donate proceeded to charities. He has guided the Environmental Committee’s goals and actions and continues to inspire his colleagues, push the boundaries of greening hotel operations, and share the stewardship message in the local community. Shelendra is an inspiration to all and should be recognised for his sustainability passions and tireless efforts to continuously go above and beyond.” Sarah Dayboll, manager, environmental affairs, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, Fairmont Corporate Office