Many of our hotel experts have implemented waste-reduction initiatives and limit the use of chemicals in daily operations.
In an industry that is already fairly energy intensive, working in a mainly desert environment is hardly helping Middle East hotels in their efforts to voice their green credentials. There are those who say the talk of hotels being green and sustainable is simply more hot air being blown into the arid climate.
However, one way of proving there is substance to the claim of being green is by getting accreditation, but there are a number of companies out there that provide this service.
They differ in their focus; some are certificates conducted in-house, while others use third-party investigators. Others offer no certification, but provide a visible platform whereby guests can see the sustainability statistics of the property online.
| Advertisement |
Who cares?
But why do hotels want to spend time and money going through the process in the first place; does anyone staying at the hotel really care about the property’s sustainability practices?
If we are being honest, surely photographs, price and reviews sway our hotel booking decisions rather than its eco rating? But this may be an outdated way of thinking as director of engineering Dusit Thani Dubai, Johnny Ding says.
“People really do care about accreditation and they are becoming more environmentally aware and particular on who and where they spend their money,” he asserts.
“They are looking for industries and service providers who share a similar ideology and care for the environment.”
Operations manager, environment, health and sanitation, The Fairmont Dubai, Shelendra Singh, concurs, adding that “many of our guests are concerned about the environment, and do look for green programmes implemented at the property”.
“Our guests have told us that they want to learn about our destinations, such as learning about endangered species. These guests are aware of our environmental efforts and do indeed value them.”
And it’s not just about PR either as Jean-Francois Asimus, general manager, Dusit Residence Dubai Marina, explains.
Article continues on next page ...
Search our database of more than 2,700 industry companies
