Sofitel The Palm Director of engineering Rohit Salunke on his dedication to sustainability
What is your career background?
I am a qualified mechanical engineer and I have a professional certification through the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute. I started my career with Cidade-de-Goa Beach Resort & Renaissance Goa Resort in India before becoming chief engineer at Elite Group of Hotels & Apartments - Bahrain. I then moved to Dubai where my first role was with Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, followed by roles with Starwood, Movenpick and now Accor.
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What are your main responsibilities as the director of engineering?
As the director of engineering I am mainly responsible for efficient operation and preventive maintenance of building facilities and its infrastructure, life safety systems and providing technical support to all departments with a focus on guest services, while maintaining our brand standards. In today’s competitive market, I personally believe this role goes beyond normal engineering operations, and requires an eye for detail along with a proactive approach to maintaining the highest quality standards with efficient energy usage, training and development, implementation of sustainability initiatives, planning and execution of other CAPEX (capital expenditure) and refurbishment projects from time to time.
Who else is responsible for sustainable practices?
I feel today it is the responsibility of each individual to follow sustainability practices and incorporate these into our daily routines. At Sofitel The Palm Dubai, the building design was strategically planned with consideration for the implementation of sustainable features and initiatives across the resort since pre-opening on July 1, 2013.
Which projects have you implemented since joining?
The complete phasing out of incandescent lamps throughout the resort within just one year of operation. In all guest rooms and public areas, LED and CFL lamps were installed, resulting in a decrease in energy usage by almost 30%. Additionally, the installation of water savers in guest rooms and public areas saved 10,000m3 of water in just one year. A waste recycling programme has resulted in more than 20% diversion from the landfill.
Which initiative are you most proud of?
Receiving Green Globe Certification for the resort within just six months of operations with a 90% compliance rating, was an incredible achievement. We have also become the only hotel on Palm Jumeirah and within the Accor Group worldwide to have achieved three prestigious sustainability certifications, namely: ISO14001:2004, Environmental Management System and Blue Flag certification from the Federation of Environmental Education (FEE), for maintaining the highest standard in beach quality in the first year of operation of the hotel.
How do you ensure systems are first class?
Sustainability is a process of continuous improvement. We keep ourselves updated with the latest trends, innovations and sustainable practices within the industry.
My Best & Worst
- The best advice I ever received was to believe in myself and challenge my limits.
- The worst advice I ever received was when someone told me that I should make public speaking my profession.
- My worst mistake was... I think in my career I have definitely learnt from my mistakes, and I strongly believe in never making the same mistakes again.
- My worst engineering nightmare was the technical challenge faced just two days prior to the hotel’s pre-opening. A critical engineering system was not operating correctly.
- The best job I've ever had is my current role at Sofitel The Palm Dubai, as it allows me to follow my passion for sustainability and have the support of the entire team, which has been reflected in our achievements during our first operational year.
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