UAE-based Time Hotels has offset 326 tonnes of carbon emissions at its properties in just over nine months.
Launched during the Arabian Travel Market in 2014, the group adopted the region’s first carbon offset hotel accommodation initiative at two of its properties – Time Oak Hotel, and Time Plaza Hotel – which have offset the equivalent of 188 and 137 tonnes respectively.
Guests staying at Time Oak Hotel collectively donated AED 26,600 (US $7242) and guests at Time Plaza donated AED 16,300 ($4438) to offset their carbon emissions during their stay.
The contribution was then transferred to Swiss non-profit organisation Myclimate, and all money raised will support two projects in Africa, including a solar lighting initiative in Ethiopa, which will replace traditional kerosene lamps. The second programme funds energy-efficient cooking stoves for displaced families living in temporary camps in Darfur, Sudan.
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Time Hotels CEO Mohamed Awadalla commented: “Looking at these carbon emissions from another perspective, it is the equivalent of flying a fully occupied 60-seater plane around the world.”
The group worked closely with Farnek, a Dubai-based consultancy and the Middle East partner of Myclimate, who helped the hotels calculate their carbon emissions.
According to Awadalla, the group will also implement the campaign at other properties. He said: “The initiative is very popular, more than 1200 guests have chosen to participate so far and we are now looking to extend it to other group properties in the UAE and Egypt.”
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