Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort has become the first hotel in the Middle East to be awarded a badge from The Oceanic Standard in recognition of the hotel’s sustainability drive to become plastic-free.

The Oceanic Standard is international NGO Oceanic Global’s industry-specific sustainability verification system recognising eco-friendly hotels across the world that make significant efforts to reduce their environmental impact, both behind-the-scenes and in guest rooms.

Hotels are judged on a number of factors, including reducing single-use plastic consumption, implementing responsible waste management practices, food waste management, sustainable food procurement and the use of nontoxic products.

Lea d’Auriol, founder and executive director of Oceanic Global, said: “We are excited to award Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort with the Oceanic Standard, Ocean Champion badge! They have taken important actions which promote environmental health by reducing single-use plastics from their operations, for example, by switching to fillable shower products and eco-friendly straws and takeaway containers.”

“Blending luxury and sustainability was always at the heart of our mission when we first opened Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort and we are immensely proud that our efforts have been recognised by such a globally-revered body; this is the first time that a hotel in the Middle East has been bestowed this prestigious accolade."

“I am immensely proud of the team at Jumeirah at Saadiyat – this is a phenomenal achievement – everyone’s input, ever-improving performance and a passion for operating an eco-friendly hotel has resulted in the ultimate reward. May we continue to grow, contribute and prosper in all things sustainable.”

As the Jumeirah Group’s first luxury “eco-conscious” resort, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort received the certification following the introduction of a plethora of suitability practices. They include providing personal care products for guests that are non-toxic or packaged in bulk containers or glass containers instead of single-use plastic; refillable shower amenities; an extensive in-house recycling scheme; swapping plastic straws for eco-friendly wheat straw alternatives; using fibre-based takeaway containers; and using cloth laundry bags.

The hotel has also set up an on-site water filtration system in another first for the industry in the UAE.

Other eco initiatives launched at the resort include greywater recycling, environmentally friendly thermostats in guest rooms and marine degradable packaging for toiletries.

“As per the United Nations, the hotel industry is responsible for one per cent of global emissions; we at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort have made a promise not to be part of that statistic,” continued Linda Griffin. “We believe that hotels and resorts must join in the fight to preserve our planet for future generations and recognise that going green doesn’t necessarily mean cutting out the luxuries.

“Becoming as sustainable as possible not only will it benefit the earth, but also our collective conscience,” she said.

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, the Jumeirah Group’s first luxury “eco-conscious” resort, is just 20 minutes away from Abu Dhabi airport. The Jumeirah group is known for its conservation efforts in the UAE and runs several turtle rehabilitation projects within its property portfolio in the Emirates. - TradeArabia News Service