The Jumeirah Oasis Village, a residential village-styled staff accommodation in Dubai, UAE, recently received Green Globe certification in recognition of its commitment to sustainable management.

Covering a total land area of 150,000 sq m, the village is home to over 4000 staff members and provides facilities such as a supermarket, cafes, colleague restaurants, internet café, a medical clinic, laundries, games rooms, gymnasiums, banking facilities, a library and a training centre.

As part of the village’s efforts to reduce energy consumption, LED (light-emitting diode) lamps have been installed and plans have been made to expand the usage of motion sensors in all communal areas in the future.

Recycling initiatives are in place with segregated sorting bins located throughout the grounds and offices, and green waste used for composting gardens. Used oil is also recycled by a private contractor, Limra, and converted to biofuel.

Landscaped gardens are planted predominantly with native desert vegetation such as date palms and other dry plants. And, as part of its environmental education programme, Jumeirah Oasis Village’s Green Team has created a Garden Club for colleagues to share best practices for sustainable gardening and growing organic products. To further protect the environment, the use of non-harmful pesticides is mandatory in all gardens.

Moreover, the village routinely conducts health and safety inspections in the tenants’ rooms as well as in common areas. While fire risk assessments are regularly done to ensure the safety of all occupants. In addition, colleagues also respect and strictly adhere to fire safety regulations.

Security is at a high level on the premises with rules and regulations on public display at the village entrance. An in-house security team also ensures the safety of tenants.

Sandrine Le Biavant, director consultancy of Farnek Green Globe’s preferred partner in the Middle East, said, “It is the first time that we have audited a staff housing property under the Green Globe standard. The facility was compared under the same standards as a hotel due to its similar configuration.”

Colette Leeman, director of colleague services at Jumeirah Oasis Village, said: “Oasis Village colleagues are very honoured and proud to be the first recipient of the Green Globe Certification for colleague accommodation category within the UAE. We recognise and fully support initiatives that minimise the impact of our daily business operations on the environment.” – TradeArabia News Service