Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), an independent forum promoting green building practices, has been assigned as the exclusive operator of the Green Key eco-label to promote sustainability in the tourism sector of the UAE.

A non-governmental, non-profit and independent programme, Green Key is recognised by the World Tourism Organisation and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and is the largest global eco-label relating to accommodation.

EmiratesGBC will guide hotels and other tourism establishments in pursuing the Green Key eco-label, providing advisory on introducing best practices in environment and energy management.

By focusing on green awareness among staff members, as well as guests, the Green Key certified hotel is expected to meet baseline criteria in environmental management and awareness, and the efficient management of water, energy and waste.

Adnan Sharafi, chairman, EmiratesGBC, said: “Today, with tourists being increasingly conscious and demanding of green features, certifying hotels and other accommodation facilities to the Green Key eco-label will further highlight the industry thought leadership of the nation.

“It will also complement the ‘green economy for sustainable development’ initiative of the UAE by integrating tangible sustainability features in hotels and other related establishments. This contributes to significant cost-savings for the establishments, making it a win-win situation for all stakeholders.”

Several hotels in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Fujairah have already achieved Green Key certifications.

However, with the large number of hotels across all emirates and more developments in the pipeline, there is tremendous potential in the market to adopt Green Key certification. In Dubai, alone there are over 72,000 hotel and apartment rooms spread over 579 properties, as of June 2013, highlighting the scope for environmental certification by the hotel sector.

By empowering and educating all tourism industry stakeholders to change unsustainable behaviours and be actively involved in protecting the environment, Green Key aims to increase the use of sustainable methods of operation and technology, run ecologically sound businesses without compromising on the properties’ luxury aspects and reduce energy and resource usage.

Green Key establishments have reported several benefits including savings on water, energy and waste; a noticeably better environment for guests and increased business, according to global estimates. Today, 21,000 establishments in 41 countries have secured the Green Key labels. – TradeArabia News Service