Dubai-based model agency, Lush Group, has joined forces with Advanced Global Training, to reduce the environmental damage created by its operations, making it one of the first carbon neutral model agencies in the world.

The model agency partnered with the global carbon credit brokerage and will offset any remaining environmental damage over the years, said a statement from Lush.

Kelly Mackinnon, Lush CEO, said: “We have over 300 models on our books and can have a large number of these working at any one time around the UAE and sometimes outside the country. This all adds up to a significant impact on the environment over the course of a year when you consider flights, car journeys, power used – and of course hairspray.”

“However, in all seriousness, we are proud to be representing the industry in terms of environmental consciousness and showing modelling isn’t just about looking good,” she said.

After a series of information sharing sessions carried out by AGT, designed to reduce and minimise Lush’s environmental damage, the remaining CO2 emissions expected over the next year will be calculated and AGT will retire the equivalent number of voluntary emissions reduction (VER) carbon credits to offset this damage.

“At Lush we strongly believe in the importance of creating awareness and helping educating as many people we can from any industry of the importance of going green - and the simplicity of offsetting carbon emissions to make a start in this process. Lush is a recently launched company and the carbon neutral commitment was a key unique selling point in our business model as we believe it complements what our brand stands for,” Mackinnon added.

The group provides models alongside event and lifestyle services to the public and private sector; including media, events, private weddings, parties, exhibitions, launches, fashion shoots, catwalk and editorial for some of the world’s top brands and organisations.

AGT is an industry-leader in sourcing and trading carbon credits to help companies and individuals offset their CO2 emissions and mitigate the harmful effects of climate change, employing over 50 traders in the UAE, UK, Switzerland, USA, South Africa and Spain, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service