Dubai has been gaining recognition as a sustainability and green initiative leader, thanks to the city¡¯s progressive actions aimed at diminishing its carbon footprint and embracing a more environmentally friendly approach.
The most recent stride in this journey is the hosting of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), taking place from November 30 to December 12, 2023, at Expo City Dubai.
Furthermore, the UAE is celebrating the year 2023 as a dedicated year for sustainability, operating under the theme, ¡®Today for Tomorrow.¡¯ The ¡®Year of Sustainability¡¯ encompasses a spectrum of initiatives, activities, and events that draw from the UAE¡¯s core values of sustainability.?
These endeavours aim to inspire collective action by fostering a nationwide commitment to sustainable practices and encouraging global collaboration to confront environmental challenges.
Numerous government departments in Dubai have embarked on groundbreaking initiatives to position the city as a regional leader in sustainability. For instance, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has been at the forefront of the city¡¯s green movement, driving initiatives focused on curtailing energy consumption.?
These initiatives include the installation of solar panels on buildings and the establishment of smart grid systems. Similarly, the Dubai Municipality has introduced a series of projects designed to create more green spaces, including parks and gardens, and to promote sustainable urban planning. The municipality has also been actively working on reducing the volume of waste generated in the city and encouraging residents to engage in recycling efforts.
In alignment with the Dubai authorities¡¯ aspirations to transform the city into a more sustainable and environmentally conscious hub, the private sector is also actively supporting these endeavors. Many private companies have embraced initiatives aimed at curbing energy consumption and reducing carbon emissions, playing their part in Dubai¡¯s journey towards a greener tomorrow.
Ranjit Phillipose, Area Director - Middle East and General Manager at Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, The Palm, Dubai, under The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), says that the Taj hotels Dubai as well as the whole UAE are wholeheartedly dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint.
¡°We¡¯ve taken significant strides in water conservation and waste reduction, championing sustainable practices that echo the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. This past year, Taj hotels in the UAE have celebrated remarkable milestones on our journey toward sustainable tourism, leveraging energy conservation tools like EarthCheck for benchmarking. Initiatives such as the implementation of low-flow aerators for taps and showers have been pivotal in promoting water conservation.
¡°In our commitment to sustainability, each of our hotels has adopted paper-free operational communication, energy-efficient LED lighting systems, and the use of biodegradable products in our wellness packages. We¡¯ve embraced renewable energy by integrating solar panels for water heating and lighting systems and as we strive to phase out single-use plastic, we? join the hospitality sector¡¯s initiative by offering our own bottled water in the near future. We¡¯re thrilled to announce that Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai, has earned the prestigious Certified Silver status from EarthCheck. This recognition underscores our unwavering dedication to conscious travel and sustainability.¡±
John Sunil, CEO, Burjeel Holdings, also echoed similar views. ¡°In?line with the UAE¡¯s sustainability vision, we have implemented state-of-the-art energy-efficient technologies throughout our facilities, reducing energy consumption and optimizing energy usage.
¡°We are also dedicated to minimizing waste generation and promoting recycling and proper disposal methods. Our facilities have advanced waste management systems that ensure responsible waste handling and disposal. We are committed to being a responsible corporate citizen and supporting Dubai¡¯s vision of a sustainable future. We actively engage with the community to foster awareness and promote eco-friendly initiatives. Our sustainability commitments are in sync with Dubai¡¯s vision for a better future and are designed to have a positive impact on healthcare,¡± John added.
¡°In a bid to create awareness and provide the younger generation with opportunities to contribute to tackling climate change, we have partnered with Oxford Sa?d, one of Europe¡¯s leading business schools, to launch the Burjeel Holdings Oxford Sa?d Climate Change Challenge. This initiative, for high school students and educators around the world, aims to drive innovative solutions for a sustainable tomorrow.¡±
John noted that Burjeel¡¯s ambition is to achieve regional leadership in ESG, stressing that the company serves as a fundamental foundation for sustainable growth and excellent patient outcomes, shareholder value, and partnerships. ¡°We are committed to developing and implementing our long-term ESG strategy along with onboarding ESG ratings,¡± he added.