Burj Al Arab recognized for seven-star sustainability

The luxurious Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai has been awarded Green Globe Certification (GGC) following a comprehensive sustainability audit conducted by Dubai-based consultancy Farnek, GGC’s preferred partner in the Middle East.

Repeatedly voted the world’s most luxurious hotel, Burj Al Arab consists of 202 duplex suites with personal butler service, chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce and helicopter airport transfers. The hotel can now add the Green Globe certification to its long list of accolades, proving that luxury can be green.

"We are delighted to receive this prestigious recognition that reinforces our commitment to sustainable practices", said Heinrich Morio, General Manager at Burj Al Arab. "The certificate is a testament to Burj Al Arab’s dedication to ensuring that green policies are at the heart of our business and that they are an essential part of our long-term business strategy".

Guido Bauer, CEO, Green Globe Certification said, "Green Globe is extremely proud to announce certification of Burj Al Arab for its sustainable management and operations. This achievement signifies the ongoing commitment by the Jumeirah group which began two years ago with the inaugural certification of Jumeirah Emirate Towers. This year, Green Globe and its Middle East auditing partner Farnek, will be working closely with the Jumeirah Group to bring more of their prestigious properties under certification."  

Burj Al Arab impressed throughout all areas of the operational audit. In particular, the hotel excelled in water usage reduction, grey water recycling, as well as in managing its energy output by regulating room temperature in the suites and carbon footprint.

The hotel’s environmental efforts were also praised.  Its Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project – launched in 2004 in close collaboration between the Dubai Wildlife Protection Office, Jumeirah Group, Central Veterinary Research Laboratory and a team of specialized veterinarians – has helped to return hundreds of sea turtles back into the wild, with many fitted with satellite tags to allow marine biologists further insight into their migratory patterns.

Others areas that came under the scrutiny of the Green Globe audit included health and safety, human resource development, training, procurement and waste management.  

Apart from the sea turtle rehabilitation center, the hotel management team encourages colleague participation in other local community initiatives such as breast cancer awareness, beach clean-ups and mobile phone collections.  

Photo caption: ‘Proudly certified’ The Burj Al Arab displays the Green Globe Certification logo.