JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort Steps Forward in Environmental Protection

Located just 15 minutes from Dubai Marina, the award-winning JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort, features two striking beach hotels: the beautiful JA Palm Tree Court and the original JA Jebel Ali Beach Hotel. The resort features an 800-metre palm-lined private beach, lush gardens and swimming pools plus 15 restaurants and bars.

Green Globe recently certified JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort for the fourth year.

David Thomson, Chief Operating Officer, said "At JA Resorts & Hotels, we are committed to environmental protection and we try our best to find environmentally friendly initiatives that can be implemented group wide. Our efforts to save energy, increase recycling, manage resources, reduce our carbon footprint, and enhance marine life are just a few examples of the company’s steps towards making a difference and we are proud of how far we have come with each scheme."

The resort remains holistic in its approach to sustainability, balancing the environmental responsibilities of an expansive property with the preservation of the surrounding natural environment.

A comprehensive audit was undertaken by FARNEK, Green Globe’s preferred Middle East partner. Total energy consumption for 2015 was reduced by 9% in comparison to the previous year. Water consumption also dropped by 2.11%.

As part of a CSR pilot program organized by TSSC Dubai, a high quality glass-crushing machine was provided to JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort. The company is renowned in the UAE for producing refrigeration units. The PEL Baby and Mega glass bottle crushers transform waste glass bottles into cullets, a valuable raw material commodity. Millions of glass bottles are thereby diverted away from landfill and instead manufactured into new glass bottles. All bottles at the property are crushed twice a week and the cullets collected for recycling. Once 120 tons of glass garbage has been collected, the resort will be paid 40 AED per ton as well as owning the machine itself.

An onsite bio-garden was expanded earlier this year and covers over 1,000 square metres. The aquaponic and hydroponic garden grows 100% organic herbs, vegetables and fruits for the resort’s kitchens. Plants include a variety of lettuce, rocket, eggplants, oregano, rosemary, basil, strawberries and wheat grass. Gardening occurs from October to June each year. And the beautiful Bio Garden is at its greenest in January and February when most plants yield their best produce. Over the summer months, the garden is left until the following season. New plants utilize remaining by-products as fertilizer and green waste is reused in compost.

To raise awareness amongst associates and guests, garden tours are offered to highlight the health and culinary benefits of growing and eating fresh food. Earth Hour celebrations are also held annually. This year a tree planting ceremony was held and delicious dishes at the restaurants featured harvested ingredients from the Bio Garden.

In recognition of its support of eco-friendly beaches and marine biodiversity, the property has also received Blue Flag Certification. The Blue Flag Programme is owned and run by a non-government, non-profit organization – the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and the eco-label is awarded in 46 countries. The resort has constructed an artificial reef for the conservation of sea life. Furthermore, JA Resorts & Hotels educates guests and staff on fishing quota regulations and children enjoy ‘Catch and Release’ fishing in efforts to preserve the surrounding natural ecosystem.

The resort’s Sustainability Management Plan is available on the JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort website.

Green Globe video of JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort

Contact:

Rebecca Sageman
Director of Public Relations
JA Resorts & Hotels L.L.C.
P.O. Box 26500, Dubai,
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
phone: +971 4 315 4956
fax: +971 4 399 3101
mobile: +971 56 656 4429
email: [email protected]
web: www.jaresortshotels.com

Eirinn Fuller
Senior Public Relations Executive
JA Resorts & Hotels L.L.C.
P.O. Box 26500, Dubai,
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
phone: +971 4 315 4062
fax: +971 4 399 3101
mobile: +971 56 603 5377
email: [email protected]
web: www.jaresortshotels.com