Burj Al Arab awarded Green Globe Certification for outstanding environmental efforts by Dubai-based sustainability specialist Farnek

Burj Al Arab recognised for seven-star sustainability    

 Burj Al Arab awarded Green Globe Certification for outstanding environmental efforts by Dubai-based sustainability specialist Farnek 

The luxurious Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai has been awarded international 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”.

Sandrine Le Biavant, Director Consultancy, Farnek added: “For over a decade the stunning sail-shaped hotel has been an iconic symbol of modern Dubai and its flourishing hospitality industry. Now, with the Green Globe award, the Burj Al Arab has been recognised for its seven-star sustainability”.

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 specialised 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 centre, the hotel management team encourages colleague participation in other local community initiatives such as breast cancer awareness, beach clean-ups and mobile phone collections. 

Farnek Consulting currently has the rights to utilise the Green Globe brand, covering tourism properties within 20 different countries throughout the Middle East.

For more information about applying for Green Globe Certification log on to www.farnek.com

Photo caption 1: From L to R: Sandrine Le Biavant, Director Consultancy, Farnek,  Heinrich Morio, General Manager, Burj Al Arab and Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek

Photo caption 2: ‘Proudly certified’ The Burj Al Arab displays the Green Globe Certification logo.

About Farnek

Farnek is one of the region’s foremost property and facilities management outsource companies. With a skilled workforce of more than 1,500 people, Farnek Avireal has offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and maintains over 1,000 properties alone on behalf of many international and regional companies.

Farnek has also signed a commitment to support myclimate an international organisation that helps companies around the world manage their carbon emissions through a range of offset programmes. 

About Green Globe Certification

The Green Globe brand is used under a license from Green Globe Ltd. All intellectual property incl. the Green Globe Standard and Indicators, Auditing Process, Solution Center and Web Domains are owned and operated by Green Globe Certification.

Green Globe Certification is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally-accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe Certification is based in California, USA, and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe Certification is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, supported by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. For more information, please visit www.greenglobe.com .

About Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab is managed by Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding. It is designed to resemble a billowing sail and stands at a height of 321 meters. It is one of the most photographed structures in the world and has been consistently voted the world's most luxurious hotel, with features including in suite check-in and check-out, reception desks on every floor, round-the-clock private butlers and use of the hotel’s Rolls-Royce fleet and private beach. The hotel’s 202 luxury suites range from 170 to 780 square meters with a rain shower and a Jacuzzi in each suite, as well as six restaurants and conference and banqueting venues.