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Radisson Blu rewarded for going green

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THE Radisson Blu, Dubai Deira Creek, has been awarded the international Green Globe Certification (GGC), following a recent Dh1.25 million ($340,000) investment in sustainability.

The hotel, which opened in 1975, was recognised for its environmentally-friendly practices by Dubai-based sustainability expert Farnek Avireal.

In addition the Park Inn Muscat is the first Park Inn worldwide to be receive the certificate. The Green Globe seal of approval is recognised as representing the highest quality in sustainable practices within travel, tourism and related industries around the world. Green buildings use less energy, less water and fewer resources. They also have less impact on the environment and are healthier places for their occupants.

Radisson parent company Rezidor has gradually brought its green policies in line with its own Responsible Business Programme, paving the way for the first Radisson Blu branded hotel in the UAE to be accredited with Green Globe certification.

Corporate responsibility and green procedures are key issues at Rezidor and according to Fathuma Hamziya, responsible business co-ordinator at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, the company has promoted and followed best practices since the programme’s inception.

She said: “In 2001 the company decide to formulate its own Responsible Business Programme. We have a lot of business travellers who are environmentally conscious and prefer to stay in sustainable hotels and are aware of green issues. The idea stemmed from their demand. It just makes good business sense.

“Being green also serves the community and thus increases recognition and reputation for the hotel. The region generally had limited knowledge on the matter, especially in countries like Egypt where waste segregations were almost unknown. Today, we have lots of ongoing initiatives at the hotels and it has become a trend that is growing across the region.”

Awareness is key to the success of responsible business and Hamziya added: “In a hotel, the workforce is multicultural and it is important to get them engaged in these practices. At Rezidor, today the responsible programme has become an important part of the company’s vision and mission programme as well as part of every staff member’s orientation programme.”

At the Radisson Blu, Dubai Deira Creek, a number of sustainability initiatives, such as energy and resource saving, the use of biodegradable chemicals and recycling initiatives were already underway before achieving Green Globe status. But work was needed to bring the vintage property up to scratch. “Some of the inefficient old and high-power consuming air-conditioning equipment was replaced, coupled with the energy saving wheel, which cools hot air drawn from outside, before passing it through the hotel chillers,” said Hamziya.

“It is always more challenging for an older property to attain such rigorous standards but, considering that, it is so much more rewarding to be recognised for our achievements.”

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