Dubai, UAE; June 16, 2013: Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), an independent forum aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices, has been assigned as the exclusive operator of the ‘Green Key’ eco-label to promote sustainability in the hospitality and tourism sector of the UAE.

A non-governmental, non-profit and independent programme, Green Key is recognised by the World Tourism Organisation and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and is the largest global eco-label relating to accommodation. A prestigious citation that underlines the environment-friendly energy, water and waste management commitment of hotels, serviced apartments and other accommodation facilities, Green Key is now regarded as a key consideration in promoting sustainable development.

EmiratesGBC will guide hotels and other tourism establishments in pursuing the Green Key eco-label, providing advisory on introducing best practices in environment and energy management. By strengthening awareness on going green, among all staff members, as well as guests, the Green Key certified hotel is expected to meet baseline criteria in environmental management and awareness, and the efficient management of water, energy and waste.

Adnan Sharafi, EmiratesGBC Chairman, said: “Tourism and hospitality are key growth sectors of the UAE, with Dubai, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, announcing the ambitious Dubai Tourism Vision 2020 to host over 20 million annual tourists by the turn of the decade.

“Today, with tourists being increasingly conscious and demanding of green features, certifying hotels and other accommodation facilities to the Green Key eco-label will further highlight the industry thought leadership of the nation. It will also complement the ‘green economy for sustainable development’ initiative of the UAE by integrating tangible sustainability features in hotels and other related establishments. This contributes to significant cost-savings for the establishments, making it a win-win situation for all stakeholders.”

Several hotels in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Fujairah have already achieved Green Key certifications. However, with the large number of hotels across all emirates and more developments in the pipeline, there is tremendous potential in the market to adopt Green Key certification. In Dubai, alone there are over 72,000 hotel and apartment rooms spread over 579 properties, as of June 2013, highlighting the scope for environmental certification by the hotel sector.

By empowering and educating all tourism industry stakeholders to change unsustainable behaviours and be actively involved in protecting the environment, Green Key aims to increase the use of sustainable methods of operation and technology, run ecologically sound businesses without compromising on the properties’ luxury aspects and reduce energy and resource usage.

Green Key establishments have reported several benefits including savings on water, energy and waste; a noticeably better environment for guests and increased business, according to global estimates. Today, 21,000 establishments in 41 countries have secured the Green Key labels.

For further information on Green Key certification, please contact EmiratesGBC at tel: 04 3468244 or email: greenkey@emiratesgbc.org

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Note to Editors

About Emirates Green Building Council:

The Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) was founded in June 2006, and became the 8th full member of the World Green Building Council in September 2006. EmiratesGBC is an organization that promotes and educates on green issues in the built environment and is the official body for the UAE endorsed by the World Green Building Council. EmiratesGBC currently has around 260 members in the UAE which represents 1000s of individuals interested and involved in Green Building in the UAE and the region. In addition, EmiratesGBC members receive discounts on a number of programmes such as those related to conferences, seminars, training and green building events.

For further information, please contact:

Kelly Home / Mohammed Al Tawil

ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller

+9714 4507600

kelly.home@bm.com / mohammed.altawil@bm.com