Sofitel Dubai The Palm Receives International Sustainability Award

Sofitel Dubai The Palm has successfully achieved Green Globe Platinum Certification, highlighting the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and its support for the UAE’s transition towards its net-zero 2050 goals.

The five-star property, which is part of the Accor Group, received the international certification after achieving a 93% rating during an independent sustainability audit and assessment carried out by Farnek Green Globe’s preferred partner in the MENA region. The hotel complied with or exceeded more than 380 sustainability indicators.

Commenting on the award, Muna Al Nahdi, Director - Sustainability & Consultancy at Farnek, said: “Sofitel Dubai The Palm has successfully achieved Green Globe Platinum Certification, by showcasing measurable results, marking five years of continuous certification.

“This milestone demonstrates the hotel management’s ongoing commitment to sustainable operations, advancing sustainability within the hospitality sector and positioning it among the top Green Globe-certified hotels in the UAE.”

Solar panels on the hotel’s roof provide 50% of its hot water requirements, and through other energy-efficient upgrades, retrofits such as LED lighting and smart controls, plus building systems optimisation, the hotel managed to save 3.94 million kWh of electricity, reducing its carbon emissions by 1,779 metric tonnes.

Total water consumption was reduced by 7.38 million gallons, which saved an additional 35 metric tonnes of carbon emissions. One of its key water-saving initiatives was to drain the condensation from the hotel’s air conditioning and recycle it to irrigate 27,000m2 of landscaped gardens. Preventative maintenance and aerators fitted to all water taps in public areas also contributed to the overall savings.

The hotel’s recycling initiatives also mitigated an estimated 10.67 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions and avoided 2,579 sqm of landfill space through improved waste segregation and higher recovery rates.

In terms of awareness and training the hotel also scored highly. The engineering and training departments work together to create awareness amongst staff. The hotel updates staff about its energy and water saving performance, as well as conducting monthly ‘green team’ meetings. Hotel guests are also engaged through educational touchpoints and sustainability-themed activities.

Procurement was another area under scrutiny and the hotel’s commitment to the responsible purchasing and implementation of eco-friendly materials and products in accordance with Accor’s commitment to sustainability was noteworthy.

Located on Palm Jumeirah, the resort opened in 2013 and boasts 361 hotel rooms, 182 serviced apartments, four private villas, a 500-metre private beach, six swimming pools and 11 distinct restaurants and bars.

Christophe Schnyder, Managing Director of Sofitel Dubai The Palm, said: “We are very proud to receive Green Globe Platinum Certification. This achievement is the result of hard work and dedication by the management team and all Heartists over many years, highlighting our long term commitment to sustainability.”