Dubai Tourism releases new manual to help hotels go green
Dubai’s Department of Tourism has published a new manual to help hotels and hospitality establishments map out a sustainable journey and trigger a positive impact on the environmental performance of the tourism industry, a report said.
The "12 Steps Towards Sustainability" manual, developed in partnership with the Green Building Council, is the first interactive, web-based, manual under the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) initiative.
The guide has been designed in line with the department’s commitment to ensuring that the emirate takes the lead in promoting sustainable best practices and green initiatives, in line with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into a leading sustainable city globally, said a report in WAM.
The guidelines provide practical and cost-effective solutions around four key themes: energy conservation, water conservation, waste management, and sustainability engagement of staff and guests. These form the basis for key objectives that the manual sets out to achieve, including the promotion of energy and water conservation measures by benchmarking activities that help to identify and implement effective policies and incentives; the development of training programmes, communications campaigns and events to promote sustainability initiatives to all staff and guests; and the further development of Dubai as a "smart city" by extending the use of new technologies in daily operations, e.g. remote load control, Building Management Systems, BMS, and control sensors, the report said.
Yousuf Lootah, Executive Director, Tourism Development and Investments, Dubai Tourism said, "This pioneering document published by Dubai Tourism under the DST initiative serves as a valuable guide to help create a sustainable future for our tourism industry. With more than 700 hotels operating in the first six months of 2018 alone, Dubai undoubtedly has the potential to strategically position itself as a landmark for sustainability by ensuring all hotel properties are engaging in responsible practices."