Why is sustainability so important for the hospitality sector right now?
As an industry that directly impacts communities and natural resources, we play a vital role in reducing environmental footprint while supporting Dubai’s Vision 2050 Net Zero Carbon Strategy. At Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina, our commitment aligns with IHG’s “Journey to Tomorrow” and the IHG Giving for Good initiatives, giving back to our society through responsible operations, mindful consumption, and community engagement. By integrating sustainability into daily hotel practices, we not only help protect the environment but also inspire our guests and partners to make conscious choices.
What are the key environmental challenges facing the hospitality sector in the UAE?
The UAE’s hospitality sector faces challenges around limited water resources, high energy demand, waste management, and food waste, all amplified by rapid tourism growth. Managing these responsibly requires innovation, awareness, and consistent monitoring. Our focus has been on minimizing waste, improving water reuse, and adopting energy-efficient systems while ensuring guest comfort remains uncompromised.
You have recently been certified as a Green Key-certified hotel. What sustainability initiatives have you implemented at Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina?
We are proud to be the first IHG Green Key-certified hotel in the UAE, a recognition of our measurable commitment to sustainability.
Our initiatives include:
- Grey Water Recycling System: Reusing treated wastewater for cooling and irrigation, significantly reducing water consumption and environmental impact.
- Waste Diversion & Segregation: Implementing strict waste segregation and recycling programs across all departments.
- Food Waste Reduction (ChefEye): Using ChefEye to monitor buffet, plate, and production waste for better menu planning and portion control.• Local Sourcing: Prioritizing UAE-based suppliers to reduce transportation emissions.
- Employee Awareness & Training: Continuous education to build a sustainability-driven culture.
- Compliance & Monitoring: Regular audits and reporting to ensure all initiatives meet Green Key and IHG standards.
Tell us more about the energy-efficient technology in the restaurants.
We’ve integrated ChefEye, a smart food waste management system that tracks buffet, plate, and production waste. This data helps our culinary team adjust portion sizes, optimize recipes, and plan menus efficiently, resulting in less waste, reduced costs, and a smaller carbon footprint. Additionally, we’ve replaced conventional water heaters with high-efficiency heat pumps, cutting electricity consumption while improving overall energy performance.
Do you also implement sustainable food and beverage sourcing practices?
Absolutely. We are committed to responsible sourcing by prioritizing local produce, reducing packaging waste through bulk containers, and switching to cloth napkins to minimize single-use materials. Every purchase decision considers both quality and environmental impact.
What challenges have you faced in implementing sustainability initiatives?
Our main challenge has been driving awareness and behavioral change among team members. Sustainability requires a mindset shift, not just systems. We overcame this through continuous training, communication, and leadership involvement, ensuring every employee understands the “why” behind each initiative and feels part of the mission.
Beyond reducing energy use, what other benefits have these initiatives delivered?
Our energy-efficient heat pump system has not only minimized electricity usage but also lowered operating costs and improved system performance. It’s a long-term investment that provides consistent savings, higher efficiency, and reduced maintenance, ultimately improving our ROI while supporting our sustainability goals.
Are you incorporating guest feedback into your sustainability programs?
Yes. Guest feedback has been instrumental in shaping our programs. For example, our meeting room packages now include green options such as paper-free setups and refillable water stations, directly inspired by our clients’ sustainability expectations. We continuously evaluate feedback to refine our initiatives and enhance guest engagement.
What are your future sustainability goals?
Looking ahead, we aim to introduce a ‘Demand Control Ventilation System’, which automatically adjusts air circulation based on occupancy, reducing energy consumption while maintaining comfort. Our goal is to remain at the forefront of green innovation in hospitality, continuously improving our operations and leading by example within the IHG portfolio and the wider UAE market.
