Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers Recognised for Leadership in Environmental Sustainability

01 April 2014: Hotel Shortlisted for Green Minds ‘Green Hospitality’ Award Based on Green Practices and Sustainability

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers, which will re-open on 9th April following a USD 50 million refurbishment exercise, has been recognised for its leadership in environmental sustainability, being shortlisted as one of three finalists for the Green Minds Award in the category of ‘Green Hospitality’, as a result of Green Practices and Sustainability implemented throughout the hotel.

The Green Mind Award is an annual event that aims to encourage the best Green practices amongst companies in the public and private sectors, organisations and individuals, and to honour commitment to achievements towards sustainability and protecting of the environment in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This year the awards ceremony will be taking place on 3rd April in Beirut, Lebanon and will be televised on 22nd April (International Earth Day).

“We are thrilled that Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers has been recognised in this manner - just being shortlisted in itself is a true honour and a testament to our responsibility to the community in which we operate. When we began the renovation process we had in mind a target of 15% to 20% in energy savings for the hotel. Starwood as a whole is committed to doing more to consume less and care for our planet, and our commitment is to reduce energy consumption by 30% and water consumption by 20% by the year 2020, and this is reflected both in the culture and operations at Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers,” said Stephan Vanden Auweele, General Manager of the hotel and Area Manager for Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman.

Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers was able to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability, and establish how the adoption of green practices and environmental management at the hotel has differentiated it from other organisations within the hospitality sector - to include reducing waste, recycling water, and promoting sustainability and responsible business behaviour.

During the recent renovation, the hotel’s mechanical electrical and plumbing systems were replaced with updated technology to reduce water and electricity consumption. Additionally LED lights were replaced throughout the hotel and water flow restrictors were placed in toilets to reduce water consumption every time a toilet is flushed. By 2015, a grey water plant will go live, where laundry water will be safely reused to flush toilets. The initiatives are expected to save 809,700 KW of energy, 4,050,000 US gallons of water and 23,088 US gallons of diesel annually.

The creekside property, with more than thirty years of experience offering personalised hospitality to residents and travellers, also has a ‘Green Minds’ team that meets once a month to discuss improving sustainability practices and ensure that not only the right infrastructure is in place, but that guests are offered the chance to contribute.

“We offer guests the opportunity to ‘Make a Green Choice’ and decline daily housekeeping services. For every day of participation, the hotel will save water and energy and in return, give guests the option to have a USD5 (AED22) donation made on their behalf in support of UNICEF’s ongoing work to minimise the impact of climate change on the world’s most vulnerable children,” added Vanden Auweele.

Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers received the ‘Green Key Award’ in 2013 for its environmental efforts and sustainability training initiatives, which have gone on to be used by Green Key as best practice.