Majid Al Futtaim has announced that its entire portfolio of hotels has been awarded LEED Platinum certification. The firm says that it is the only conglomerate in the world to achieve the certification for its entire portfolio, which comprises 13 properties.
According to a statement from Majid Al Futtaim, the accreditation highlights each hotel’s commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency. It said that the certification also bolsters the UAE hospitality industry’s reputation as a leading destination for sustainable eco-tourism and shines a spotlight on the region as a global hub of sustainability excellence.
It added that the achievement marks another important milestone for Dubai, the UAE and wider GCC, as local leadership launch and prioritise new initiatives geared towards protecting the environment and safeguarding the health and wellbeing of local communities.
“We aim to set the standard for sustainability and sustainable business growth in the region — in terms of our assets, our people and our communities. The GBCI’s award of the LEED Platinum certification is proof positive of our impact on the industry and region. Not only does it vindicate our work so far, it also lays the groundwork for even more innovative thinking, planning and delivery; inspiring leading-edge approaches to hospitality that will help us and our guests create a cleaner, safer and healthier world,” said Khalifa Bin Braik, managing director, Majid Al Futtaim – Hotels and Majid Al Futtaim – Properties.
The certification was award by Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI) and is said to mark its ongoing sustainability efforts and mission to become one of the most environmentally considerate companies in the world.
Ibrahim al Zubi, chief sustainability officer at Majid Al Futtaim added, “The award of the LEED Platinum certifications is a testament to our best-in-class building principles, unwavering commitment to sustainability and determination to overcome the most pressing and persistent of environmental challenges — even in the wake of COVID-19. The entire Majid Al Futtaim family, not least our hardworking colleagues, can be immensely proud of this achievement; a first, not just for the region, but on a global scale. Ultimately, this represents a major show of confidence in our work and sustainability efforts. We are determined to accomplish even more in the future and set new benchmarks for
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), as well as eco-conscious business for the region and the world.”
Explaining the certification, the company said that evaluated projects are awarded points across a range of categories, with all accrued points being tallied to determine the LEED rating level of reviewed buildings. Projects are awarded one of four certifications: Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum.
Each of Majid Al Futtaim’s 13 hotels was certified Platinum; with two hotel brands — IBIS Novotel Deira and IBIS Novotel, Mall of the Emirates — garnering a maximum of 88 points on the LEED rating system, the statement explained.
The firm said that its hotels are designed and managed to positively contribute to the protection of the environment and wellbeing of their surrounding communities. The firm explained that its hotels promote indoor air quality, green cleaning policies, the reduction of pollution and waste, the elimination of single-use plastics, and the development of innovative green practices.