Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hotel group, and member of Dubai Holding, is delighted to announce that two additional properties have been awarded Green Globe certification for implementing energy-saving measures throughout the hotels.

The hotels join Burj Al Arab, which recently earned the prestigious recognition. In 2012, Jumeirah Emirates Tower became the first Jumeirah property to receive certification, and this is the third year the hotel has been approved. Jumeirah Emirates Tower`s current Green Globe audit score is 91%, the highest in the UAE and the Gulf region.

Grant Ruddiman, General Manager at Jumeirah Emirates Towers said: “Since becoming the first hotel within the Jumeirah Group to embrace the Green Globe program in late 2011, we have made tremendous progress and seen year-on-year results. We have made major improvements and witnessed significant savings in terms of electricity and water consumption. Jumeirah Emirates Towers has positioned itself as a responsible and sustainable hotel and commercial complex which is proven in our recent 2013 audit results.”

Jumeirah Beach Hotel was also certified by Green Globe for its outstanding sustainability management plan. The hotel`s green policies have been developed in line with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. Energy-saving measures include an upgraded chiller plant which utilizes evaporative cooling systems and waste heat recovery, to reduce electricity consumption by 20%. In addition, environmentally friendly LED bulbs have now been fitted throughout the hotel, resulting in substantial cost and energy savings.

General Manager at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Mahmoud Sakr, commented: “We are delighted to achieve this prestigious certification, which highlights our ongoing commitment and dedication towards a more sustainable future. The property has ambitious goals for 2014, and we will continue to focus on environmental sustainability across all departments.”

Highly commended during the audit was the hotel`s Pavilion Dive Center`s Disabled Diving Center, created by Tawasul and Disabled Divers International (DDI). “It is the only such facility in the UAE with professional DDI Instructors and Dive Masters, aiming to promote, develop and conduct disabled scuba diving training programs for professional and non-professional diving students,” said Sandrine Le Biavant, Director Consultancy, at Dubai-based FARNEK, Green Globe`s preferred partner in the Middle East and the company responsible for carrying out the certification audit.

The Burj al Arab impressed in all areas of the operational audit and in particular, the hotel excelled in water usage reduction, grey water recycling, and in managing its energy output and carbon footprint.

In addition to their recent Green Globe certification, Jumeirah Beach Hotel was awarded the internationally renowned Blue Flag for both, the main beach area and The Pavilion Marina. The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label, awarded to more than 3850 beaches and marinas in 48 countries. This program works towards sustainable development of beaches and marinas through strict criteria dealing with Water Quality, Environmental Education and Information, Environmental Management and Safety and Other Services.