ENVIRO INITIATIVES BRING POWER DIVIDENDS FOR RADISSON SAS HOTELS & RESORTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

A series of environmental initiatives launched by the internationally acclaimed hospitality chain Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts is bringing power and water conservation dividends to several of its properties throughout the Middle East.

The initiatives, contained in a 24-point environmental programme implemented throughout the group, have reduced utilities consumption despite increases in room occupancy.

“We are a responsible business in every aspect so protecting the environment and conserving natural resources is a key element of our corporate eco-strategy,” said Thorsten Kirschke, Regional Director, Middle East & China, Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts.

In the first five months of this year, the Radisson SAS Hotel, Muscat reduced its electricity and water consumption by 12% compared to the same period last year. “When viewed alongside a 26% increase in room occupancy from January to May, this is quite an achievement,” said Marko Hytonen, General Manager of the five-star property.

“Conservation was achieved through the introduction of energy saving lamps and controlled water supply systems. At the same time, we are constantly educating our staff to be pro-active in promoting and supporting recycling and other environmental protection activities amongst the local community.”

In Manama, the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel managed to contain energy consumption for the first half of this year at the same levels of the first half of last year, even though occupancy levels rose 6.86%.

“Apart from the installation of 1,200 energy saving light bulbs, we have introduced a scheme which allows us to collect A/C condensation water and use it to irrigate the gardens,” explained Heimo Leitgeb, General Manager, Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel.

The Radisson SAS Hotel, Kuwait has seen electricity and water consumption drop 10% on last year’s levels through the adoption of similar measures.

Meanwhile, in Jordan, the Radisson SAS Hotel, Amman is actively supporting the Near East Foundation’s ‘Cans for Kids’ programme, which aims to turn valuable waste into opportunities for underprivileged youth.

“Hotel staff sort empty aluminium cans, plastic bottles and containers for recycling by the foundation, thereby generating income for charity while protecting the environment. It is a clear example of how responsible business strategies need not impact the bottom line,” said Jorgen Rathjen, General Manager, Radisson SAS Hotel, Amman.

The Radisson SAS environmental programme covers a range of activities from the disposal of batteries, to paper recycling and power conservation.

“We are currently in the process of accumulating data from all our hotels in an unprecedented move to co-ordinate and support ‘green’ activities across three continents,” explained Thorsten Kirschke. “Once the data is gathered, we will compile a comprehensive report and implement new measures to position the group as one of the world’s ‘greenest’ hotel chains.”

Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts operates eight properties throughout the Middle/Near East and North Africa with three more projects in Egypt currently under development in Hurghada, Taba and Al Quesir. Group branded hotels throughout the region are in Amman, Aqaba, Baku, Istanbul, Kuwait, Manama, Muscat and Sharm-El-Sheikh in Egypt.

Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts currently includes 110 hotels in operation and 30 hotels under development in 38 countries and is the sole franchisor in Europe, the Middle East and Northern Africa for Radisson Hotels and Resorts.

Radisson Hotels & Resorts and its parent company Carlson Hospitality Worldwide includes 750 hotel and resort locations representing 130,658 guest rooms in 63 countries plus six luxury cruise ships sailing worldwide.