Millennium Place Marina’s commitment to sustainability

When asked about the success of their initiatives, a senior member of the management staff at Millennium Place Marina said “In our sustainability journey, the well-being and active involvement of our staff have been key priorities, fostering a work environment that supports both employee welfare and environmental sustainability.”

A few key contributions:

1. Education and Awareness
   They empower employees to become champions of waste reduction through continuous education and engagement. Regular initiatives such as Green certification (ISO 14001:2015), sustainability trainings, refreshers, Dubai Way courses, town hall meetings, departmental training sessions, and daily tracking foster a culture of sustainability. These programs not only contribute to environmental goals but also enhance employee engagement and awareness.
2. Employee Empowerment Through Sustainability
   Employees play an integral role in achieving the hotel’s sustainability goals. From participating in waste reduction efforts to attending monthly green meetings, staff members are actively involved in decision-making processes. This sense of empowerment strengthens their connection to the hotel’s sustainability initiatives and fosters a strong sense of purpose and contribution.

Key Achievements

1. Exceeding Waste Diversion Goals
   Initially targeting a 35% waste diversion rate, the hotel achieved an impressive 47% by September 2024, far surpassing expectations. This highlights the program’s success in diverting recyclable waste from landfills and driving positive environmental outcomes.
2. Recycling Milestones
   As of September 2024, the hotel recycled over 127,048 kg of waste, which included 92 tons of general recyclables and 35 tons of food waste for composting. Reflecting the hotel teams’ dedication to reducing its environmental footprint and contributing to the UAE’s circular economy.
3. Financial Impact and Savings
   By September 2024, the initiative had saved the hotel AED 44,243 through waste skip charge reductions and rebates from recyclables. These savings demonstrate the financial viability of sustainability efforts in addition to environmental benefits.
4. Introduction of Waste Compactor
   In April 2024, the hotel introduced a waste compactor, reducing the number of waste skips per day from 7 to 2-3. This improvement has streamlined waste management and reduced operational costs, making waste disposal more efficient.
5. Comprehensive Food Waste Management
   The hotel is actively involved in the UAE’s Ne’ma Pledge to reduce food waste. By meticulously tracking food waste across kitchens, outlets, and staff canteens, the hotel has been able to implement more effective waste reduction strategies, promoting long-term sustainability.
6. Enhanced Housekeeping: The team is constantly seeking creative ways to implement sustainability initiatives through efficient laundry management, clothes line retractors to encourage towel reuse, eco-friendly cleaning products and ensures waste segregation in guest rooms, promoting recycling and reducing its environmental footprint. These efforts enhance both sustainability and guest satisfaction.
7. Social Responsibility and Partnerships SDG 17:
   The hotel’s dedication to giving back is highlighted by its partnerships with organizations that emphasize recycling and upcycling.
   1. In 2024, it contributed 312 kg of glass waste to Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), reducing the UAE’s carbon footprint.
   2. The hotel donated 500 kg of discarded linen to the Stray Dog Centre, repurposing textiles for animal welfare, and 1,000 kg of linen to Dr. Linen’s True Carbon Zero initiative promoting upcycling.
   3. Tie-up with Below Farm to recycle used bamboo chopsticks as a base for mushrooms, YTD 121kg chopsticks recycled
   4. Partnership with Bluewater to reduce plastic waste by installing bottle free dispensers in the staff canteen.

Measurement

To effectively assess the impact of Millennium Place Marina’s sustainability initiatives, they have established rigorous metrics that reflect their progress and achievements:

• Recycling: Their recycling efforts have led to the processing of 127,048 kg of waste this year, including 92 tons of general recyclables and 35 tons of food waste.
• Food Waste Reduction: Implementing a daily tracking system in the staff canteen has resulted in a remarkable 43% reduction in food waste from June to September 2024.
• Financial Impact: Through optimized waste management processes, they have saved AED 44,243 year-to-date from reducing waste skips from 7 to 2-3 a day, underscoring the financial viability of their sustainability programs.

Practical Benefits of the Initiative

Their sustainability initiatives yield substantial practical benefits:

• Operational Efficiency: The transition to bottle-free water dispensers has streamlined water distribution in staff areas, eliminating the need for 260 plastic gallons per month and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
• Innovative Waste Repurposing: Collaborating with suppliers has allowed them to successfully repurpose waste materials, such as using discarded chopsticks for mushroom farming, transforming waste into valuable resources that benefit their staff.

The Waste Diversion and Recycling Initiative represents a significant step forward in sustainable hospitality. Through targeted waste reduction strategies, employee involvement, and continuous measurement of progress, the hotel has demonstrated its commitment to environmental responsibility.