Novotel Sharm El Sheikh Resort: Committed to Highest Levels of Sustainability
Novotel Sharm El Sheikh Resort was recently certified by Green Globe. The 5-star Novotel Sharm El Sheikh is located in picturesque Naama Bay in the resort town of Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt. The resort overlooks the Red Sea and lies surrounded by palm trees with its own private beach.
General Manager, Mr. Mohamed El Amry said,” The entire hotel team is very proud to receive the certification. We are truly honored to be recognized for our commitment to sustainability practices in the hospitality industry by Green Globe.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to sustainability. Our certification and adherence to sustainability standards demonstrates our unwavering dedication to integrating sustainable practices into our operations. As part of our brand standards under the umbrella of Accor (Planet 21 Sustainability Program), we are committed to upholding the highest levels of sustainability across all aspects of our business. We firmly believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility but also a core value that defines who we are as an organization,” added Mr. El Amry.
Tackling Food Waste
The resort has a comprehensive sustainability plan in place that provides a solid foundation for its green operations and management. Shocked at the global waste problem where 1.6 billion tons of food is wasted worldwide every year, Novotel Sharm El Sheikh also realized that 50% of all food produced at its restaurant buffets is also thrown away. To combat this ongoing problem, steps were taken to invest in technology that could help the community, the environment and also the hotel itself to minimize further waste.
The food waste solution technology could be integrated easily into existing workflows in kitchens. Combining the very best of image recognition, AI and data analytics, the device provides useful insights into the different kinds of waste and volume of waste generated. This data enables chefs to optimize ingredients and products used in kitchens to minimize food waste and costs resulting in a 30% reduction in food waste and up to 8% savings in food purchases.
Zero plastic targets have also been achieved with the elimination of individually packaged items throughout the property. Future campaigns will focus on further limiting plastic products and packaging and introducing eco-friendly products.
Community Initiatives
Novotel Sharm El Sheikh supports community projects that provide positive impacts through its social contributions. Since 2012, as part of the hotel’s CSR activities it continues to contribute 57 357 Egyptian pounds (EGP) per month to the Children Cancer Hospital. To date, 415, 648 EGP has been donated to assist children undergoing cancer treatment.
Last year, the resort also invited students from a local elementary school to spend a day at the hotel. Staff warmly welcomed the young students and treated them to a full day of fun activities which the children enjoyed immensely.
Raising Environmental Awareness
Environmental preservation is a fundamental policy respected by all workers at the resort. The Green Team runs various projects to raise awareness amongst guests and employees about safeguarding the surrounding sea life. Coral reef safe sunblock usage is promoted to guests so that while protection from UV rays is important for humans, so is the preservation of marine ecosystems.
Contact
Novotel Sharm El Sheikh
Naama Bay,Sharm El Sheikh
South Sinai, Egypt
Tel : +2 069 3600 172
Fax: +2 069 3600 193
NOVOTEL.COM
ALL.COM
Helena Chang
Public Relations Manager
Green Globe Certification
1223 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 925
Santa Monica, CA 90403 / U.S.A.
hchang@greenglobe.com
www.greenglobe.com