Green Key has a new National Operator in Qatar

The Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar (AYCMQA) has taken over as Qatar's Green Key management at the national level.

© AYCMQA

Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar is an independent, non-profit, think-and-do-tank for environmental awareness & advocacy, research, and policy analysis. Since its founding in 2015, Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar (AYCMQA) has been dedicated to improving environmental policy, developing grassroots awareness and capacity building at the community level in Qatar.

Abdulrahman Almuftah, Board of Director of AYCMQA explains that:

“Taking over Green Key initiative in Qatar was part of AYCMQA’s long term sustainability strategy in Qatar. As reported in IPCC, a sustainable transition in land, energy, buildings, transport and cities is needed to meet global carbon reduction goals. Buildings, like those that are Green Key certified, are a global solution for cities, communities, and neighborhoods.”

Martin Baeuerle,  the new Green Key National Operator with many years of experience in hotel operation and sustainability consultancy says:

“I have been involved with Green Key for over 12 years, first from the hotel side, in getting the property certified, then from the side of being a Green Key auditor side and now I am happy to be the Green Key National Operator for Qatar and continue making a positive impact.”

Martin Baeuerle is a qualified hotel management specialist and holds a professional certificate in Sustainable Tourism. In the past, he has been speaker, panellist and moderator at important conferences such as Qatar Hospitality Summit, Project Qatar, Hospitality Qatar, Hospitality Innovation Summit and Construction Week. He served as a judge for the Hotelier Middle East Awards for a number of years as well as the Qatar Sustainability Awards. He also served as the lead auditor for Green Key in Qatar for many years.

 In 2011, Qatar launched the National Vision 2030 to guide its plans for sustainable long-term development and environmental diversification. In pursuit of this vision, tourism has been designated a priority sector by the country’s leaders as it provides Qatar with the opportunity to find sustainable economic growth, while perpetuating and celebrating the nation’s cultural and natural gems (UNWTO, 2017).

One of the four pillars of the National Vision 2023 is Environmental Development. The environmental criteria of Green Key align with nation’s star classification. Obtaining an international ecolabel, such as Green Key, supports the hotels in their classification process and in contributing to the wider strategy of the country.

© Shutterbox

Finn Bolding Thomsen, Green Key International Director, adds:

“We are happy to have AYCMQA as our new National Operator in Qatar to continue the work with Green Key in Qatar, and we encourage any hotel or other tourism facilities eligible for Green Key in Qatar to apply or contact AYCM for more information about the programme.”

Respect for our planet and luxury hand in hand at STORY Rabat

As first establishment in Morocco to receive the Green Key certification in 2023, STORY Rabat leads the way for sustainability in the luxury industry. 

© STORY Rabat

STORY Rabat is a luxury boutique hotel located in the Ambassadors district in Rabat, Morocco. Opened in 2014 and previously known as Villa Diyafa, the hotel pays homage to its namesake by blending contemporary Moroccan architecture with Andalusian touches for an exquisite experience of discreet and genuine luxury. Served by thoughtful interiors and spacious accommodations, the hotel offers those looking for authentic Moroccan hospitality the chance to relax and fully embrace their stay at this truly distinctive hotel. STORY Rabat’s leisure facilities include a traditional Moroccan spa and hammam, a state-of-the-art gym and a 25-meter swimming pool surrounded by sculpted gardens, water features and a hot tub. It's the perfect place to host small corporate meetings, retreats, and eclectic events in a culturally rich setting. STORY Rabat has been elected "BEST LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL" in Morocco for the year 2020 & 2022 by the Luxury Lifestyle Award in New York and “BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL NORTH AFRICA” by Global Brands Magazine in 2022! 

This past January, STORY Rabat joined the ranks of luxury hotels dedicated to sustainability by being the first establishment in Morocco to receive Green Key certification. STORY Rabat has implemented several initiatives to conserve energy, save water, and promote the reuse, reduction and recycling of plastic and paper waste. Their approach, firmly supported from the headquarters at STORY Hospitality, is one of continuous training and education of both hotel staff and guests around the topic of sustainability, and the daily management and care of resources.  In line with this, STORY Hospitality is supporting each and every of their managed hotels to be Green Key certified.  

This mindful and holistic approach to sustainability, says Green Key International Director, Finn Bolding Thomsen, is what sets Green Key certified establishments apart.  

Olivier de Kermel, STORY Rabat’s General Manager says:

“Obtaining the Green Key International Label for our hotel is a pride. This is the recognition of our continuous approach for years for a sound management of each resource, promoting local resources and paying daily attention to them. Respect for the planet is not antinomic to the luxury and comfort we wish for each of our guests, it’s also a new way of thinking. In the luxury industry the new leader must be a leader in the Sustainability industry as well. All the STORY Rabat team is very proud to be the first hotel in Morocco in obtaining the GK International Label for 2023. I wish we can be an inspiration to many more to come in the Kingdom of Morocco, so that together we can create a better world.” 

© STORY Rabat

You can read more about STORY Rabat here.

Drinkable Air and Green Key renew collaboration agreement!

After six years of successful collaboration, Green Key is pleased to announce the renewal of its agreement with Drinkable Air Technologies LLC (Drinkable Air).  

© Drinkable Air

Drinkable Air is a US-based Emerging Growth Technology Company that designs, manufactures, assembles, and distributes Atmospheric Water Generators ("AWG's"). Drinkable Air products support a lower environmental footprint by reducing water consumption from other sources and minimizing the production and disposal of single-use plastic water bottles. 

Drinkable Air’s technology aligns with the Green Key criteria by reducing the environmental footprint of single-use-plastic water bottles, reducing reliance on municipal water sources, and reducing waste.  The innovative technology of the company ensures that the water is sourced sustainably, has no effect on the local water supply, and is waste free.

The AWGs of Drinkable Air create an unlimited supply of pure drinking water from "the moisture in the air". Drinkable Air’s technology utilises the principles of condensation (the same way nature creates rain) to generate water. This water is then filtered and purified by a process which ensures the water is free of bacteria, viruses, and other impurities. The purity, freshness and taste of the water are unsurpassed, and the cost savings compared to bottled water can be easily demonstrated.

Finn Bolding Thomsen, Green Key International Director, says:

“We have enjoyed a successful collaboration with Drinkable Air Technologies LLC for six years, and we are excited to renew our agreement to support reducing water shortages, pollution and dependence on fossil fuels.”

More information about Drinkable Air can be found on their website at www.drinkableair.tech.