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Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is the First 5 star Hotel in the Region to Receive the Prestigious LEED (Silver) Certification for Existing Buildings Operations & Maintenance category

This certification reflects the company’s commitment and dedication towards making its operations greener

Dubai, September 2013: Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is the first hotel in the UAE and wider MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region to obtain the esteemed LEED (Silver) certification. The certification is in the Existing Buildings Operations & Maintenance category and the hotel achieved this through the implementation of changes to make its operations more sustainable.

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, consists of a group of rating systems for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings, homes and neighbourhoods. It is an open and transparent process that works toward sustainability, a green environment and the preservation of human health.

The process to obtain the LEED certification for the hotel started at the end of 2011 when Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates and Majid Al Futaim (MAF) management joined forces on the development of green initiatives with Johnson Controls as facilitator. This was initiated after Dubai Government published its green commitment for the city.  At that time, Kempinski worldwide also launched its ‘Green Inspiration by Kempinski’ programme, which gives employees the opportunity to actively get involved in activities that will help their hotel become greener and more eco-friendly in its day-to-day operations.

Konstantin Zeuke, General Manager of Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates said, “We recognise the importance of sustainability and want to reflect this in our day to day operations. As a group, we are already committed to several environmental initiatives and at our hotel this is integrated into everything we do. We always strive to become better when it comes to greener operations." He added, "As per the Global Business Traveller Survey 2013, 47 percent of business travellers said they prefer to patronise ‘green’ hotels when staying out of town for work, which is a great advantage for us. We are extremely proud of this achievement and of the commitment and dedication of our employees in acquiring this certification.”

The LEED certification is expected to bring a significant reduction in the impact the hotel has on the environment as well as reduced energy costs. In 2012 Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates saw a 9% reduction in energy and water usage as a result of  the changes the hotel applied in line with LEED requirements.

Achieving LEED certification is in line the Kempinski KREEN policies. KREEN, which stands for Kempinski Renewable Energies, was founded in 2012 to cater for Kempinski Hotels' need to address the challenge of optimizing its portfolio's energy efficiency. Initially, KREEN's services are available exclusively to Kempinski hotels, however the long-term plan is also to share best practice and offer consultancy to other hotels.

About LEED Certification

The LEED certification was obtained after submitting an application documenting compliance with the requirements of the rating system. Over the course of two years, the hotel underwent various rounds of audits and had to meet stringent criteria across five LEED categories, including sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy & atmosphere, material & resources and the quality of the indoor environmental quality.. Certification is granted solely by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). In order to become LEED certified, the hotel had to show a significant reduction in energy and water consumption and a reduction in its impact on the environment. The hotel used recommended LEED materials to register for the LEED certification and for this the engineering team of the hotel was trained accordingly.

Note to Editors:

About Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates:

Priding itself on offering guests innovative experiences, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates has some of the most unique and stylish room products in the region. Fifteen stunning Ski Chalets marry sand and snow, offering views of the Arabian Gulf on one side and ski slopes on the other. The über-sleek Executive Tower Suites and the luxurious Presidential Suite are an exercise in modern elegance and provide an exclusive haven for discerning guests. Each of the hotel’s 393 deluxe rooms and suites is equipped with a large plasma flat-screen TV with access to 80 international satellite channels, as well as a DVD and multi-media player. In addition, all rooms have a fully furnished dining area as well as stylish and well-appointed marble bathrooms.

About Kempinski: 

Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Kempinski now manages a portfolio of 75 five-star hotels in 31 countries and continues to add new properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Each one reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts, and prestigious residences. Each one is imbued with the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2014.

www.kempinski.com/ • www.globalhotelalliance.com

To book or for further information visit

www.kempinski.com/dubai • www.kempinski.com/press • www.globalhotelalliance.com

Issued by:

• Marketing Communications Manager • Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates • Sheikh Zayed Road • 120679 Dubai • United Arab Emirates

Tel +971 4 341 00 00 • Fax +971 341 45 00 • Mobile +971 50 3575102

marketing.malloftheemirates@kempinski.com • www.kempinski.com/press • www.kempinski.com/dubai