Emirates has launched its A Greener Tomorrow initiative and allocated €117,000 to support environmental or conservation projects. The initiative is open to any established non-profit environmental or conservation organisation to support a project with clear environmental outcomes.
Funds for the initiative have been raised through internal recycling programmes across the Emirates Group. Emirates recycles more than five million kilos of materials a year across various programmes in Dubai.
Applicants for A Greener Tomorrow will be assessed through two stages of review. Proposal submissions will first be evaluated by an Emirates committee comprising senior Emirates executives, members of the environment department and a selection of EmChamps (staff of the Emirates Group with a passion for environmental issues).
Winning submissions will move on to the second stage where they will present their project proposal in greater detail to the Emirates committee for final review.
“With the success of the Emirates recycling programme, we were faced with an enviable position – how to utilise these funds and invest back in the community; which led to the creation of A Greener Tomorrow,” said Andrew Parker, senior vice-president of Public, Industry, International and Environment Affairs.
“Reflecting Emirates belief that sustainability is necessary, not a choice, A Greener Tomorrow focuses on supporting non-profit organisations to achieve clear environmental outcomes and deliverables.”
Like its approach to airline operations and aircraft, Emirates takes an innovative attitude to the environment – from recycling tonnes of obsolete aircraft chinaware into an oyster bed in Dubai, to applying new air traffic management practices around our network that reduce fuel burn and carbon dioxide emissions, to conserving habitats in Dubai and Australia.
Responsible for the establishment of the 225-square-kilometre Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and as a pioneer in eco-tourism with the Wolgan Valley Resort in Australia, a 1,680-hectare wildlife conservancy adjacent to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, Emirates has long valued investment in the environment. A Greener Tomorrow is just the latest step in its support for the environment.
Emirates operates flights on a daily schedule from Malta to Dubai via Larnaca, Cyprus. More information can be found at www.emirates.com/greenertomorrow. Those wanting to nominate an organisation should send the organisation’s name, e-mail address and contact number to greenertomorrow@emirates.com.