Brighter idea wanted for 'A Greener Tomorrow' with Emirates

Emirates opens submission ideas for the 'A Greener Tomorrow' initiative

HARARE, ZIMBABWE -  Emirates announced today its 'A Greener Tomorrow' initiative and has allocated funds of US$150,000 to support environmental or conservation projects. The initiative is open to any established not-for-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 5 million kg of materials per annum across various programmes in Dubai.

Emirates flies daily from Dubai to Lusaka and Harare.

Applicants for 'A Greener Tomorrow' will be assessed through two stages of review. Proposal submissions will first be evaluated by an Emirates committee comprised of Senior Emirates Executives, members of the Environment department and a selection of EmChamps (staff of the Emirates Group with a passion for environmental issues). Submissions that meet the awarding criteria and committee review will be invited to the second stage where they will present their project proposal in greater detail to the Emirates committee for final review. More information and the initiative criteria can be found at:  www.emirates.com/greenertomorrow.

Furthermore, for those wanting to nominate an organisation, please send the organisation's name, email address and contact telephone number to greenertomorrow@emirates.com.

"With the success of the Emirates recycling programme, we were faced with an enviable position – how to utilize these funds and invest back in the community; which lead 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 not-for profit organisations to achieve clear environmental outcomes and deliverables. Emirates serves six continents and while we cannot yet make a difference everywhere, 'A Greener Tomorrow' helps us take the first of many steps in that direction."

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 km2 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 Emirates support for the environment.