Islamabad, 1 June 2023 (TDI): Serena Hotels, a renowned hospitality group committed to sustainable tourism, has partnered with the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) to pursue International Finance Corporation (IFC) Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) Building Certification for its two upcoming hotels, Hunza Serena Hotel and Sost Serena Hotel.
The signing ceremony, held on May 31, 2023, at Islamabad Serena Hotel, marks a significant milestone for Serena Hotels in its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices during the construction and operation of its properties.
The collaboration with Aga Khan Agency for Habitat Pakistan, a global leader in promoting resilient and sustainable habitat solutions, ensures that the new hotels will be designed and built according to the highest international standards of energy efficiency and resource conservation.
EDGE Certification, developed by the IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is a globally recognized green building rating system. It promotes sustainable practices in the building industry by incorporating measures for energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of environmentally friendly materials.
Serena Hotels’ pursuit of this certification demonstrates its dedication to minimizing the ecological footprint of its hotels and providing guests with an exceptional and sustainable hospitality experience.
At the signing ceremony, management from Serena Hotels and AKAH expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration and their shared vision of creating environmentally responsible and climate-resilient structures. They highlighted the significance of sustainable tourism in preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the regions where the hotels are situated.
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Aziz Boolani, CEO of Serena Hotels, South and Central Asia, expressed his delight regarding the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to partner with the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat in our pursuit of IFC EDGE Certification for our new hotels. Sustainability lies at the heart of Serena Hotels’ ethos, and this collaboration will enable us to enhance our commitment to responsible tourism. We look forward to setting new benchmarks in green building practices and providing our guests with an unforgettable and environmentally conscious stay.”
Nusrat Nasab, CEO of AKAH Pakistan, emphasized the contribution of this collaboration towards AKDN’s Environment & Climate Commitment and net-zero carbon emission goal. AKAH brings technical expertise in green buildings, climate-smart initiatives, and nature-based solutions.
By fostering environmentally responsible, culturally sensitive, and aesthetically pleasing hotel industries, the region will promote eco-friendly, sustainable tourism and generate employment opportunities.
The Hunza Serena and Sost Serena hotels, currently under construction in the breathtaking landscapes of Hunza and Sost in Pakistan, have been designed to seamlessly blend with their surroundings, drawing inspiration from local architectural traditions while incorporating modern sustainability principles.
Once completed, these hotels will join Serena Hotels’ portfolio of environmentally conscious properties, globally recognized for their sustainable practices and commitment to community development.
