ISLAMABAD: Serena Hotels, a renowned hospitality group dedicated to sustainable tourism, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) to pursue IFC EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Building Certification for its upcoming hotels, Hunza Serena Hotel and Sost Serena Hotel.
The signing ceremony, held at Islamabad Serena Hotel on Wednesday, marks a significant milestone for Serena Hotels in its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.
The collaboration with the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat Pakistan, a global leader in promoting resilient and sustainable habitat solutions, will ensure that the new hotels are designed and constructed according to the highest international standards of energy efficiency and resource conservation.
EDGE Certification, developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is a globally recognized green building rating system. It promotes sustainable practices in the construction industry, incorporating measures for energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of environmentally friendly materials. Serena Hotels aims to minimize its ecological footprint and offer guests an exceptional and sustainable hospitality experience by pursuing this certification.
Serena Hotels and AKAH Resolve to Create Climate-resilient Structures
At the signing ceremony, representatives from Serena Hotels and AKAH expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration and their shared vision of creating environmentally responsible and climate-resilient structures. They emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism in preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the regions where the hotels are located.
Mr. Aziz Boolani, CEO of Serena Hotels, South and Central Asia, highlighted the partnership’s significance, 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.”
Ms. Nusrat Nasab, CEO of AKAH Pakistan, emphasized the positive impact of the collaboration, stating, “Our collaboration with Serena Hotels will contribute to the AKDN’s Environment & Climate Commitment and our net-zero carbon emission goal. AKAH brings technical expertise in green buildings, climate-smart initiatives, and nature-based solutions. Environmentally responsible , culturally sensitive and aesthetically pleasing hotel industries will undoubtedly promote eco-friendly sustainable tourism and employment opportunities in the region.”
The Hunza Serena and Sost Serena hotels, currently under construction in the breathtaking landscapes of Hunza and Sost in Pakistan, are designed to blend harmoniously with the surroundings, drawing inspiration from local architectural traditions and incorporating modern sustainability principles. Once completed, these hotels will join Serena Hotels’ portfolio of environmentally conscious properties, which have gained global recognition for their sustainable practices and commitment to community development.
