M1 Sustainability

Media One will reduce waste by 8%

• By separating and repurposing a variety of material waste such as glass, tin, and plastic.

Media One compost for food wastage

• A collaboration with The Waste Lab will collect food waste unable to be repurposed as sustainable dishes. The compost will be reused across  property in our vegetables garden.

Efficiency at Media One begins with the everyday. Flush tanks have been recalibrated, shower heads replaced with low-flow systems, and taps upgraded with motion sensors to make water use smarter and lighter. Intelligent building management systems (BMS and GRMS) oversee lighting, air conditioning and even elevators, adjusting output in real time to match occupancy and weather. Hot water pipes are insulated, chilled water circulation shifts with the seasons, and recovery systems reduce intake temperatures, all quietly reducing the property’s footprint. LED lighting has replaced 98% of traditional bulbs, dimmer controls allow fine-tuned brightness across restaurants and meeting spaces, while motion sensors ensure no energy is wasted in corridors or public areas. Even the car park plays its part, with timer-controlled lighting ensuring energy is only used where it is needed.

A FRESH APPROACH TO WATER

Water conservation runs deeper than awareness campaigns. Separate meters allow precise tracking across tenants, pool overflow water is treated and reused, and new systems are being developed to recycle backwash water. Pressure cleaning has been replaced by water-efficient scrubbing machines, saving thousands of litres each year. For guests, the partnership with GROHE Blue, introduced under the Dubai Can initiative, has made sustainable hydration effortless. Still and sparkling water are available on tap in restaurants, meeting rooms, and the office tower lobby, replacing single-use plastic bottles with a cleaner, more responsible alternative. The tower lobby also features a refill station, open to guests, tenants and visitors, encouraging reusable bottles. Every refill supports a reduction in plastic waste and lowers the environmental impact of bottled water, turning a simple glass of water into a smarter, more sustainable choice, with 61% lower CO₂ emissions and water usage during production.

CUTTING WASTE, NOT CORNERS

From front of house to back of house, waste is given a second life. Recycling bins are standard across offices, kitchens and restaurants, while cooking oil is collected by Neutral Fuels and converted locally into 100% biofuel adding to the reduction of CO2e within the U.A.E. Food scraps and leftovers are carefully separated at source and composted through nature-based methods at The Waste Lab, ensuring nothing goes to landfill and nutrient-rich compost is returned to the soil. In-house waste compactors reduce the volume of non-recyclables, cutting landfill pressure and emissions from collection trips. Staff cafeterias also feature food waste segregation, embedding accountability across all teams. Plastic takeaway packaging and straws have been phased out in favour of biodegradable, plant-based materials, while refillable bathroom amenities, filtered tap water, sensor-controlled tissue dispensers and QR menus all reinforce the shift away from disposables.

This extends to every material used for food and beverage packaging. PHA straws are marine-compostable and home-compostable, representing an advanced alternative to traditional plastics. Water-based coated FSC paper cups, bowls, and containers are recyclable and compostable when disposed of correctly, and bagasse containers with RPET lids cut the need for virgin materials. For cold drinks and food, PLA cups and containers offer a fully plant-based solution without compromising guest convenience. In-house drinking water bottling further reduces the need for transported bottles, reinforcing the property’s circular approach.

SUSTAINABLE DINING FROM KITCHEN TO TABLE

Dining at Media One is built on a philosophy of responsibility as much as flavour. Procurement focuses on organic, eco-labelled and locally sourced products, reducing the miles and emissions behind every dish. The hotel’s own vegetable garden supplies fresh produce for the kitchen, while menus across venues highlight plant-based options that are both lighter on the planet and appealing to modern tastes.

GUEST EMPOWERMENT

Guests are invited to play an active role in the hotel’s sustainability journey. The “Go Green” housekeeping programme allows guests to opt out of daily room cleaning, reducing water and electricity use, while rewarding them with AED 25 credit to spend in the restaurants. Refillable bottles replace single-use plastic in rooms, linen changes are optional, and mobile key access via smartphones eliminates the need for plastic key cards. Digital check-in and registration further reduce paper usage, with invoices sent directly by email, aligning seamless guest experience with lower environmental impact.

COMMUNITY AT THE HEART

CRS at Media One extends beyond operations into initiatives that touch people directly. The 11th annual M1 Run raised AED 38,000 for the Dubai Autism Foundation through a vertical challenge that brought nearly 500 participants together in February 2025. Long-standing support for Pink is Punk continues to drive awareness and funds for breast cancer research. Seasonal projects such as the Ramadan fridge, clothing donations with Thrift for Good, and blood drives with DHA and Dubai Blood Bank create tangible, local impact. The calendar is also filled with environmental action, from tree planting to desert and beach cleanups, alongside annual participation in Earth Hour.

These actions have earned independent recognition, with Media One holding both the Green Key Certification and the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp. Partnerships with innovators like The Waste Lab ensure food waste is diverted into compost, further closing the loop on circular practices. The outcomes are measurable: a 10% reduction in water and energy use, a 35% cut in overall waste, and contamination rates lowered from 12% to just 3%. Single-use plastics have been eliminated across the property, and daily reporting ensures the progress never stands still.

ACTION OVER WORDS

At Media One, sustainability isn’t presented as a slogan or marketing hook. It’s embedded in the way the hotel operates, from invisible engineering systems to the visible details our guests encounter every day. It is reinforced by global partnerships and grassroots action, always focused on transparency and measurable results. The journey is ongoing, but the direction is clear: real impact, without compromise.