Summertown Interiors

“Going green” has truly emerged as a hot new trend these days. Everyone seems to be jumping on the green bandwagon, from companies adopting virtualization technology--a green computing initiative for those non-techie types (which sadly includes me!) -- to the more accessible use of compact fluorescent bulbs and recycling in our everyday lives. We all can do our little bit to help conserve energy, be more energy efficient and reduce our collective carbon footprints (another hot term being thrown around).

When it comes to die-hard corporate green consciousness, green building initiatives take the cake with its extensive energy efficient practices that are typically fully-incorporated in a corporate space. From adopting specific material selection that lends itself to a healthier outdoor/indoor environmental quality to power-saving technology, these steps are becoming all the more common internationally and more interestingly, regionally and locally.

LEED certification -- short for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which is an internationally accepted benchmark established by the United States Green Building Council – has finally made its way to our neck of the woods! Various UAE corporations have taken notice of this new LEED Green Building Rating System –which is divided into four categories: certified, silver, gold and platinum—and have adapted their offices to get this rather difficult certification. We are proud to say that we currently are the only interior design specialist that have recently applied for gold LEED certification for our new showroom that is set to open its doors in March 2009! This is as a testament to our on-going green values.

Although this is fast becoming a trend, this may be the first time you will hear me say I sincerely hope this trend actually sticks (unlike parachute pants and rubber platform shoes, good riddance!).

I was reading an article on the CNN website dated 15 September 2008, about the 3 biggest mistakes business travelers make. It was so nice to see that finally people are realizing something, which I’ve been noticing for some time now.

This article is talking about the ‘corporate travel managers’: which most big well known companies work with. Business travelers should not believe them. I used to be a corporate travel manager for Shell in The Hague and I can totally agree with him. There are rules to be followed in the travel world, for companies to stay profitable.

This article also informs us about business travelers who like to complain, the so-called frequent criers and that you shouldn’t believe in the frequent fly programs most airlines have.Of course it is up to you whether to believe them or not!

The biggest mistake airports DON’T DO is hot-desking for these frequent criers. We are already familiar with the lounges, the break out areas and the wireless – Internet access along with an endless list of little perks that aren’t really used by the majority of the travelers anyway.

But what about an idea that isn’t only green but also a great benefit for the actual individual? An ergonomically, environmental friendly fitted out business centre for these very tired and busy businessman and women??

Dubai is so modern and everything is so well thought out that I believe the new Dubai airport should provide this facility and become the first in the world to introduce this fantastic concept.Dubai has been the leader in many great ideas so I hope that this one will also follow in the near future!!

Check out the link: http://edition.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/business.travel/09/15/business.travel.mistakes/index.html