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FIVE Holdings, under the leadership of chairman and CEO Kabir Mulchandani, is rapidly redefining sustainability standards in the global hospitality industry. Headquartered in the Emirates, the company has earned an elite ‘A’ rating from Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), placing it ahead of global heavyweights like Apple, Microsoft, Tesla, Hilton, and Marriott in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.
FIVE has emerged as the world’s only hospitality group powered entirely by green energy across its properties in Dubai, Ibiza, and Zurich.
Read more-FIVE Holdings secures $460m facility to drive global expansion
In partnership with DEWA through the I-REC program, FIVE’s Dubai operations have avoided over 46,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions since 2022.
The group continues to push boundaries with SENSORIA, its JBR-based development, unveiling the world’s largest ONYX Solar facade, spanning 2,800 square meters, a global first. Moreover, FIVE Palm Jumeirah and FIVE Jumeirah Village have earned the prestigious Gold Stamp from Dubai Sustainable Tourism, placing them in the top 1 per cent of Dubai hotels for sustainable practices.
Carbon footprint and water use efficiency far above industry norms
The 2024 Cornell Hotel Sustainability Benchmark Index reports that FIVE’s carbon footprint is five times more efficient than the average five-star hotel in Dubai. Since 2020, FIVE has achieved a 65 per cent reduction in carbon intensity.
Following the acquisition of Spain’s iconic Pacha Group, sustainability efforts extended to Europe. In 2024 alone, the group reported a 34 per cent reduction in carbon emissions at Pacha Group, including a 31 per cent drop per entry at Pacha Ibiza and a 39 per cent cut at Pacha Hotel.
Water efficiency is another standout metric, with FIVE achieving rates three times better than the Dubai five-star average. The group recycled over 47 million litres of water in 2024, and its upcoming FIVE LUXE project is expected to recycle more than 25 million litres in 2025.
FIVE’s waste management strategy has also produced industry-leading outcomes. Since 2020, the company has achieved a 44 per cent overall waste reduction. In 2024 alone, it reduced general waste by 22 per cent compared to the previous year and recycled more than 590 tonnes of waste. Notably, FIVE was recognised by the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) as the number 1 glass recycler in the UAE among 2,300 participants in the 2023 OROC Campaign.
The group has also engaged in ecological restoration, planting over 120 native trees in UAE bee reserves to support biodiversity.
FIVE’s commitment to social sustainability extends beyond environmental initiatives. Through its $91.6m Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), the company has made 270 employees shareholders, promoting inclusive wealth creation. The discretionary LTIP includes participants from all levels, from entry-level roles to senior leadership, fostering shared success and long-term value.
Strategic green investment and LEED-certified expansion
FIVE’s green real estate portfolio, valued at Dhs13bn, is a key pillar in supporting Dubai’s net zero ambitions. The issuance of a $350m Green Bond enabled the acquisition of The Pacha Group, amplifying FIVE’s presence in the global sustainable entertainment and hospitality space.
With 1,571 LEED Platinum hotel rooms, FIVE offers five times more LEEDv4+ certified rooms than the entire United States. Pacha Hotel is the first and only LEED Platinum hotel in Ibiza, while Destino FIVE Ibiza and Pacha Ibiza are on track for LEED Gold or higher. FIVE Zurich was Switzerland’s first LEED Platinum hotel, and FIVE LUXE in Dubai holds the highest-ever LEED v4 BD+C score globally for a five-star hotel.
