To modify an old adage: it's not what you say; it's where you say it. The fact that Amiji has chosen the lobby of the Grand Hyatt Dubai to meet is appropriate - last year, the hotel converted its main water heating system from diesel oil-fired to solar powered in a bid to reduce climate change and running costs. The new system is the first commercial installation of its kind in the UAE, and a convenient five-star testament to the strength of Amiji's argument.
"People recognize that something has to be done quickly, and they can't keep on pushing back having to make these tough decisions," he continues. "Last year was undoubtedly a tipping point especially for the Middle East. The point may have been reached earlier in other parts of the world, but here on a corporate, governmental and consumer level, it really reached a new level in the public consciousness.
It is this rich potential that has prompted Amiji to co-found EcoVentures, an environmental consultancy, advisory and management company. The firm will deliver advisory services and solutions based on innovations in greenhouse gas reduction, the use of renewable energy and the development of sustainable water resources in the Middle East, and is to launch with a core portfolio of services based on the carbon reduction offset and finance sectors.
Although it will initially focus on carbon management, EcoVentures plans to offer its clients a full range of advisory services in order to help companies achieve sustainability goals. As a for-profit business, the company aims to guide customers towards deriving commercial and brand value by reducing their environmental footprint from all aspects of operation of their business.