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As the lights went out across city skylines and landmarks in 172 countries and territories across the globe in commemoration of the Earth Hour on March 28th, it not only demonstrated the eagerness of citizens to participate in the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment but the unprecedented unity from people around the world also showed their commitment to use their power to change climate change.
Through science, we learn that climate change is a global concern and is affecting small and large nations but Earth Hour shows us that people have the power to take on the climate challenge and it also confirms our belief that in order to change climate change we need to act together. Prof. Mohammed bin More than just turning out the lights, the ninth edition of Earth Hour was Fahad about people around the world sending a clear message that climate action is Executive Editor a political priority. It proved that climate change is on top of their agenda, no matter which part of the world they live in.
In the UAE, Earth Hour sent home the message that we can be part of the solution to climate change by reducing our water consumption habits. The UAE is one of the highest water consumers in the world although we have very little fresh water resources. The process of desalination the UAE employs to generate potable water from the sea is a highly energy intensive one which emits a large amount of carbon emissions. Too much of this greenhouse gas is harmful to our climate and our environment.
Last year was designated as the hottest year on record and as reports of record low Arctic Sea ice come in, this year’s Earth Hour reminds us why it is imperative for all of us to be part of the climate conversation. Climate change and the rising of global temperatures affects us all – humans, species and plants. Even a slight change in temperature can throw off our delicately balanced ecosystems.
It is only by powering collective action as we did for Earth Hour that we can address local climate issues well beyond the hour.
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Conference Roots & Shoots 32 50 UAE calls for urgent Youth-led community action to tackle action programme to the illegal wildlife effect positive trade at Botswana environmental change conference WETEX 2015 24 in the UAE A global platform Award 38 for green solutions Innovation 58 COVER STORY and technologies USD 100,000 Ford 06 environmental prize Jotun Powder Earth Hour 2015 sees divided among Coatings unveils all seven Emirates 12 Middle East new innovations in sustainable “switch off’’ organisations technology Earth Hour 10 Millions unite to light the way on climate change Discovery 24 Rare owl discovered in Wadi Wurayah National Park
Going organic Sustainability COVER STORY 30 Initiative 46 62 14 UAE hospitality Dubai Municipality Carbon Ambassadors Sustainable honours heroes of group offset 326 a step closer to technologies and ‘Grow Your Food’ tonnes of carbon building Dubai’s materials transform organic farming emissions in just new sustainable bus Dubai skyline initiative nine months stops creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Executive Editor Prof. Mohammed Bin Fahad From the Managing Editor Managing Editor Dr. Meshgan Al Awar “Water in our land is a great blessing. We have to thank God for this blessing by preserving it and Advisor helping those who are in need around the world.” Dr. Eisa Abdellatif HH Sheikh Mohammed Editor Sangeetha Swaroop “Water holds the key to sustainable development,” [email protected] said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as he joined great leaders and top officials across the Design Director globe in focusing attention on the fresh water Nash - Intoto and advocating for the sustainable management [email protected] of this fragile resource on the occasion of World Dr. Meshgan Al Awar Marketing Secretary General Water Day on 22nd March. Zayed International Prize for [email protected] the Environment In the UAE, the Zayed International Foundation for the Environment too has advocated for the efficient and equitable Published by management of water resources as it plays a key enabling role in strengthening the resilience of social, economic and environmental systems. As early as 2002, the Zayed Prize had called for strengthening international efforts on water resources in arid regions at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa. Through its participation in and by hosting and organizing several major water-related conferences and forums worldwide, the Zayed Foundation has worked to .P.O. Box 28399, Dubai, UAE identify challenges facing our water resources and find solutions so as to Tel: +971 4 3326666 preserve precious water resources for future generations. Fax: +971 4 3326777 Website: www.zayedprize.org.ae email: [email protected] In 2001, the first cycle of the biennial Zayed International Prize for the Environment recognized the work of the World Commission on Dams (WCD) as a model for addressing complex water-related issues such as the equitable management of shared water resources.
The close links and interdependency of water and energy are now at the top of the global development agenda. In the light of increasing pressures and challenges on water resources posed by the growth of population and economy, climate change and consumption patterns, it will do us well to remember the old saying that ‘we never know the worth of water till the well is dry’.
April 2015 | 5 Cover Story
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Earth Hour 2015 sees all seven Emirates ‘switch off’
UAE residents and businesses unite in taking a stand against climate change by switching off the lights for an hour.
esidents from across the the emirates’ skyline show their Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi (The United Arab Emirates (UAE) support by participating in the Green Sheikh), DEWA’s climate Raccepted the Earth Hour movement, including the world’s change champions; Nana Badawi, invitation to ‘switch off and use tallest building the Burj Khalifa Adel Altamimi, Taha Alhamry and their power’ on the 28th of March, and Burj Al Arab in Dubai, and Ahmed Abu Alam, entrepreneur 2015. Homes and businesses Emirates Palace and Sheikh Zayed and media personality Anas throughout the seven emirates Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Bukhash, TV star and radio joined the call to protect the presenter DJ Bliss, The Scoop planet and switched off all non- The successful stand against Dubai blogger Dana Kalache essential lights for one hour at climate change saw more UAE and popular Dubai One show 8.30pm. participants than ever before presenters Dina and Omar Butti, thanks to the ever increasing and DJ Nile. The Earth Hour movement in the awareness of the project by UAE, coordinated by Emirates EWS-WWF, partners and local Ida Tillisch, Director General at Wildlife Society - WWF (EWS- ambassadors including His EWS-WWF, said: “Earth Hour 2015 WWF), and supported by key Highness Sheikh Hamdan in the UAE has been another great partners across the emirates, bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al success and we are proud that saw iconic landmarks that grace Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh participant numbers have been creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Earth Hour continues to highlight how people all over the globe can come together and make a positive environmental change.
higher than ever before. We would together, and we hope that more list of prestigious buildings to like thank everyone who took part people know today about climate switch off their lights. this year. The UAE community, change and are moved to take individuals, businesses and action.” Earth Hour UAE 2015 aimed government, made this movement to raise awareness about the a memorable success. Many Earth Hour continues to highlight issue of climate change; and organisations went above and how people all over the globe how our lifestyle habits, such as beyond and mobilised their entire can come together and make a our water usage, can impact the communities to join Earth Hour, positive environmental change. environment. In order to support others inspired action among The event is the world’s largest this, DEWA held an Earth Hour their employees that goes beyond grass-roots movement towards a event at Bay Avenue Park, where the hour. Many influential social sustainable future for the planet, they invited residents to witness media users, media personalities, which began its journey across the switch off, and entertained students of all ages also lent 172 countries on March 28 with the excited crowd with a fire show us their social power, joining over 1,400 global landmarks and activities hosted by other our Earth Hour Tongue Twister taking part. The Eiffel Tower in Earth Hour partners. Challenge. It is inspiring to see Paris and the Golden Gate Bridge what we can do when we come in San Francisco joined the long EWS-WWF was also present at
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the event inviting residents to the UAE in the month of March beyond the hour by continuing celebrate the planet, with support alone. Hashtags in relation to to find new ways to implement a from Pico UAE, a global Total Earth Hour reached a total of sustainable lifestyle. Brand Activation company and a 31.7 million people across the recognised certified sustainable emirates. organisation, to help spread the message and drive awareness “From the Earth’s extremes among local residents. to outer space, people came together to send a clear message To help spread the Earth Hour that action on climate is on top of message, the UAE community also their agenda. Earth Hour confirms got involved in the Earth Hour our belief that in order to change Tongue Twister challenge. This saw climate change we need to act residents upload their attempts together. WWF will continue to do at the tricky tongue twister to its share to shape strong, global social media using the campaign climate solutions,” said Sudhanshu hashtag #YourPowerUAE and Sarronwala, Chair, Board of #EarthHourUAE and donating Directors, Earth Hour Global. to EWS-WWF work on tackling climate change through Earth Hour 2015 reached out to JustGiving.com. The campaign more people worldwide and in the reached around 2.3 million people UAE than ever before. EWS-WWF on social media platforms across invites the UAE community to go creating green communities for a better tomorrow
CO2 CO2 DID YOU KNOW? CO2 YOUR WATER USAGE HAS A LINK WITH CARBON EMISSIONS AND CLIMATE CHANGE. TheDID UAE hasYOU the 3rd KNOW?largest water consumption per capita in the world (UNEP, 2013). CO2 COCO2 2 YOUR WATER USAGE HAS A LINK WITH CARBON EMISSIONS AND CLIMATE CHANGE. A lack of consistentrd freshwater resources in the UAE means all the daily activities in your home and office use The UAE has* the 3 largest water consumption per capita in the world (UNEP, 2013). CO2 CO2 desalinated water. *A Seawater lack of consistent that has hadfreshwater the salt/minerals resources removedin the UAE through means a all high the energy daily activities process inthat your emits home Carbon and office Dioxide use (CO ) desalinated* water. 2 * Seawater that has had the salt/minerals removed through a high energy process that emits Carbon Dioxide (CO ) CARBON EMISSIONS 2 CARBONCONTRIBUTE EMISSIONS TO Higher carbon CONTRIBUTECLIMATE CHANGE: TO emissions increase the Rapid industrialization Trapped heat causes an EARTH’S TEMPERATURE IS and burning fossil concentrationHigher carbon of CO2, CLIMATE CHANGE: making it difficult for increase in temperate REGULATED BY NATURAL Rapidfuels industrialization means emissions increase the heat to escape our Trappedwhich heat warms causes and an EARTH’S TEMPERATURE IS andmore burning carbon fossil concentration of CO2, GREENHOUSE GASES WHICH atmosphere. increasechanges in temperate our REGULATED BY NATURAL fuelsemissions. means making it difficult for climate. heat to escape our which warms and INCLUDE CARBON DIOXIDE. more carbon changes our GREENHOUSE GASES WHICH emissions. atmosphere. INCLUDE CARBON DIOXIDE. climate. HOW MUCH CARBON EMISSIONS DO OUR DAILY WATER ACTIVITIES EMIT? HOW MUCH CARBON EMISSIONS DO OUR DAILY WATER ACTIVITIES EMIT? If 1000 people If 1000 people 1 Automatic Iftake 1000 a bath… people Ifdo 1000 laundry… people 1car Automatic wash = Driving a car from Abu Dhabi =take Driving a for 112 hrs =do Driving a car or 77 hrs car wash bath… laundry… to Dubai = Return trip Dubai to Prague = Dubai – Norway one way = Driving X25a car from Abu Dhabi = Driving for 112 hrs = Driving a car or 77 hrs = Return trip Dubai to Prague = Dubai – Norway one way to Dubai X25 Data calculated with greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator from epa.gov
Data calculated with greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator from epa.gov CLIMATE CHANGE IS USE #YOURPOWERUAE TO HELP April 2015 | 9 CLIMATEPROBLEMATIC CHANGE AND IS CAN USEEWS-WWF #YOURPOWERUAE TACKLE CLIMATE TO HELP CHANGE In the UAE, the easiest way to start reducing carbon emissions will be to PROBLEMATICRESULT IN UNFAVOURABLE AND CAN EWS-WWFreduce water consumption. TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE CONSEQUENCES FOR US In the UAE, the easiest way to start reducing carbon emissions will be to RESULT IN UNFAVOURABLE reduce water consumption. TWIST YOUR TONGUE! CONSEQUENCESAND OUR PLANET. FOR US Have some fun and check out the Tongue Twister TWISTChallenge YOURto raise awareness TONGUE! on climate change at AND OURUnpredictable PLANET. Sea levels Haveuae.panda.org/earthhour some fun and check out the Tongue Twister Weather rising, Challenge to raise awareness on climate change at UnpredictableConditions Seaaffecting levels our uae.panda.org/earthhour coastal cities DONATE to EWS-WWF’s work Weather rising, on climate change through Conditions affecting our JustGiving.com/EarthHourUAE2015/ coastal cities DONATE to EWS-WWF’s work Delicate Droughts on climate change through ecosystems and weather LITTLEJustGiving.com/EarthHourUAE2015/ THINGS THAT CREATE BIG ACHIEVEMENTS: ! Delicatein the UAE Droughtschanges ecosystemswould be andin other weather LITTLETake THINGS shorter THAT CREATEInstall BIG ACHIEVEMENTS:Encourage your ! inalerted, the UAE changescountries showers & install dual company to be more threatening could affect would be in other Takea high shorter efficiency Installflush Encouragesustainable your by upgrading alerted,local species countriesthe supply shower head toilets to high efficiency chain of the showers & install dual company to be more threatening could affect a high efficiency flush sustainabletechnology by upgrading local species theUAE’s supply food imports shower head toilets to high efficiency chain of the facebook.com/ews.wwf @ews_wwf @ews_wwftechnology youtube.com/wwfuae UAE’s food imports facebook.com/ews.wwf @ews_wwf @ews_wwf youtube.com/wwfuae Cover Story
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Millions unite to light the way on climate change
Over 1,200 landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco turned off their lights to mark Earth Hour on March 28, 2015.
rom Antarctica to the Tahiti, the past 24 hours inspired Over 1,400 landmarks switched International Space Station, unprecedented unity from people off the lights on Saturday FWWF’s Earth Hour brought around the world committed to including the Empire State the world closer together on use their power to change climate Building and the United Nations Saturday, 28th March 2015 by change. Headquarters in New York, the mobilising millions to highlight Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Burj the need for climate action. In “From the Earth’s extremes Khalifa in Dubai, the Sydney a year of record participation, to outer space, people came Harbour Bridge and Hong individuals, businesses, city together to send a clear message Kong’s iconic skyline. Close to skylines and landmarks in 172 that action on climate is on top of 40 UNESCO World Heritage countries and territories switched their agenda. Earth Hour confirms sites such as the Acropolis off their lights to participate in our belief that in order to change in Athens, the walled city of the world’s largest grassroots climate change we need to act Baku, the Cologne Cathedral movement for the environment. together. WWF will continue to do and the Galapagos Islands also its share to shape strong, global participated. Beginning with the first lights climate solutions,” said Sudhanshu out event in Samoa and then Sarronwala, Chair, Board of While the world’s most iconic moving across seven continents to Directors, Earth Hour Global. landmarks went dark on the creating green communities for a better tomorrow
As one of the first open-sourced climate change campaigns, Earth Hour has grown from a symbolic event in one city to the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment.
weekend, Earth Hour powered emissions by 25 per cent within “Earth Hour turns out the lights, collective action to address the next five years. but the future of our planet is local climate issues well beyond brightened by the countless the hour. As Moscow’s Kremlin Across the globe in Colombia, individual actions of supporters switched off the lights, citizens physical resilience met climate around the world.” switched on their power for resilience as 1,100 people change by collecting close to enrolled in a ‘110KW’ marathon In a video statement recorded for 70,000 signatures to petition a along a climate change trail Earth Hour, UN Secretary-General moratorium on the exploration of highlighting the need for Ban Ki-moon echoed WWF’s belief Arctic oil. communities to strengthen that people will play a key role their defenses against the worst in solving climate change and In Malaysia, citizens attended impacts of climate change. that Earth Hour is a movement of the first-ever Earth Hour 2015 millions offering real solutions. carnival in Petaling Jaya and “Science shows us that climate He said: “Climate change is a answered the call to come change is a global concern, Earth people problem. People cause out in large numbers to show Hour shows us that people have climate change and people suffer their support for a city council the power to take on the climate from climate change. People can declaration to reduce carbon challenge,” added Sarronwala. also solve climate change. Earth
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Hour shows what is possible support of a cause. of record low Arctic sea ice, this when we unite in support of our year’s Earth Hour reminds us environment.” More than just turning out the yet again why we all need to be lights, the ninth edition of Earth part of the climate conversation. The Secretary-General noted Hour was about people around the It is our climate and it is our that this coming December in world sending a clear message collective impact—as individuals, Paris, the United Nations will that climate action is a political businesses, governments—that bring countries together to agree priority. will help make climate change a new, universal and meaningful history,” said Sarronwala. climate accord, culminating a Supporters in Scotland, “year of action” on sustainable Switzerland and Colombia signed Since its origin as a symbolic development. digital petitions for stronger lights-off event in Sydney in 2007, climate action. Australia, the UK WWF’s Earth Hour has grown into “By turning out the lights, we and Finland hosted sustainable the world’s largest grassroots highlight that more than 1 billion candle-lit dinners to highlight movement for the environment people lack access to electricity. the impact of climate change on igniting public awareness and Their future well-being requires agriculture, while participants action on climate in more than access to clean, affordable in India, the Philippines and 7,000 cities across the world. energy,” said Mr. Ban, stressing China promoted access to While the lights may go out on that with the world’s lights renewable energy. one night, the efforts of Earth being switched off, Earth Hour Hour and its supporters to change shows what is possible when the “As we come out of the hottest climate change last throughout international community unites in year on record and hear reports the year. creating green communities for a better tomorrow
New environmental awareness campaign focuses on the need to rationalise the use of electricity and water he Dubai Electricity and practices that individuals can to supporting the social, Water Authority, DEWA, adopt in their daily lives to reduce environmental, and economic Thas launched a new electricity and water use, and save development of Dubai. This is environmental campaign under precious resources. These include done through sound management the theme ‘Let’s be the change. switching off non-essential of resources, conservation, Let’s change climate change,’ to lighting and electrical appliances and awareness initiatives to raises awareness among residents when not in use, setting air consolidate sustainability and of Dubai on the need to rationalise conditioning at 24 degrees C, and environmental protection,” the use of electricity and water. conserving water in every way according to Saeed Mohammed Al possible. Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA. The campaign also underlines the positive impact of collective “DEWA works to achieving the “In addition to these initiatives, efforts on the environment, and the Green Economy for Sustainable we are implementing a number important role individuals play in Development initiative, launched of clean and renewable energy reducing carbon dioxide emissions by HH Sheikh Mohammed projects. The most notable of which and limiting global warming. bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice are the 200MW phase two of the President and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum DEWA is inviting all organisations of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Solar Park, and the Hassyan Clean and society members to to achieve the sustainable Coal Power Plant to produce participate in the campaign development of the UAE. The 1,200MW. These help achieve through its social networks, campaign is part of our efforts to the Dubai Integrated Energy using the hashtag #YourPower. achieve our strategic objectives Strategy 2030 to reduce energy The campaign highlights simple and effectively contribute consumption by 30%,” he said.
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Sustainable technologies and materials transform Dubai skyline
Prof. Dr. Mohammed Ahmed bin Fahad, Chairman, Zayed International Foundation for the Environment, says building a sustainable city includes all aspects that impact on the society, economy and environment.
he UAE is ranked ninth among environment into healthy, high- Platinum rating (highest possible the Top 10 nations with the performing structures that under this system). Tbiggest energy-efficient benefit its dwellers. buildings outside the US, the “The UAE has long recognized Green Building Council (GBC) The UAE ranked ahead of Finland. the imperative for action as announced in March this year. Canada topped the list, followed we combat the extraordinary The US-based council, an industry by China, India, South Korea, challenge of worldwide climate body that promotes cost-efficient Taiwan, Germany, Brazil and change,” said Prof. Dr. Mohammed and energy-saving buildings, Singapore. However, the UAE Ahmed bin Fahad, Chairman of released its ranking last month for currently has nearly 10 times the Higher Committee of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and the number of LEED-registered Zayed International Foundation Environmental Design) outside of projects than Singapore, based on for the Environment. “Green the United States. the current projects. buildings are the bedrock of the future. Adherence to green GBC said the latest list, based Among the notable projects in the building principles across a wide on figures as of April 2014, UAE, the council cited, is the Dubai variety of cultures, climates and demonstrates the global Electricity and Water Authority communities represents not transformation of the built Headquarters, which has a LEED only a growing recognition of its creating green communities for a better tomorrow
External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems are currently the most efficient and cost-effective way to improve a building’s energy consumption.
demonstrated benefits for human friendly international standards Prof. Mohammed bin Fahad. health and operational cost adapted to local conditions of the “Developed with the local savings, but also its unparalleled Emirate of Dubai to keep Dubai environmental conditions in mind, potential to be part of the a healthy city that follows the the green building requirements solution to a warming planet and highest standards of sustainable were initially introduced for rising sea levels.” development and has clean government projects since 2010. pollution-free environment, These regulations focus on In implementation of the several regulations and green the key aspects of sustainable decision of His Highness Sheikh building specifications has been buildings, including the rational Mohammed bin Rashid Al applied on all buildings in the use of energy, water and materials Maktoum, Vice President and Emirate of Dubai. as well as promoting healthy Prime Minister of the UAE and indoor and outdoor environments.” Ruler of Dubai, and in line with the The phrase ‘’going green’’ is Unlike Abu Dhabi’s Estidama Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, and the new buzzword among Pearl Rating system, the Dubai the directives for applying green builders and developers in Municipality Green Building Code building specifications on all Dubai, thanks to the new Green does not have an associated buildings in the Emirate of Dubai Building Code introduced by rating – all aspects of the Code as per the best environment- the Dubai Municipality, says must be met.
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Dubai Municipality Green strengthen awareness of the air-conditioning systems, and Building Code green regulations, he believes integrating solar panels and When the green building codes that it is possible to undertake condensate recovery systems were first introduced in the initiatives that will contribute to are among other measures that UAE, some within the industry enhancing the sustainability of help make buildings more energy- expressed concern over higher the built environments. From a efficient. costs or the lack of availability construction industry perspective, of specialised products, he these could include design By undertaking energy-efficient notes. However, by creating the considerations that incorporate measures, individual households demand for specialised products, sustainability features to the can also make significant savings, the Government is helping drive materials used in construction. he says. This will depend on prices down. “Dubai’s Expo 2020 the systems involved, and the bid also places a major focus on The design considerations can commitment to adhere to the sustainability with targets for involve optimizing building sustainability initiative. Reports buildings performance. Among orientation and insulation, or point to savings of over 25 per them is a requirement for energy maximizing the use of day lighting cent on monthly bills due to “green use not to be higher than 70 watts while the actual construction measures” adopted by the users. per square metre,” he adds. practices can include the use of concrete mixes and other T he implementation of new green Amongst the main challenges building materials that are building regulations in Dubai are in green laws implementation, environmentally less polluting. one of eight initiatives launched says Dr. bin Fahad, is the by the Municipality towards the lack of awareness among From the material supplies and goal of becoming one of the top building owners and users. By operational perspective, having ten sustainable cities in the world engaging all stakeholders to energy-efficient lighting and by 2020. More than 14,000 buildings are currently under construction in the emirate of Dubai.
creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Reducing CO2 emissions Expo. In October that year, the opposite happens. Hence, it was According to Khalid Mohammed Municipality began studies on new important to bring in construction Al Mulla, Director General of sustainable building codes with materials that are adapted Buildings Department at Dubai a view to bringing them forwards specifically for Dubai.” Municipality, by implementing the within a year. However, this proved regulations on the government’s to be difficult – particularly Hence, the history, geography, own buildings there was a 43% as there were 200 different and specificity of the city of Dubai reduction in energy and 15% rating systems already in force were integrated into a set of reduction in water. “Our aim now is around the world. Therefore, the codes in 2010 that emphasised to have half the buildings in Dubai municipality spent a further three energy saving systems, natural classified as green in the next 10 years researching the city’s own lighting arrangements, eco- years and 25m2 of green space needs and referencing them in friendly building materials and per person. In addition, we also terms of other certifications and insulation methods. Meeting seek to achieve a 30% cut in CO2 best practice systems. the code’s requirements did emissions by 2030.” not increase costs but led to Al Mulla explains that although improving the energy efficiency The government has made it clear few changes are made regarding and carbon footprint of buildings. there would be no opt out for new the technical principles of Sometimes, something as simple buildings. The regulations will be engineering, Dubai’s geographical as good wall and roof insulation applied all over Dubai in every location dictates a more specific can go a long way to improving a square foot that is being built. set of rules. “As we have harsh building’s energy efficiency, he The plans to introduce these summers, it is important to keep says. “GCC countries are among policies were set in motion the warm air outside and keep the highest electricity consumers back in 2007 – before the city it cool inside unlike in western in the world, and 70 to 80 per had even applied to host the countries where the exact cent is from residential usage,
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of which 60 to 70 per cent is for on the right track,” he said. alternatives like Fly Ash, and air conditioning. Wall and roof Ground Granulated Blast Furnace insulation can reduce your energy Buildings in Dubai to use ‘green’ Slag (GGBFS), officials said at a consumption by up to 30 per cent.” concrete in construction press conference held on 29th As part of its strategy to make March 2015 in Dubai. The Municipality has implemented Dubai a green city, starting a three-step ‘quick fix’ sustainable from 1st April, all new buildings’ The aim to keep Dubai a healthy solution in buildings; insulation, construction should use ‘green’ city follows the highest standards solar heating and installing LED concrete, the eco-friendly of sustainable development and lighting, he pointed out. Now his Supplementary Cementing provides residents with a clean department is focusing on the Materials (SCMs), alternative for and pollution-free environment. issues surrounding electricity, Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), The move followed a study water and waste. Another the major component of concrete by the municipality’s Building initiative being discussed was the mix that is found to emit Department that ascertained the launch of a ‘smart online checking toxic gases. negative impact that Portland system’ for project proposals. cement can have. While earlier contractors were With each tonne of OPC produced When one tonne of cement is only concerned with completing emitting more than one tonne produced, studies have found, the project as quick as possible of carbon dioxide and other 164kg of dust is also dumped and maximising the return on toxic gases, Dubai Municipality to the air, which contributes to investment, “Now there is a change has made it mandatory for intensifying the phenomenon of in mentality towards making consultants and contractors global warming and also causes things sustainable - we are finally to use more greener and safer several diseases including cancer. creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Green Week to promote environmental sustainability
ubai Electricity and Water long-term Green Economy in the sustainability sector and Authority (DEWA) has for Sustainable Development a competition for green artwork Dunveiled the programme of initiative, launched by His for students. Over three days, the second Green Week, which is Highness Sheikh Mohammed there will be discussion sessions, the biggest community initiative bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice lectures, and studies on green in the Middle East that promotes President and Prime Minister of practices. environmental sustainability, and the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which highlights different topics related supports the UAE Vision 2021 DEWA will announce the Green to sustainability and green to make the UAE one of the best Declaration through the DEWA economy. countries in the world by 2021. Academy. DEWA will continue the Green Ribbon pledge campaign Green Week, to be held from “It also supports the Dubai Plan and organise environmental 21-26 April 2015, comprises 2021 to create a happy society competitions for the public, an several events. These include the and achieve the aspirations of art and creativity exhibition on 17thWater, Energy, Technology, citizens and residents. Green green concepts, and national and Environment Exhibition Week reflects DEWA’s efforts heritage activities. It will highlight (WETEX 2015), the second World to enhance sustainability and its scholarship programmes Green Economy Summit, the Arab sensible use of resources among and other environmental Oil and Gas exhibition, and other all society,” said Saeed Mohammed sustainability topics. environmental activities for Al Tayer, Managing Director & CEO society as a whole. of DEWA. Green Week will host Green Week is an annual initiative the Antarctica art gallery. There that shows to the world Dubai’s firm “Green Week fits well into the will be a dedicated stand for jobs commitment to green concepts.
April 2015 | 19 Exhibition
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A global platform for green solutions and technologies
WETEX to address different challenges facing the industry including renewable energy technologies, environmentally-friendly home appliances, and water and environmental sustainability solutions.
There is a growing global Environment Exhibition (WETEX), global platform for green interest in green solutions and organised by Dubai Electricity solutions. Growing in stature technologies, the transformation and Water Authority (DEWA) year after year, the exhibition towards green economy, and under the directives of HH attracts specialists, exhibitors, limiting the negative impact Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid participants, governments, and of dangerous emissions on Al Maktoum, Vice President and experts. It addresses different health, the environment, and Prime Minister of the UAE, and challenges facing the industry development. This underlines Ruler of Dubai, and under the including renewable energy the need for communication patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan technologies, environmentally- platforms that showcase green bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy friendly home appliances, solutions. These platforms bring Ruler of Dubai, Minister of and water and environmental together experts, professionals, Finance of the UAE and President sustainability solutions. and governments to discuss new of DEWA, has been playing an developments and share best important role in this field. WETEX started with only four practice. The 17th WETEX, to be held exhibitors in 1999. The number from 21-23 April, at the Dubai was over 1,500 in 2014, and while Over the past 17 years, the International Convention and 357 trade visitors visited the first Water, Energy, Technology, and Exhibition Centre, is a leading WETEX, over 23,000 visited it last creating green communities for a better tomorrow
WETEX brings together participation from the energy, water, environment, sustainable development, oil, and gas sectors under one roof.
year. The phenomenal growth of initiative, launched by His strides in focusing on solutions WETEX over 16 years reflects its Highness Sheikh Mohammed for water and environment, growing importance, and its ability bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice oil and gas, and conventional to bring together concerned President and Prime Minister and renewable energy. It has parties from around the world, of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai triggered agreements and turning it into an international to make the UAE a world leader deals that directly support the forum for highlighting effective in this area and a centre for the economic, socio-economic and solutions. export and re-export of green environmental development not products and technologies. We only of Dubai and the UAE, but for “At DEWA, we support the support the Dubai Plan 2021 to the entire region,” said HE Saeed UAE Vision 2021 to achieve a make Dubai a city that uses its Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO, sustainable environment, improve resources sustainably and whose DEWA, President and Founder of the quality of life, save natural environmental elements are WETEX. resources, increase dependence clean, healthy, and sustainable. on clean energy, and implement DEWA has been working hard to WETEX 2015 highlights green growth plans. We also position WETEX as an important investment potential in water, support the Green Economy global platform. Over 16 years, energy, and environment. It for Sustainable Development the exhibition has made huge focuses on promoting innovative
April 2015 | 21 22 creating green communities for a better tomorrow
solutions and technologies in to review new types of vehicles, Rashid Al Maktoum to transform water, energy, environments, their features, and modern Dubai into the smartest city in oil, gas and environmental technologies. Organisers seek to the world,” said Saeed Mohammed sustainability. attract more manufacturers and Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA and supporters of electric vehicles President and Founder of WETEX, Environmental and sustainability and batteries, and charging- in a press release. issues top the list of priorities station developers. of various countries in the world The first phase of the project at a time reducing pollution Organised under the umbrella includes installing 16 charging worldwide requires collaborative of Green Week, WETEX 2015 stations for public use. Each efforts. WETEX 2015 promotes contributes to spreading a station can accommodate two environmental sustainability culture of green initiatives in the vehicles at the same time. During and supports the green economy UAE. This, directly or indirectly, phase two of the project, 84 globally. supports the electric vehicle charging stations of different industry as it promotes the types will be installed across Ideal platform for electric vehicles importance of environmental Dubai. These include fast, public, WETEX 2015 is touted as an sustainability and protecting the and home charging stations. ideal platform, where leading environment. manufacturers showcase Electric vehicles are attracting the latest electric-vehicle “Last February, DEWA inaugurated more and more users because technologies including batteries the first electric-vehicle charging less time is required to charge and charging stations, with a station in Dubai in its main office. their batteries, which weigh and special focus on speeding up This supports the Smart Dubai cost less. They can help their the charging process with no initiative and the vision His owners achieve financial savings added risks. Visitors will be able Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin by saving them the costs of Investments in the UAE’s energy sector are approximately AED 56 billion for the next five years in enhancing production of water, electricity, renewable energy and smart grids.
creating green communities for a better tomorrow
petrol, in addition to using an Power Project that seeks to demand and contribute to the environmentally-friendly car that produce electricity using clean sustainable development of the keeps the environment clean and coal based on the Independent Emirate,” said Saeed Mohammed achieves sustainability. Power Producer (IPP) model with a Al Tayer, MD & CEO, DEWA. 1,200MW production capacity in An electric vehicle uses only the first phase that is expected to Investments in the energy electricity as an alternative to fuel be operational by 2020. sector are approximately AED (gasoline or diesel), while a hybrid 56 billion for the next five years vehicle uses a combination of “The Hassyan Clean Coal Power in enhancing production of electricity and fuel, where it uses Project reflects our commitment water, electricity, renewable electricity for a certain distance, to the vision of HH Sheikh energy, smart grids, and their and also uses fuel. Mohammed bin Rashid Al transmission and distribution Maktoum to diversify the energy networks. The investments cover Highlighting the role of clean coal mix. Last year, we awarded the several projects, including the in energy production consultancy service contract for infrastructure costs for the Expo WETEX 2015 will highlight the first phase to an international 2020 preparations, estimated at using clean coal as an energy consultant. This was a major AED 2.6 billion. source, and its significance in step in implementing the energy environmental sustainability and diversification strategy approved “As a large part of electricity green economy, as well as its by the Dubai Supreme Council produced globally comes through pivotal role in the production of of Energy, which focuses on the use of coal, which produces electricity. producing electricity from clean carbon dioxide, the strategy of coal as part of Dubai’s energy using clean coal seeks to raise the Showcased at the event will portfolio. Through these projects, efficiency of coal combustion with be DEWA’s Hassyan Clean Coal we fulfil Dubai’s increasing energy lower emissions,” added Al Tayer.
April 2015 | 23 Discovery
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Rare owl discovered in Wadi Wurayah National Park
The presence of Strix Owl in the UAE has been suspected for several years, but could never be confirmed until now.
uring the evening of March Wurayah National Park in this rich area in order to protect 8th, 2015, an owl survey preserving the original wildlife of the unique species which rely on Dconducted in Wadi Wurayah Arabia. it for survival. It is vital we ensure National Park yielded an exciting the continuous conservation of discovery. For the first time, the His Excellency Engineer wildlife in the Wadi for future much sought after Omani owl Mohammed Al Afkham of generations to come.” (Strix omanensis) responded to Fujairah Municipality said: “This the call played by the research latest exciting discovery re- Owl surveys are conducted with team of the Emirates Wildlife emphasises the importance of a speaker and a sound playing Society-WWF, consisting of Mr. the conservation work that has device that produces owl calls; Elvin Miller, Ms. Patricia Cabrera, been taking place in Wadi Wurayah the researchers listen to the and Dr. Jacky Judas. National Park. The sighting of response in the hope the call the Omani owl (Strix omanensis) played will trigger a response The observation represents the demonstrates the significance of from surrounding owls. Calls first confirmed record of a Strix the project and uniqueness of the are specific to each species Owl in the United Arab Emirates Wadi as an exceptional site for and are played one after the (UAE), and once again highlights wildlife. We remain committed to other, including little owl, pallid the value and importance of Wadi continuing our work to conserve scops owl and eagle owl and creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Sheltering a rich diversity of rare and endangered mountain and freshwater habitats and species, Wadi Wurayah is a critical area for environmental and cultural preservation.
the presence or absence of the valuable the ongoing work of the Following thorough scientific targeted species is carefully Emirates Wildlife Society-WWF investigations, the team published noted. So far, the Omani owl play research team is in the area. The the description of a species new back calls were followed by a conservation efforts being carried to science, that they named the long silence but on the evening of out on site continue to ensure Omani Owl (Strix omanensis). This March 8, an owl quickly answered the area remains a stronghold for news was received with great the record and continued singing wildlife in the UAE. Going forward, enthusiasm among the world for approximately one hour in we will look to build on these ornithological community, as this Wadi Wurayah National Park. efforts in order to expand and was the first non-cryptic new bird enhance our research and attract species described for the Western Ida Tillisch, Director General other unique wildlife to the area.” Palearctic since the discovery of EWS-WWF, said: “We are of the Algerian Nuthatch (Sitta delighted with the discovery The Omani owl has been ledanti) in 1975 in Kabylie. that a species as unique as the discovered and described by a Omani Owl has been recently team of Dutch ornithologists in The presence of Strix Owl in the seen in Wadi Wurayah National the eastern range of the Hajar UAE has been suspected for Park. It is an important milestone Mountains, a hundred kilometers several years, but could never be for us, as it highlights how away from Muscat in March 2013. confirmed. Dr. Christophe Tourenq
April 2015 | 25 26 creating green communities for a better tomorrow
briefly heard in April 2006 in species might extend all over the Protected Area by decree No 2 by Wadi Wurayah an owl song that he Hajar Mountains from Muscat to HH Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammad attributed to the Hume’s Tawny Mussandam. Al Sharqi, ruler of Fujairah and Owl (Strix buttleri), known from member of the Supreme Council the western side of the Arabian Until now, Wadi Wurayah was known of the UAE. Peninsula, but his observation to be a stronghold for dragonflies stayed isolated. Unconfirmed and one of the last ranges of The Mountain Protected Area Strix-like calls were also reported Arabian Tahr in the country. The covers a 220.4 square-km area on a few occasions from the on-going conservation efforts of between Khor Fakhan and Bidiyah. Northern Emirates. the site led by Fujairah Municipality This came as a result successful and EWS-WWF since 2013 have now public, private sector and NGO The taxonomic position and made Wadi Wurayah a shelter for collaboration that worked and nomenclature of this endemic rare wildlife such as the Omani owl. continued to work on biodiversity species are still debated in research in the Wadi. the scientific community, its Wadi Wurayah National Park is ecology virtually unknown, and its currently closed to the public as Sheltering a rich diversity of rare status so far considered as Data essential maintenance work is and endangered mountain and Deficient by Birdlife International. carried out. The Emirates Wildlife freshwater habitats and species, This species is rare and seemingly Society–WWF team is continuing and providing opportunities for its presence is difficult to their research programme under the sustenance and revival of detect but this observation in restricted access to the site. local livelihoods, Wadi Wurayah is Wadi Wurayah raises hope, as it In March 2009, Wadi Wurayah was a critical area for environmental suggests that the range of the declared the UAE’s first Mountain and cultural preservation. creating green communities for a better tomorrow
MEED announces national winners of quality projects in the sustainability sector our projects from across against criteria that included Projects 2015, will be announced the GCC have scooped engineering and construction on 27 May 2015 during the MEED Fnational awards for their challenges, as well as economic, Construction Leadership Summit achievements in demonstrating a social and environmental impact. in Dubai. tangible and proven approach to sustainability. “Complying with the highest quality standards in the projects The Bahraini Muharraq STP and market is critical not just to the Sewer Conveyance Project by success of individual projects, Ministry of Works (entered by but also for their invariable Muharraq STP Company), the impact on the society at large, UAE based Al Barari Project by Al in terms of the economic, social Barari Firm Management LLC and and environmental benefits they the Energy Management System provide,’’ said John Iossifidis, (Solar Micro Grid System) Project Executive Vice President, Group by Qatar Foundation (entered Head – Corporate & Investment by ASTAD Project Management) Banking, Mashreq Bank, psc. were declared national winners in the fifth edition of the MEED These projects will now complete Quality Awards for Projects, in at the regional level in the Ramboll association with Mashreq. Sustainable Project of the Year category. The GCC winners of the The projects were assessed annual MEED Quality Awards for
April 2015 | 27 WGES 2015
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WGES 2015 to be held under the theme ‘The Global Green Economy’
The 2nd World Green Economy Summit (WGES) will create strong linkages to the UN Climate Agreement 2015 through the Road to Paris, and Sustainable Development Goals 2015.
nder the patronage of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy for Sustainable Development Vice President and Prime in conjunction with the 17th initiative launched by His UMinister and Ruler of Dubai Water, Energy, Technology and Highness Sheikh Mohammed His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Environment Exhibition (WETEX bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the 2nd 2015) whose theme is ‘At the President and Prime Minister of World Green Economy Summit Forefront of Sustainability’. the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to (WGES) 2015 will be held from 22- make the UAE one of the global 23 April at the Dubai International “Conferences, forums, and other leaders of sustainability and a hub Convention and Exhibition Centre. events related to sustainable for the export and re-export of development and renewable green products and technologies,” WGES enhances Dubai’s position energy play an integrated said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, as a global hub for green economy role in building a sustainable Vice Chairman of the Dubai and supports the Innovation environment that supports long- Supreme Council of Energy, Strategy, which is the cornerstone term economic growth. They help Managing Director and CEO of of sustainable development. The achieve the vision of our wise DEWA, and President of WGES. summit is organised by the Dubai leadership in this important area. Electricity and Water Authority, They support the UAE Vision WGES 2015 will enhance the DEWA, under the umbrella of the 2021 and the Green Economy direction towards green economy creating green communities for a better tomorrow
WGES 2015 will focus on the transformation towards global green economies and strengthening Dubai’s position as an example of a green economy and sustainable development.
by providing programmes and as one of the largest specialised WGES will feature sessions, facilitating discussions and topics and comprehensive exhibitions workshops, and seminars to develop viewpoints and ideas in the world. It brings together that provide a stimulating that will be discussed at the 21st participation from the energy, environment for innovation. gathering of the Conference of water, environment, sustainable These will be administered by the Parties (COP 21) in Paris, development, oil, and gas sectors a number of decision makers, the United Nations Framework under one roof. WETEX is an ideal CEOs, scientists, experts, Convention on climate change, platform for them to showcase researchers, and international the laws and regulations related their services, make deals, analysts. The Summit will adopt to climate change and leadership and connect with partners and several initiatives to encourage in climate change, the role customers,” he added. Emirati skills in innovation and played by young people in driving entrepreneurship and enhance change, the role of public-private “We aim to innovate and establish partnerships between the public partnerships in protecting global sustainable renewable-energy and private sectors,” said Waleed climate, innovation and funding, solutions that contribute to Salman, Executive Vice President and new solutions. achieving a sustainable future of Strategy and Business for all, in line with the UAE’s Development at DEWA, and Vice “WETEX supports this direction Innovation Strategy 2015. President of WGES.
April 2015 | 29 Initiative
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Going the organic way in the UAE
Dubai Municipality honours heroes of ‘Grow Your Food’ organic farming initiative that was conceptualised in line with the World Food Day theme - ‘Family Farming: Feeding the world, caring for the earth’.
ubai Municipality (DM), in campuses. The ‘Grow Your Food’ courtyards of villas and even association with Jaleel initiative was conceptualised small spaces down car parking DHoldings and Eastern in line with the World Food Day lots. The contestants in School Condiments, has honoured theme - ‘Family Farming: Feeding and Educational Institution, Villa, winners of its ‘Grow Your Food’ the world, caring for the earth’. Apartment and Labour Camp initiative, which witnessed The campaign encouraged the categories cultivated varieties participation of over 4,000 residents to adopt a culture of of vegetables, fruits and herbs to school students and hundreds of growing vegetable gardens at enjoy healthy produces. residents across the UAE since its their own premises to have fresh launch in October last year. and safe food for their use. Eng. Salem Bin Mesmar, Asst. Director General for Environment, The one-of-its-kind initiative, As part of the initiative, the Health and Safety Control Sector under the patronage of DM’s organisers hosted a competition at Dubai Municipality (DM), Food Control Department, for students and residents who honoured winners of the organic promoted organic farming among set up organic gardens in their farming contest. He commended the residents, who cultivated premises - school campuses, the inspiring efforts of the top vegetables and herbs at their balconies and rooftops of winners who walked away with residential premises and school residential apartments, a total of AED 150,000 worth of creating green communities for a better tomorrow
The initiative saw apartment balconies and villa grounds transform into lush green spaces, with home-grown vegetables on the daily menu for families and friends.
shopping vouchers. Each winner ‘Grow Your Food’ idea comes forth households in the emirate over received grocery vouchers worth as a powerful and feasible game the next few years. The concept AED 10,000, in addition to other changer. attains greater significance, prizes and certificates. especially at a time when several “We encouraged the residents to studies have recommended daily Commenting on the initiative, Eng. be part of this great movement, consumption of a good amount of Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director which emphasised the long-term fresh vegetables which will help General of Dubai Municipality message of the programme. Apart lead a healthy life.” (DM), said, “The ‘Grow Your Food’ from inspiring people to take up programme turned out to be a farming, the campaign is also Sameer K Mohamed, Managing pioneer in the organic agriculture aimed at inculcating a love for Director - Jaleel Holdings, said, movement in the UAE. Kitchen farming among the residents as “We are pleased that the ‘Grow farming is being identified world well as students,” he said. Your Food’ initiative received over as a way to overcome several an overwhelming response health issues of families. Civic According to Khalid Al Awadhi, from the residents who jumped bodies in the developed world director of the municipality’s food on the bandwagon to use home- are keen to make urban spaces control department, “Our aim is grown vegetables and lead a greener. In such a backdrop, the to have kitchen gardens in all healthier life.”
April 2015 | 31 Conference
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UAE discusses illegal trade of wildlife in Botswana
On 25 March high-level political representatives from around the world gathered in Kasane, Botswana, to agree upon urgent action to tackle the illegal wildlife trade.
AE has affirmed its stated that the UAE is steadfast and several high-level Ministers continued support for all in dedicating time and efforts and decision makers from other Uinternational efforts against towards environmental issues, in countries. The conference was the illegal trade in wildlife, in an line with the directive of the UAE’s a continuation of the London effort to preserve biodiversity founding father, the late Sheikh Conference held on February and stop it from being exploited Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to 12th, 2014 on the Illegal Trade in by human beings which poses the preserve the environment and Wildlife. risk of leading to the extinction of respect and sustain its resources. rare species. The participation of the UAE On 25 March high-level political comes as part of the commitment Dr. Sheikha Salem Al Dhaheri, representatives from around it made in the first conference Executive Director of Terrestrial the world gathered in Kasane, to combat the illegal trade of and Marine Biodiversity, and Botswana, to agree upon urgent wildlife. Ahmed Al Hashmi, Director of the action to tackle the illegal wildlife Biodiversity Department, who trade. Also attending the event The conference showcased the represented the UAE during the were Ian Khama, the President initial efforts carried out after 2nd Conference on Illegal Wildlife of Botswana, and Ali Bongo the recommendations in London, Trade in Botswana in Kasane, also Ondimba, the President of Gabon, which included decreasing creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Since the London Conference, Chad, Belgium, Hong Kong and China, among other countries, have destroyed stockpiles of seized illegally traded wildlife products.
the demand for products doubling our efforts to enforce UAE delegation also met with from endangered species and these laws by encouraging the UK Secretary of State for strengthening the execution international policies and Environment, Food and Rural of legislative infrastructure. legislations to set regulations Affairs, the Rt. Hon. Elizabeth Attendees reasserted the that will close loopholes that Truss MP, who commended the importance of implementing might be used by criminal UAE on its efforts to implement London endorsements and organisations to trade illegally in the London conference involving the private sector in wildlife.” recommendations. supporting scientific research on the issue. Ahmed Al Hashmi, said, “The UAE The Ministry of Environment is working on finding the best and Water has carried out many Dr. Al Dhaheri, said, “We are solutions to properly handle notable awareness campaigns committed to the international seized endangered species against the illegal trading of conventions and agreements, found within the country. We are wildlife, as well as running training especially CITES (the Convention working on updating our laws programmes in collaboration with on International Trade in and legislation with regards other competent authorities on Endangered Species of Wild Fauna to the illicit trade of wildlife.” legislation governing illegal trade and Flora). We, as a state, are Aside from the conference, the at the national level.
April 2015 | 33 Award
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Dubai wins Lighting Project of the Year award
The Philips and Dubai Municipality partnership to contribute to better sustainability have earned them the accolade of Lighting Project of the Year at the recently concluded Middle East Lighting Awards.
oyal Philips, the global leader working with Dubai Municipality coveted award. Finalists were in lighting, together with to transform Dubai into the most announced on 17 February 2015 RDubai Municipality, have sustainable city in the world. and featured leading projects been awarded the accolade of across the region. Lighting Project of the Year at The municipality realized that the Middle East Lighting Awards, reducing energy consumption The award follows the milestone held on Monday, 2 March 2015 at through lighting is a quick win signing of a memorandum of the World Trade Centre in Dubai, with substantial returns for Dubai understanding (MoU) between UAE. The winning initiative was from both an environmental and Dubai Municipality and the LED lighting solution for financial perspective. We are on Philips Lighting to support Dubai Municipality in light of their the right track and going at the the transformation of the Sustainability Initiative, and was right pace. As the leaders in global Municipality’s 262 buildings awarded the lighting project of lighting, we are very pleased to from conventional lighting the year. work with such an ambitious city infrastructure to energy efficient that always strives for the best.” LED based solutions. From the Rami Hajjar, General Manager of initial signing of the MoU back Philips Lighting in the Middle East, Philips was among two other in October 2013, Philips and said: “We are very proud to be projects competing to win the Dubai Municipality have forged creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Philips and Dubai Municipality win Lighting Project of the Year Award at the Middle East Electricity Awards.
a partnership to contribute to Philips, along with its partner Al the target of 50% that was set, better sustainability for the Ghandi Electronics, proposed a and positive feedback gained buildings and sites of Dubai unique end to end solution. from the employees of the Dubai Municipality. With this project, the Municipality on the improved Municipality intends to lead by This took the form of a study quality of the lighting. example. to identify the potential of the project, the proposal of a Phase 1 of the project saw 15 solution for all applications in the buildings of Dubai Municipality buildings, the removal of the old having their lighting installation lighting fixtures and the supply upgraded to new LED technology. and installation of new fixtures This was in order to meet the with the latest LED technology. key objectives of reducing the electricity bill on lighting by 50%, This provided a hassle-free reducing maintenance costs and, upgrade for the Municipality. most importantly, to improve All objectives of the project have the quality of lighting for the been met with, including a load employees of the Municipality. reduction of 57% as compared to
April 2015 | 35 Pic: waste management
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Ministry of Environment and Water organises meeting on tackling hazardous waste management
he Ministry of Environment regards to the Transboundary presentation was made to explain and Water, (MoEW), recently Movements of Hazardous Wastes. the electronic registration Torganised a meeting for process of the service, which waste management users as The Ministry also showcased new covers the issuance permits part of its efforts to introduce technology to gather comments to export hazardous waste, technological advancement and and suggestions to further in addition to listening to the electronic services, specifically improve its electronic services. feedback of customers under the in conveniently providing export Yousef Al-Ahmad Al Rayssi, facilitation of electronic services permits for hazardous waste in Director of Waste Management, in the area of waste management. line with the highest standards MoEW, stated that the Ministry of quality, efficiency and seeks to achieve the national The Ministry also unveiled a transparency. indicators in the field of complete electronic system for integrated waste management, the management of hazardous Led by the Ministry’s Waste and treat 75 percent of total substances, which can be used Management Department, waste by 2021. as a tool for managing and the meeting was attended by controlling hazardous exported industry specialists representing He added that the Ministry’s waste and local materials. companies specialising and management department aims operating in waste management to enhance collaboration with The electronic model is designed within the region. The meeting waste management companies for the management of hazardous was held to ensure the application and introduce them to all the substances such as chemicals, of provisions that were set during electronic services available. radioactive materials, and the Art Basel Convention with During the meeting, a pesticides, among others. creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Bridging Green “Innovation”
ubai Carbon Centre of at the recently concluded Copenhagen, Denmark. Excellence is now a proud Government Summit. “For Dubai Carbon, this Dmember of Climate recognition supports our role Technology Centre and Network CTCN Director Jukka Uosukainen, within the industry and its green (CTCN), the operational arm of the in welcoming the Dubai Carbon initiativesthat is making global UNFCCC Technology Mechanism. Centre of Excellence to the Climate impacts. We are confident that Technology Network, said, “In our knowledge base and expertise The CTCN is hosted and managed by becoming a Network member, on green economy through the UNEP in collaboration with UNIDO the Dubai Carbon Centre of consolidation of knowledge will and with the support of 11 Centres Excellence has demonstrated its help CTCN and its partner network of Excellence located in developing capabilities in energy efficiency, achieve its goals,” commented and developed countries. carbon management, and national Waleed Salman, Chairman of greenhouse gas inventory Dubai Carbon. Globally, the Climate Technology strategies and knowledge transfer”. Centre (CTC) is responsible for The Climate Technology Centre overall coordination, development Delivery of CTCN services is facilitates the transfer of of the Climate Technology Network facilitated through a wide and technologies by fostering (CTN), and liaison with National diverse network of international, collaboration among climate Designated Entities (NDEs) and regional and national institutions technology stakeholders through is backed by the Consortium that can respond effectively its network of regional and Partners. This is a key development and efficiently to countries’ sectoral experts from academia, for the UAE, especially following requests, and the CTCN is guided the private sector, and public and the theme of innovation launched by an Advisory Board, located in research institutions.
April 2015 | 37 Award
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USD 100,000 environmental prize divided among 12 Middle East organisations
A panel of 9 jurors reviewed more than 300 submissions before selecting the 2014 winners.
he Ford Motor Company “Being active and supportive importance of conservation. Conservation and members of our local communities The work these worthy TEnvironmental Grants is one of the founding pillars of organisations do in their areas programme on 16th March, 2015, Ford Motor Company, and the will leave a lasting legacy in announced 12 recipients who will Conservation & Environmental their communities and for future share $100,000 (USD) to support Grants demonstrate just that as generations,” Sivagnanam added. their ongoing projects aimed at proven by their track record over protecting the environment. the past 14 years,” said Kalyana This year’s grants recipients, who Sivagnanam, director, Marketing are in the process of receiving The Grants programme, which Sales and Service, Ford Middle their funds with completion by helps grassroots level projects East and North Africa. mid-April are: dedicated to environmental causes, revealed winners from “Through this programme, JORDAN the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, we honour the dedication of Land and Human Advocate Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen. For environmental groups who are Progress (LHAP) - Traditional the first-time in the initiative’s passionate about educating Water Harvesting Improves history, the Ford Grants was young people to care for the Community Resilience to extended to Yemen in 2014. environment and about the Climate: In 2011, Land and creating green communities for a better tomorrow
The Ford Environmental Grants Programme has awarded Middle East recipients more than $1.39 Million (USD) over the past 14 years.
Human to Advocate Progress a state-owned school in Amman. interactive wall and wheelchair (LHAP) initiated a project to The award will be used to present challenge. reuse grey water to reduce water an educational exhibit that Award: $10,000 consumption and consequently explains the lifecycle of home and help address the issue of water school garbage. Al Safadi Foundation - Don’t scarcity in Jordan. With the Grants Award: $10,000 Waste Your Waste: This project award, LHAP will organise 15 aims to increase the sense visits to three sites from Amman LEBANON of responsibility among the and other cities and focus its Arcenciel - Sodak’s Space: Sodak campaign to drive awareness Space is intended to create an amongst media and influencers. innovative and interactive mobile Award: $10,000 exhibit to help educate the Lebanese community in waste Green Generation Environmental management good practices. Group - Garbage Museum: This The exhibit leads by example programme aims to establish with seats made from upcycled a permanent scientific and materials, original sorting bins, educational museum for waste at an educational dart game, an
April 2015 | 39 40 creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Lebanese community on waste Modern School has devised a and private sector. management and recycling issues. unique environmental project Award: $3,040 The organisation will also tap that uses urine to produce students to help in awareness electricity. The project addresses UNITED ARAB EMIRATES campaigns and to train them in three major environmental Rima Jabado - Your Eyes on recycling initiatives. concerns: pollution, sewage Elasmos: This project aims Award: $8,880 and electricity costs. The award to advance research and will be used to purchase model conservation by promoting citizen Association for Forests, components, to test and to science in areas of conservation Development and Conservation implement the programme. and threatened species, working - The Tree Trail: The Tree Trail Award: $12,000 to ensure the diversity, abundance is a unique way to propagate and distribution of sharks, rays, environmental education and eco- IRAQ guitarfishes and sawfishes tourism by establishing a hiking Iraqi Centre Supporting the Role (elasmobranch) in the UAE. trail in the village of Ramlieh. of the Youth - Let’s Save Tigris: Award: $6,000 The trail will weave its way into The highly-polluted Tigris River the natural forest to provide needs help to save it from dying. BAHRAIN access for hikers and highlight, Through environmental awareness Bahrain Women’s Association at the same time, Lebanese flora and advocacy campaigns, the Iraqi for Human Development - through informative plaques on Centre Supporting the Role of Environmental United: This major tree species along the way. Youth is acting to help preserve project aims to highlight the best Award: $5,280 the famous river, and this award environmental behaviour and will help fund an awareness practices to be adopted to achieve Al Manar Modern School - Urine campaign to reduce pollution a sustainable environment. The Power Generator: Al Manar from both the government grant will be used for English and creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Arabic educational materials, publication of a simple booklet through their mobile. including a guide for kindergarten. detailing how to grow vegetables Award: $2,500 Award: $14,700 indoors, written in an easy- to-understand manner, and OMAN supported by prominent experts Biosphere Expeditions - Capacity- in the field of agriculture. The building in civil society in Marine booklet will be printed and sold at Conservation in the Sultanate public libraries. of Oman: Biosphere Expeditions Award: $2,600 has established two Marine Protected Areas (MPA) which Mohammed Abdullah Abdo Al need consistent local support to Hakimi - Green Dream: Green remain protected. To achieve this, Dream is the main source of Biosphere Expeditions is training news and information about and engaging local people in reef environmental issues in conservation through Reef Check Yemen. The project is the first methodology and establishing independent Yemeni news a civil society based Reef Check site specialising in covering network in Oman. environmental news which aims Award: $15,000 to create community awareness in a country where environmental YEMEN awareness is still very weak. Green Sumood Abdul Hadi Al-Bahlooli Dream aims at increasing news - Booklet A, B for home farming: coverage in order to reach more This grant will support the people whether on the Internet or
April 2015 | 41 42 creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Green Hope volunteers plant trees to raise awareness about land degradation n March 4, 2014, Green to combat land degradation, The tress used for plantation Hope UAE, a not-for- extreme climate change and raise were chosen keeping in mind Oprofit youth organization, awareness on how our high energy Dubai’s hot weather conditions organized a two-day free tree consumptions have an effect on and lack of fertile soil. Species plantation campaign to fight our living environment. such as Delonix Rega, Tabebuia, land degradation. Green Hope Pongamia, and Neem can survive UAE believes that sustainable “Every year millions of hectares and thrive in harsh weather consumption is a key way of of land is degraded and lost due conditions. The volunteers worked moving to a green future. Youth to a variety of man-made factors. hard over the course of two days members between the age of This has a detrimental impact on and managed the whole planting 7 and 27 volunteered for this the climate and is one of the root process from start to finish. They campaign and together planted causes of global warming. Trees dug pits, planted the saplings, over 200 trees in the Dubai absorb carbon dioxide, release filled the holes with compost and Festival City. oxygen, bind the soil (preventing then watered the plants. Fences erosion) and stabilize the water were put around the saplings for The main aspiration of Green level thus improving the fertility protection and support. Hope UAE is to raise awareness of our land. It is one of the most through action. The organization effective ways of fighting land stands for many environmental degradation, reducing the carbon issues and aims to give back to the footprint and mitigating climate society through their campaigns. change”, explained Kehkashan Tree plantation campaign is Basu, the Founder President of one of their frequent practices the organization. creating green communities for a better tomorrow
MBA students from US visit Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park field visit was organized to & CEO of DEWA. overview of DEWA’s key projects the Mohammed bin Rashid Al and strategic initiatives. The team AMaktoum Solar Park for MBA “The Mohammed bin Rashid Al highlighted DEWA’s three smart students from Kellogg School of Maktoum Solar Park is one of the initiatives, which support the Management at Northwestern key strategic renewable energy Smart Dubai initiative. Through University, USA, by Dubai projects in the world. It is based on the first initiative, called Shams Electricity and Water Authority the independent power producer Dubai, DEWA connects solar (DEWA). (IPP) model, with a planned total energy to buildings to encourage capacity of 1,000MW by 2019 and household tenants and building The visit is part of the field visits 3,000MW by 2030. The 13MW first owners to install photovoltaic DEWA organises to educational phase became operational on 22 (PV) solar panels to generate institutes to demonstrate its October 2013, with the 200MW electricity. The PV solar system current and future projects, second phase operational by will be connected to DEWA’s grid. initiatives, and programmes that 2017. support sustainable development. The second initiative includes “The Solar Park includes a smart applications that use “DEWA has faith in the next Research and Development Centre smart meters and grids. The generation and is committed to (R&D), a solar-testing facility, an third initiative is to create the supporting students in the energy Innovation Centre, a University, infrastructure and charging sector and inform them about and a training centre,” he added. stations for electric vehicles, Dubai’s energy projects and the to reduce air pollution and latest technologies we use,” said During the Solar Park tour, protect the environment from HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD DEWA’s team also presented an transport emissions.
April 2015 | 43 Award
44 creating green communities for a better tomorrow
RIT Dubai students win Future Generation Competition
The students won the Middle East Electricity Award for their project “Solar Powered Car and Desert Cooler” which features the use of sun’s rays to cool parked cars.
ngineering students from pioneering solution for energy areas such as sustainability, the Rochester Institute of efficiency, energy conservation, energy efficiency, and sustainable ETechnology, Dubai (RIT Dubai) or alternative energy and present environment. – a leading American university their ideas. Organized during one - won the Official Judges’ of the largest power events in the Anishta Lakhani, Bilal Sharqi, Award of the Future Generation world, RIT Dubai students had the Mohamed Amin, and Sami Jouaneh Competition organized by the opportunity to display their work created a prototype to harness Informa Energy Group at the in front of 20,000 international the sun’s energy and use it to cool Middle East Electricity conference visitors and over 1,200 exhibitors. a car. Living in the UAE, or any with their project “Solar Powered country with a hot climate and Car and Desert Cooler.” Since the Rochester Institute of plenty of sunlight, causes cars Technology New York opened one to heat up tremendously when The aim of this competition is of its global campuses in Dubai parked outside, especially when to highlight the potential and in 2008, part of the university’s directly under the sun. The idea innovation of undergraduate overall strategy has been to is to use the energy given off by engineering students in the UAE. enhance research, innovation, the sun and develop a cooling The challenge for the participants and to support the realization system that works independently was to design and develop a of the UAE Vision 2021 in vital of the car’s engine or its air creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Living in the UAE, or any country with a hot climate and plenty of sunlight, causes cars to heat up tremendously when parked outside, especially when directly under the sun.
conditioning system. By placing scorching summer months. “What I really like about the Future a solar panel on the roof of a car, Generation Competition is the electricity can be generated and The judge’s award was decided by fact that undergraduate students stored in a battery. This power a panel of three industry experts get to interact with engineers will be supplied to a system of who reviewed all of the entries. from industry and not just people thermoelectric coolers that, in from academia.” turn, provide a cooling effect In addition to the winning entry, when the car is parked and the RIT Dubai entered another project He continued, “A priceless engine turned off. Thermoelectric “Automotive Thermoelectric outcome of our students’ coolers are devices which turn hot Generator” which placed second. participation in this completion and cold when power is supplied The participants were Hamza was learning how to sell and to them. Hashmi, Michelle Jayawickrama, promote their ideas to potential Mohamed Amin, Sami Jouaneh, investors and sponsors. Such Using solar power for the energy and Syed Siddiq. skills are often hard to teach in a source, thermoelectric coolers formal classroom setting, which are used to bring down the Dr. Wa’el Abdel Samad, Assistant is why, as faculty, we always temperature inside a parked car, Professor of Mechanical encourage students to participate especially effective during the Engineering at RIT Dubai stated, in such competitions.”
April 2015 | 45 Initiative
46 creating green communities for a better tomorrow
UAE hospitality group offset 326 tonnes of carbon emissions in just nine months
The money raised - AED 37,000 - will now be used to support two vital offsetting projects in Africa.
aunched in April 2014 with an East’s first ever carbon offset to offset their carbon emissions, annual target of offsetting hotel accommodation initiative, the money raised will now be used L320 tonnes of carbon was put in place at two of TIME’s to support two vital offsetting emissions, TIME Hotels, the UAE busiest Dubai properties, the projects in Africa. hospitality group is already TIME Oak Hotel and the TIME Plaza celebrating the success of the Hotel, which have now offset the The first is a solar lighting region’s first hotel stay carbon equivalent of 188 and 137 tonnes initiative in rural Ethiopia, which offset programme. of carbon emissions respectively. will help to replace traditional UAE-based TIME Hotels has kerosene lamps and the second revealed the results of the “In financial terms, guests is a programme that funds company’s carbon offset staying at the TIME Oak Hotel energy-efficient cooking stoves accommodation programme, contributed over AED 20,600 with for displaced families living in with participating properties guests at the TIME Plaza hotel temporary camps in Darfur, Sudan. collectively helping to v326 achieving almost AED 16,300,” tonnes in just over nine months. said Mohamed Awadalla, CEO, “Looking at these carbon TIME Hotels. Through myclimate, a emissions from another Launched during Arabian Travel Swiss non-profit organisation that perspective, it is the equivalent of Market (ATM) 2014, the Middle helps companies around the world flying a fully occupied 60-seater creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Two properties of TIME Hotels in the UAE have already been awarded the prestigious Green Globe Certification.
plane around the world,” added transferred to the myclimate awarded the prestigious Green Awadalla. Foundation, which invests into Globe Certification. high quality carbon offset Working closely with TIME’s projects. In this way, an equivalent Time Oak Hotel also recently engineers, Dubai-based Farnek, a amount of climate-impacting participated in a ‘Time to Clean consultancy which is the Middle emissions that are generated by Up’ campaign, where 35 of the East partner of myclimate, a guest staying at a participating hotel staff managed to collect 1.8 calculated that to offset the TIME hotel, are saved somewhere tonnes of general waste around carbon emissions generated else in world, replacing fossil fuels the TECOM area. during an average guest’s stay, with renewable energy. (essentially the consumption “At TIME Hotels we are focused of electricity and water), would As part of its innovative and on highlighting sustainability cost just AED 15 per stay. Each forward-looking vision, TIME across all areas of our business. guest who checks-in at one of the Hotels has already implemented The early success of this initiative participating TIME hotels, is then a significant number of initiatives highlights our commitment offered a chance to contribute to reduce its environmental to support the UAE’s strategy towards climate protection. Their impact. In addition, two of its to reduce its impact on the contributions are subsequently properties have already been environment.
April 2015 | 47 Conservation
48 creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Illegal fishing nets threaten Dugong population
Environmental organization calls on the UAE community to help protect endangered dugongs.
he Environment Agency - Abu the UAE is host to the world’s in abandoned, lost and/or illegal Dhabi (EAD) has called on second highest dugong population fishing nets (72.5 %) followed by Tthe community once again after Australia. Over 2,800 vessel strikes (15.7 %). However, in to support its efforts to protect dugongs are currently resident in the last 5 years (2010-2014), the the endangered Dugong species, UAE waters. cause of death due to drowning which continue to face growing has increased to 85%. threats due to habitat loss and Studies conducted by EAD experts human activity. have indicated that between H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, 2000 and 2014, 153 incidents Secretary General of EAD said: Dugongs (Dugong dugon), their of dugong mortality have been “These figures once again very foraging habitats and migratory reported. Under a long-term clearly reaffirm the vulnerability routes in the UAE are protected dugong monitoring programme of these majestic animals to under Federal Law 23 and 24 that is carried out by EAD, human threats such as being (1999). As a signatory to the all reported cases of dugong caught in discarded fishing United Nations Convention on mortality are routinely examined. nets, impact with boats, marine Migratory Species the UAE has pollution, combined with a decline an international responsibility to The main cause of mortality in of its critical natural habitat – protect its dugongs. What’s more, the last 15 years was drowning seagrass beds.” creating green communities for a better tomorrow
The dugong deaths mostly occur when dugongs are caught in fishing nets, known as ‘hiyali’, which are used by fishermen to catch king fish.
population to replace it. the same waters harbouring “The protection of dugong extensive seagrass meadows that habitats will continue to be a Dugong mortalities incidences dugongs naturally inhabit. priority for Abu Dhabi. We are were frequently reported during focused on ensuring that Abu the winter months that extend Studies reveal that many Dhabi’s waters are managed in a from November to March. The fishermen continue to use “hiyali” way which helps us to maintain the season coincides with higher nets because it is a particularly species’ populations by ensuring seagrass biomass, greater lucrative method of fishing. the integrity of its key habitats congregation of dugongs and an and marine ecosystems,” she increase in the level of fishing Since 1999, EAD, Total, and added. activity. Death incidences are Total ABK have collaborated in mainly due to drowning in fishing conducting detailed studies on Dugongs are a herbivorous marine nets, namely “hiyali”, which are the local dugong population. mammal dependent on seagrass used illegally by fishermen during These studies have provided for survival. The species has a very this period of the year to catch EAD with critical, timely data long reproductive cycle of three king fish. Hiyali drift nets are that helps the Agency better to five years. Hence, if a dugong is deployed in shallow waters up to a understand the behaviour of and killed, it takes a long while for the maximum depth of 8-10 m, largely threats to the dugong population.
April 2015 | 49 Initiative
50 creating green communities for a better tomorrow Youth-led community action programme to effect positive environmental change in the UAE
‘Roots & Shoots’ humanitarian and education initiative inspires and empowers youth to effect positive environmental change.
he Environment Agency – Abu community and identify specific International School of Abu Dhabi, Dhabi (EAD) in partnership challenges their neighbourhoods Emirates Private School, Al Muna Twith world-renowned face. They prioritize issues, School, Al Mushrif School, Indian conservationist, anthropologist develop solutions and take School and Bangladeshi School. and UN messenger of peace positive action in activities and Dr. Jane Goodall has brought projects that benefit animals, H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, the global environmental and the environment, and society as EAD’s Secretary General, humanitarian initiative, ‘Roots a whole. Today, the global ‘Roots commented, “Through ‘Roots & & Shoots’, to Abu Dhabi. Active & Shoots’ network comprises Shoots’, our youth have the unique in over 130 countries, ‘Roots & more than 150,000 members from opportunity to lead a wave of Shoots’ was designed to shape kindergarten to university. change for people, wildlife and a generation of inspired youth the environment. This is exactly with the knowledge and skills to The creation of a local chapter what our community, our nation create meaningful change and live of the initiative follows the and our world needs more of. sustainably. successful completion of a 2014 Since EAD was first established, pilot that included New York we have placed great emphasis on Through the programme, young University Abu Dhabi, American engaging with youth — not just people assess their local Community School, British because of their power to initiate creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Roots & Shoots encourages children to implement practical positive change for people, animals and the environment.
change but because the decisions young people is resourceful and Initiative. we make now will have a profound engaging. It proves our philosophy impact on the world that they that every individual can make Roots & Shoots Abu Dhabi won inherit.” a difference every day through the international Green Apple simple every day actions and award at the House of Commons, “Dr. Goodall’s ‘Roots & Shoots’ choices for the future protection UK in November for the pilot programme not only engages — it of our planet. We look forward to programme. empowers our youth to create continued success in the UAE”. community-based solutions to big Dr. Jane Goodall initiated the challenges. EAD is proud to partner EAD has designed, developed and programme with 16 Tanzanian with Dr. Goodall’s programme and managed the roll-out of award students in 1991. Since then see it grow and take shape in Abu winning, environment-focused it has spread rapidly, engaging Dhabi,” she added. education programmes in schools young people throughout the and universities, including the world. Today, the Roots & Shoots Speaking about this partnership Sustainable Schools Initiative, the network has blossomed into more Dr. Jane Goodall said: “Our work Annual Enviro-Spell-a-thon, the than 150,000 members in over in Abu Dhabi has been exciting Annual Environment Competition 130 countries, all working on local and rewarding. The work of the and the Sustainable Campus and global service projects.
April 2015 | 51 Renewable Energy
52 creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Shams Dubai to regulate generation of solar energy in buildings
The move supports the Smart Dubai initiative and the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world in three years.
E Saeed Mohammed Al the world in three years through Al Muhairbi, Secretary General Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai 100 initiatives and 1,000 smart of the Dubai Supreme Council HElectricity and Water services that enhance the quality of Energy, Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Authority (DEWA) announced at of life in the Emirate and achieve Midfa, Chairman of the Middle a press conference held on 15th its sustainable development. East Solar Industry Association, March, 2015 at Grand Hyatt hotel senior officials from the Dubai in Dubai, the start of DEWA’s first The press conference was Supreme Council of Energy, smart initiative, Shams Dubai, to attended by HE Ahmed Bin Byat, DEWA’s Executive Vice Presidents, regulate the generation of solar Member of the Higher Committee Vice Presidents, corporate energy in buildings and their to transform Dubai into a Smart representatives and members of connection to DEWA’s grid. The City, Chairman of the Executive the press. move supports the Smart Dubai Committee of the Smart Dubai initiative and the vision of HH initiative, Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr, Shams Dubai encourages tenants Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Assistant Director-General of the and building owners to install Al Maktoum, Vice President and Executive Office, Member of the photovoltaic solar panels to Prime Minister of the UAE and Smart Dubai Executive Committee generate electricity. DEWA will Ruler of Dubai to transform and Team Leader of the Smart connect the system to its network. Dubai into the smartest city in City Taskforce, HE Ahmed Buti The electricity will be used onsite creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Shams Dubai encourages tenants and building owners to install photovoltaic solar panels to generate electricity.
and the surplus is exported to the smartest city in the world Prince of Dubai and Chairman DEWA’s grid. This encourages during the next three years. This of the Dubai Executive Council, the use of renewable energy, will enable the city’s facilities and to enable customers to install increases its share in electricity services to be managed using photovoltaic panels to generate production and diversifies the smart and connected systems that electricity from solar power in energy mix. enhance living standards for all buildings, and connect them to of Dubai’s residents and visitors,” DEWA’s grid. This smart initiative “To make life easier through the said Al Tayer. also supports the Dubai Plan efficient, integrated, seamless 2021 and the Dubai Integrated and sustainable use of resources, “Shams Dubai supports the Energy Strategy 2030, to develop we today have begun the Green Economy for Sustainable sustainable energy projects in implementation phase of the first Development economic initiative Dubai, by increasing the targets smart initiative, Shams launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed for renewable energy in the Dubai. This is one of three bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Emirate’s energy mix to 7% by initiatives we launched last year implements Council Resolution 2020 and 15% by 2030,” he added. to significantly improve the Number 46 of 2014, issued by HH services provided to partners Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed “Earlier in March this year, we and customers, and make Dubai bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown announced the first project
April 2015 | 53 TOWARDS A SMARTER FUTURE ‘Hadhreen’ – At Your Service
Connecting Solar Energy To Houses And Buildings 1
Smart creatingInitiatives green communities for a better tomorrow 54 Smart Application Via Smart Grid And Meters 2
Infrastructure And Electric Vehicles Charging Stations 3
DEWA_OFFICIAL DEWAOFFICIAL
DEWA SMART WORLD DEWAOFFICIAL DEWAVIDEOGALLERY
under the first smart initiative, in they generate using photovoltaic It should positively benefit collaboration with Dubai Airports, panels. An offset between Dubai and has the full support to supply Dubai World Central - Al exported and imported electricity of government and private Maktoum International Airport units is conducted and the organisations. This also applies in Jebel Ali with solar energy. customer account is settled based to DEWA’s second initiative to The first step in implementing on this offset,” added Al Tayer. install smart meters and networks the initiative was installing that contribute to fast-service photovoltaic panels to produce “Our aim is to transform Dubai into connection, fast response, and 30kW of electricity there. Council the smartest city in the world and rationalise energy use, and also resolution number 46 encourages make society happier by providing to our third initiative to establish the use of renewable energy smart, instant, and seamless the infrastructure to build 100 and increases its share in power services around the clock. Dubai electric vehicle charging stations, generation. This will in turn has all the capabilities to reach which we call Green Charger, this diversify Dubai’s energy mix. It pole position internationally, year,” concluded Al Tayer. is a step forward on the road to through creative and sustainability. technological innovation, which is one of the fundamental enablers “The resolution is an advance to ensure a stimulating, creative, in establishing a culture of and sustainable environment. We sustainability by encouraging are confident that Shams Dubai customers to produce clean power will regulate the generation of and connect it to DEWA’s grid. solar energy in buildings and Customers can use the electricity their connection to DEWA’s grid. creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Winners of 2015 Annual EGBC Awards for best practices in sustainability to be honoured on May 13 in Dubai mirates Green Building Green Facility Management EmiratesGBC, said: “The EGBC Council (EmiratesGBC), an Organisation of the Year, Green Awards are an integral part Eindependent forum aimed Building Material/Product Award, of our strategy to promote at conserving the environment Green Building System Award, green building practices. The by strengthening and promoting Green Building Research Award, recognition to stakeholders for green building practices, will Training Initiative of the Year; and innovation and excellence in green announce the winners of the 3rd Green Building of the year. building practices not only help Annual EGBC Awards on May 13, The honour of Green Building us to promote awareness on 2015 at a gala event to be held at of the Year will be presented in sustainable built environments, Al Murooj Rotana, Dubai. four new sub-categories this but also encourage them to year including Green Hotel, adopt innovative approaches The 2015 Annual EGBC Awards, Green School, Green Commercial in their new projects that will which honour excellence in Building and Green Residential help transform the future of the sustainability, have received Building. building industry across strong response from across the region.” the Middle East, highlighting A special Award for Students, the increasing interest among sponsored by EmiratesGBC’s co- The entries are currently being building industry stakeholders in founder Dr Sadek Owainati, will evaluated by an expert panel promoting green and sustainable also be presented to a university of judges representing private building practices. student for exceptional research sector businesses, international work on a subject related to green Green Building Councils and The awards will be presented in buildings in the Middle East. academic institutions. KPMG is six main categories, including Saeed Al Abbar, Chairman of the Awards Auditor
April 2015 | 55 Summit
56 creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Eye on Earth Summit to boost environmental information for decision-makers
The Summit will address the profound impact that rapid economic and industrial development is having on natural resources, biodiversity and consumption patterns around the world.
ver 650 delegates from impact that rapid economic and accessible. It will look at solutions government, UN bodies, the industrial development is having for greater access to, sharing and Onon-governmental sector, on natural resources, biodiversity application of environmental, private sector, academia and civil and consumption patterns around social and economic data through society will gather in Abu Dhabi the world. science, technology and citizen between 6 and 8 October for the participation.” Eye on Earth Summit 2015, to Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, bridge the information gap policy Secretary General Environment Eye on Earth is a collaborative makers face in designing plans for Agency – Abu Dhabi, commented, effort between the Environment sustainable development. “Sustainable development across Agency – Abu Dhabi through the the globe is being hindered Abu Dhabi Global Environmental The experts gathered will explore because policy makers lack Data Initiative (AGEDI), and solutions and actions necessary access to data that would improve the Eye on Earth Alliance, a for greater access to, and decision-making. This Summit partnership of organisations sharing of, environmental, social will develop ways of closing the that aim to build and mobilise and economic data to support data gap between what citizens global support for access to sustainable development. The and decision makers need to environmental data. As part of its Summit will address the profound know, and what is available and ongoing expansion, the Alliance creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Eye on Earth is a collaborative effort between the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi through the Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative (AGEDI), and the Eye on Earth Alliance
has recently grown to include, in made at these meetings will shape to track some of the Sustainable addition to the United Nations the way forward on sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Environment Programme (UNEP), development and climate action to discuss how to support the the Group on Earth Observations for years to come. data and information needed to (GEO), the International Union for implement them. Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and “Partnerships such as Eye on the World Resources Institute. Earth are living proof of the new A set of 17 goals with 169 targets, frontiers in knowledge and data, the SDGs cover a broad range of Achim Steiner, UN Under- as well as the leadership role issues, including ending poverty Secretary-General and UNEP that Abu Dhabi has shown in this and hunger, improving health and Executive Director, said,”This year endeavour.” education, making cities more world leaders will convene for sustainable, combating climate a number of major sustainable The announcement of the Summit change, and protecting oceans development events, among them dates follows a meeting of and forests. the Summit for the Adoption representatives from the Eye of the post-2015 development on Earth community in Bonn, A global audience will participate agenda and the climate change Germany to provide input into in the Summit and contribute to conference in Paris. The decisions the development of indicators the dialogue.
April 2015 | 57 Launch
58 creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Jotun Powder Coatings unveils new innovations in sustainable technology
Ultra Shine & The Aurora Collection launched in the region boast new technological advances, providing sustainable and environmentally-friendly solutions in powder coating technology.
otun, the world’s leading both aluminum and steel, the durable products. Ultra Shine is paint and coatings supplier, coatings provide an impeccable a sustainable powder alternative Jhas strengthened its diverse metallic effect and noticeable to the chrome plating process powder coatings range with consistency in application, hiding and has a minimal negative the introduction of two new any substrate imperfections, effect on the environment. Ultra premium powder products, The whilst also minimizing a negative Shine provides a safe alternative Aurora collection and Ultra Shine. effect on the environment. Using to these problems, with the Both collections boast new 40 times less water, 10 times less production process using less technological advances, providing electricity and 20 times less gas, energy and water, as well as sustainable and environmentally- the production process saves reducing health risks to the friendly solutions in powder time and natural resources whilst workforce. coating technology. keeping a high-performance and consistent finish. Retaining the coveted bright Inspired by the enchanting ‘mirror’ appearance, Ultra Northern Lights, The Aurora The Aurora Collection is Shine enjoys all the benefits of Collection builds on the brand’s available in 11 captivating and powder technology, in addition promise for innovative, eco- stylish colours and sets a new to the capability of increasing friendly products. Useable on benchmark for high-quality and production capacity by over 10 creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Jotun Powder Coatings have been designed to meet the latest industry standards and are developed with sustainability in mind, using the latest technologies.
times, resulting in a 70 per cent environmental pollutants to we provide our customers with the decrease in cost. Designed for preserve their strength and latest technology and trends in aluminum and steel, it meets the appearance.” powder coatings.” rigorous demands of the furniture industry. “Sustainability is so important when developing our products, Olaf Conreur, Global Marketing especially in a region which Director at Jotun Powder Coatings is susceptible to such harsh comments: “At Jotun Powder climates. Our products are Coatings, we have been providing designed to meet the latest consultants and engineers with industry standards and always high quality, cost effective, developed with the environment sustainable and protective in mind.” powder coating solutions for many years. Our products are “The Aurora Collection and known for withstanding extreme Ultra Shine were the results of levels of UV light, various levels a long journey of research and of humidity, corrosion and other development and it is important
April 2015 | 59 60 creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Ministry of Environment and Water welcomes delegation from International Fund for Animal Welfare hmed Al Hashmi, Director of level. He added that the Ministry, National Biodiversity Strategy the Ministry of Environment in this regard, may take a series aims to develop and implement Aand Water’s Biodiversity of important measures to combat programs to improve the Department, recently received a crimes against wildlife such as conservation status of more than delegation from the International upgrading the institutional and 70 per cent of the threatened and Fund for Animal Welfare - China legislative frameworks under endangered species. Office, headed by its Director, which stricter penalties are Grace Ge Gabriel, at the Ministry’s granted for poaching and illegal Ms. Gabriel praised the UAE’s headquarters in Dubai. The trafficking of endangered species. efforts in this area, particularly in session discussed issues such as the fight against the illicit trade combating illegal trade in wildlife This includes the Federal Law No. in ivory. During the session, IFAW in addition to the exchange of 11 of 2002 on the Regulation demonstrated their efforts in experiences in conservation of and Control of the International China, which aims to raise public biodiversity and the reduction of Trade in Animals and Plants awareness in their fight against illegal environmental crimes. Threatened with Extinction along trade in ivory and challenges with the amendments to the in the area. Gabriel noted the During the meeting, Al Hashmi Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 for importance of cooperation mentioned that the UAE is keen to the Protection and Development between the UAE and the combat illegal wildlife trade and of the Environment and Federal International Fund for Animal the Ministry lends great attention Law No. 23 of 1999 Concerning Welfare in supporting global to this issue while supporting the Exploitation, Protection and efforts to combat the illicit trade international efforts to eliminate Development of Living Aquatic and eliminate the demand for it from the regional and global Resources. In addition, the wildlife products. creating green communities for a better tomorrow
30% year-on-year increase in water connections recorded in Dubai in 2014 ubai Electricity and Water raise the volume of the Emirate’s that is used as a reserve Authority (DEWA) recorded water reserves,” said HE Saeed thanks our using the best Da 30% increase in water Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO and latest technologies to connections in Dubai during 2014 of DEWA. produce water according to compared to 2013. the highest international “DEWA works to secure all standards. We ensure the optimal The increase in demand for water requirements for its growth plans use of resources to achieve was led by new developments and by increasing efficiency and sustainability. DEWA’s current growth across all sectors of the operational capacity of its water installed capacity is 470 million national economy. These included networks to meet growing demand imperial gallons of desalinated construction, economic, industrial, for its services. This contributes water per day. Peak demand is 316 and service projects. DEWA to the sustainable development million imperial gallons per day,” recorded 6,950 new connections of Dubai. This step is part of concluded Al Tayer. in 2014, which increased total DEWA’s efforts to support water connections to 30,300, compared transmission and distribution with 23,350 in 2013. networks and increase water flow to meet increasing demand “DEWA ‘s strategy is to enhance for water by enhancing the the efficiency and reliability efficiency, capacity and supply of the water network to meet of the infrastructure for all our growing demand, increase water customers,” he added. flow to fulfil increasing demand for water in all parts of Dubai and “DEWA always keeps a surplus
April 2015 | 61 Going the organic way in the UAE
62 creating green communities for a better tomorrow
International engineering practice cements Carbon Ambassadors
Carbon Ambassadors a step closer to building Dubai’s new sustainable bus stops.
nder the expert guidance Turnkey Project working closely to come up with the cooling of world renowned with BuroHappold. solutions and MEP drawings for Uengineering practice the containers. BuroHappold Engineering, UAE The sustainable bus stops will University students, who enrolled be created out of used 20ft “The Carbon Ambassador under Dubai Carbon’s Carbon shipping containers supplied by Programme has had unparalleled Ambassador Programme (CAP), DP World. The structures will be support from industry heavy are now a step closer to achieving completely functional and self- weights, and BuroHappold has their goal. sustaining, making good use of really taken this initiative to items that would otherwise be heart. Their expertise has helped The first step for the students considered waste. the students get a step closer to was to finalise the technical realising their dream and forging designs to create a fully A number of young sustainability innovation,” commented Waleed sustainable containerised bus and MEP engineers from Salman, Chairman of Dubai stop using locally sourced tools BuroHappold are now helping Carbon. and renewable energy which the students understand energy included the design drawings balance, energy efficiency “It was key for the students to for the implementation of their modelling, and helping them ensure their initial plans were creating green communities for a better tomorrow
The Carbon Ambassador Programme is supported by Dubai Carbon in collaboration with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
accurate and achievable and The Carbon Ambassador capacity building necessary to for their ideas to be translated Programme is supported by Dubai shape leaders of tomorrow. through technical calculations Carbon in collaboration with Dubai The Dubai Carbon Centre of and engineering drawings, as they Electricity and Water Authority Excellence was launched by the are the foundation for a practical (DEWA). This inspirational Dubai Supreme Council of Energy delivery. initiative also has the seal of in partnership with the United approval from the United Nations Nations Development Programme “We are proud to have provided Development Programme (UNDP), (UNDP) in 2011 as a public-private technical support to facilitate the and the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign partnership to fast-track clean process and to help guide these Affairs. energy project development in the talented students, from which last years of the Kyoto Protocol. the results have been amazing. The Carbon Ambassador It’s been a real pleasure working Programme, launched by Dubai The Centre is the first body of with such forward thinking people Carbon, involves university its kind in the region and aims and we are now looking forward to students in voluntary efforts to leverage Dubai’s economic seeing the physical outcome” said related to sustainable potential in carbon through the Dr. Rob Cooke, Associate Director development and green economy. Clean Development Mechanism for Sustainability, BuroHappold. It provides them with training and and other best practices.
April 2015 | 63 64 creating green communities for a better tomorrow
GreenParking to provide Electro Vehicle Chargers at DEWA stations and across the UAE reenParking, the first one Four international companies breakthroughs have allowed us to stop shop parking company bid for the opportunity to be the plan installation of EV chargers Gin the Middle East that provider for DEWA’s EV-Charging across the city. Our long- term provides environmental friendly stations. GreenParking, the only goal is to bring about a shift in products and solutions, was Dubai based company, won a energy efficiency in the region selected by DEWA as one of the major part of the tender. to fit the GreenParking concept main suppliers of EV-Chargers of a greener tomorrow. We are as part of the Dubai Government “GreenParking is delighted to be currently looking for partners in Smart City initiative. a provider for DEWA’s EV charging a joint venture to build our own facilities. As the only specialist in multi-story green car parking GreenParking’s EV chargers environmental-friendly parking facility in which every element will have the largest number of technologies in the region, we have an environmental benefit,” installations in Europe and look forward to further cementing added Mr. Ghandour. have brought this expertise in our fundamental role in helping environmental-friendly parking to transform Dubai into the Smart systems to the Middle East City of the future,” said Adham Eight EV chargers can currently Ghandour, Head of Sales and be found at DEWA stations Projects of GreenParking. with a further 84 charging facilities planned across Dubai. “Our state of the art EV chargers Each station will have the have been specifically modified capacity to charge two vehicles to function effectively in the simultaneously. Middle Eastern climate. These creating green communities for a better tomorrow
Workshop held to monitor electricity and water use in government buildings he Dubai Supreme Council Integrated Energy Strategy electricity and water use,” said HE of Energy (DSCE) held (DIES) 2030, to reduce energy Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary Ta workshop for Dubai demand by 30% by 2030,” said HE General of the Dubai Supreme government departments and Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Council of Energy. organisations to highlight the Chairman of the Dubai Supreme mechanism for implementing Council of Energy. “The directive pushes directive number 1 of 2015, implementation of the issued recently by HH Sheikh “This pioneering move enhances government-building retrofitting Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the role of government programme forward. It covers Chairman of the Dubai Supreme departments and organisations major enhancements to reduce Council of Energy, to monitor in reducing consumption. It is in electricity and water use in electricity and water use in Dubai line with the best international addition to thermal insulation. government buildings. standards to encourage This will save energy and improve organisations to take a leading building system performance and “DSCE follows up on implementing role to build and develop work conditions inside,” he added. the building-retrofitting modernisation programmes for programme, to increase efficiency buildings,” added Al Tayer. “This government directive is of electricity and water use a key step to boost the energy in existing buildings in Dubai, “We aim to reduce electricity and efficiency market for existing to achieve the sustainable water use in government buildings buildings in Dubai and will attract development and save the by 20% by 2021. Consumption will specialised companies to support environment. This supports the be compared to 2014 as a base to this move, said Stephane le Gentil, Dubai Plan 2021 and the Dubai measure increase in efficiency in CEO of Etihad ESCO.
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Can we stop Global Warming? We cannot achieve atmospheric stability at the current rates of greenhouse gas emissions. Even if we stop using fossil fuel, Earth would continue to get warmer as stabilizing emissions does not stabilize climatic conditions. We have been awaiting a great green revolution, as journalist Asadullah Khan put it, where countries, communities and individuals would change their daily business & practice towards more sustainable life styles and be more considerate of the planet’s well-being. The United Nations and world governments organized 20 conferences of parties (COPs) for the Climate Change Convention and 3 summits as well as innumerable preparatory meetings, but failed to reach any binding international agreement to address the problem. I am afraid, the coming Paris meeting in December will meet with the same end as previous ones, unless the UN is able to change the way negotiations take place in these meetings. This requires determination and effective action from developing countries to help the UN close all loops normally used by some industrial countries to remove binding commitments from these agreements. Developing countries should send delegates who are knowledgeable in environment, legal issues and negotiation skills. These delegations should be ready to stay until they reach an appropriate agreement. We still have to be optimistic as this failure of the governments has not beaten the passion of individuals, many corporations and civil society to envision a greener future. There are new initiatives every day to reduce emissions and promote sustainable lifestyles. Innovators and entrepreneurs continue to develop new green technologies that help companies minimize emissions and reduce their ecological footprint. The key to sustainability is to make the market work in favor of, and not against the environment. So these innovations are not only without economic losses but they also save a lot of money. A Swiss semiconductor making company saved more than $60 million by cutting down its energy consumption and $20 million by reducing water consumption below baselines set in 1994. The company empowered its divisions to be creative in finding new ways of doing business. They used solar energy and water recycling. Also a medical company reported in 2001 how reductions in energy, water use, improved wastes disposal and recycling reduced operation costs by $53 million over the previous seven years. The UK government is legally committed to getting 15% of its energy demand from renewables by 2020 and Denmark is generating around 40% of its electricity from wind as of 2014. These are best environmental practices (BEP). Here we have to make a very important point. There is no doubt that government subsidies of water and fossil fuel seriously counter sustainable development, as they encourage higher consumption and waste, exacerbating the harmful effects of resource misuse, creating a heavy burden on government finances and weakening the potential for economies to grow. To be continued …. Dr. Eisa M. Abdelllatif Chief Technical Advisor Zayed International Foundation for the Environment creating green communities for a better tomorrow
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