As the world's attention converges on the UAE, which is set to host the upcoming COP28 later this month, DSV has announced the adoption of an innovative and fully electrical long-range heavy load road transportation for the first time in the country.
The new move is set to reinforce the global conglomerate to achieve its net-zero goal by 2050.
DSV has been an active partner with prominent environmentally conscious government and private sectors in the Emirates, including ADNOC L&S, as well as key players from the public and private sectors in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the Northern Emirates.
DSV's introduction of the latest and cleanest technology to the Middle East's transportation sector - fully electric, digitally integrated, fast charging, long-range, double-trailer electric vehicles (EV) with zero carbon emissions - is poised to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of road transport in the UAE.
Ranked as the third-largest global logistics and forwarding conglomerate, DSV has deeply integrated sustainability into its corporate vision by making substantial investments in solutions that mitigate the environmental impact of its operations.
H.E. Khadim Al Daree, Chairman of DSV Solutions (Abu Dhabi), commented: "The launch of our state-of-the-art electric transportation trailer trucks couldn't have come at a more pivotal moment, as the UAE's government and business community intensify their focus on emissions and environmental concerns & climate change.
"We are proud to be at the forefront at scale of applying this groundbreaking solution in the country in road transport sector, with plans to extend it across the MENA region. This endeavor will undoubtedly surpass the expectations of our esteemed UAE partners."
Manufactured by SANY, and Sany’s UAE Agent EGME, these heavy-duty trucks boast an impressive and completely unprecedented 80-ton Gross Combined Weight (GCW) capacity.
Unlike any other options in the UAE market at the time, these trucks offer battery ranges of 250 to 800 kilometers, coupled with the convenience of fast charging and battery swapping within just seven minutes.
DSV is committed to developing an extensive charging network throughout Abu Dhabi and the other emirates.
Elias Monem, EVP Solutions and Road MENA region and DSV Solutions (Abu Dhabi) Board Member said: "We are resolutely dedicated to achieving net-zero carbon emissions across all our operations by 2050.
"To this end, we collaborate with global partners such as Good Shipping, Clean Cargo, Eco-Skies, and others within the business and academic communities to foster solutions that benefit both our planet and our enterprise.
"At the UAE level, this initiative underscores our commitment to our partners, customers and the local community, demonstrating our shared determination to align with the UAE's ambitious net-zero target by 2050."
The UAE stands as a regional frontrunner in adopting EV solutions and establishing the necessary charging infrastructure across the country, contributing to its significant success in the Arthur D. Little Global E-Mobility Readiness Index (GEMRIX).
The UAE proudly clinched the top spot in the Arab world and ranked 7th globally on this index.
DSV's innovative solution will further fortify the nation's leading position regionally and worldwide, DSV MENA will benefit from implementation and look for further implementation in the region.
The company targets to diminish greenhouse gas emissions by 17% by 2025
UAE’s IFFCO, the leading FMCG multinational, has allocated AED 77 million to sustainability initiatives over two years, with ten programmes comprising 156 projects in the pipeline.
The company has identified six crucial areas in which it aims to make tangible efforts to boost its environmental performance – climate change, energy management, water management, forests, circular economy, and biodiversity.
To contribute to the global fight against climate change, IFFCO has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its own operations and energy consumption by 17% by 2025, in comparison to its 2021 figures.
The company has analysed its corporate footprint, determining hotspots and key measures to be taken. It will announce detailed targets for 2030 at COP28 (the 28th UN Climate Change Conference), scheduled in Dubai.
Sustainable value-added products
“In line with our vision to become the preferred provider of sustainable value-added products and services for everyone, everywhere and every day, we have adopted a holistic approach to sustainability,” noted Shiraz Allana, Supervisory Board Member at IFFCO.
As part of its Zero Deforestation ambition, IFFCO has achieved 100% traceability to mill (TTM) and 85% traceability to plantation (TTP) for palm oil products.
In the UAE, the company launched the first plant-based meat alternatives factory in the Middle East under the THRYVE™ brand. This 100% greenfield investment aligns with IFFCO’s mission to lead the much-needed diet shift towards more sustainable plant-based proteins.
The company is also working to reduce waste generation and introduce packaging with a reduced environmental impact.
Aligning with COP28, the Year of Sustainability launched the UAE House of Sustainability, located in the Green Zone and open to the public from 3rd to 12th December.
The House of Sustainability will present a multisensory guest experience that will showcase the breadth of the UAE’s journey towards a net-zero future, drawing on the nation’s deep-rooted values and legacy of collective progress to encourage inclusive climate action.
Speaking on the importance of inclusive collective action in impeding climate change, Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment and Commissioner-General of the UAE Pavilions at COP28, said, “There is much we can learn for the future from the past and the natural world around us. The UAE House of Sustainability will be a space that celebrates these ideas and sparks conversations. When delegates and the public come to the UAE House of Sustainability at COP28, they will be inspired by the steps we have taken to date to tackle climate change and have a clear sense of our vision for the future.”
The space offers an interactive storytelling experience for delegates and guests of COP28, the private sector, NGOs and the public with three main areas: Sustainability Oasis, Our Journey of Collective Progress, and Our Future of Sustainable Flourishing.
The UAE House of Sustainability will host public activations during COP28, including PopCOP sessions that will be located in the Sustainability Oasis. This series of dynamic climate action workshops will allow registered participants to participate in activities and meditative experiences, conduct a personal stocktake of their sustainable behaviours, and learn design principles and application methods to achieve climate impact.
Participants will be able to share their reflections and hopes for the future with the climate leaders and negotiators at COP28.
The UAE House of Sustainability building was originally designed to serve as the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The LEED Platinum-certified building was designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava and inspired by the UAE’s national bird, the falcon.
The UAE President announced 2023 as the Year of Sustainability, a nationwide initiative encouraging the public to adopt sustainable practices at the individual and community level through activations focused on responsible consumption, conservation and climate action.
All visitors can access the UAE House of Sustainability by registering for the COP28 Green Zone through https://www.cop28.com/en/green-zone.
Source: ZAWYA
More than 80% of the 170,000 buildings in Dubai will still exist in 2050, so finding ways to decarbonise them is important for the journey to net zero.
The UAE’s journey to net zero has real estate at its heart, and using advancing technology to find ways to be more energy efficient will be a key part of that, JLL experts told a roundtable.
Louise Collins, JLL’s head of project and development services, UAE, and head of engineering and energy, MEA, said as an example that chillers produced today are far more efficient than they were just three years ago from the same manufacturer.
She said 35% energy bill cost reductions were possible through improvements such as window rehabilitation and insulation. Onsite renewable energy production is another way to make buildings more energy-efficient and create lower carbon emissions.
Older buildings will not necessarily perform less well, she said, noting that Mashreq Bank’s 40-year-old building in Abu Dhabi is one of the best performing JLL had ever seen.
That real estate accounts for 40% of global carbon emissions and 36% of energy consumed was one of the key statements at JLL’s launch of its white paper, "The Green Revolution: A Call for Sustainability in Real Estate", held one week before the UAE hosts the UN climate summit, COP28.
James Allan, MEA CEO, JLL, said the discussion around sustainability in the industry had come a long way in 20 years and was now in “a very good place”.
Just two decades ago, sustainability was a short conversation, he said, with a “circle of blame” of developers saying occupiers would not pay increased rents to allow for sustainable building and occupiers blaming developers for not building sustainably.
“We are very much through that journey,” he said, with regulation being the key to making sure the industry continues on the path to sustainability.
“The UK is definitely in the front and that is purely down to regulations that have come out from the government on that.
“Australia is leading the charge in APAC, and regulation is very important for that, and that’s why COP28 is very important. The more legislation we are going to get in that space, the quicker we are going to move through,” he said.
Every CEO has a carbon net zero goal key performance indicator (KPI) against their name, no matter what industry they are in, he said, with real estate often the first port of call for those trying to reduce emissions.
Occupiers are starting to demand sustainable buildings and legislation is coming in, he said, and that is driving developers to retrofit existing portfolios.
The audience heard that Dubai had committed to upgrade 30,000 buildings by 2030 to make them more energy efficient and has upgraded 8,000 so far. Abu Dhabi has committed to save around 2.7 terawatt hours of electricity by 2030, or 22% of its energy used.
Carbon offsets
However, Collins said carbon offsets should always be a last resort.
When it comes to sustainable real estate, the first step is trying to find ways to make it perform with the lowest carbon footprint, then look to using onsite renewable energy and as a third option look to carbon offsets.
“What people seem to do is skip point one and point two and say: My buildings is using twice as much energy as it should be, but I’m just going to buy carbon credits to offset that and I’m certified,” she said.
JLL was reducing its own emissions and is being held to account by its work with HSBC, she explained, holding a global account with the bank, under which it is targeted to reduce global emissions by 3% every year.
Source: ZAWYA (Reporting by Imogen Lillywhite; editing by Seban Scaria)
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has announced that nearly 80% of the work has been completed on the Hatta Hydroelectric Plant being set up at an investment of AED1.421 billion ($381 million) in the emirate. The project is scheduled for completion by early 2025.
Once fully operational, the Hatta project will boast a capacity of 250 MW and a storage capacity of 1,500 MWh along with a lifespan of 80 years, said Dewa in a statement.
The hydroelectric plant is a key component of Dewa's sustainable project portfolio, incorporating cutting-edge technologies. Such initiatives are integral to Dewa's commitment to delivering world-leading services and actively seeking sustainable solutions for current and future challenges, particularly those associated with climate issues.
By embracing these advancements, Dubai aims to strengthen its position as one of the most innovative and future-ready cities globally, while significantly contributing to the realisation of Dubai's Clean Energy Strategy 2050, it stated.
"Dubai's qualitative achievements in the clean energy sector, and its ability to transform innovative ideas into giant national projects, embody Dubai's spirit of leadership and vision of comprehensive and sustainable development," said Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, after an inspection tour of the Hatta plant site.
He pointed out that Dewa's progress in implementing sustainable projects underscores the efficiency of its national workforce and the agility of its organisations in executing projects efficiently.
"This advancement is evident in the completion rates of the hydroelectric plant, which have reached approximately 80%. Slated to be operational by the beginning of 2025, the project helps realise the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Net Zero Strategy 2050, aiming for 100% of energy production capacity from clean sources by 2050," he stated.
"Such achievements reinforce our country's positive role in addressing the effects of climate change and its influential global position in climate action, as exemplified by its hosting of COP28 in Expo City Dubai," he added.
Sheikh Hamdan was later briefed by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dewa, on the progress of the hydroelectric power project.
Al Tayer pointed out that Dewa's sustainability projects support the UAE’s preparations to host COP28, with the hydroelectric power plant in Hatta being a pivotal component of its initiatives to diversify energy sources and invest in the energy storage sector.
The COP28 presents an opportunity to promote the UAE as an ecotourism destination and to showcase the nation's success story in the field of sustainability, he added.
Source: TradeArabia
Ras Al Khaimah Municipality held a launch event to unveil plans for the first sustainable community of Ras Al Khaimah, on November 11, 2023, at Movenpick Resort, Al Marjan Island, in Ras Al Khaimah.
The Sustainable District of Awafi in Ras Al Khaimah is the first community designed with the standards of Rafah, the sustainable community guidelines of the emirate. The Rafah guidelines were developed in partnership with the Public Services Department and the Environment Protection and Development Authority and designed to foster thriving communities populated by responsible residents. Through this project, Ras Al Khaimah aims to cultivate an attractive and environment-friendly community for residents by promoting increased use of outdoor spaces, healthy mobility, lower consumption of energy and water, and reduction of waste.
On the occasion of the launch, H.E. Munther Mohammed bin Shekar, Director General of Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, said, “The Awafi Sustainable District reflects the emirate’s vision to develop and cultivate communities designed to ensure higher standards of living for the current and coming generations, while pursuing broader sustainability goals. The district was designed to emanate the kind of modernity, peace, and warmth people would look for when deciding where to live a happy and healthy life with their families.”
Currently, the Awafi Sustainability District has 190 private residential plots and more than 13,000 m2 of gardens & open spaces, with an additional 28,000 square meters of commercial services available. The strategic location of the community allows residents to be close to critical highways and allows easy access to key surrounding facilities and attractions, such as the airport, shopping centres, restaurants, and beaches.
The district is designed for a sustainable, healthy, and comfortable lifestyle of its residents. Planned facilities include an exclusive community park with a play area, swimming pool and fitness corner, retail shops, mosques, a community farm and children’s nursery, a dedicated footpath, and cycleways with storage facilities, landscaped public areas and sikkas, LED street-lit roads, shade structures and jogging tracks, parking for people of determination, EV charging points, communal waste collection points and recycling hubs.
About Ras Al Khaimah Municipality and Reem
Ras Al Khaimah Municipality was established in 1959 by an Emiri decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and since then, works on providing a comfortable environment in which people can live and work
Dubai-based Dulsco Group, a leader in People Solutions, Environmental Solutions, Talent Solutions and Energy Recruitment Solutions, is in the driving seat when it comes to environmental sustainability, saving up to 200,000kg of CO2e a year by using greener, cleaner biofuels in company vehicles.
Under a new partnership with the Middle East’s biggest biofuel producer, Neutral Fuels, Dulsco People is powering 75 per cent of its vehicles in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with a special biodiesel blend fuel.
Launched in the run up to COP28 UAE as part of Dulsco Group’s commitment to supporting the UAE fight against climate change, the initiative currently saves 4.5 per cent in greenhouse gases. Dulsco People is aiming to increase the savings to over 6 per cent by the end of 2023 by switching to an even more effective biofuel blend – and expanding the scheme to its operations in Ras Al Khaimah. Dulsco saved 17,600kg of CO2e – equivalent to taking four fossil-fuelled cars off the road for a year – in the first 10 weeks of the initiative, which was launched in late July 2023.
Neutral Fuels, the only biofuel producer in the UAE with Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) certification, collects waste cooking oil and transforms it into various blends of green fuel. Currently, 135 Dulsco People vehicles use biofuel, with plans to phase out fossil fuel across the entire fleet.
Meanwhile, sister company Dulsco Environment is helping to produce the fuel itself, by providing more than 450,000 litres of used cooking oil to Neutral Fuels. Neutral Fuels collects the waste cooking oil on behalf of Dulsco’s environmental solutions arm. The environmental arm provides world class recycling, treatment and processing waste management services which, in turn, help thousands of businesses, industries and residential communities meet their green goals.
Antony Marke, COO, Dulsco People said: “Dulsco Group is 100 per cent committed to supporting government initiatives on climate change, including the Net Zero 2050 agenda. With 2023 being the Year of Sustainability, COP28 is fast approaching and businesses and consumers becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, the spotlight is on sustainability like never before.
“Under our pledge to operate a sustainable business and lead by example, we are proud to work with like-minded organisations and entrepreneurs who share our vision to help communities thrive and make the world a better place. We are delighted to partner with Neutral Fuels through a unique, 360-degree, win-win system where we not only use their products in our vehicles, but help them to produce the fuel, too – a shining example of Dulsco’s positive contribution to the UAE’s Circular Economy Policy.”
Neutral Fuels is committed to promoting environmental sustainability by producing high-quality, low-carbon biodiesel from locally sourced, waste-based raw materials. Neutral Fuels currently produces over 35 million litres of biodiesel locally each year, resulting in the remarkable reduction of over 60 million kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions to date. To put that in perspective, that is the equivalent to carbon sequestered from more than 990,000 tree seedlings grown for 10 years.
Charles Gardner, General Manager, Neutral Fuels, added: Neutral Fuels is delighted to partner with Dulsco. This partnership showcases the shared dedication of both companies to implementing sustainable business practices and supporting the UAE’s circular economy policy. Dulsco will succeed in substantially reducing their carbon emissions by contributing waste material for recycling and transitioning to biofuels. This partnership is a significant step towards a more sustainable future and Neutral Fuels is proud to be a part of it.
Visitors to Times Square Center are invited to “upcycle your preloved jeans” in a partnership event with ARTE, The Makers Market, Skills3, and Brother International who will be providing electronic sewing machines to help attendees repurpose jeans into tote bags and other fashion accessories. The event will take place at ARTE, The Makers Market in Times Square Center on Saturday, 25th November from 11:00am -6pm.
The event aims to raise awareness on fast fashion, focusing on how to repurpose used and discarded denim jeans into practical items, extending the fabric’s lifespan and reducing waste. With denim having a heavy environmental footprint, adding items to landfill is simply compounding the detrimental effects of waste fabric and clothing. Times Square Center is actively supporting meaningful initiatives that align with the UAE's Year of Sustainability.
Brother ‘Sew It, Don’t Throw It’ Event
- Date: Saturday, 25th November
- Time: General Public: 11am-6pm
- Location: ARTE, The Makers Market, Time Square Center
Guests are encouraged to bring old, discarded jeans along to the event and walk-ins can select from the dead stock of denim jeans available from Thrift For Good.
For more information on Times Square Center, visit www.timessquarecenter.ae or follow @timessquaredxb on Instagram.
For bookings visit https://signup.com/go/LOUKNda
BEEAH Education, a subsidiary of the renowned BEEAH Group, a leading sustainability pioneer in the region, is proud to announce the launch of the "Young Pioneers for Sustainability” programme tailored for students from grade 12. With a steadfast dedication to promoting sustainability awareness, BEEAH Education has been making a profound impact on teachers and students across the UAE and the region through interactive workshops, games, and competitions.
Young Pioneers for Sustainability is the latest initiative from BEEAH Education’s innovative learning ecosystem. Delivered online and self-paced, the certification is designed to empower high-school students with the knowledge and skills needed to champion sustainability and create positive change in their communities and beyond. The programme's mission is to educate the next generation on crucial sustainability concepts, providing them with a strong foundation for sustainable living and a more environmentally conscious future. With the support and expertise of BEEAH Group, a name synonymous with environmental stewardship, the programme aims to engage, educate, and inspire the youth to be ambassadors of sustainability.
"We envision a future where sustainability is not just a concept but a way of life for the next generation," said Hind Al Huwaidi, Chief Education Officer at BEEAH Group. "At BEEAH Education, our mission is to nurture a generation of sustainability champions who possess the knowledge and passion to create a positive impact on the world. With the 'Young Pioneers for Sustainability' programme, we are committed to providing students with an enriching educational experience that empowers them to confidently address sustainability challenges. By equipping young minds with the tools and understanding their needs, we aim to foster a culture of responsible decision-making and transformative action, aligning with the vision of Sharjah and the UAE to build a greener, more sustainable future for all."
The programme offers four comprehensive courses on the Circular Economy, the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), Ecological Footprints and Climate Change, which are critical to realising a sustainable future. The Circular Economy course introduces the importance of waste reduction, recycling, and resource management. The UNSDGs course shares insights on combatting global challenges like poverty, protecting biodiversity, and climate change. Exploring the Ecological Footprint course, participants will learn how human activities impact the environment and discover ways to make responsible choices to minimise their ecological impact. Lastly, in the Climate Change course, students will immerse themselves in the science of climate change, understanding its causes and consequences, while discovering actionable solutions to tackle this urgent global issue.
As part of the programme, students will have access to engaging and informative video lectures presented by inspirational experts. They will study comprehensive course materials and upon completion, demonstrate their knowledge through quizzes. Successful completion of all four courses will lead to the prestigious "Young Pioneers for Sustainability" certificate, symbolising their commitment to sustainability and providing the foundational knowledge to become change-makers in the world.
The classes will be taught by esteemed BEEAH leaders, including a course on 'Circular Economy' by Chief Education Officer, Hind Al Huwaidi; 'Sustainable Development Goals' by Dr. Dena Assaf, a United Nations resident coordinator for the UAE; 'Ecological Footprint' by Rashed Mohamed Alzaabi, a scientist specialised in mammals, terrestrial & marine biodiversity; and 'Climate Change' by Nour Mezher, a climate change policy expert.
Launched since 2010, BEEAH Education actively engages individuals, schools, institutions, corporations, and government entities to encourage sustainability from the grassroots level and beyond. BEEAH Education’s Academy of Sustainability and the Institute of Environmental Management and Sustainability (IEMS) Academy aim to empower participants of any age, at every level, from grassroots to large organizations, to make a sustainable impact now and in the future. Through its Future Pioneers Award, BEEAH Education is dedicated to awarding individuals and groups from schools and organisations, spotlighting innovations to encourage sustainable action.
The Young Pioneers for Sustainability programme demonstrates BEEAH Education’s commitment to nurturing environmental education and cultivating the future generation of sustainability ambassadors. Schools and educational institutions are encouraged to participate in the "Young Pioneers for Sustainability" programme to equip their students with invaluable knowledge that will shape their thinking and actions for years to come. To learn more about the "Young Pioneers for Sustainability" programme and for students to register, please visit BEEAH Education's website.
IFFCO, the leading FMCG multinational headquartered in the UAE, has allocated AED 77 million to sustainability initiatives over two years, with ten programmes comprising 156 projects in the pipeline. The company has identified six crucial areas in which it aims to make tangible efforts to boost its environmental performance – climate change, energy management, water management, forests, circular economy, and biodiversity.
To contribute to the global fight against climate change, IFFCO has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its own operations and energy consumption by 17% by 2025, in comparison to its 2021 figures. The company has analysed its corporate footprint, determining hotspots and key measures to be taken. It will announce detailed targets for 2030 at COP28 (the 28th UN Climate Change Conference), scheduled in Dubai.
“In line with our vision to become the preferred provider of sustainable value-added products and services for everyone, everywhere and every day, we have adopted a holistic approach to sustainability. This means considering the impacts and opportunities at every stage of the value chain – from raw material sourcing to product disposal – and continuously improving our practices to reduce business impact on the environment, optimise the use of natural resources and enhance quality of life. By embarking on this journey, we demonstrate our dedication to building more sustainable food systems,” said Shiraz Allana, Supervisory Board Member at IFFCO.
On the energy management front, IFFCO is pursuing a 4.8% GHG (greenhouse gases) emissions reduction due to energy efficiency projects and 3.7% due to renewable energy initiatives between 2021 and 2025. Solar panels are in the pipeline for 11 out of 26 business units in scope, with five units already generating electricity from solar power. Three energy efficiency projects in the UAE, are ongoing in partnership with Siemens. In Ghana, the company is piloting an innovative solution to generate energy from responsibly sourced biomass, which will help reduce GHG emissions by a minimum of 70% compared to conventional fuels.
To ensure access to clean water and sanitation facilities for all employees while optimising water use, IFFCO has adopted WASH4Work, the highest global water, sanitation and hygiene standard for production sites. The company has identified gaps in the standard and seeks to take 405 actions across 25 production facilities to reach 100% standard compliance across its five business groups in 2024.
As part of its Zero Deforestation ambition, IFFCO has achieved 100% traceability to mill (TTM) and 85% traceability to plantation (TTP) for palm oil products. The company has completed a satellite monitoring project to detect deforestation and peat drainage risks for 40% of its palm supply base with a GPS point radius of 15 km, spanning 6 million hectares. This forms the basis for the next steps in its supplier engagement roadmap. IFFCO aims to cover the remaining 60% in the near future.
In the UAE, the company launched the first plant-based meat alternatives factory in the Middle East under the THRYVE™ brand. This 100% greenfield investment aligns with IFFCO’s mission to lead the much-needed diet shift towards more sustainable plant-based proteins.
The company is also working to reduce waste generation and introduce packaging with a reduced environmental impact.
As the first step in limiting the impact of its operations on biodiversity, IFFCO is piloting a programme at its olive oil plantation and will be using the learnings gained from them to inform its future projects in this important area.
IFFCO has issued its first Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report under the theme ‘Fostering a Sustainable Legacy for Future Generations’, tracking its performance in 2022. The company continues its efforts to integrate sustainable practices across its operations and products, leveraging advanced technology and innovation to enhance its environmental performance.
