Khansaheb Civil Engineering has said it has become the first contractor in the Middle East to use a battery energy storage system (BESS) to power large construction equipment. Describing the rollout as a sustainability milestone, the firm notes that the move to deploy lithium-ion battery solutions will ‘vastly reduce carbon emissions’.

The firm said that it partnered with AJI Rentals to use Ampd Energy’s ‘Enertainer’ to power two tower cranes on its flagship project, Serenia Living on the Palm Jumeirah.  The Enertainer is said to be a plug-and-play solution, which electrifies construction power generation, and offers a seamless, quiet, and fully automated energy supply, facilitating the construction industry’s shift away from fossil fuels.

By reducing the use of traditional diesel generators, Khansaheb is reducing the comparative carbon footprint by up to 85%, utilising a system that operates at a noise level 30 times quieter, emits minimal diesel fumes, and reduces risks related to diesel handling. The firm noted that the two deployed Enertainer solutions will reduce carbon emissions by a predicted 128t over a 12-month period.

“At Khansaheb we have been implementing our ‘SustainAbility’ agenda since 2013 and this has enabled us to drive down fuel consumption, energy consumption, water consumption and reduce waste across our business, year on year. This has in turn reduced our costs and these benefits have been passed on to our customers, delivering a more sustainable construction process in line with the national Sustainability Agenda,” explained Steve Flint, Managing Director of Khansaheb Civil Engineering.

In addition to reduced requirements for maintenance and refuelling, the BESS is billed as an economically intelligent option for operations. As an IoT-enabled device, it offers the added benefit of remote monitoring, providing a comprehensive level of data transparency, invaluable for data-driven decision-making.

Flint added, “We promote innovative solutions that aid us in our sustainability journey. Our commitment to integrating zero emission technology, such as Ampd Energy’s Enertainer into our construction operations will further reduce a significant amount of emissions and minimise our carbon footprint, while helping us provide a more sustainable solution to meeting our customers’ needs. We hope to adopt this technology on all future projects.”

Hannes Van Graan, Regional Operation Manager at AJI Rentals commented, “We have made a concerted effort to introduce equipment and solutions into our rental fleet, which is enabling the move to a more sustainable construction industry, a reality. Khansaheb has embraced and implemented Ampd Energy’s Enertainer with absolutely no hesitation, and we are excited to support them in their current and future projects.”

Earlier this year, Khansaheb announced that it was appointed the main contractor by Palma Development for its luxury beachfront project, Serenia Living. The project is due to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025, the statement noted.

“Partners like Khansaheb and AJI Rentals inspire us with their proactive commitment to innovation and sustainability. We’re so glad to see the first Enertainer in the GCC deployed on a Khansaheb site through AJI Rentals. We are proud of the emissions reductions being achieved at the Serenia Living site and how it is supporting Khansaheb’s environmental agenda. We look forward to extending the benefits of this technology to future assignments,” concluded Rafat Award, Country Manager GCC at Ampd Energy.

Source: Jason Saundalkar, Middle East Construction News

The committee for selecting the winning smart green projects will announce 18 small and medium enterprises by 15 October, according to Hisham Badr, Assistant Minister of Planning for Strategic Partnerships. The committee met earlier this week to evaluate the projects that were submitted from various governorates.

The committee consists of experts and professors from Egyptian universities, representatives from the Ministries of Planning and Economic Development, and the Environment, and a high-level delegation from the United Nations. The committee is chaired by Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for Egypt.

Badr said that the winning projects will be showcased at the COP28, which will be held this year in the United Arab Emirates, to attract development support for the 18 projects out of 5,800 green projects that were submitted from all Egyptian governorates under the National Initiative for Smart Green Projects.

The Egyptian government has recently launched the second edition of the National Initiative for Smart Green Projects, which reflects Egypt’s vision to integrate development and digital transformation and to use information technology optimally.

He also revealed that he is close to signing several partnerships and agreements with the private sector and international development institutions to adopt small and medium green enterprises within the Green Smart Projects Initiative. The initiative plays an important role in facilitating communication between the private sector, international institutions, and the government.

The General Coordinator of the Smart Green Projects Initiative explained that the current stage involves reaping the benefits of the national initiative in cooperation with the governorates, starting with raising awareness of climate change through seminars, training programmes, and workshops that aimed to explain how to present smart green projects that provide solutions to climate change challenges.

He emphasized that the project evaluation stage will be completed by executive committees in each governorate that include representatives of the governorate and the ministries of Planning and Economic Development, Communications and Information Technology, Environment, Higher Education, and the National Council for Women. These committees will select the best projects based on several criteria to ensure transparency and good governance.

He stated that he held several meetings with successful businessmen in their fields to establish close partnerships that help the private sector expand in the Egyptian market in various activities, including research, green activities, recycling, and sustainable tourism. He stressed that the partnership with the United Nations contributes to providing scientific studies and research to serve the initiative, achieving complete integration between all parties.

He stressed that the initiative reflects the Egyptian state’s interest in the issue of climate change. It is part of the trend to empower the private sector, youth, and women, and in line with the state’s efforts to achieve the goals of sustainable development and digital transformation, as well as the national climate change strategy 2050. Badr explained that the goal of the initiative is to create a motivational movement within all governorates, to emphasize the importance of green and smart projects in various aspects of life.

Source: Zawya/Daily News Egypt

Arla Foods, recognized as one of Denmark's largest food producers and a global leader in the industry, aims to bring its transformative initiatives to the forefront of the international stage at COP28 in Dubai.

Emphasizing their main highlights on the COP28, Mr. Kim Villadsen, Senior Vice President and Head of MENA, said, "At Arla, we continuously try to accelerate our sustainability actions and engagements, and for that, we were present at COP27 blue zone and will also be present in COP28 blue zone within the Danish Pavilion. Our main focus areas at COP 28 will revolve around scope three emission reductions in collaboration with key customers, methane emissions, and how the industry is coming together on this, and finally, regenerative farming practices.”

Also, he shed light on Arla's commendable sustainability initiatives and its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. 

“We are working across our entire operation to reduce our carbon footprint, and we have ambitious targets in place that are approved by The Science Based Targets Initiative and in line with the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. In our scope 1 and 2, we plan to reduce emissions by 63 % by 2030 (compared to the 2015 baseline). For example, by using renewable energy at sites and offices and switching to fossil-free alternatives in our logistics. In scope 3, which includes on-farm emissions, the target is a 30 % reduction in emissions per kilo of milk by 2030 (also compared to the 2015 baseline). Most recently, we have implemented a point-based model by rewarding farmers who engage the most in sustainable actions on farms and motivating them not just to continue but to accelerate their efforts in creating a better future for the dairy industry.  Arla Foods aims to be carbon net zero by 2050.” Mr. Villadsen stated.

In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Arla Foods manufactures 70% of its products within GCC markets, reflecting a strong commitment to localized production. Mr. Villadsen explained, "With the presence of our two Dairy manufacturing sites in Bahrain and Saudi, we are proud to have 70 % of the products we sell in MENA being produced within the GCC markets. MENA as a region stands for approximately 7 % of total Arla group revenue in 2022.”

He added, "In 2022, Arla’s total group revenue was 13.8 billion euros. The Danish market accounted for approximately 8.8 % of that.” As a global leader, Arla Foods is not only contributing to Denmark's economy but also spearheading sustainability efforts that resonate on a global scale.

As for future expansion, Mr. Kim Villadsen said, “We are continuously monitoring the possibilities and have big growth ambitions for the MENA region. It started with the establishment of our two dairy sites in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, where we are always looking into production line expansion, followed by our recent acquisition of the Kraft cheese portfolio in MENA, which is another good example.”

Arla Foods' relentless efforts towards sustainability are driven by a dedication to creating a better future for all. The company's goal to be carbon net zero by 2050 resonates with its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability on a global scale.

Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside oil and gas, and Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye) region, today announced the launch of an ESG-linked Supply Chain Finance (SCF) programme to advance sustainability in the aluminium giant’s supply chain.

The innovative programme is a first for EGA and in the broader manufacturing sector in the UAE.

The programme will contribute towards improving the sustainability of the UAE aluminium sector by incentivising existing and new suppliers to adopt and invest in sustainable practices, technologies and materials that are aligned with EGA’s sustainability goals and demonstrably improve their own sustainability performance.

Supply chain financing enables suppliers to access payment early and is an increasingly popular way to manage working capital. EGA suppliers have accessed some USD 1.5 billion of supply chain financing through other EGA-facilitated programmes since the start of 2022.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “The aluminium EGA produces plays a key role in the development of a more sustainable society worldwide. We recognise that it also matters how sustainably aluminium is made. This includes the production of the goods and services we need. Innovative financing mechanisms, such as the ESG-linked supply chain programme with Emirates NBD, are an important way for us to accelerate sustainability progress by our suppliers.”

Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking at Emirates NBD said: “We are pleased to partner with EGA to unveil a pioneering ESG-linked Supply Chain Finance programme in the manufacturing sector. At Emirates NBD, we are committed to introducing new and innovative ESG-linked solutions for our clients and look forward to expanding the use of our Sustainable SCF programme in the region to guide our clients in the transition towards a more environmental-friendly business framework. As we embrace the Year of Sustainability in the UAE, these efforts reaffirm our dedication to drive positive environmental change aligning with the nation's ambitious Net Zero By 2050 Strategic Initiative. As the UAE prepares to host COP28, initiatives such as these will allow us to actively shape a more sustainable tomorrow for the MENAT region and beyond.”

EGA has some 3,300 active suppliers in the UAE and around the world. All are required to demonstrate compliance with the EGA’s Responsible Sourcing Standard, which details expectations on environmental, social and governance performance in line with OECD principles and the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative’s Performance Standard. EGA conducts a programme of due diligence and audits to verify sustainability performance, and works closely with critical suppliers to support continuous improvement.

EGA spends around USD 1.7 billion on goods and services each year from local UAE suppliers, accounting for 45 per cent of the company’s total global procurement spend. EGA is actively working to grow its local supply chain further in line with the UAE’s Operation 300bn industrial growth strategy and ‘Make it in the Emirates’.

A landmark survey revealed the continued strength of community expectations for environmental, social and governance (ESG) action among UAE corporations. Globally, business leaders are warned that public expectations for authentic action on ESG issues remain high in the face of cost-of-living pressures, and inaction — combined with silence about their efforts — could cost them customers.

The findings come as part of the third annual ESG Monitor, a 12-nation survey led by SEC Newgate*, the global strategic communications, advocacy and research group, with regional office in Dubai.

Over 90% of UAE respondents agree that corporates must prioritise ESG issues, indicating a shift from a sole focus on economic contributions. The research shows that we may have reached a tipping point, suggesting that the need for genuine action by corporations to address the impacts they have on people and the planet is no longer up for debate.

Some of the main UAE findings include:

• 86% rate their interest in ESG issues as high at 7+ out of 10, up by 3% since last year;
• 61% are aware of NetZero, a significant increase from just 56% in 2022;
• 86% gave the national government a rating of 7+ out of 10 when it came to acting responsibly on ESG issues; however, ratings of small companies have declined significantly this year;

The research shows that community opinions on ESG issues are translating into action and impacting behaviours. Compared to other countries, citizens in the UAE appear to place a higher importance on ESG issues in their day-to-day decision making. In particular, in the types of foods they eat (77% vs. 62% globally), the types of products they buy (76% vs. 62%), and how they choose to travel (74% vs. 55%).

There is a stark difference by generation across all surveyed countries, with Millennials far more likely to factor ESG issues into their decisions. For example, when it comes to the type of investments they make, 57% of Millennials rate ESG issues 7+ out of 10 on importance, compared to 47% of Baby Boomers. When considering a job with a new employer, 58% of Millennials give ESG issues a 7+ importance rating compared to 39% of Baby Boomers.

Speaking on the findings, Elena Gramatica, Managing Partner, SEC Newgate Middle East, said: “The third annual ESG Monitor highlights a shifting corporate landscape in the UAE. Traditionally, businesses were mainly seen as contributors to the economy, but now, our community demands they balance financial success with ESG responsibilities. People expect action on ESG issues and a voice on matters vital to employees and customers. To respond to the community, companies must proactively address their environmental impact and support others throughout their operations, from customers and employees to supply chains.”

Last year's survey identified a 'Great Disconnect' in ESG communications, and the 2023 survey shows that this disconnect still persists, particularly in the UAE. The community wants clearer communication of ESG efforts from companies, but trust in this messaging remains a challenge in the region.

Fiorenzo Tagliabue, Group CEO of SEC Newgate, commented: “Overall, it is clear from our research that consumer expectations have changed and the global community now expects organisations to think about their impacts on the planet and people from the outset.

“Employers will also have to respond to generational and national differences when communicating around the ESG issue. The good news is that community support for ESG agendas is continuing to grow, and there are now a multitude of organisations that companies can partner with to further their ESG credentials and communicate these initiatives in more impactful ways.”

Additional global ESG Monitor research findings:

• 67% rated their interest in ESG issues at 7 or more out of 10, up from 56% in 2022
• 77% agree it is important for companies to take action on ESG issues
• 71% agree that companies should speak out on issues that are important to their employees and customers
• Millennials are more optimistic for their country’s future than Baby Boomers
• The top three ‘most important’ issues across the globe, the research found that respondents were most concerned about:

1. Addressing the rising cost of living (37% rated in top 3 issues)
2. Ensuring quality, affordable healthcare for everyone (30%)
3. Strengthening the economy (25%)

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact:
SEC Newgate Middle East
Daniela Gorini or Mai Touma
Daniela.Gorini@secnewgate.ae or mai.touma@secnewgate.ae

*How the research was conducted

Participants were sourced from global panel provider PureProfile, with questionnaires translated and completed in-language in Colombia, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Italy, Poland, Spain and United Arab Emirates (UAE). Fieldwork was conducted from late July to early August 2023.

Quotas were set by age, gender and location to ensure a nationally representative sample of citizens aged 18+, and the final results were weighted by the actual age and gender proportions within each country or territory. For the ‘total’ results, each country is given equal weighting.

The full research is available upon request.

Samsung Engineering and Svante Technologies Inc. (Svante) announced today that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop and deliver commercial carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) projects in Asia and the Middle East, targeting hard-to-abate heavy industries including cement, steel, hydrogen, fertilizer and more, using Svante’s novel solid sorbent-based carbon capture filter technology. The two companies will also explore design iterations of Svante’s post-combustion carbon capture machines. The MoU was signed during the ADIPEC 2023 conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE on October 4, 2023.

Samsung Engineering is one of the world’s leading engineering solutions and project management companies in the world, with an ambition to lead in the energy transition. Samsung Engineering’s extensive experience in executing many projects, paired with Svante’s novel approach to carbon capture and removal, make this collaboration an innovative solution for clients in heavy industries looking to decarbonize.

An important goal for Samsung Engineering is to become a ‘’Beyond EPC – Green Solution Provider’. The company is working to transform itself from not only a conventional EPC player but also a green solutions provider, taking meaningful actions to decarbonize its own operations. “The time is now for the CCUS industry value chain players to rethink how they approach projects to deliver them faster, cheaper, and more efficiently. Undertaking multiple projects in parallel while using the same EPC contractor will greatly improve project performance”, said Hong Namkoong, President & CEO of Samsung Engineering.

Svante has developed a unique, environmentally responsible carbon capture and removal technology, which employs what it calls “structured adsorbent beds”, known as “filters”. The company’s filters are coated with nanoengineered solid adsorbent materials and can be used to capture CO2 from industrial emissions that come from the production of difficult-to-decarbonize, heavily relied-on commodities, including cement, steel, fertilizer, hydrogen, and more. The company’s filter technology can also be used for direct air capture (DAC), in which CO2 that has already been emitted into the atmosphere is trapped and removed from ambient air.

“We are delighted to welcome Samsung both as a strategic commercial collaborator and an investor in Svante, alongside our other strategic value chain partners and investors”, said Claude Letourneau, Svante’s President and CEO. “Samsung Engineering’s 50+ years of execution experience across the energy and industrial sectors will be invaluable as we continue to rapidly scale our operations and filter manufacturing capacity.”

One of the objectives of this collaboration is to offer industrial customers a one-stop-shop via an integrated project delivery model for carbon capture plants. This collaborative approach to building large industrial facilities is shown to be effective at optimizing industrial project management and performance.

The two companies will work together to identify, develop, and deliver commercial-scale carbon capture projects in the Asia and Middle East markets, ensuring heavy industries in these regions have more viable pathways to meet their emission reduction targets.

EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company), a leading company in the integrated coordination of planning, purchasing, and supply of water and electricity across the UAE, and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, one of the world’s leading clean energy companies, have signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for power generated from the UAE’s first utility-scale Wind Programme.

The agreement was signed following the official UAE Wind Programme inauguration presided over by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

The landmark agreement was signed by Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, and Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar Chief Executive Officer. Also in attendance was Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President-Designate, and Chairman of Masdar, and His Excellency Engineer Awaidha Murshed Ali Al Marar, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE).

This strategic agreement will see EWEC procuring power from the UAE's utility-scale wind programme for the first time. Located at Sila, Sir Bani Yas Island and Delma Island, the wind power farms have a generation capacity up to 99 megawatts (MW) of renewable, carbon-free electricity, enough to power 22,000 homes, displacing 115,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. The purchase agreement will draw power from 22 wind turbines standing at 95 metres high with a 155-metre wingspan, able to generate power at lower wind speeds, and also includes 14MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) power.

Being at the forefront of driving the country’s energy transition and decarbonising the energy sector, EWEC’s historic deployment of utility-scale renewable energy is accelerating the UAE’s realisation of its economic and sustainability objectives. With the addition of wind power, EWEC’s portfolio now encompasses multiple sources of strategic green energy, solidifying the UAE’s energy transition leadership.

Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, said: “We are honoured to welcome His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council to inaugurate the UAE’s first utility-scale Wind Programme, and witness the signing of this landmark power purchase agreement which reflects a significant milestone for EWEC as we further expand our energy generation portfolio and increase the share of renewable energy in the UAE’s total energy mix. The addition of wind power to Abu Dhabi’s energy system enables EWEC to deliver power from a diverse array of renewable and clean sources that support the conservation and preservation of the UAE’s natural heritage while simultaneously accelerating the country’s socio-economic growth.

This strategic partnership with Masdar signifies our joint commitment to driving the country’s energy transition and significantly reducing the carbon emissions associated with energy generation. With the UAE hosting COP28 this year, EWEC is proud to be supporting the UAE in achieving its carbon-neutral future by mid-century and becoming the world’s most dynamic economy as outlined in the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.”

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar's Chief Executive Officer, said: “This is a remarkable milestone in the UAE’s renewable energy journey as wind energy is now for the first time powering the UAE national grid through our partnership with EWEC. Thanks to the vision of the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Masdar was empowered to engineer and construct a technologically advanced, utility-scale wind programme across the UAE, collaborating with international partners, when many considered it impossible due to low wind speeds in the UAE. Today we see that pioneering vision become a reality as a result of UAE-led innovation and expertise.”

As the UAE prepares to host COP28 in the ‘Year of Sustainability’, EWEC and Masdar are collaborating to support the UAE in amplifying its climate change and sustainability credentials, by implementing tangible measures and actions in transitioning the energy sector towards an age relying more on renewable and clean energy future.

Capt. Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of ADNOC Logistics and Services, announced that the company has invested $2 billion in environmentally friendly ships, including 13 ships equipped to use biofuel.

In a statement on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC 2023), Al-Musabi said that 37% of ADNOC Logistics and Services' ships are equipped with an AI-powered smart ship monitoring system owned by the company. This system has helped to reduce the carbon intensity of the company's fleet operations by more than 20% between 2018 and 2022.

Al-Musabi also highlighted the company's sustainability efforts, which are focused on decarbonizing the maritime sector and supporting efforts to accelerate emissions reductions in order to contribute to achieving the net-zero target by 2050. The company is adopting technological innovation to accelerate progress through the use of cleaner fuel options, next-generation engine technology, low-emission ships, and efficient energy management systems.

To support the reduction of carbon emissions, ADNOC Logistics and Services has taken effective measures to ensure that its maritime fleet meets the International Maritime Organisation's 2030 targets. These measures include significant investments in developing cleaner and more environmentally friendly fuels, designing low-emission ships, and adopting advanced energy efficiency management systems. As a result of these measures, the company has achieved a 21% reduction in carbon intensity since 2018. The company has also set a target of reducing carbon intensity by 40% by 2030 compared to 2016.

The company has equipped 37% of its ships with AI-powered smart monitoring systems, and 13 ships have been using biofuel since 2020. It is also building strategic partnerships with other companies to develop next-generation engine technologies, including hydrogen and alternative fuel engines, and zero-emission ships.

The company uses technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve performance, manage maintenance, and monitor risks. The company aims to achieve 100% health, safety, and environmental compliance, and zero injuries, deaths, or catastrophic events by 2030.

ADNOC Logistics and Services is adopting a smart growth strategy to expand its geographic reach, expand into new business sectors, create new revenue streams, and strategically expand its fleet.

The strategy is based on the company's expertise and skills, the size and scope of its fleet, and the use of technology and innovation to support carbon reduction efforts and increase efficiency.

The currently supports over 100 customers in over 50 countries and is looking to expand further. The company is also exploring new business opportunities, such as carbon removal services, which could provide additional growth opportunities. For example, the company could own and operate green carriers that use low-carbon methanol or ammonia to transport clean hydrogen.

The company operates 5 logistics bases and warehouse facilities, and employs more than 7,000 people, over 3,200 seafarers, with a 48.2% rate of Emiratization.

ADNOC Logistics and Services is committed to enhancing local value by engaging with local companies, encouraging industrialisation at the regional level and driving industrial growth across all operations.

Source: WAM

ADIPEC 2023 closed today, with the global energy industry delivering a clear message that it is united in its commitment to decarbonise and to fast-track the energy transition, while continuing to meet global energy needs. The event achieved a record-breaking attendance of over 184,000, the largest edition of ADIPEC ever.

Building on its nearly 40-year legacy, ADIPEC has evolved, growing in size and reach, as well as reflecting an energy system in transition. Convening global energy leaders and elevating voices from adjacent industries – including finance and technology – to accelerate urgent, collective action and game-changing solutions to decarbonise quicker and future-proof the energy system.

COP28 President-Designate, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, opened ADIPEC 2023 by inviting industry leaders to use the event “to show the world that, in fact, you are central to the solution” of fast-tracking the energy transition, assuring energy security while urgently phasing out emissions. Over four days the entire energy value chain answered his call, with more than 1,600 ministers and executives sharing knowledge and developing strategies to future-proof energy systems during 350 curated strategic conference sessions.

As the last major energy industry milestone before COP28 takes place in the UAE next month, ADIPEC focused on the priorities like achieving near zero methane emissions by 2030 and scaling deployment of climate technology. to tackle the core challenges of building the energy system of tomorrow – technology and innovation, investment, energy security and more – enabling the industry to demonstrate its commitment to lowering emissions without sacrificing economic growth where it is needed most.

Tayba Al Hashemi, Chair of ADIPEC 2023 and CEO of ADNOC Offshore said: “2023 has been a transformational year for ADIPEC. As we continue to meet the world’s growing global energy needs and respond with urgency to the challenges of climate change, a new ADIPEC has emerged, bigger and bolder. This event is uniting nations, industries, businesses, and individuals across the energy ecosystem to take tangible steps to fast-track the energy transition and realize a lower-carbon and higher-growth future. With critical years ahead on the journey to net-zero, ADIPEC has demonstrated the energy industry of today has the knowledge, capital, technology, and skill to be part of the solution to decarbonise and transform our energy systems for the better”.

Reflecting the industry’s priorities, decarbonisation defined the ADIPEC 2023 agenda, which included critical conversations on achieving net-zero in heavy industries, such as aviation and cement production and how to develop circular economies.

Summarising the uniqueness of the challenges facing specific industries in their journey towards decarbonisation, Pavan Chilukuri, Vice President of CCUS Strategy at Holcim said:“Without decarbonising buildings, we will not reach zero. As the global population grows, the demand for construction will continue to increase. We are building a 'New York city' worth of buildings every month, and we are going to do so every year until 2040. The challenge is: how do we this with less carbon intensity?”

Meanwhile, during a session on asset portfolio models, Olivier Le Peuch CEO of SLB, said: “This industry, in the leadup to COP28, has recognised that its license to operate will be based on its ability to innovate: innovate for performance, innovate for decarbonisation. Higher value, lower carbon for the future of oil and gas. The industry has recognised this, now it needs to act.”

The 2023 edition of ADIPEC reinforced the event’s status as the premier platform for the energy industry to come together and do business. Among a wide range of deals agreed during the event, Baker Hughes announced a milestone electric-LNG award for ADNOC Ruwais LNG export terminal; Petrofac won a $600m contract with ADNOC; The Department of Economic Development announced Abu Dhabi will provide 100 investment opportunities with a combined market size of Dh123.3 billion ($33.5 billion) by 2027 and OXY subsidiary 1PointFive and ADNOC signed an agreement to commence a jointly funded preliminary engineering study for a 1 million tonne-per-year Direct Air Capture (DAC) facility in the UAE.

More than 2,200 companies, 30 country pavilions and over 350 curated sessions, ADIPEC 2023 continued to build on its legacy as the ultimate international platform the energy sector.

Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, said: “As we bring another successful ADIPEC to a close, it has been incredible to see the momentum to drive forward decarbonisation solutions and build the energy system of tomorrow. The outcomes of the productive discussions that have taken place will reverberate throughout the industry and beyond, and I look forward to seeing what can be achieved between now and ADIPEC 2024.”

Summertown Interiors, the UAE’s leading sustainable fit-out contractor, has surpassed its 2023 environmental and sustainable projects targets, as outlined in its 8th Annual Sustainability Report. 

The report highlights Summertown’s significant progress towards it’s zero waste goals and underscores the company’s unwavering commitment towards sustainable excellence, and building a sustainable future.

Covering the financial year from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023, the 2023 Sustainability Report details Summertown’s impact and performance against seven material issues that matter most to its stakeholders: Sustainable Projects, Environment, Social, Human Rights, Community, and Transparency and Anti-Corruption. 

Key highlights

Sustainable Projects: Summertown supported five projects in their pursuit of LEED certification, demonstrating its dedication to high sustainability standards. An impressive 88% of office procurement came from sustainable sources, reinforcing responsible sourcing practices, and the company diverted waste from landfill at 8% above its target.

Economic: Summertown experienced a 31% increase in annual turnover, building on the 63% surge from the previous year, and a 22% decrease in 2021. This financial performance exceeded the 5-year average by 40%. 

Environment: Summertown continued its relentless efforts to reduce its environmental footprint, diverting 38% of project waste from landfill — an achievement that surpassed the projected 2023 target of 30%. The company secured the 1st runner-up position in the General Waste Management category of the Living Business Awards, in partnership with HSBC. It also recorded a substantial 29% reduction in energy consumption per employee.

Social: Summertown introduced the innovative 'Summertown Learning Pod', an online platform designed to elevate the organisation's education and training program. This platform empowers employees to access a diverse range of training resources and skill development courses at their convenience. The company’s focus on diversity and equal opportunity continued to shine, with women comprising 28% of the workforce. Additionally, Summertown’s commitment to employee welfare resulted in 99% of employees receiving pay increments. 

Human Rights: The introduction of an e-learning course on Human Rights received a 100% completion rate among employees, reinforcing Summertown's commitment to human rights principles.

Community: The initiation of Employee Health & Wellbeing programs underscored Summertown's investment in employee welfare.

Transparency and Anti-corruption: Summertown maintained a pristine record with zero public legal cases related to corruption against the organisation or its employees. Additionally, 100% of employees were updated on the anti-corruption policy, promoting transparency and ethical conduct.

Monumental year

Marcos Bish, Managing Director of Summertown Interiors, commented: "As we present Summertown's eighth Sustainability Report, we recognise the pressing global challenges and the collective responsibility businesses have to address. It has been a monumental year for us, with the celebration of our 25th year anniversary, a journey we are immensely proud of. Our achievements underscore the critical role sustainability plays in business success, as we continue to adapt to a changing world. We firmly believe that by rigorously measuring, reporting, and collaborating, we can collectively achieve our net-zero goals and create a better, more sustainable future for all.”

The report has been prepared ‘in accordance’ with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). GRI is the world’s most widely used standard for sustainability reporting, is an independent, international organisation that assists businesses and governments in understanding and communicating their impact on climate change. 

Sustainable practices

Bish added: “Our achievements this year, coupled with our year-on-year improvements, validate our dedication to sustainable practices and our ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Looking ahead, we are determined to continue delivering high-end, healthy workspaces to create a better, more sustainable future for all.”

Summertown's sustainability strategy aligns with global initiatives such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and local ambitions, including the UAE Vision 2021, Green Agenda 2030, Happiness Charter, and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

Source: TradeArabia News Service