AI-driven global cleantech company Sparklo has announced installing 1,000 reverse vending machines (RVMs) – known as Sparklomats – in popular public areas throughout the MENA, leading a sustainability wave in the region.
The company said its innovative solutions have inspired users to place 1 bottle every 3 seconds and 30,000 plastic bottles and aluminum cans daily in MENA.
The company said Sparklomats have already been installed in parts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE as well as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and thousands of such machines will be installed in more cities and countries in the next few years.
Sparklo’s reward app incentivises recycling
In the UAE, Sparklo said its reward app already hit the 6thspot on the top 10 most popular lifestyle apps.
The company’s RVMs allow people to easily recycle plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Users also receive rewards in the mobile app whenever they place an empty bottle or a can, which can be exchanged for discount vouchers for food, delivery services and other special offers.
“Our goal is to collect all the plastic bottles and recyclables in the MENA region,” said Maxim Kaplevich, owner and CEO of Sparklo.
Kaplevich said the company aims to revolutionise recycling and integrate it into the fabric of society’s lifestyle by incorporating elements of education and entertainment.
Sustainability wave in the MENA
The company said its commitment to sustainability and innovation has already garnered support from key industry leaders in the MENA region, enabling it to install its RVMs at retail chains, shopping centers, gas stations, and hotels.
The company began operating in the MENA region in the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability’ with its game-changing software and hardware solutions for waste management on a worldwide scale. With plans to tackle the ever-pressing challenges of plastic and aluminum waste head-on, the company is creating groundbreaking global infrastructure and paving the way for a sustainable and eco-friendly future in the Middle East.
The company has also developed an AI-powered software system for the Sparklomats which utilises machine learning algorithms to optimise the recycling process.
By leveraging artificial intelligence, the reverse vending machine can accurately identify and sort recyclables, improving efficiency and reducing contamination. This technology enables the maximisation of the recycling potential of each item.
Globally, with the help of the machine, the company has collected 35 million recyclables, 26 million plastic bottles and 8.6 million aluminum cans, making a significant positive impact on the environment.
According to recent data, 4 billion plastic bottles are consumed annually in the UAE and about 40 percent of all plastic in the country is single-use.
Source: Arabian Business
Emirates Global Aluminium today announced that its Al Taweelah alumina refinery has been certified for its environmental, social and governance performance by the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative.
All EGA operational assets around the world are now certified to the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative’s Performance Standard V2 (2017).
The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative is a global, non-profit organisation that brings together aluminium producers, end-users, civil society, and the public through consultation, to determine what constitutes good sustainability performance in the aluminium sector.
Al Taweelah alumina refinery has amongst the lowest greenhouse gas emissions in the alumina refining industry, due to highly efficient processes and operations.
The responsible management of bauxite residue, a by-product from the refining process, has been a key priority for Al Taweelah alumina refinery since before its construction. EGA’s Research and Development team has made a global breakthrough in the re-use of bauxite residue as a manufactured soil, and is advancing further potential uses including in novel construction materials. Finding viable re-uses for bauxite residue has been a challenge for the alumina refining industry for more than a century.
More broadly, EGA was the first company in the world to make aluminium commercially using solar power. Generating the electricity required for aluminium smelting using fossil fuels accounts for more than half of the global aluminium industry’s CO2 emissions.
Abdulnasser bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, commented, “Aluminium has an essential role to play in the development of a more sustainable society, and it also matters how sustainably aluminium is made. Certification to the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative’s Performance Standard is a transparent and independent verification of our commitment to sustainability, and I am proud all EGA’s operational assets are now certified. Our next goal is to start producing ASI-certified metal during next year, and to produce only ASI-certified metal by 2030.”
Fiona Solomon, Chief Executive Officer of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative, said, “We warmly congratulate EGA on achieving Performance Standard certification at now all of its global operations. In 2019, EGA became the first company in the Middle East to achieve an Aluminium Stewardship Initiative Performance Standard certification, for its Al Taweelah smelter in the UAE. More recently, EGA’s subsidiary Guinea Alumina Corporation led the way by achieving the first certification of bauxite mining in Africa for their operations in Guinea, a country with globally important bauxite reserves and also one where the industry’s commitment to sustainability is tested.”
Source: Esraa Esmail/ Tariq Al Fahaam, Emirates News Agency
Rixos Hotels UAE has won certification by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), making it the first hotel brand in the region to attain such prestigious recognition.
This achievement underscores Rixos Hotels Gulf's commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism practices, aligning seamlessly with the UAE's initiative to declare 2023 as the "Year of Sustainability", the hotel said.
The GSTC is internationally renowned for establishing and managing global sustainable travel and tourism standards through its comprehensive GSTC criteria. This recognition signifies that Rixos Hotels UAE’s operations adhere to the highest social and environmental standards, contributing positively to local communities and the broader environment. The certification process involves rigorous assessment by an Accredited Certification Body, ensuring a transparent, impartial, and competent evaluation, it said.
"At Rixos Hotels UAE, we are honoured to be at the forefront of sustainable hospitality in the region, taking a significant step towards aligning with the UAE's visionary sustainability initiative," stated Ozgul Aktolga, Country Director of Quality and Sustainability for UAE. "This milestone reaffirms our dedication to not only providing exceptional guest experiences but also minimising our ecological footprint and enhancing the well-being of our communities."
The GSTC certification recognises Rixos Hotels UAE for its exceptional achievements in meeting key criteria across various domains. Rixos Hotels UAE’s effective and sustainable management approach is fundamental to this recognition. This reflects their commitment to responsible practices prioritising long-term sustainability while elevating guest experiences. Rixos Hotels UAE sets a perfect example for the wider hospitality industry by striking a harmonious balance between operational excellence and environmental consciousness.
Another significant facet of Rixos Hotels UAE’s recognition is its positive social and economic contributions. Their active engagement with local communities has yielded enriching outcomes, fostering social development and economic growth. In essence, Rixos Hotels UAE’s GSTC certification acknowledges its accomplishments and reinforces its position as a responsible and forward-thinking leader in the hospitality landscape.
As Rixos Hotels UAE secures this prestigious GSTC certification, it establishes itself as a leader in responsible hospitality within the UAE and sets a remarkable precedent for the entire region. This achievement is a testament to the brand's continued dedication to sustainability and its pivotal role in supporting the UAE's ambitious goals for a more eco-conscious and resilient future.
Source: Zawya
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has signed a preliminary agreement with UAE-based Industrial Innovation Group (IIG) and Venom Foundation to establish a national system for carbon credits using blockchain technology.
The pact in the run-up to the Cop28 climate summit in Dubai in November and December is in line with the UAE’s stricter carbon emissions reduction targets this decade and achieving its goal of climate neutrality by 2050, a ministry statement said on Monday.
The collaboration aims to reduce emissions and enhance sustainable agriculture, environmental health and biodiversity in the UAE.
The parties aim to develop a system that will provide the highest levels of “transparency, reliability, efficiency and security" in managing, issuing, transferring, calculating and accurate tracking of carbon credits, it said.
“The UAE believes in its ability to make a difference in this field and has pledged, through the third update of its second Nationally Determined Contributions, to reduce its emissions by 40 per cent [this decade] compared to a business-as-usual scenario, an increase of 9 per cent over its previous pledge," said Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
“This requires working according to a scientific approach based on modern technology and the highest levels of transparency to monitor carbon credits to work according to realistic data, achieve tangible results on the ground and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.”
The pact between IIG and Venom for the national system for carbon credits is an “important step”, which reflects the UAE’s determination to boost climate action “for a more sustainable future for us and future generations”, the minister added.
Carbon credits, also known as carbon offsets, are permits that allow companies to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases. The funds from the sale of the credits are then used to finance climate-action projects that would not otherwise get off the ground.
The market for the financial instrument could be worth more than $50 billion by 2030, according to consultancy firm McKinsey.
Blockchain is a shared, immutable ledger for recording transactions and tracking assets. The technology is behind secure online wallets and several other payments businesses, as well as cryptocurrencies.
The use of blockchain in the carbon credits system could help to improve the “traceability of specific carbon credits and reduce the risk of double counting of a single credit”, said Edward Bell, senior director of market economics at Emirates NBD.
Like its regional peers, the UAE, the Arab world’s second-largest economy, is developing its carbon market, a trading system in which the credits are bought and sold.
In June, a new coalition called the UAE Carbon Alliance was launched by the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), that will help develop a carbon market in the Emirates and support the transition of companies to a green economy.
The alliance’s founding members are AirCarbon Exchange (ACX), First Abu Dhabi Bank, Mubadala Investment Company, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, in addition to UICCA.
Last year, The Abu Dhabi Global Market, the UAE capital's financial free zone, announced plans to team up with ACX to create the “world’s first fully regulated” carbon trading exchange and clearing house in the emirate.
The UAE is also investing heavily in clean energy projects such as the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, a two-gigawatt solar factory in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region and the five-gigawatt Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai.
In July, the cabinet also approved an updated version of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and the development of the National Hydrogen Strategy.
Under the updated objectives of the strategy, the UAE will invest Dh200 billion ($54 billion) by 2030 to ensure energy demand is met while sustaining economic growth.
The ministry said its latest pact was focused on strategic objectives of reducing and cutting greenhouse gas emissions to achieve climate neutrality and developing agribusiness.
It also focuses on promoting responsible investment in the agriculture and sustainable food system.
The parties will co-operate on developing technological solutions for a global platform for registering and issuing carbon credits in the UAE, as well as providing a blockchain-based solution for safe and effective management of the national system.
The collaboration also aims to develop a “legislative and regulatory framework by the ministry to establish the national system for carbon credits".
“By setting up a domestic registry for carbon credits in the UAE, it can help to establish reporting standards for emissions among local corporates who can then make use of the credit system,” Mr Bell said.
“If the credits are used to support projects in the UAE, there is likely to be a more tangible connection for local corporates to see the impact in their home market.”
The preliminary agreement also covers areas such as green investment, adaptation to climate change, preparing and introducing a climate neutrality strategy and enhancing partnership opportunities with the private sector, the ministry said.
Source: Sarmad Khan, The National
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has selected Abu Dhabi's renewable energy company Masdar to build and operate the 1,800-megawatt sixth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world's largest single-site solar park.
The project, which will use photovoltaic solar panels based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, has an estimated cost of Dh5.51 billion ($1.4 billion), the Dubai Media Office said.
“Dewa is committed to completing the phases of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park according to the highest international standards using the latest solar power technologies to enhance the shift towards a green sustainable economy by increasing the share of clean and renewable energy,” Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and chief executive of Dewa, said.
The emirate has set a target of generating 25 per cent of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030 and 100 per cent by 2050.
The sixth phase of the solar park comes during the UAE's Year of Sustainability in 2023, and the year it is hosting the Cop28 climate change summit, in November.
With a total investment of Dh50 billion, and based on the IPP model, the solar park will have a capacity of 5,000MW and will reduce 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually when it is fully completed in 2030.
Dewa said it received 23 expressions of interest from international applicants to develop this project to build and operate the sixth phase of the solar park.
The final selection came after Dewa said in June it received two bids from Saudi Arabia's Acwa Power and Masdar for the sixth phase.
Masdar submitted the lowest bid of $1.62154 cents per kilowatt hour, which was the lowest levelised cost of energy (LCOE) for any of Dewa's solar IPP projects so far, it said on Sunday.
The project will become operational in stages starting from the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the utility.
The total capacity of the solar energy projects commissioned at the solar park has reached 2,427MW, the media office said.
Dewa is building another project with a total capacity of 433MW. The sixth phase of the solar park will increase the total production capacity to 4,660MW.
In June, Dewa inaugurated the 900MW phase five of the solar park, which will provide clean energy to about 270,000 homes in the emirate, reducing carbon emissions by 1.18 million tonnes annually.
The share of clean energy in Dubai’s energy mix is about 16.3 per cent of its total installed capacity, Mr Al Tayer said.
This will reach 24 per cent in 2026 with the completion of the sixth phase and the remaining phases under construction of the solar park, he said.
Source: Deena Kamel, The National
Multi-brand restaurant chain Kitopi announced on Monday its partnership with UAE-based agri-tech platform Fresh On Table to source fresh local ingredients from nearby farms.
The partnership, in line with the chain’s efforts to further its sustainability initiatives, will help Kitopi reduce the need for storage or the use of chemicals typically employed in preserving imported produce.
By sourcing fresh and nutritious produce locally, the restaurant chain also reduces the need for extensive transportation and eliminates food miles.
This not only ensures that consumers receive high-quality dishes but also helps minimise CO2 emissions and reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation.
Kitopi: Local sourcing for sustainability
Kunal Gupta, the Senior Director of Supply Chain, said: “By embracing sustainable sourcing practices, Kitopi can achieve a range of benefits like lowering tons of CO2emissions, millions of food miles saved, and much fresher ingredients for our consumers.”
Atul Chopra, Founder and CEO of Fresh on Table, said by sourcing fresh local ingredients, Kitopi will not only contribute to a better planet to live in but also have a clear differentiator of delivering maximum nutrition with minimum emissions to its discerning customers.
“We also believe it will be a major boost to local farms, enabling them to produce more and further support the nation’s food security mission,” he said.
Founded in 2019, Fresh on Table’s advanced technology platform integrates seamlessly with Kitopi’s operations, providing comprehensive traceability of sourced produce. This will allow the restaurant chain to track the origin and journey of the ingredients and also generate real-time data on CO2 emissions and food miles saved.
Source: Arabian Business
GL Holding (GLH) announced the signing of a partnership agreement with Urban Mobility Systems (UMS), a leading Dutch company in the green energy sector, to launch a series of renewable energy projects in the UAE, starting with the establishment of a factory specialised in developing and manufacturing green batteries, electric motors, chargers, and power generators.
The partnership agreement was signed today in Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of the Ministry of Economy and with the attendance of Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Gerard Paul Marie Hubert Steeghs, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the UAE. Ali Mohammed Al Mulla, CEO of GLH, and Lars Kool, CEO and Head of Technology at UMS, signed the agreement.
In his speech at the signing, Dr. Al Zeyoudi stressed that the UAE is keen to attract modern global technologies in the green energy sector, as part of its efforts to diversify the national economy, in partnership with the private sector, which is a vital partner in its ongoing development journey and plans to stimulate economic growth by creating new sectors and business areas that depend on innovation and knowledge, addressing the future economy.
Therefore, the UAE urges the local private sector and business community to cooperate with international companies to benefit from their extensive expertise, especially in the promising field of green energy, he added, affirming that the signing of the agreement during the Year of Sustainability, in which the UAE will host COP28, underscores the country’s approach to motivating the private sector to adopt sustainability and clean energy solutions.
In his statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Steeghs said that the collaboration between GLH and UMS will create new opportunities for both countries to improve their economic and cultural cooperation.
The goal of the collaboration is to boost the production of clean energy in the UAE, he added, commending the outstanding bilateral ties between the UAE and the Netherlands in climate-related issues and describing their mutual advantages in various areas, such as the UAE’s sustainable efforts in the energy and food sectors, and the Netherlands’ cutting-edge technologies and expertise in these areas.
For his part, Al Mulla said that GLH’s partnership with UMS aims to establish the largest electric power battery and generator facility in the Middle East in Abu Dhabi, as well as transfer technologies from the Netherlands to the UAE and convert heavy civil and military equipment into machinery that does not produce emissions.
Al Mulla then applauded the UAE’s environment that attracts investment, which was instrumental in attracting UMS, affirming that the signing of the strategic partnership agreement underscores the approach of the UAE’s leadership to engage in innovative clean energy investments.
“We are gathered here to lay the foundation of our partnership through the first environmentally-friendly battery facility, and we aspire to contribute to our production in strengthening national industries, by exporting products bearing the ‘Made in the Emirates’ label to European and Australian markets,” he added.
“We are working to replace combustion fuel with clean energy in heavy equipment. Our products include power generators, precision cables and batteries for civil and military use. We also make energy engine systems and electric drive systems. Besides, we share our green energy technology and knowledge with our national engineers and technicians, helping them reduce carbon emissions. We also established a research and development management for clean energy and carbon reduction in the UAE,” Al Mulla said.
He stressed that this green technology transfer would help achieve sustainable development for future generations and provide employment opportunities for qualified local talents, consistent with the government’s actions to encourage localisation.
Moreover, Kool said that the partnership aims to unite two entities committed to advancing the local industry, boosting national income, and exploring new opportunities in European and Australian markets.
This partnership agreement will pave the way for new opportunities, boost technological innovation and help shape the national industry, he added, stating, “We shared his pride to provide a means to transfer green technology, which will produce ‘Made in the Emiratesd’ products soon.”
Source: Khoder Nashar, WAM (Emirates News Agency)
Oman and Etihad Rail Company, the developer and operator of the UAE-Oman Rail Network signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel (Jindal), an integrated steel producer in the GCC.
The MoU will see the companies establish a sustainable end-to-end transport logistics solution between Jindal’s steel complex at Sohar Port and the UAE, via the UAE-Oman Rail Network.
The agreement will allow Jindal to annually transport up to 4 million tonnes of raw materials and finished products from its steel complex at Sohar Port to the UAE.
Under the terms of the agreement, Oman and Etihad Rail Company will leverage its rail network to support Jindal in optimising operational integration through facilitated loading and unloading processes while guaranteeing rolling stock and facilities’ requirements of iron ore and steel.
Mohammed bin Zahran Al Mahrouqi, deputy CEO of Oman and Etihad Rail Company, said: “Our partnership with Jindal Shadeed Group reinforces Oman and Etihad Rail Company’s commitment to improving logistics services to meet the future needs and expectations of our customers by providing comprehensive solutions and stimulating the growth of various industrial sectors within Oman and the UAE.
“Furthermore, the MoU will enable Jindal to enhance its supply chain efficiency, benefiting from the UAE-Oman Rail Network’s fast, cost-effective, and sustainable services.”
Harsha Shetty, CEO of Jindal, said: “This is an important milestone for our company as we look forward to further expanding the reach of our high-quality, industry-leading products in the region and beyond.”
Through this collaboration, Jindal aims to not only streamline its transportation and logistics operations, but also advance its sustainability objectives and strengthen its green value chain.
Oman and Etihad Rail Company to offer eco-friendly transportation solutions
Oman and Etihad Rail Company will ensure an environmentally friendly transportation and logistics solution through the Oman-UAE Rail Network, and thus, contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions in Oman and the UAE, in line with their national goals of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
It recently entered several commercial and investment partnerships with major international players in various industrial sectors to provide innovative logistics solutions and facilities, opening new corridors for economic cooperation, and unlocking promising opportunities for sustainable economic growth in Oman, the UAE, and the wider region.
Source: Gulf Business
To support the UAE sustainability drive and strengthen the country circular economy, YJOZ, an innovative digital platform for the sustainable rental of everyday items to luxury collections, was launched in Dubai on Friday at a ceremony in Zabeel Saray, The Palm.
The latest solution was unveiled by Yousif Bin Saeed Lootah, the CEO of YJOZ. The new application was launched with the an aim to encourage the adoption of sustainable lifestyles through renting.
YJOZ aims to redefine the way products are consumed and the perception of renting by providing a simple and eco-friendly platform for renting and sharing goods. The App aims to enable better use of natural resources, helps reduce waste, and reshapes the entire value chain by extending the life of products by re-sending used products to the market.
The digital solution presents users an opportunity to earn money by renting out their products while giving like-minded, environmentally conscious people affordable access to products without buying them. Currently, the App offers a growing list of items spanning various categories, from tools and equipment to home appliances, fashion, jewellery, sports and leisure items.
"We are living in an era that requires us to confront numerous environmental challenges, such as protecting the environment and reducing carbon emissions. We are also concerned about the excessive exploitation of natural resources and the unsustainable production of consumer goods. This is where "YJOZ" emerges as an innovative solution contributing to environmental protection and sustainable development,” said Saeed Lootah.
He further noted that, in reality, recycling is energy intensive and may require the use of more new materials, and it does not adequately address the problem that consumers buy too much and sometimes invest in products they may rarely use. For example, a report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) found that offerings within the rental sector have exploded over the past decade, with furniture being the number one category that consumers rent, in addition to products such as gaming systems, clothing, tools and technology.
"The UAE will play host to COP28, which will reaffirm the global commitment to combating climate change and protecting the environment. The launch of "YJOZ" at this pivotal time is in line with UAE’s efforts in sustainability and demonstrates to the world that UAE is taking the necessary measures and making efforts to achieve sustainable development goals. We believe that everyone has the power and responsibility to contribute to a greener future, and we are proud that YJOZ is at the forefront of this movement. We need to remember that sustainability is not just a choice, but a responsibility we owe to our planet and future generations."
Yjoz leverages an easy-to-use interface to find the perfect items for user needs and offers a unique sustainability rating system that enables environmentally conscious, value-based decisions. At the outset, renting and reusing reduce the exploitation and extraction of raw materials to produce new products, thereby reducing energy-intensive manufacturing processes and transportation emissions.
YJOZ is now available to download from the App Store and Google Play, and as a website.
Source: Gulf Today
Sharjah's Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority (SEWA) has joined hands with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) to enhance energy infrastructure and boost electricity production efficiency.
They will also implement low-carbon reverse osmosis water desalination plants to support the clean energy strategy and achieve the country's climate neutrality vision by 2050.
In a meeting at the Authority's headquarters, Saeed Sultan Al Suwaidi, Chairman of SEWA, and Abdullah Abdulrahman Mohammed Obaid Al Shamsi, Director-General of SEWA, welcomed Osman Juma Al Ali, CEO of the EWEC.
Al Suwaidi emphasised that the Authority's strategy focuses on continued collaboration with strategic partners to provide exceptional services, meet the increasing energy and water demand, and balance demand and sustainability goals. He praised the ongoing cooperation of the EWEC with the Authority.
Under the guidance of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Authority is committed to cooperating with various entities and using advanced technologies to support the UAE's Energy Strategy 2050. This involves improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, minimising the environmental impact, and promoting optimal energy consumption through specialised research and studies. The Authority will also continue developing energy infrastructure projects across Sharjah.
Source: Tariq Al Fahaam, WAM (Emirates News Agency)
