Neeraja Rahul has been appointed to lead the Responsible Business Initiatives in UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman and Qatar driving Radisson Hotel Group’s journey towards achieving Net Zero by 2050. With the group’s ‘Think People, Planet, and Community’ focus, Rahul embodies this dedication to sustainability and community engagement.
Neeraja Rahul’s new responsibility complements her current role as a Chief Engineer at Radisson RED, Dubai Silicon Oasis, reinforcing the group’s dedication to sustainable practices and female empowerment. In this role, Rahul will play a vital part within the Responsible Business Team, enhancing initiatives centered on sustainability, community engagement, and ethical business practices. Rahul brings a wealth of experience to the role as the first female Chief Engineer for Radisson Hotel Group in the Middle East. With a remarkable ascent in the hospitality sector in just a few years, Rahul’s journey from an engineering admin to her current leadership position exemplifies her dedication and expertise.
As the Group plans its course for 2024, Rahul will lead a range of initiatives for the Responsible Business Team, including but not limited to Iftar for delivery for drivers, Earth Hour, community action month, and sustainability verification efforts across all hotels. Additionally, she will actively support hotels in obtaining eco-labeling certifications and promote participation in initiatives such as the partnership with Just a Drop via towel reuse and green housekeeping program.
Those innovative strategies will help Radisson Hotel Group’s commitment to becoming Net Zero by 2050. Looking ahead, the Group will pilot efforts by leveraging green building practices, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and promoting sustainable operations, thereby reducing the Group’s carbon footprint and aligning with the Paris Agreement.
Jan Hanak, Managing Director, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Egypt Radisson Hotel Group, said, “Radisson Hotel Group’s long tradition of being a responsible business, with its first environmental policy defined in 1989, the responsible business coordinator role is vital. Neraaja’s background in engineering brings invaluable technical expertise and problem-solving skills to the role, enabling her to implement sustainable practices and initiatives effectively.’’
Complementing these efforts, Radisson Hotel Group extends its sustainability pledge to its guests. It offers sustainable value propositions such as 100% carbon-neutral meetings and expanding EV charging networks globally, with over 900 installations already in place. This includes supporting the people, communities, and the planet through plans focused on business ethics, supply chain sustainability, carbon footprint reduction, and employability programs to foster a better future for all.
Over the past 10 years, the Group has reduced its average energy and water footprint by 30%. As an intermediate target, it aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% over the next 5 years and halve it by 2030. Additionally, the Group aims to minimize the consumption of natural resources, increase the use of renewable energy, and phasing out single-use plastics.
MEDIA CONTACT: Caroline Jonsson, Regional PR & Communications Manager, Middle East, Radisson Hotel Group
caroline.jonsson@radissonhotels.com
Dubai Can, the citywide sustainability initiative, has successfully seen a reduction in the usage of an equivalent of almost 18 million 500ml single-use plastic water bottles in just two years since its launch. With the support of its partners and sponsors, Dubai Can has placed 50 public water stations in strategic locations across the city, including parks and popular tourist destinations, which have dispensed almost 9 million litres of water.
Dubai Can was launched on 15 February 2022 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, to reduce the utilisation of single-use plastic water bottles, empower residents and visitors to be active players in building a more sustainable future, and contribute to saving wildlife and the marine environment.
The initiative is aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to transform the emirate into a leading sustainable destination and is part of the wider efforts to cut the use of single-use plastics and encourage a mindset change in how the city’s residents and visitors view sustainability. Dubai Can’s objectives are also supporting the Dubai 2040 Urban Masterplan and Dubai’s commitment to helping the UAE achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and UAE NetZero 2050 targets.
With the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability’ extending into 2024, the Dubai Can initiative has plans to expand with 30 additional water fountains being installed by the end of the year in locations around the city. This will further motivate residents and visitors to undertake simple lifestyle changes such as using refillable water bottles and installing water filters in their homes, offices and schools.
Yousuf Lootah, Acting CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance Sector, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said: “The Dubai Can movement has been embraced by residents and visitors alike and we are proud of the considerable success it has achieved since its launch two years ago, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai a leading sustainable destination. We have seen consistent engagement with Dubai Can across the city, and the positive impact the initiative has made over the past two years. By reducing plastic waste, we are protecting our oceans, wildlife, and natural landscapes, and by choosing reusable options like our public water stations, we are promoting a healthier lifestyle and reducing our carbon footprint. We will ensure that Dubai Can will continue to encourage residents and visitors to adopt greener practices and lifestyle choices, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to consolidate Dubai’s position among the top three global cities for business and leisure over the next decade.
“As we strive to achieve Dubai’s sustainability goals, we look forward to the continued success of Dubai Can, particularly in the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability’, which has been extended into 2024 and invites everyone to join in the collective effort to adopt sustainable practices. Dubai Can has driven the behavioral changes that are needed to tackle environmental challenges and the success of this initiative could not have been possible without the support of our valued city stakeholders and partners, as well as the overwhelming response from the public.”
Strong stakeholder support
With the unified aim of achieving sustainable development goals and environmental targets, Dubai Can has partnered with strategic businesses to support the refilling of the city’s 50 plus public water fountains.
Simonida Subotic, Vice President at talabat UAE, said: “We are proud to celebrate Dubai Can’s two-year milestone and the remarkable impact it has on the community. As a tech company, we embrace innovative solutions that create shared value for the public and facilitate the adoption of positive everyday practices. Being in a country such as the UAE, which is spearheading sustainability efforts in the region, enables private companies to play an active role in driving behavioural change. In line with the leadership’s vision and the extension of the Year of Sustainability in 2024, we will be adding two new talabat Dubai Can machines in the city, further contributing to the initiative’s success.”
Walid Yehia, Managing Director – UAE at Dell Technologies, said: “The Dubai Can initiative has made substantial progress in a short span of time, and its mission to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic water bottles is truly commendable. The initiative aligns with Dell’s global efforts to foster sustainable and environmentally friendly business practices. By harnessing the latest technological advancements, we can encourage responsible actions and contribute to a future where plastic waste is minimised. We remain committed to the Dubai Can initiative and look forward to expanding our collective impact in reducing plastic waste and contributing to a more sustainable and resilient Dubai.”
Vijay Bains, Chief Sustainability Officer and Group Head of ESG at Emirates NBD, said: “As an organisation that has consistently championed sustainability and advocated environmental preservation, we at Emirates NBD are delighted to celebrate the outstanding success of the Dubai Can initiative, launched two years ago, and reaffirm our commitment to its continued progress and success. As one of the early supporters of the initiative, we have installed public water stations across three locations, including The Greens and Views, South Ridge in Downtown and Dubai Sports City. We take immense pride in sharing that our endeavours have helped to save the use of more than one million 500ml single-use plastic water bottles across these areas. It is truly gratifying to witness the overwhelming response from residents and visitors embracing this citywide initiative, taking us one step closer to achieving Dubai’s goal of becoming a sustainable city.”
Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Portfolio Management Officer of Shamal Holding, said: “In line with the city’s wider ambitions and the Dubai Economic Agenda’s goal to adopt greener practices and lifestyle choices, we are grateful to Dubai Can for having transformed sustainability narratives, building impact beyond the city and becoming an example for successful practices globally. We are proud to have been closely associated as a partner in this journey. Dubai Can’s purpose, message and mission continues to inspire generations to contribute to make a difference through this sustainability-focused programme. At Shamal, we remain committed to nurturing partnerships and relationships that generate meaningful and sustainable returns and we look forward to continuing to support this citywide sustainability movement across our diverse portfolio including Dubai Harbour and Kite Beach.”
Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of Emirates Literature Foundation, said: “At the Emirates Literature Foundation, sustainability is not something we consider just for the Year of Sustainability. From our offices to our events, we have been prioritising eco-conscious practices for years by providing water coolers and encouraging our community to bring reusable bottles. In alignment with the Dubai Can initiative and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s D33 agenda to reinforce Dubai’s position amongst the top three global cities, we’re committed to reducing waste and conserving resources. Partnerships play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future for our planet. Together, we can inspire meaningful change and ensure a greener, healthier world for generations to come.”
Tim Cordon, Chief Operating Officer for the MEA and SEAP of Radisson Hotel Group, said: “Over the past years, we at Radisson Hotel Group have implemented several practices and launched initiatives as part of our commitment to drive a pro-environmental strategy. The irreversible ramifications of plastic on our environment are a major challenge to us today, and the Dubai Can initiative aims to defy this obstacle. We are proud to be part of this ingenious step towards a greener UAE.”
Many private companies in the emirate have been inspired by Dubai Can to install water fountains in their offices, reducing single-use plastics in the workplace. Above all, the movement has encouraged residents and visitors to the UAE to adopt more sustainable behaviours and become conscientious consumers.
Driving a ‘refill culture’
All water stations throughout the city adhere to the highest hygiene standards and comply strictly with municipal, healthcare, and federal regulations. The stations provide clean and safe drinking water, which is tested in accordance with DEWA, GCC, and World Health Organization standards. While driving a ‘refill culture’, the drinking water from the stations are kept cool at a temperature of 10°C offering people a refreshing, clean and safe alternative.
A resident in the UAE typically uses 450 plastic water bottles on an average in a year, which translates into a total of 4 billion plastic bottles being used annually across the country. The Dubai Can initiative will continue to encourage residents and visitors to help reduce waste and prevent millions of plastic bottles from ending up in landfill and in our oceans.
A second Dubai Can project, the Dubai Reef, was also launched in December 2023. One of the world’s largest marine reef developments, Dubai Reef is part of the city’s efforts to increase fish stocks, support sustainable fishing, and contribute to boosting food security. It will also play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and increasing marine biodiversity.
For more information about the Dubai Can sustainability initiative, and where to find refill stations across the city, please visit www.visitdubai.com/en/dubai-can.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has revealed that DEWA made a significant achievement in improving electricity and water production efficiency, with a 41.73 percent increase in 2023 compared to 2006.
This equates to a cumulative reduction of 92.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions between 2006 and 2023, equivalent to planting 484 million trees required to absorb this CO2 emission.
“At DEWA, we are committed to achieving the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to consolidate Dubai’s position as a global hub for clean energy and a green economy. We emphasise enhancing energy and water production efficiency through innovation and continuous upgrades to our production plants, as well as deploying cutting-edge technologies across all our facilities and projects. These efforts have led to a 41.73 percent increase in electricity and water production efficiency in 2023 compared to 2006, resulting in significant reductions in carbon emissions and substantial financial savings,” said Al Tayer.
Nasser Lootah, Executive Vice President of Generation (Power & Water) at DEWA, explained that DEWA produces electricity and water using co-generation technology. Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG) harness waste heat from gas turbines to generate additional electricity and provide thermal energy for the water desalination process.
DEWA employs an innovative hybrid system for water desalination plants, integrating various technologies such as Multi-Stage Flashing (MSF) and Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO), ensuring optimal efficiency throughout the plant’s lifecycle and minimising costs.
DEWA regularly develops operation and maintenance modes to enhance efficiency further. It also collaborates with original equipment manufacturers to undertake gas turbine upgrades, improving their efficiency, performance, and reliability.
Source: WAM
The UAE Council for Climate Action has sought ways to develop sustainable and cutting-edge financial frameworks for green projects by creating a platform for the commercialisation of carbon as a tradeable asset on local markets.
The project will offer optional participation and mandatory application in case of participation, to guarantee alignment with the stipulations outlined in the Paris Agreement, it was agreed at the first meeting of the UAE Council for Climate Action in 2024, which was held virtually and chaired by Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
The Council reviewed the Carbon Pricing Study which aims to encourage companies to reduce carbon emissions by implementing a tax on carbon emissions, trading carbon credits, or a hybrid system.
Carbon Pricing Policy
The Carbon Pricing Policy Committee, comprising representatives from both federal and local governmental bodies in the country, convened in November 2023 and February 2024 to prepare a detailed study. The study includes an evaluation of the available mechanisms, as well as an assessment of the long-term social and economic impacts. The Committee also developed essential models crucial for analysing and appraising the study’s outcomes.
The Council assessed the most recent advancements in the country’s action to achieve climate sustainability. The Council also reviewed various programmes aimed at attaining climate neutrality, examined its work agenda with the concerned authorities in the nation for the current year, and formulated an action plan.
Dr Al Dahak said: “Throughout the COP28 conference, the UAE, with the collective representation of key stakeholders, introduced a comprehensive global sustainability model spanning across all sectors. This positioned our nation at the forefront of global discussions. Currently, the primary focus of the Council is now on operationalising the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy. Delving into various strategic plans requires meticulous monitoring to guarantee the achievement of this ambitious goal, especially within critical economic sectors.”
Collaboration
She added: “Through collaboration, we can bring about transformative change that aligns with our wise leadership’s aspirations. By engaging society in our efforts, we can effectively achieve all our goals. Let’s make 2024 and the following years a new opportunity to strengthen the UAE’s global position and its ability to develop a more sustainable society, economy, and environment, not only for us but also for future generations.”
The UAE Council for Climate Action meeting discussed the progress made towards implementing the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy and collaboration with various ministries and federal and local authorities.
The Strategy focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by setting interim targets, implementing initiatives and projects, and taking necessary government actions. The Strategy also includes a proposed governance mechanism to monitor the implementation of the plan.
At the meeting, the Council was briefed on the outcomes of the education pavilion at the COP28 Conference and its significance in increasing public and student awareness of climate change, nature, and the environment. The meeting emphasised the importance of such initiatives in supporting the UAE’s efforts to achieve its social, economic and climate goals.
The discussions focused on the current advancement and forthcoming strategies as part of the Carbon Trading initiative.
The members discussed ways to improve collaboration at the Federal level to effectively tackle climate change and its impact. The focus was on reducing emissions sustainably and reaching climate neutrality.
Latest updates
The meeting also covered the latest updates related to the National Dialogue for Climate Ambition, which will soon hold a new roundtable to discuss the aluminium sector. The Council also had detailed discussions on the potential expansion of the UAE Climate-Responsible Companies Pledge.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment presented updates on the progress made in the second phase of the National Measurement, Reporting, and Verification System Project in line with the enhanced transparency framework of the Paris Agreement. Additionally, the meeting discussed the National Adaptation Action Programme project, which aims to increase awareness among both the government and private sector, and bridge the knowledge gap in national action programmes with the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The meeting was attended by Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for International Development Affairs; Maria Hanif Al-Qassim, Assistant Undersecretary for Policy and Economic Studies Sector UAE Ministry of Economy; Abdulla Sami Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Growth at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology; Engineer Ahmed Al Kaabi, Assistant Under-Secretary for Oil, Gas and Mineral Resources at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure; Dr Hassan Al Mheiri, Assistant Under-Secretary for Accreditation and Educational Services at the Ministry of Education; and Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador and Director-General and Special Representative of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and Executive Vice President at Adnoc.
The meeting was also attended by Ahmed Al Muhairbi, Secretary-General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director General of Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, Ahmed Ali Al-Ali, General manager of the Department of Umm Al Quwain Municipality, Dr Saif Mohammed Al Ghais, Director General of Environment Protection & Development Authority of Ras Al Khaimah, Asilah Abdullah Al Mualla, Director-General of the Fujairah Environment Authority, Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General of Aviation Safety Sector at the General Civil Aviation Authority, and Shaikha Al Mazroui, Acting Executive Director, Integrated Environmental Policy and Planning Sector at EAD, in addition to a number of federal, state and private sector officials.
Source: TradeArabia
Realising UAE Net Zero 2050 could help the country grow its GDP by approximately $1 trillion, says Green Future Project (GFP), a B-Corp providing corporate sustainability solutions.
Briano Martinoni, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer at GFP, details why UAE stakeholders play in achieving this realisation.
By 2080, collaboration between federal and local governments, the private sector, and communities could yield an extra AED70 billion ($19.1 billion), with investments offset by long-term cost savings, notably from reduced fossil fuel use.
Green efforts
Policies like the Dubai 2040 Urban Masterplan and corporate green initiatives are pivotal for building a resilient future. A recent survey showing that 91% of businesses globally struggle to measure their greenhouse gas emissions reinforces this notion. Despite only seven UAE businesses being certified B-Corps out of 6,700 worldwide, as environmental awareness grows, UAE organisations must intensify their green efforts for the country’s sustainable goals.
Briano explained: “The data speaks for itself, showing that companies can experience a 15-30% brand value increase by simply adopting sustainable practices. Younger generations are driving environmental change on a global scale but they can only do so much – the onus falls on governmental entities and businesses to ensure a greener world is created for future inhabitants of our planet.
“This notion is reinforced by the fact that Scope 3 emissions (indirect emissions that occur in the value chain of any reporting entity) account for 40-80% of a company’s total carbon footprint, and sometimes even exceed 90%. Companies are increasingly adopting carbon footprint monitoring tools and this is a welcome sign since it will enable informed decision-making and accelerate positive change.”
GFP is helping advance the UAE’s green objectives while contributing to key governmental mandates such as UAE Net Zero 2050. The company is working with UAE-based organisations in sectors including digital banking, hospitality, real estate, communications, and finance to help them pioneer sustainable action across the region.
Source: TradeArabia
Today, the Advertising Business Group (ABG), a leading self-regulatory non-profit organisation, has announced a strategic alliance with Ad Net Zero, a global initiative committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the advertising sector, signifying the launch of a pioneering initiative aimed at decarbonising the UAE’s advertising sector and encouraging sustainable behaviour change through advertising.
The announcement, which was made at Dubai Lynx, MENA’s premier festival of creativity, underscores a collective commitment to bolstering the markets’ role as the regional epicenter for driving sustainability within advertising and marketing initiatives across vital industries. By partnering with Ad Net Zero, the ABG aims to help the advertising industry contribute to the UAE’s net-zero goals and promote responsible consumption and production. The launch of the chapter will serve as the regional hub for MENA and is a decisive move towards shaping a more sustainable future for the advertising industry in the region.
Ad Net Zero is set to launch in the UAE with its founding supporters Google, META, Unilever, Group M, MCN, Dentsu, Publicis Groupe and Omnicom Media Group, all taking the lead in sustainable leadership and adding to the wider list of ANZ global supporters*. This commitment underscores the industry’s dedication to pioneering responsible advertising standards and shaping a sustainable future.
Commenting on the milestone Khaled AlShehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communication, UAE Government Media Office, stated: “With 2023 and 2024 declared as the Years of Sustainability by the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the successful culmination of COP28 in Dubai, the message is clear: Sustainability is not optional. The UAE proudly launches Ad Net Zero, marking a pivotal moment in our journey towards sustainability. This initiative, a project close to my professional journey in the UAE, is not just a response to a global climate emergency; it is a bold statement of our commitment in the advertising industry. Ad Net Zero empowers us to leverage our industry’s unique influence to drive meaningful change. With this launch of Ad Net Zero, it’s imperative to remember that everyone has a crucial part to play. This isn’t just an initiative for the advertising industry; it’s a universal call to action. Every individual, business, and sector can make impactful contributions toward our sustainable future. Let’s unite in this vital effort.”
Sebastian Munden, Chair of Ad Net Zero, said: “We are pleased to see the reach of Ad Net Zero grow with the launch of the UAE Chapter, which will act as the regional hub for MENA. It takes motivated people across the sectors to get momentum for launch. The ABG’s public commitment for a more sustainable future in advertising is a vital step and connects them to the global community and the Ad Net Zero tools to help facilitate this outcome.
“Motivating citizen behaviour change at scale was a topic that came up in many discussions I was part of at COP 28 in Dubai. A more sustainable and globally connected approach, from how ads are made to what they promote, can only be a good thing. There’s no time to lose.”
The ABG recently unveiled its comprehensive sustainability agenda that aims to empower the industry to take direct action and reduce its negative impact from both advertising emissions and content. The agenda focuses on building a more sustainable sector through emissions reduction, closing the industry wide sustainability knowledge and skills gap, and empowering the industry to combat greenwashing practices.
Leyal Eskin, Vice President, Head of Personal Care Business GCC Countries at Unilever and Chair of Advertising Business Group commented: “The Advertising Business Group’s (ABG) alliance with Ad Net Zero marks a pivotal moment in driving environmental sustainability for the UAE advertising industry and supports the UAE’s Net Zero commitment. This collaboration is a testament to the ABGs overall commitment in driving responsible advertising business practices and will help shape a sustainable future for the UAE’s advertising and marketing industry.”
The advertising sector needs to take responsibility for a sustainable future, through both reducing its operational emissions and through creating work that leads to a more sustainable future.
Ad Net Zero supporters, global, and at a national level, are required to set public science-based net zero targets. This can be done through either the Science Based Targets initiative, a commitment to the UN Race to Zero (including via the SME Climate Hub), The Climate Pledge, or other comparable alternatives. Supporters need to measure and report their progress annually. If supporters do not already have net zero targets in place, they are required to establish them within 15 months of joining Ad Net Zero. Ad Net Zero and ABG are committed to guiding supporters during the initial phase. For the first three months, both teams will offer comprehensive assistance, including information, training, and upskilling, to facilitate a smooth start to the measurement journey.
ABG invites companies within the advertising and marketing industry to become Ad Net Zero supporters. By committing to ANZ, companies can play a leading role in setting responsible advertising standards, positively shaping the future of the industry. The initiative offers a clear five-point action plan and guidance for organisations to achieve net-zero GHG emissions within the advertising sector. Following the initial learning period, supporters will have 12 months to measure their emissions accurately and set their public science-based net zero target. Guidance and support will be provided to assist supporters in this crucial endeavor.
Aramex, a leading global provider of comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions, has launched a new podcast series aligned with the recently concluded COP28 in Dubai and the Year of Sustainability in the UAE, now extended from 2023 to 2024.
Dubbed A Podcast: The Road to Sustainability and hosted by Dr. Abubaker Musa Eltom, a dedicated SDG advocate and speaker, the podcast series is strategically designed to enrich Arabic content on sustainability-related topics, with a primary focus on the UAE. The main aim of the initiative is to bridge knowledge gaps, share valuable insights and engage listeners in vital conversations through thought-provoking discussions, insightful comments, and interactive dialogues about sustainability within the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, while also supporting the broader objectives of the UAE’s efforts to foster a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
The podcast featured discussions with prominent figures in sustainability, addressing some of the most crucial topics in the field. The first episode featured Dr. Ashraf Gamal El Din, Chief Executive Officer of Hawkamah, the Institute for Corporate Governance, the DIFC. It focused on the critical role of governance, a cornerstone in the ESG framework, while exploring key themes, including the balance between compliance and reporting, the significance of transparency, and the role of regulators in shaping sustainable business practices.
Other episodes featured Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi, a member of the Ajman Royal family in the United Arab Emirates, popularly known as The Green Sheikh; Mrs. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group; and Dr. Yousef M. Al-Assaf, President at Rochester Institute of Technology-Dubai. These episodes covered a wide range of topics centered on education and development through sustainability, the gap between the private sector and third-sector social and community development, as well as green buildings and green future.
Commenting on the launch, Raji Hattar, Chief Sustainability Officer at Aramex, said: “We are thrilled to launch our new podcast series for Arabic-speaking audiences, with the overarching aim of filling the knowledge gap. With COP28 and the Year of Sustainability last year, which has been extended to 2024, intensifying the focus on sustainability within the region and beyond, we, as a responsible company, want to play our part and further support local and global efforts to create more awareness about critical topics within the broad spectrum of sustainability. Being the first company in the region to release an audited sustainability report about 17 years ago, our legacy has taught us to remain committed to improving the ecosystem we live in, ensuring our business is as sustainable as possible while also promoting the importance of a sustainable world through initiatives such as the launch of this new podcast series.”
Marking the beginning of an engaging journey into sustainability matters while stimulating important discussions, the podcast launch is an integral component of Aramex’s ‘Delivering Good’ initiative, which centers on Education and Youth Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, and the Environment. It aligns with Aramex’s longstanding efforts, through its wide range of programs and projects, aimed at delivering a better future to the communities in the markets where it works.
The video podcast is available on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AramexTV/videos.
UAE-based sustainability tech solutions provider, ImpactGulf, today announced the launch of G4Green, a green engagement platform that uses AI and blockchain technology to bring transparency to the ESG space, connect relevant stakeholders and accelerate the greening of supply chains.
G4Green enables large organizations as well as government agencies and global institutions to bring together their entire network of suppliers, partners, members or portfolio companies on the basis of ethical principles, onboard them in one go, monitor and drive their sustainability performance and implement incentive tools to accelerate their ESG journey.
The platform serves as an internal database and green navigator to help organizations map the ESG factors that are beyond their direct control, yet for which they are held accountable. With a complete view of their stakeholders’ green performance, organizations can easily engage their suppliers in green activities, enable them to set sustainability goals and upload their CSR, ESG and carbon accounting reports and accreditations, while companies new to green practices can use AI to help set their first sustainability goals. As an enterprise solution, G4Green also assists in identifying sustainable products, services, partners and suppliers, as well as initiating green procurement and building a green supply chain.
Using AI to detect false sustainability claims from large organizations and their suppliers and partners, the platform also helps companies avoid greenwashing, including through scanning their own social media posts for sustainability claim violations before posting.
Commenting on the platform, Yassin Nasri, Founder & CEO of ImpactGulf, stated: “G4Green represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to driving positive environmental change and building capacities in the sustainability space. By providing organizations with the tools and resources to streamline their sustainability efforts, we aim to catalyze a broader shift towards greener business practices. Building and operating a sustainable business is not possible without engaging the entire supply chain.”
“We could not be prouder to showcase such technological advancements from the UAE to the world, especially during this second Year of Sustainability as declared by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” Yassin added.
The platform provides an excellent foundation for green procurement, ESG risk assessment and sustainable stakeholder empowerment. It is built on the latest technological infrastructure, including the use of AI for data analysis and greenwashing avoidance, as well as blockchain technology for sustainability data traceability.
“Ultimately, the platform is about how key stakeholders in business and society can take their corporate community on an ESG journey, identifying the emissions hotspot within their value chain and minimizing the risk of dumping chemicals into the ocean anywhere in the world, or other unethical practices such as the employment of children by a supplier or partner. G4Green is the answer to all these key ESG risks,” concludes Yassin.
Vidunas Gedeikis, CTO at ImpactGulf, added: “Depending on individual needs, our platform is able to adapt to clients’ own ESG and partner engagement metrics, and integrate advanced technologies, including AI-driven data analytics and blockchain-enabled traceability, to ensure the integrity and reliability of sustainability initiatives. With the customization capabilities of G4Green, we are paving the way for a more transparent, interconnected approach to sustainability management.”
ImpactGulf is a signatory to the UAE Climate-Responsible Companies Pledge, a participant of the United Nations Global Compact, an officially approved member of the Greentech Alliance, and was selected by Shell Middle East and StartUpbootcamp for Shell StartUp Engine UAE 2022.
For more information, please visit G4Green.com.
UAE-based Zeroe has announced a seed investment boost by the VOYAGERS ClimateTech Fund, taking the total raise to $2.3 million. The funding empowers Zeroe to bring forward the development timeline on its AI-integrated SaaS platform, which intelligently automates carbon emission calculations, saving companies time and money in the process of sourcing capital to fund their transition to net zero.
A Market Responding to Rising Demand for Emissions Transparency
Zeroe is responding to an ever-increasing demand in the market for robust emissions measurement and reporting. As stakeholders intensify their scrutiny on corporate environmental impact, Zeroe’s platform emerges as a critical tool in aligning businesses with these evolving expectations.
Harnessing AI for Sustainable Transformation
With limited available emissions expertise globally, Zeroe leverages AI to rapidly ingest raw data and intelligently map emissions factors, allowing for GHG protocol-compliant carbon accounting at scale.
Accelerating Access to Sustainable Finance
Acknowledging the substantial financial implications of transitioning to net-zero—a challenge estimated to cost trillions globally—Zeroe’s platform is a game-changer. It facilitates easier access to necessary capital by aiding organizations in meeting stakeholder reporting requirements and securing the funding essential for their decarbonization efforts.
Farouk Jivani, Co-founder and CEO of Zeroe shares his enthusiasm: “We’re excited to be VOYAGERS’ second investment in the region, and we believe this investment confirms our push to be a leading solution in supporting organizations to measure emissions and access sustainable finance. We are at the cusp of a new era in corporate environmental responsibility, and we believe Zeroe empowers organizations on this journey.” About Zeroe
Zeroe is a pioneering AI-driven Carbon Management platform from the UAE. It seamlessly integrates with a company’s existing systems to analyze and interpret vast amounts of data. Intelligent mapping and categorization facilitates the generation of comprehensive emissions reports, empowering companies to engage meaningfully with stakeholders and access climate finance on their journey to net zero.
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About Voyagers
Voyagers, managed by David Rowan, former Editor-in-Chief of Wired UK, is a Climate-Tech Fund committed to incubating innovative climate solutions. Following a successful $10 million fund closure, Voyagers has invested in a variety of ventures, showcasing its commitment to inclusivity and addressing critical environmental challenges.
Contact Information
For more information, please contact: Lauren on pr@zeroe.io or visit zeroe.io
Positive Zero, a decentralised decarbonisation infrastructure business headquartered in the UAE and dedicated to empowering a new energy economy in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, officially launched its new brand identity at the Museum of the Future yesterday as a consolidated platform for clean distributed power generation, energy efficiency, and sustainable mobility.
The event was attended by several high-level dignitaries and representatives of various UAE governmental entities, clients of Positive Zero, local and regional business leaders, and industry professionals from the clean energy and sustainability sectors.
Positive Zero’s official brand launch follows its recent announcement of a landmark investment of up to US$400 million from BlackRock’s Diversified Infrastructure team. The investment will boost Positive Zero’s growth and innovation in the GCC region, where it offers a range of decarbonisation solutions, including distributed generation, energy efficiency, and clean mobility solutions, to support the region’s energy transition and economic diversification goals as well as meet the COP28 mandate of tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency targets by 2030.
Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain, Co-Founder and Chairman of Positive Zero, commented on the occasion, “The idea for our business was inspired by the mission of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai ‘the city with the smallest carbon footprint in the world by 2050.’ This clear and ambitious target motivated us to create a platform that can partner closely with the private and public sectors to not only accelerate the clean energy transition but also to boost the economy in a game-changing, sustainable way.”
Positive Zero was formed through the consolidation of three leading businesses in their fields: SirajPower, the leading provider of financed distributed generation in the GCC. Taka Solutions is the largest energy services company in the UAE, and HYPR Energy, the first mobile battery and energy storage systems provider in the region. The group combines the capabilities of these three verticals, offering end-to-end services with data-driven clean energy solutions at no upfront costs and providing them through a “servitisation” model that enables organisations of all types to take charge of their energy infrastructure and be part of the clean energy transition.
David Auriau, Co-Founder and CEO of Positive Zero, said in his remarks to the event’s attendees, “We are just at the beginning of a time when the future of energy, our planet, and our collective lives is being reimagined. By combining the various decentralised clean energy solutions that Positive Zero offers as services without upfront investment, our clients can slash up to 70 percent of their carbon emissions. This was not possible until recently, and we plan to grow tenfold in the next five years to create a large-scale movement towards a more sustainable, efficient, and carbon-neutral future through innovation and collaboration.”
The event included a presentation to attendees about Positive Zero’s vision for the decarbonised economy. The programme also featured remarks by Edward Winter, Head of EMEA for Diversified Infrastructure at BlackRock.
Positive Zero’s foundational companies have made remarkable strides in key GCC markets. SirajPower leads the region with an impressive portfolio of distributed solar energy, totalling 200 MWp and reducing over 223,000 metric tons of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to powering over 43,000 homes annually. Taka Solutions, operating as the company’s Efficiency arm, has achieved energy savings exceeding 100,000 MWh across eight UAE sectors, which is equivalent to planting more than three million trees. HYPR Energy’s clean energy on-demand mobile battery unit, the first of its kind in the region and situated under the company’s mobility vertical, has provided construction sites and other off-grid locations with cheaper and cleaner power.
Source: WAM – Hatem Mohamed / Tariq Al Fahaam
