In conjunction with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2023, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, revealed Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sustainability goals.
The goals aim to reduce carbon emissions by 20 percent in 2030 and Net Zero by 2050. Through these goals, DoH seeks to set a roadmap for the Emirate’s healthcare sustainability progress and accelerate alignment across the ecosystem.
Segmented into long- and short-term goals, DoH’s healthcare sustainability agenda focuses on three key pillars including infrastructure, operations, and healthcare waste. With focus on infrastructure, DoH will work closely with healthcare facilities in an effort to enable the sector to implement green building methodologies by using sustainable, recyclable and natural materials in hospital construction and maintenance, while transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources.
Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Under-Secretary of DoH, said, “DoH continues to lead the sector’s sustainability agenda through ensuring the availability of a solid roadmap and to equip the healthcare ecosystem with the means to achieve sustainable operations. The sustainability goals announced today seek to set the stage for strategic targets that will help us create a better future for generations to come, as well as ensure a future-proof healthcare ecosystem in the Emirate. Reflecting Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for healthcare, we remain committed to ensuring the availability of a conscious and innovative operations across all levels.”
The Department will support the healthcare sector in leading sustainable operations related to chemicals food, procurement, transportation, and water, as well as promote and support nutritious and sustainable food systems that are locally produced.
With a global focus on waste management, and through its newly set guidelines, DoH aims to enable healthcare facilities to decrease, treat and safely dispose healthcare waste.
Hind Al Zaabi, Executive Director of Healthcare Facilities at DoH, stated, “The announcement of the healthcare ecosystem’s sustainability goals will allow us to establish a solid governance model for Green Hospitals across the Emirate, over the next few years. We are working with our partners across the sector to develop Abu Dhabi-specific accreditation and labelling for Green Hospitals. Additionally, and to ensure a seamless application of these guidelines and fuel healthy competition across the sector, a new sustainability index “Emirald Muashir” will be added to “Muashir”, the Emirate’s healthcare quality index. Following the launch of “Emirald Muashir” healthcare facilities will be granted specific accreditations that showcase their levels of adaptation to the sustainability goals and guidelines.”
In the short term and over the next year, the Department will equip the sector with the required training to learn and delve deeper in the field of sustainability through providing access to international networks such as the International Hospital Federation and Global Green and Healthy Hospitals. Simultaneously, DoH aims to expand collaborations and partnerships with leading international organisations to exchange knowledge and expertise in the field of sustainability.
DoH has recently launched the “Part S-Sustainability Guidelines” on the Stem website, which seeks to provide guidance and support the healthcare sector achieve their sustainability targets, contributing towards environmentally sustainable buildings and infrastructure in the Emirate. These measures compliment all pre-existing requirements of the DoH Health Facility Guidelines, as it has three major levels; the first of which will be implemented as mandatory for all healthcare facilities, both new and existing.
Additionally, DoH will work closely with the wider healthcare ecosystem to revaluate prescription practices and apply efficient means of pharmaceutical waste management in the Emirate. Furthermore, the ecosystem is encouraged to utilise more environmental-friendly transportation across the sector and reduce water consumption.
Source: Zawya
With sustainability at the core of its values, Xerox Emirates is contributing to a green future with the success of its sustainable initiatives launched in the recent years that include the Toner & Cartridge Recycling program with Enviroserve, the Print Releaf program and other internal Recycling initiatives.
For generations, Xerox has stood for innovation, quality, and excellent customer experience with a passion for protecting the environment and reducing their carbon footprint in the world, and they have managed to honour their heritage with the launch of their sustainability initiatives for a better future.
In keeping with this commitment, Xerox has fast-tracked their net zero goal by 10 years and established 2040 as their new goal year.
Enviroserve Partnership
The Toner and Cartridge Recycling program has been in effect since 2010 where Xerox Emirates customers can recycle their used Xerox branded toners and cartridges using a voucher-based system in the UAE. After each collection, the organization gets a ‘Green Certificate’ which adds to their corporate sustainability goals. With over 200 customers registered on this program, they collect almost 1800+ Kgs of toners and cartridges every year for recycling.
Stuart Fleming, Managing Partner at Enviroserve added: “The UAE's sustainability objectives have made recycling a top priority. We are incredibly proud of the collaboration with Xerox Emirates that started over 10 years ago and were the first to fully establish a recycling program in the UAE and its pursuant long-term viability. With every toner and cartridge, we collect and process at The Recycling plant, we reduce the amount of hazardous waste that is destined to landfill and the impact of mining unnecessary resources from nature. We will expand our recycling management efforts with our dedication to multi-stakeholder collaboration and faster recycling infrastructure.”
Print Releaf Program
Launched in November 2021 in the UAE, the partnership with Print Releaf allows Xerox Emirates customers to have the opportunity to contribute to the reforestation of global forests and reduce their overall carbon footprint. Based on a theme of “You print one, we’ll plant one,” paper usage reporting is used to equate the number of trees that are reforested into geographic areas of need. The Print Releaf program has offset 16,280,773 customer pages equivalent to 1,954 trees being reforested to date, contributing to a more sustainable world.
According to the latest CSR report released by Xerox, their vision was to transform Xerox manufacturing, operations, offices, and facilities into waste-free workplaces. In 2021, 95% of non-hazardous solid waste was reused in equipment repairs or remanufacturing, recycled, or used to produce energy, up from 92% in 2020. Xerox commits to reuse or recycle nearly 100% of the equipment and parts received from the clients and field service returns. With an aim to adhere to the highest standards for sustainability, Xerox invests and designs products to be environmentally responsible, from parts selection to efficiency in operation, while extending the life of parts and enabling reuse in manufacturing.
The Xerox Emirates internal recycling program launched in 2020 that collected over 14,000+ plastic bottles is equivalent to over 280 KGS for recycling.
In addition, Xerox is committed to lowering their carbon footprint of their equipment meeting ENERGY STAR® requirements and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Between the first baseline year of 2002 and 2016, they eliminated 320,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). In 2021, Xerox Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions totalled 133,617 metric tons of CO2e, a 43% reduction from the 2016 baseline. In 2021, calculated Scope 3 emissions decreased by 18% compared to 2020.
Simon Howells, General Manager at Xerox Emirates LLC said: “At Xerox Emirates, sustainability is core to our business. We align our goals for the environment, in key areas, to make an impact for our people and our customers. Our sustainability initiatives have demonstrated incredible success since its launch, and we hope to continue to contribute to the greener lifestyle needs of our customers whilst helping to make the UAE a leading sustainable destination.”
“In addition to this, we look at how we can simplify work, deliver more personalized experiences, and improve productivity through our software and technology. Our Digital Services offerings in automation and content management, help our customers be more productive, profitable, and sustainable whilst contributing to conservation of natural resources. We will continue to ensure a keen focus remains on lowering the energy intensity of our operations.” concluded Howells.
Other Xerox Corporate initiatives include:
CareAR: In one year, CareAR - a Xerox company, created the industry’s first end-toned Service Experience Management platform to digitally transform service experience and this has enabled the brand to reduce client site visits by more than 21,000, with more than 269,000 metric tons of Co2 avoided as a result.
Ocean of Things: OOT, a partnership between PARC® and the Défense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), developed low-cost drifters to deploy at scale in the ocean for the purpose of collecting information on environmental and human impacts. This data is used to have a significant impact in a variety of areas, including transportation route optimization, aquafarming, coastal security, and clean-up of ocean pollution.
Managing Energy and Greenhouse Gases: Given that energy sources account for most of the GHG emissions, Xerox focused on reducing energy consumption in their own operations and in their clients’ consumption. In 2021, their energy consumption decreased by 12.8% from 2020 and energy intensity normalized to revenue decreased by 13.0%
Toxic chemical release and transfers: The company evaluates the disposition of materials used in their global operations annually and reports to government agencies under national toxic chemical release reporting regulations. Toxic chemical releases decreased by 15% in 2021 compared to 2020 levels and were 85% lower than 2007 levels. In 2021, approximately 2% of the total toxic chemical releases from Xerox operations were emitted into the air. About 68% of all chemical releases were recycled or fuelled energy recovery initiatives.
Xerox plans to achieve net-zero emissions through projects that improve operational efficiency, create new technology innovations, and neutralize residual GHG emissions through carbon compensation mechanisms.
Source: press release
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) recognised 24 active Green Business Network members at a recent ceremony held in Abu Dhabi.
At the same event, EAD awarded the Green Industries Label to Corodex Industries and Bristol Fire Engineering Industries, enabling them to use it to market their products.
The gesture reflects the important role that corporations play in preserving the environment through the implementation of sustainable practices to reduce pollution, their commitment to raising awareness and contribution to environmental research and studies.
Notable organisations that were celebrated include the Department of Energy, Judicial Department, Department of Finance, Zoo & Aquarium Public Institution in Al Ain, General Authority of Civil Aviation, Musanada, Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, Aldar, Abu Dhabi Ports, and other organisations that have committed to achieving the goals of the Green Business Network initiative.
Last year, in line with this initiative, EAD collaborated with Abu Dhabi Ports Group on a community campaign known as “Clean Your Perimeter”. The purpose of the partnership was to promote sustainable waste management practices and reduce the consumption of single-use plastic materials in industrial facilities. The proposal proved successful, with six facilities across Abu Dhabi participating in 11 clean-up campaigns that collected over two tonnes of waste. There was also significant involvement from private sector companies, including Axis Engineering and Al Ghurair Steel.
Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Information, Science and Environmental Awareness Management Sector, at EAD, said, “With the recognition of 24 Green Business Network members – and as we shift from monitoring companies’ compliance to positively influencing their eco-friendly decision-making – we are hopeful that more facilities will choose to join. This begins with changing the work culture in establishments to improve their environmental performance and empower employees to champion the environment.”
“The industrial sector is a significant contributor to Abu Dhabi's economy. Encouraging sustainable practices in this sector will bring us closer to realising the Abu Dhabi Environmental Vision 2030 plan, which integrates the economic, social, and environmental aspects of sustainability to drive comprehensive sustainable development in the Emirate,” Baharoon added.
In 2022, the Agency launched the Green Industries Labelling Programme to foster supportive partnerships and to encourage and acknowledge the industrial sector's contributions to environmental protection. The programme was launched in line with the nature of Abu Dhabi's industrial sectors and the best global environmental practices. The programme is implemented by encouraging industrial establishments to find creative ways to control pollutants and urging them to implement eco-friendly practices, to increase the percentage of compliance with environmental and community protection.
Faisal Ali Al Hammadi, Executive Director of the Environmental Quality Sector at EAD, commented, “Today we are pleased to award the Green Industries Label to Corodex Industries and Bristol Fire Engineering Industries, for their dedication to implement eco-friendly practices, as well as their strategy-based planning to minimise environmental impacts, which are key to achieving the UAE’s goal to achieve climate neutrality by the year 2050.”
These 24 organisations work to improve environmental performance, and they are part of a group of 92 Green Business Network members that continuously implement initiatives to promote environmental sustainability practices in the workplace.
The Green Business Network Programme was launched in 2019 by EAD as a platform for Abu Dhabi's public and private sectors to learn, share, and encourage eco-friendly workplace practices. The network works to improve and promote communication and collaboration among all members across all disciplines to best practices in relation to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Source: WAM, Khoder Nashar
Masdar, one of the world’s leading clean energy companies, Port of Amsterdam, SkyNRG, Evos Amsterdam and Zenith Energy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of a green hydrogen supply chain between Abu Dhabi and Amsterdam to support Dutch and European markets.
The MoU was signed by Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, Gert-Jan Nieuwenhuizen, Managing Director for the Port of Amsterdam, Maarten van Dijk, Chief Development Officer of SkyNRG, Bart van der Meer, Business Development Manager, Evos, and Ellen Ruhotas, Managing Director New Energies for Zenith Energy. The agreement was signed in the presence of Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President-Designate, and Chairman of Masdar, and Wopke Hoekstra, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Netherlands.
Dr. Al Jaber said, “This agreement builds upon the existing relationship between the UAE and the Netherlands and demonstrates our mutual commitment to exploring low- and zero-carbon energy solutions. The UAE aims to play a central role in the emerging green hydrogen economy and this partnership with the Port of Amsterdam and associated players in the green hydrogen space would help position Abu Dhabi as a key hub for green hydrogen development.”
For his part, Hoekstra said, “The Netherlands is keen on developing green hydrogen corridors with major future exporting countries like the UAE. Our country is well positioned to become a hydrogen hub for the Northwestern European market. I welcome the collaboration between Dutch and UAE businesses in the field of hydrogen and look forward to further intensifying the cooperation between our two countries.”
Under this MoU, the parties will join their efforts to develop a green hydrogen supply chain, focusing on production in Abu Dhabi and export to the Netherlands through the port of Amsterdam. The exported green hydrogen will be delivered to key European sectors - sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), steelmaking, and bunkering for shipping - and will also be supplied to new, emerging European offtakers, via pipeline, truck and barge. Together, the parties will explore several hydrogen transportation methods, with a focus on liquid organic hydrogen carriers and liquid hydrogen.
Mohammed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said, “Masdar believes green hydrogen to be a promising energy source for hard-to-abate sectors in support of global decarbonisation, which is why we launched our dedicated green hydrogen business last month. We are pleased to partner with Port of Amsterdam, SkyNRG, Evos Amsterdam, and Zenith Energy to leverage our synergies in the fuel and logistics sectors to see how green hydrogen can help us achieve our shared goals for decarbonisation and sustainable economic growth.”
Port of Amsterdam, the operator of Europe’s fourth-largest port, is committed to scaling up green hydrogen capabilities and is working closely with commercial parties active in its port on green hydrogen development. SkyNRG, a global leader in SAF, is developing a network of SAF production facilities that require green hydrogen as input. Zenith Energy and Evos Amsterdam are the operators of some of the most prominent blending and storage terminals in the port, with Zenith developing a liquid hydrogen supply chain, while Evos Amsterdam is working on a liquid organic hydrogen carrier supply chain.
Koen Overtoom, CEO, Port of Amsterdam, said, “We are very pleased with this new collaboration. SkyNRG, Evos and Zenith Energy are driving forces behind the hydrogen developments in the port of Amsterdam and they are key in our goal of importing at least one million tonnes of green hydrogen annually. Joining forces with a party as renowned as Masdar, will bring this goal that much closer to realisation. Together, we can bring the envisioned Abu Dhabi-Amsterdam connection to fruition.”
Green hydrogen is produced with green electricity from renewables like wind or solar, in a process that separates water into oxygen and hydrogen via electrolysis. The International Renewable Energy Agency has stated that hydrogen will be an essential component of a net-zero energy system and has a key role to play in decarbonising sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy industry and long-haul transport. The global green hydrogen market is projected to reach $72 billion by 2030, while PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), has estimated that by 2050, hydrogen demand could be between 150 and 500 million metric tonnes per year.
Last December, Masdar announced its new shareholding structure and green hydrogen business unit, with a goal of achieving 100 GW renewable energy capacity and green hydrogen production of 1 million tonnes per annum annually by 2030. Masdar is actively involved in a number of projects related to green hydrogen production. Last year, Masdar signed agreements with leading Egyptian state-backed organisations to cooperate on the development of green hydrogen production plants in the country, targeting an electrolyzer capacity of 4 gigawatts by 2030, and output of up to 480,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year.
The Research and Innovation Center for Graphene and 2D Materials (RIC-2D) based in Khalifa University of Science and Technology, an internationally top-ranked research-intensive university located in Abu Dhabi, UAE and Zero Carbon Ventures, a company dedicated to bringing carbon-reducing technologies to the Middle East, have joined forces to develop local applications for carbon reduction LOOP technology developed by UK climate tech company, Levidian Nanosystems.
The RIC-2D at Khalifa University and Zero Carbon Ventures have erected a site for the carbon-reducing technology at the Arzanah Complex at the university’s Sas Al Nakhl (SAN) Campus, in Abu Dhabi. Research will be conducted on the system’s input and outputs, to develop its applications for different waste gas blends, such as those in the oil and gas industry, agriculture, landfill, and wastewater treatment plants.
Levidian’s LOOP technology demonstrates the ability to process captured methane as a key tool in the journey to a decarbonised world. Methane is cracked to produce Hydrogen, a fuel of the future, and Graphene which has the potential to impact a broad range of industries.
Earlier this year, Zero Carbon Ventures partnered with Levidian to deploy their innovative LOOP technology in the UAE.
The partners will work together on a project-by-project basis – initially on the LOOP technology, but with a vision to collaborate on other programs in the future.
Dr. Hassan Arafat, Senior Director, RIC-2D said: "RIC-2D is pleased to partner with Zero Carbon to jointly work on local applications for carbon reduction LOOP technology developed by Levidian Nanosystems. The cutting-edge Graphene and Hydrogen production technology installed at Khalifa University’s SAN Campus demonstrates our emphasis on bringing world-class innovative Graphene technologies to the UAE and the region. RIC-2D researchers will focus on developing applications for different waste gas blends, such as those in the oil and gas industry, agriculture, landfill, and wastewater treatment plants."
Martin Reynolds, CEO of Zero Carbon Ventures "Methane is one of the worst greenhouse gasses when liberated to the atmosphere. This technology from Levidian is a great example of the kinds of technology we aim to support the development of in the region. We have big plans to deploy it across industry in the UAE, initially, with a particular focus on decarbonizing waste methane from landfill sites. Our partnership with Khalifa University; one of the world’s best science and technology research centres, provides us with fantastic validation and support of the goals we have set ourselves. We are looking forward to seeing the results of this amazing work that will inevitably lead to advancements in the country’s mission to achieve Net Zero."
The RIC-2D hosted by Khalifa University of Science and Technology is part of a strategic investment by the Government of Abu Dhabi, in the UAE, to advance the scientific development and commercial deployment of technologies derived from graphene and other 2D materials. RIC-2D serves as an integral part of an advanced materials innovation ecosystem being developed in Abu Dhabi.
The GCC Exchanges Committee today released a unified set of ESG Disclosure Metrics that includes 29 standards aligned with the World Federation of Exchanges and the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative. These standards include categories across greenhouse gas emissions, energy usage, water usage, gender pay, employee turnover, gender diversity, data privacy, ethics and more.
It should be noted that these metrics are voluntary, and they do not replace existing ESG disclosure guidelines for GCC stock exchanges.
Hamed Ali, CEO of DFM and Nasdaq Dubai, said: “Being part of this great initiative underscores DFM's commitment to strengthening our leadership in the ESG space in line with the Exchange's strategy to become the region's leading sustainable financial market by 2025. We look forward to working closely with the other GCC exchanges to seamlessly adopt these metrics as part of international best practices. This development also complements the various efforts we are undertaking to encourage issuers to incorporate and embed ESG considerations into their approach and operations.”
DFM was one of the first exchanges in the GCC to launch the UAE ESG Index in 2020 to track and promote ESG best practices among listed companies.
“We also actively promote sustainable finance by leveraging Dubai's world-class ecosystem. This has accelerated the Emirate's position as a global centre for sustainable finance, with the total value of sustainable and ESG-linked bonds and sukuk listed on Nasdaq Dubai reaching USD 16.8 billion by the end of 2022,” Hamed Ali added.
The GCC Exchanges Committee consists of Dubai Financial Market, Bahrain Bourse, Boursa Kuwait, Qatar Stock Exchange, Muscat Stock Exchange, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, and Saudi Exchange, which chairs the Committee. The Committee aims to support the development of regional capital markets, create an advanced capital market ecosystem in the GCC region, and elevate their position on the global stage.
- Aldar and Diamond Developers combine to offer customers a uniquely sustainable experience in Abu Dhabi
- A live, work, and thrive destination with ample green open spaces, leisurely walkways, and community farming plots
- 512 residential units available to purchase in the first phase of the project
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Aldar Properties (‘Aldar’) in partnership with Diamond Developers has launched The Sustainable City – Yas Island, a sustainability-centric community offering a new way of life for residents in Abu Dhabi. The family friendly development, which builds on the strengths of The Sustainable City – Dubai, is a walkable community in the surrounds of open green spaces, leisurely walkways, and community farming plots.
The project is underpinned by a central green spine that runs the length of the community, featuring parks, lakes, and biodomes where vegetables will be grown and distributed throughout the community. With a strong focus on enabling an active community, The Sustainably City – Yas Island will also be home to a range of communal facilities and amenities, including an equestrian centre with stables, a track and two arenas, a gym and multiple pools, cycling and jogging tracks, football, basketball and padel courts, retail and F&B outlets, a nursery, a centre for autism, and a green and sustainable mosque.
Within this low emissions community, a network of communal battery-charged buggies and bicycles will be available so that residents and visitors can move around while their cars remain parked on the outer edge of the development. The community’s design philosophy has a focus on increasing walkability and accessibility at all levels.
Available for buyers of all nationalities, The Sustainable City – Yas Island will feature condominiums and townhouses located in 10 intimate clusters. In the first phase of the project, 272 condominiums and 240 townhouses will be released for public sale on 19 January. Condominiums are available in one-, two-, and three-bedroom formats, with the average price for a one bed standing at AED 892,000. Three- and four-bedroom townhouses at the development are also available with the average price of a three-bed standing at AED 3.24 million.
Jonathan Emery, Chief Executive Officer at Aldar Development said: “The Sustainable City – Yas Island is a landmark project for Aldar, reflecting our commitment to provide an increasingly diverse range of curated living experiences that our local and overseas customers tell us they want to live and invest in. This new community is a hugely powerful response to the strong demand we see for a more sustainable way of living, with the emergence of a more environmentally conscious customer group who seek a natural lifestyle experience that focuses on low carbon emissions, energy conservation, and the fundamental principles of a circular economy. The community will be brought to life in partnership with Diamond Developers, experts in the creation and management of sustainable cities, and champions of place making and a low carbon future.
The Sustainable City – Yas Island is a fully sustainable community that will be guided by three sustainability pillars – social, environmental, and economic. As one of the few Estidama 3-pearl communities in Abu Dhabi, the development will be powered by clean renewable energy, including solar panels embedded on all parking structures, enabling residents to save up to 50% on energy bills. Additionally, high-efficiency water systems, sustainability tech, community design principles, and recycling facilities within the community will help to reduce carbon emissions, water consumption, energy usage, and waste.
Salah Habib, Chief Executive Officer at Diamond Developers said: “Cities need to create a path to Net-Zero emissions that considers city-specific features like building material, food production and mobility solutions. The Sustainable City – Yas Island marks a key milestone in our journey to supporting the UAE’s Net Zero targets. The community will give residents of Abu Dhabi the chance to live in a sustainable community, with access to clean energy, locally grown food, recycled water, and waste with carbon-free mobility. The community will also embrace the latest innovations in sustainable technology, placing the community in Abu Dhabi at the forefront of the battle against climate change. We are proud to bring this ground-breaking community to life alongside Aldar.”
Announced in January 2022 during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, The Sustainable City – Yas Island is the product of joint venture with Diamond Developers, the mastermind behind The Sustainable City brand. Construction of the project will commence in Q2 2023, with first handovers expected in Q4 2025.
AL AIN - Al Ain Zoo has announced the successful conversion of 10 percent of its vehicles to become NGV (Natural Gas Vehicles) in 2022, as part of the first phase of its plan to convert 25 percent of vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas as fuel.
Mohammed Sarhan Alhmoudi Acting Director Environment Health and Safety at Al Ain Zoo, said: "This step will reduce the operating cost in terms of vehicle fuel by over 50 percent compared to gasoline fuel according to the current fuel prices, which is consistent with the Zoo’s objectives in terms of protecting the environment and preserving wildlife in various forms and supporting sustainable transport initiatives and standards.”
He added: "Our transition to natural gas is in line with the UAE’s strategic objectives to achieve fuel efficiency standards in accordance with the National Climate Change Plan (2017-2050), the Abu Dhabi Government's objectives to convert 25 percent of government vehicles to operate on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by 2030, as well as the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and the UAE Transportation Plan."
Al Ain Zoo owns 99 vehicles within its transport fleet for the use of employees and internal operations. Ten of these vehicles have been converted to natural gas successfully and get their CNG refill through four stations in Al Ain, Zakher, Industrial Area and Al Markhaniyyah, in cooperation with Emirates Transport through the approved centres in Al Ain.
Dubai: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has hosted the first meeting of the Farmers’ Council, presided over by Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
The meeting highlighted the government directions to promote sustainable modern farming systems across the UAE to increase the agricultural sector’s productivity and commercial value and enhance food security.
The Minister said: “Food security is a strategic priority of the UAE that we seek to achieve through strengthening our agricultural sector and mainstreaming advanced agricultural practices with the support of stakeholders concerned in the country.”
She added: “Establishing the Farmers’ Council will drive this priority, as it will highlight the challenges faced by the sector and the best approaches to overcoming them. Through its membership, representing all regions of the country, the Council aims to ensure that farmers’ voices are heard, and raise awareness about relevant government plans and ways to support them among the farming community.”
The minister applauded local farmers for the important role they play in developing the sector through their compliance with related laws and regulations and their shift to modern agriculture that reduces the sector’s impacts on the environment and climate.
Buyers’ pledge
The meeting agenda featured an overview of the Council’s mandates. These include promoting the adoption of state-of-the-art cultivation practices, developing an annual agricultural plan, identifying applicable agricultural systems, authorising applied agricultural research programmes to be executed at selected farms, organising capacity-building and experience-sharing activities for farmers, and approving annual agricultural production programmes and produce marketing plans.
Members outlined the Council’s work processes for identifying priority challenges and projects, developing action plans, and assigning tasks and timeframes. They also discussed the pledge signed by government entities at the UAE Annual Government Meeting on November 22 where they committed to securing 50 per cent of their food-related purchases from local farms by 2023 by boosting local farms’ production capacities and encouraging and increasing investment in food sectors to 100 per cent by 2030.
Financial solutions
Moreover, the Council explored the finance solutions offered by Emirates Development Bank to modern agricultural SMEs and start-ups, and highlighted next steps in developing targeted extension services for farmers. In this context, MOCCAE will update farmers’ databases over the next few weeks.
Hamid Obaid Al Zaabi, Council member representing Ajman farmers, emphasised the importance of engaging farmers in government decisions and future plans for the agricultural sector.
Hamid Al Hamad, Council member representing Abu Dhabi farmers, said: “The Council is a platform that brings together decision makers and experts from the government and private sector to educate stakeholders about related policies and directions as well as the challenges facing the sector. Through enhancing the capabilities of our farmers, we strive to realise the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of transforming the country into a global pioneer in the agricultural sector.”
Council members
In November, Minister Mariam issued the Ministerial Resolution No. 353 of 2022 establishing the Farmers’ Council. She is the Chair of the Council. Members from MOCCAE include the Assistant Undersecretary of the Food Diversity Sector, who is also the Vice Chair, the Assistant Undersecretary of the Support Services Sector, the Directors for the Central, Eastern, and Northern Region, and the Head of the Support and Follow-up Office. In addition, the Council comprises two farmers’ representatives each from the Central Region, the Eastern Region, the Northern Region, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.
For the ninth consecutive year Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, has attained the ‘Green Star’ status from the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) for implementing outstanding sustainability practices across its Properties portfolio. The Company also achieved a full score for integrating ESG best practices into management processes encompassing leadership, risk management, reporting and stakeholder engagement.
According to GRESB’s latest assessment and testament to the company’s commitment to delivering on its environmental targets, Majid Al Futtaim achieved scores of 97 and 85 for standing development and investment portfolios, respectively. The Company performed particularly well in social and governance areas and outperformed peers on many topics, including energy efficiency. Majid Al Futtaim’s score was strengthened by the progress made against its 2040 net positive commitment and greenhouse gas emissions validated this year by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Ahmed Galal Ismail, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim – Properties, said: “Effective benchmarking is a critical element in our sustainability commitment and ensures Majid Al Futtaim continually identifies areas for improvement and remains an industry leader in this important space. Attaining the ‘Green Star’ status from the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark is a testament to our bold vision, strategic management and dedicated team of people. Through our collective efforts, we continue to boost performance and take advantage of new opportunities to improve the quality of life for people across markets while protecting our ecosystem and preserving natural resources.”
According to GRESB, Majid Al Futtaim’s Properties portfolio also increased this year by nine points to reach 97, achieving a Five Green Star rating and ranking 2nd out of 11 companies. It attained full scores for waste, water, building certifications and ESG requirements, amongst others, further reinforcing the strict standards the company integrates into all construction activities to mitigate negative impact and improve the environmental performance of the buildings.
The latest accolade follows a long-term trend of solid sustainability performance, with the Company’s recent 2021 ESG report revealing Majid Al Futtaim generated 21.4 M kWh of renewable energy, achieved 45 LEED, BREEAM or equivalent certified assets, and realised a 3.6% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions across the Company, and more.
At the heart of Majid Al Futtaim’s sustainability strategy is the Dare Today, Change Tomorrow roadmap to address material risks and opportunities, ensuring the Company manages the issues that matter most to its stakeholders while responding effectively to the ESG issues that impact operations.
Source: press release
