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Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye) region, has set a new standard in sustainability by becoming the global leader with the highest number of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certifications. The bank has been awarded 16 LEED Platinum certifications, the highest sustainable building rating by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), further affirming its position as an industry pioneer.

As of September 2024, Emirates NBD has achieved 35 LEED Platinum and Gold certifications across the UAE, KSA and India branches - the recently opened King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) branch achieving a significant milestone as the first bank in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to attain a LEED Platinum certification. Additionally, the bank is the first financial institution in the Middle East to receive the Parksmart Gold certification for its parking facility in Nad Al Sheba, Dubai.

In 2024 alone, 20 of Emirates NBD’s branches across the UAE, KSA and India were awarded LEED Platinum and Gold level ratings, the highest rating achievable internationally. Most recently, the Emirates NBD branches at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, Ibn Battuta Mall and Electra were awarded LEED Platinum (v4 Interior Design and Construction), while Al Taif branch received Gold.

Eman Abdulrazzaq, Group Chief Operating Officer at Emirates NBD, said: “We are humbled and honoured to lead the way with the highest number of LEED Platinum certifications globally. As a leading bank group in the Middle East, we are committed to environmentally responsible business practices to achieve the world-class standard of green building performance. Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and it is our endeavour to set the flagship example for other organisations and encouraging our colleagues, customers and community to partner alongside.”

Vijay Bains, Group Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of ESG at Emirates NBD, said: “As a pioneer in sustainability initiatives in the region, we are proud to receive this notable and prestigious milestone, a testament to the bank’s efforts toward Net Zero, aligning with the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030 and Vision 2050. Sustainability is an essential pillar in our overall strategy and this achievement further reinforces our aspiration to create a greener future for the banking industry and community.”

Deepthy K B, Regional Director, GBCI Middle East, said: “We congratulate Emirates NBD on achieving LEED Platinum and Gold level certifications across its retail branches. This remarkable milestone recognises Emirates NBD’s consistent commitment as a financial institution to embrace the highest possible levels of sustainability, emphasising the bank’s social responsibility to your stakeholders. Emirates NBD’s continued efforts in the ESG and built environment space sets an example for the region and beyond to follow, offering optimal environmental performance, enhanced human comfort and an exemplary in-person banking experience through the LEED certified branches.”

The LEED framework, developed by USGBC, is the foremost program recognised for implementing several sustainable strategies including energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, transportation and human experience. LEED is the most widely used sustainable buildings rating system in the world. It provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving sustainable buildings and has gained global recognition for its comprehensive approach to evaluating and certifying sustainable building practices.

UAE-based Rebound, a subsidiary of Sirius International Holding, is setting a new standard with the launch of its new subscription-based platform for recyclable materials. The innovative platform is designed to transform the recycling industry by connecting buyers, sellers and partners of recyclable materials worldwide.

The new platform features a subscription-based model with 0% commission on trades, enhancing profitability while promoting sustainability. This expansion not only broadens the platform’s offerings but also reinforces Rebound’s commitment to create a circular ecosystem for recycling. By integrating stakeholders and ensuring seamless processes, the platform goes beyond traditional material recycling, promoting transparency, efficiency, sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Rebound's platform has grown to include a broader range of materials including plastics, rubber, e-waste, metal, paper and cardboard, making it a versatile hub for industry players. Members benefit from dedicated account managers, real-time price indices, and access to a community page for industry-related discussions.

Maryam Al Mansoori, Founder & General Manager of Rebound, said: "Rebound is more than a marketplace; it represents a revolution in global recycling. Our all-encompassing solution built on local insights and international expertise, empowers the industry to meet sustainability demands while supporting the UAE’s commitment to achieving net-zero goals."

Rebound’s platform expansion comes at a crucial time for the recycling industry as the UAE’s plastic recycling market alone is projected to reach 1.44 million tonnes by 2030, a reflection of the growing demand for sustainable solutions.

Aligned with the UAE's Green Agenda 2030 and Integrated Waste Management Strategy 2021-2041, Rebound is at the forefront of waste management innovation. With a team of Emirati talent and global expertise, the platform is set to play a crucial role in reducing environmental impact and transitioning to a circular economy.

For more information, please visit www.reboundmaterials.com , LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.

About Rebound

Rebound was established with a global mission of keeping materials of the environment and within the economy, to become part of the solution to reducing pollution. Rebound, a subsidiary of Sirius International Holding, has been founded to address these challenges through their trading platform along with their advisory services. To know more, visit www.reboundmaterials.com, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.

For Media Inquiries:
Mai Hajouj
Current Global
MHajouj@currentglobal.com

Yassamin Homayouni
Rebound
Yassamin@reboundplastic.com

The General Command of Abu Dhabi Police and the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to help protect the environment in the emirate.

As part of the MoU, the two organisations will work together to enforce legislation to conserve and raise awareness of the environment, and work towards adopting sustainability practices in line with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability.

The MoU was signed by Major General Maktoum Ali Al Sharifi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Police; and Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, in the presence of several officials from both parties.

Al Sharifi stressed the importance in enhancing cooperation and partnerships with various government agencies and coordinating closely to achieve strategic goals and joint future aspirations.

He explained that the MoU enhances the joint work and outlines the main features of the most important requirements and developments that contribute to improving environmental protection and preservation which can help achieve sustainability by adhering to environmental laws and regulations.

Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri said, “This MoU aims to enhance the cooperation between the EAD and the General Command of Abu Dhabi Police and activate joint environmental initiatives to help achieve environmental security and prosperity for the community, in line with the directives of the Abu Dhabi government."

She expressed EAD’s pride in this partnership, which emphasises the important role played by the General Command of Abu Dhabi Police in the field of environmental protection, and the implementation of environmental laws and regulations.

As part of the partnership, The General Command of Abu Dhabi Police and EAD will establish a mechanism to control legal violations, take measures that fall within their jurisdiction, benefit from the expertise of the two parties and develop capabilities in the field of environmental protection.

A joint platform will be established between the two parties to address key environmental challenges and activate control to protect and preserve the environment. There is a plan to raise public awareness about environmental laws and their violations through awareness campaigns. The application of functioning and developing smart monitoring systems will also be adopted. Furthermore, a comprehensive training plan for relevant authorities will be formulated to help ensure the best practices are followed.

Source: Esraa Esmail, WAM (Emirates News Agency)

In the latest edition of its annual Sustainability & Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) report, ALEC, part of the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), has detailed the clear and measured advancement it has made in the sustainability of its operations as well as in upskilling and enhancing wellbeing of its employees.

Notable among the Group’s environmental initiatives across UAE operations in 2023 is its investment in solar energy, with a cumulative installed capacity of 3.024 MWp across the Group’s facilities, with plans to increase this further in 2024. ALEC has also deployed solar-diesel hybrid generators across three of its main construction sites in the UAE to reduce its diesel consumption.

Through substantial investment and innovation, ALEC continued to lead the way towards a greener future for the regional construction industry. In 2023, LINQ delivered more than 500 modular units, supported by ALEMCO’s modular MEP arm, and manufactured at its facility in Dubai Industrial City, for projects across the GCC. LINQ had received a structural system approval from Dubai Municipality for the city’s first multi-storey (G+6) modular volumetric building system.

"2023 marked a pivotal year for sustainability in the Middle East, highlighted by the UAE’s hosting of COP28, the annual United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference, and the extension of the Year of Sustainability to include 2024 as well as the GCC Exchanges Committee’s unified ESG Disclosure Metrics, all with the aim of encouraging sustainable practices and collective action. While our dedication to sustainable and socially responsible operations has always been a cornerstone of our strategy, these commendable government actions have further galvanised our efforts,” said Barry Lewis, CEO at ALEC.

Last year, in support of the UAE’s Net Zero Vision, the Group signed the UAE Real Estate Climate Pledge in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

Being the industry leader, ALEC aims to elevate the entire sector and has worked to enable its clients and industry peers to operate more sustainably. AJI Rentals, the Group’s equipment-leasing business, made considerable investments that now enable its clients to opt for lithium-powered mini-cranes, solar-diesel hybrid generators, and diesel-free battery energy storage and supply systems.

Over the years, eight projects that the Group delivered successfully achieved LEED certifications. In the UAE, three projects delivered by the Group were awarded Pearl 2 Estidama Rating, with an additional three on track to soon receive their Pearl 2 Estidama ratings.

As a participant of the United Nations Global Compact, the Group works on enhancing its commitment to integrate principles of human rights, labour rights, environmental protection and anti-corruption into its business, and reports publicly on its progress.

“We take pride in the diverse 24,000-strong workforce, in which 60 nationalities are represented, and our initiatives that foster a healthy and inclusive workplace, of which the introduction of dedicated nursing rooms for new mothers across our main corporate offices is just one example,” said Lewis.

The company's strong emphasis on learning and development resulted in 3,082 workers being upskilled, 31 of whom were then promoted to staff positions. Additionally, ALEC’s Community Impact initiatives have positively affected the lives of more than 12,000 beneficiaries, reflecting the value it places on social responsibility.

“Impactful and measurable ESG practices are not just essential for sustainable growth, but also for building trust with stakeholders and creating long-term value. This is why our commitment to understanding and enhancing our sustainable initiatives remains steadfast. With our dedicated teams, investment in innovation and steadfast commitment to upskill our workforce, I can confidently state that ALEC is on the right path to operating in an increasingly sustainable, equitable, and responsible manner. And as we do so, we will continue to enrich the lives of the clients, partners and communities we serve,” concluded Lewis.

About ALEC

ALEC, part of the Investment Corporate of Dubai (ICD), is a leading innovative construction Group operating in the GCC and Africa. ALEC  builds and provides construction solutions that set industry benchmarks for quality, safety, functionality, and aesthetics.

ALEC offers its clients complete turnkey solutions in construction, MEP, fit-out, oil and gas, marine, modular construction, energy efficiency and solar projects, heavy equipment rental and technology systems. With these capabilities, ALEC successfully serves a diverse range of sectors including airports, retail, hotels & resorts, high-rise buildings, themed projects, petrochemical and marine.

For more information, please visit https://alec.ae/.

IFFCO Group, the leading FMCG multinational Company headquartered in the UAE, has announced the launch of its second ESG report, with milestones achieved across environmental, social and governance indicators, detailing its significant successes in sustainability throughout its operations and sourcing practices.
In 2023, IFFCO increased its waste recycling rate to 64%, reduced its water intensity by 13% compared to the previous year, maintained 100% traceability for palm oil to mills, and covered 30% of its facilities in the report's scope with solar panels. In addition, the company increased the number of women in management roles by 25% compared to two years. IFFCO also earned recognition for Best Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Impact – SDG2, Zero Hunger at the ESG World Summit and GRIT Awards.

A key landmark in 2023 was the launch of IFFCO’s Climate Roadmap 2030, created to act as a catalyst for innovation, greater efficiency and positive change. The roadmap sets out clear targets for the company’s sustainability goals across its key areas of focus – energy efficiency initiatives and renewable energy share, transportation decarbonisation, and reducing emissions in the sourcing of palm, wheat and soy– and targets have been submitted to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for validation.

“The milestones presented in our 2023 ESG report not only reflect our dedication to sustainable practices and responsible business operations, but also underscore our efforts to integrate the highest of ESG standards into our business. Our ESG strategy demonstrates our steadfast dedication to sustainable growth, transparency and continuous improvement. We aim to lead by example, by setting benchmarks in our industry and exemplifying global best practices, and to build and strengthen our sustainability agenda so we can drive a positive change through our operations,” said Rizwan Ahmed, Executive Director at IFFCO Group.

Five solar plants were finalised in Pakistan, Italy and Indonesia in 2023, meaning a full 30% of IFFCO’s production facilities now have solar plants in operation. Alongside achieving a 13% reduction in water intensity, IFFCO finalised its new Water Policy ready for roll-out in 2024, and reached a 64% post-manufacturing waste recycling rate – up from 52% in 2022 – as well as an overall reduction of 14% in solid waste production.

IFFCO also reported 100% traceability for palm oil from all refineries; 100% traceability to plantation for all direct mill sources; a 61% volume of verified deforestation-free oil coming from refineries in line with NDPE IRF standard; 50% traceability to origin of harvest for soy, corn and sunflower; and 100% traceability to origin of harvest for wheat sourced by the company.

The company was an active participant at COP28, supporting policymakers globally and signing the UAE Climate-Responsible Companies Pledge.  

The full 2023 ESG report is available here.

For more information, please visit: Iffco.com | Facebook | X | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | TikTok

About IFFCO Group:

Established in 1975, IFFCO is a multinational group headquartered in the UAE. Its leading FMCG brands, including London Dairy, Tiffany, Noor, Rahma, Al Baker, Hayat and Savannah, and a portfolio of industry solutions and services enrich the lives of millions of consumers and customers globally. The company has 95 operations in 50 Countries, supported by over 15,000 employees, and its 80+ brands are available in over 100 countries.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Rana Abu Atta
Head of Corporate Communications
raatta@iffco.com

Sana Yamlikha
Associate Manager – Corporate Communications
syamlikha@iffco.com



DP World announced that it has secured validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its ambitious commitment to reduce its carbon footprint.

The SBTi is a world leading authority in advancing private sector progress to reduce GHG emissions, helping prevent the impacts of climate change.

DP World said in a statement that its plans to include reducing scope 1 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 42 percent by 2030 from a 2022 base year.

DP World also commits to reduce scope 2 GHG emissions 62.2 percent, and reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 28 percent within the same timeframe.

DP World has made notable progress on its sustainability strategy in recent years, announcing a 13 percent reduction in emissions since the 2022 base year. Its new 42 percent reduction target and increased commitments on Scope 3 reductions build on the success to date.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World, commented, “DP World is committed to leading the supply chain industry towards a more sustainable and efficient future, and ultimately achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The SBTi’s validation confirms the strength and ambition of our plans as we remain committed to playing a pivotal role in uniting our industry for a better tomorrow.”

Piotr Konopka, Group Vice President at DP World, Global Decarbonisation & Energy, said, “We are delighted to have achieved SBTi validation and we will continue to drive progress in a range of areas, including equipment electrification, renewable energy, efficiency, and low carbon fuels. Furthermore, we look forward to driving increased collaboration through industry-wide initiatives such as green trade corridors and portside electrification as seen with our Zero Emissions Port Alliance.”

Source: Esraa Esmail, WAM (Emirates News Agency)

Tabreed, the world’s leading district cooling company, has made a major advancement in its efforts to decarbonise the cooling sector, achieving the ‘Verified Carbon Standard’ at one of its Abu Dhabi plants, certifying carbon credits to offset emissions.

Independent non-profit agency, Verra, which sets the world’s leading standards for climate action and sustainable development, carried out a year-long verification programme at the plant, which supplies a high-profile commercial and tourist attraction development with sustainable cooling services that are vital to its daily activities.

The study confirmed that the plant’s operations bring significant environmental benefits through maximising energy efficiency, estimating that the 28,000 Refrigeration Ton (RT) facility prevents approximately 19,320 tons of carbon emissions each year due to savings in electricity consumption (compared to the baseline of other stand-alone cooling solutions). The Verra report states that Tabreed’s “highly efficient district cooling will displace the cooling from conventional/less efficient cooling system[s] and reduce the electricity consumption which would result in [a] reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.”

The resulting report’s findings mean Tabreed is eligible to trade carbon credits (in the voluntary market) as an emissions preventer – a major recognition for Tabreed and the entire district cooling sector. Remarkably, this is the first time any district cooling company has been able to achieve this and opens the possibility for Tabreed to bring in additional revenues from the trading of carbon credits, as companies worldwide look for ways in which to offset their own emissions.

While the project focused on a single Tabreed plant, its success will allow the company to apply the same methodology to other facilities in its portfolio under a ‘framework’ where it has been independently proved that district cooling technology is more energy efficient and consumes less electricity than others, thereby resulting in significantly fewer carbon emissions.

This development follows the company’s numerous renewable energy initiatives during 2023, which included (in collaboration with ADNOC) the design, construction and commissioning of the region’s first district cooling plant powered by renewable geothermal energy.

Commenting on this latest advancement, Khalid Al Marzooqi, Tabreed’s Chief Executive Officer, said the company has always been a trailblazer in the district cooling industry. “Where we lead, others try to follow, and this will be no different,” he said. “In fact, Tabreed is the first district energy company anywhere in the world to achieve this recognition and that’s really important for multiple reasons, not least because it backs up what we’ve always said: that district cooling is up to 50% more energy efficient that conventional methods.

“The world is rapidly waking up to the unavoidable fact that climate change is real. And as populations continue to grow, so is the demand for cooling, which is no longer a luxury but a vital aspect of daily life for countless communities, businesses and industries. Tabreed is well placed to meet that demand, as the company is already operating in six different countries, and is ready, willing and able to expand into new territories, bringing its unrivalled expertise to help countries meet their own net-zero targets while facilitating societal and economic progress.”

About National Central Cooling Company PJSC (Tabreed)

Tabreed provides essential and sustainable district cooling services to iconic developments such as the Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World, Emirates Towers, Yas Island, Al Maryah Island, Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera, Dubai Metro, Bahrain Financial Harbor and the Jabal Omar Development in the Holy City of Makkah. The company owns and operates 91 plants in its portfolio across the GCC, including 76 in the United Arab Emirates, five in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, seven in Oman, one in the Kingdom of Bahrain, one in India and one in Egypt, in addition to other international projects and operations.

Tabreed is a leading driver of progress for people, communities and environments around the world towards a more sustainable future. Founded in 1998 and publicly listed on the Dubai Financial Market, it is one of the UAE’s strongest growth companies. Through its extensive regional and international operations, industry-leading reliability and efficiency, R&D programmes and investment in AI technology, Tabreed further solidifies its position as the industry’s global leader. In addition to district cooling, Tabreed’s energy efficiency services extend the company’s sustainability impact, helping businesses and organisations to improve their overall energy consumption, in turn reducing CO2 emissions and assisting in the achievement of carbon neutrality objectives.

Emirates Environmental Group held its 4th panel discussion of 2024 on 27 August at the Five Palm Jumeirah Hotel, Dubai under the title “Indeterminably Rising Buildings: Addressing the Widening Net Zero Emissions”. The discussion highlighted the role of the built environment on global emissions.

The panellists discussed and brought in diverse perspectives on the topic including the technological advancements that pave the way for zero-emission skyscrapers, the challenges associated with implementing zero-energy solutions in high-rise buildings, as well as discussing the economic impact of investing in zero energy buildings, in an attempt to assess the extent to which reshaping the urban landscape contribute to achieving broader sustainability goals.

In her speech during the panel discussion, Ms. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Emirates Environmental Group, said that as our urban landscapes evolve at an unprecedented pace, skyscrapers are reaching new heights, reflecting the growing ambitions of communities around the world. At the same time, governments and companies have pledged to achieve net-zero emission targets, a commitment that is gaining urgency with each passing day. As our cities grow and our skylines stretch ever higher, we find ourselves at a critical juncture, where architectural ambitions need to harmonise with environmental stewardship. The phenomenon of soaring buildings represents both a triumph of human ingenuity and a significant challenge for sustainable development.

She added that the panel discussion aims to discuss the challenges and solutions at the intersection of high-rise urban development and the imperative of sustainability, as the continued rise of skyscrapers in urban areas reflects the growing aspirations of communities around the world. However, amidst this vertical boom, a crucial question looms: How can we reconcile the two?

She pointed out that recent research emphasises the urgent need to address the environmental impact of buildings, which are responsible for about 40% of global emissions, as a study conducted by Johnson Controls emphasises the role of decarbonising the built environment, identifying it as one of the fastest paths to achieving net-zero globally.

She stressed that to achieve significant strides in reducing carbon globally, we must turn our attention to the tall structures that define modern horizons, noting that the benefits of high-rise buildings that prioritise the comfort and well-being of residents through advanced ventilation systems, indoor air quality and natural lighting, need to be net zero during its life cycle.

The discussion brought together 5 renowned expert panellists including:

The speakers shared valuable knowledge at the discussion and concluded with a dynamic interactive Q & A session where the speakers and members of the audience actively engaged in critical and challenging discussion. The members of the audience included key stakeholders from public, private, academic sector, media, and students.

Discussions revolved around the current contribution of high-rise buildings to global emissions, why decarbonisation is crucial to achieving climate neutrality goals, how technological innovations such as photovoltaic glass and smart building management and whether systems contribute to making skyscrapers more energy efficient and sustainable and many more interesting aspects.

As a UNEP & UNCCD accredited NGO, EEG designed, developed and executed the panel discussion to address several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG #3 Good Health and Well-being, SDG #4 Quality Education, SDG #6 Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG #7 Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG #9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG #12 Responsible Consumption & Production, SDG #13 Climate Action and SDG #17 Partnership for the Goals.

At the end of the programme, EEG announced that its 5th and final Panel Discussion for this year will be held on 24th October under the title “Packaging Innovation: Influence on Environment & Health”.

As is customary, EEG concluded the event with a recognition segment for the new corporate members who have joined the organisation in the previous month, the host hotel, and the speakers. EEG extends its gratitude to all attendees and stakeholders for their active participation including its CSR partner, the “Arabia CSR Network” and other supporting entities: the Clean Energy Business Council, Emirates Green Building Council and Swiss Business Council.

ADNEC Group announces the launch of its ESG Report 2023, a comprehensive reflection of the group’s consistent commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and social responsibility across its seven key clusters: Venues, Events, Hotels, F&B, Services, Tourism, and Media. This report highlights significant achievements and sets a clear path towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for the organisation.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group said, “Our collective achievements in sustainability are a testament to our commitment and collaboration. By fostering strong partnerships and staying at the forefront of technological trends, we are driving innovation and setting new standards in environmental stewardship.”

The journey towards sustainability has been recognised with the prestigious Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Environmental Award, a testament to ADNEC Group’s holistic approach to environmental stewardship. This accolade, alongside the ISO 14001 certification in Environmental Management Practices, underscores the organisation’s dedication to operating responsibly and transparently. The group’s total carbon footprint was 189,361tCO2e in 2022, with a goal to reduce this by 50% by 2030 and achieve Net-Zero emissions by 2045. 

Highlights from the report include:

Venues: ADNEC venues have made remarkable strides in reducing their environmental footprint, with a 20.6% reduction in electricity consumed per event vs 2022. ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi has launched an AI-driven energy optimisation project in partnership with a global brand, reflecting the group’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies for sustainability. Additionally, the successful installation of solar panels on all car parking structures marks a significant step towards clean energy adoption.

Events: In 2023, Capital Events was re-certified for event sustainability management under ISO 20121. A highlight is the TerraTile project, a 100% recycled modular flooring system developed with Terrax Environmental, which utilises event waste for environmental conservation. Capital Events is also committed to calculating the carbon footprint of its events, addressing major challenges, and implementing action plans to reduce their impact.

Hotels: ADNEC hotels have launched innovative sustainability initiatives, including WasteMaster technology at the airport facility in Abu Dhabi, which processes 4,000 kg of food waste daily. This facility, capable of producing over 80,000 meals a day, significantly reduces the hotel’s carbon footprint. Additionally, ADNEC hotels have adopted energy-efficient lighting and motion-controlled lights across all assets.

F&B: Alongside using WasteMaster technology to reduce its carbon footprint, Capital Catering has replaced plastic cutlery and single-use materials with wooden, bamboo, and paper alternatives, achieving over 90% adoption in sustainable packaging. Collaboration with ne’ma resulted in the ‘Zero Food Waste Programme’ during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where 400 kg of edible food was donated, and three tonnes of waste were processed into natural fertiliser. Electricity consumption in the F&B cluster has decreased by 51.2% compared to the previous year.

Services: Capital 360 Event Experiences has prioritised data security and business continuity, achieving 62.5% ISO 27001 certification across ADNEC Group companies in 2023. Transparent and sustainable procurement practices reinforce the commitment to ethical operations. Additionally, Capital 360 Event Experiences has launched initiatives to modernise infrastructure, utilise energy analytics, and digitalise processes to optimise energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A command control centre, expected by 2026-2027, will enhance sustainable practices across all large properties within the group.

Tourism: Tourism 365 offers unique desert camp experiences that preserve and promote Emirati culture and heritage. These camps provide an immersive experience for tourists while supporting local communities through job creation and economic development. The redesigned edition, ready to welcome tourists in September 2024, continues to bolster social sustainability contributions.

Media: twofour54 has made significant strides in environmental management by developing its Environmental Management System (EMS) in line with ISO 14001 standards. The company has formally committed to eco-design and environmental management, with certification expected by early 2025. Key initiatives at Yas Creative Hub include a business management system to monitor power and water consumption, automatic operation of lights and appliances with occupancy sensors, and a comprehensive waste segregation programme. The Media cluster offices decreased their electricity consumption by 64.6% compared to the previous year​.

Training and nationalisation: The total number of training hours per employee has seen a steady increase, with a 21% rise in 2021, 43% in 2022, and an impressive 75% increase in 2023 compared to the 2020 baseline. This dedication to skill development reflects the group’s commitment to enhancing workforce capabilities. Additionally, the nationalisation rate has grown from 6% in 2022 to 19% in 2023, demonstrating ADNEC’s efforts to support and integrate local talent into the organisation​.

Strategic partnerships and technological advancements: Strategic partnerships and technological advancements are essential to ADNEC Group’s sustainability strategy. Collaborating with Tadweer Group aims to halve emissions by 2030, while the TerraTile initiative with Terrax showcases innovative, sustainable solutions using recycled materials. An agreement with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) to purchase clean energy advances the group towards Net-Zero emissions by 2045. In 2023, waste management efforts achieved a 53% recycling rate, up from 49% in 2022, highlighting the positive impact of these initiatives.

The ADNEC Group ESG Report 2023 outlines a clear strategy and ambitious targets, setting the stage for continued success in sustainability. The group demonstrates that economic success, social impact, and environmental responsibility can coexist seamlessly. Visit the ADNEC Group website www.adnec.ae for further information.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has partnered with Dendra Co. to execute a comprehensive programme to assess the state of natural terrestrial habitats across the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The Agency led the development process of a detailed study design that includes carefully chosen areas suitable for assessing the state of native vegetation cover in natural habitats within and beyond Protected Areas.

This systematic approach enabled EAD to measure the extent and dynamics of changes in the diversity and the distribution of local plants linked to human uses and anthropogenic influences.

The research programme was implemented and facilitated by a team of young national talents from the Agency and Dendra Co, which specialises in conducting environmental consultancy studies using artificial intelligence methodologies and data collection programmes via smart sensors provided to drones.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD Secretary-General, said, "This programme is considered the largest field research project ever implemented in the region. More than six months of continuous work enabled us to comprehensively cover 11,000 hectares as a representative survey of the critical vegetation cover most vulnerable to environmental threats resulting from human uses and climate change.

"The detailed data resulting from the programme will contribute to giving clearer guidance, which will enhance the decision-making process to deal with the increasing pressures proactively."

She stressed that the expansion of focused environmental research programmes by EAD reflects its commitment to protecting the UAE's natural heritage and developing decisions and practices to increase natural habitats' adaptation and resistance to climate change. This approach aligns with the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy, which seeks to reduce carbon emissions and supports the UAE's effort to achieve Net Zero by 2050.

Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said, "The environmental and financial impact of these techniques is considered small compared to the negative effects on the environment resulting from traditional field work methods resulting from the use of vehicles to reach research areas.

"This is in addition to the clear rationing of operational administrative costs. A standard comparison showed that this approach contributed to saving time and costs by up to 90 percent, compared to traditional methods, and therefore this programme is considered an important qualitative addition to the work methods followed by EAD."

Al Hashemi added that a vast research area of natural habitats was covered, and the vital indicators of multiple types of local plants were accurately measured, allowing the health of the vegetation to be assessed and the effects and pressures on it to be determined systematically, including overgrazing, and the impact of human activities, especially the use of four-wheel drive vehicles.

The programme also included photographic documentation of wildlife distribution areas and an assessment of the extent of their relationship with wild plant species. This helped increase understanding of vegetation data and its response to human influences.

In addition to field monitoring and research, a smart geographic database platform was developed to document all project information. This platform provides the ability to produce instant reports and accurate statistical analysis.

According to the initial study design, EAD has also implemented an operation to disperse seeds of local plant species using drones capable of carrying a total weight of 70 kg and dispersing them in three areas within the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Each 380-hectare area was monitored as a baseline to assess how these seeds respond to natural regeneration linked to rainfall rates and soil type.

The team will also conduct an annual study of the same sowing areas to measure data on the success of natural germination.

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