Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) continues its commitment of supporting Dubai’s vision for leadership in energy security and efficiency through its energy diversification initiatives. In line with Dubai Clean Energy Strategy’s aim of generating 75 per cent of its energy consumption from clean sources by 2050, DWTC is championing a range of resource and energy optimisation measures.
Early this year, DWTC completed the installation of 3,000 photovoltaic solar panels on the roof above Sheikh Rashid Hall. The panels have a combined capacity of 1MW peak, helping save 2,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. In addition, 400KW peak capacity solar panels were installed above the recently opened six-storey Happiness Street Parking building. A further 3MW of photovoltaic solar panels are also in the pipeline for later this year, bringing the total solar capacity at DWTC to 4.4MW installed within one year.
The entity plans to complement its energy diversification drive with an overall energy reduction goal of between 5-7 per cent each year. Retrofitting continues apace at existing DWTC properties, with 10,000 lights being replaced by low-energy LED equivalents. DWTC has also championed the use of electric vehicles, with 16 vehicle-charging units introduced in addition to six bays dedicated to hybrid cars. Buildings have also been fitted with water-saving taps which has reduced the overall water consumption by 15 percent.
Speaking about the importance of sustainability, Mahir Julfar, Senior Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “We are proud to continue our alignment with Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy and support the UAE as it transitions to becoming a green economy. Our commitment to the nation’s clean energy agenda is being expressed through a range of measurable initiatives across our developments and business offerings such as the installation of solar panels, retrofitting of existing structures, and the upgrading of internal policies conforming to best practice. Through these, we are paving the way to set new sustainability benchmarks for the region.”
Waste management optimisation is also at the forefront of DWTC’s sustainability agenda, with efforts towards becoming paperless being a key area of focus. DWTC is also optimising its ability to redirect waste to landfills, with strategic routes to handle plastics, electronics and other waste streams. Organic composting is being trialled within the main production kitchen to reduce waste to landfill, and other simple measures implemented such as the reduction of single-use plastic.
To address the issue of food wastage, another sustainability priority, DWTC has an ongoing partnership with the Dubai Food Bank, a non-profit entity that distributes food to those in need. The company was recently awarded by Dubai Municipality for its continued support to the initiative, and demonstrates DWTC’s commitment to fostering a culture of giving and social responsibility in the UAE, as well as preserving the environment.
DWTC was also honoured by the coveted CSR Label by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2018. The CSR Label is a clear and voluntary standard for CSR implementation across the Gulf Cooperation Council and recognises companies that adopt best practices and conform to international CSR standards and guidelines.
“We are proud to have our efforts towards sustainability recognised by the CSR Label. This is a testament to the impactful changes that can be achieved by adopting best practice in sustainability and by harnessing new sources of renewable energy. We are committed to supporting the UAE’s drive towards a sustainable future,” added Julfar.