Schneider Electric has become the latest member of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group (ADSG), the capital’s leading initiative to champion sustainability issues for both government and the private sector. Schneider Electric and the ADSG will share knowledge on the latest research and solutions for topics such as carbon emissions reduction, energy efficiency and renewable energy. Schneider Electric will also support the ADSG in key focus areas including youth engagement and sustainability reporting. Both entities will work side by side to promote a greener future for the UAE’s capital.
Established by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) in 2008, the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group (ADSG) is an exclusive public private partnership initiative that brings together UAE-based organizations with global thought leaders to discuss both global and local sustainability trends and drive co-operation and co-responsibility on sustainability issues. The ADSG’s goals include capability building, knowledge sharing and advocacy for issues such as energy efficiency, sustainability reporting and the circular economy. The ADSG’s membership growth, from 14 organizations in 2008 to over 50 members as of today, reflects the growing importance and interest in sustainable-related topics in Abu Dhabi.
Named the world’s most sustainable company by Corporate Knights, Schneider Electric’s core mission is to help customers around the world become more energy efficient and sustainable. 70% of the company’s revenues are from solutions that are classed as green, as they help reduce energy usage and carbon emissions. The company has committed itself to delivering 800 million tons of saved and avoided CO2 emissions to customers throughout the world, including Abu Dhabi and the UAE, by 2025.
Huda Al Houqani, Director, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group, Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi commented; “I am delighted to welcome Schneider Electric into the Group’s membership which is definitely an added value towards promoting sustainability management in Abu Dhabi and achieving the common goal of creating a sustainable future.
“We’re seeing growth in the adoption of best sustainability management and framework among our members and the wider community at large, and there’s much we can do to jointly promote and learn from each other, when it comes to reducing our ecological footprint and improving our resource efficiency. Schneider Electric has much to contribute in terms of lessons learned and new ideas.”
Earlier this year, Schneider Electric announced the launch of its sustainability consultancy in the Gulf, with services tailored to the identification of energy efficiency savings, carbon offset programs, offsite renewable energy sourcing, electric mobility advising, and supply chain and logistics optimization. The company believes that the Gulf can lead the wider region on a range of sustainability issues, thanks to bodies such as the ADSG.
“Abu Dhabi has long been at the forefront of areas like renewable energy, and we’re seeing an increasing interest in issues such as energy efficiency, sustainability planning, and carbon emission reduction,” said NataljaKissina, Sustainability Leader and Human Resources VP for the Gulf at Schneider Electric. “Much of the awareness around these issues is due to groups like the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group, who have spoken publicly for over a decade on how Abu Dhabi’s businesses and organizations can become greener. We are proud to be able to contribute to ADSG’s good work and become its partner in pushing for a greener future for the Emirate and the wider region.”