Dubai ‘Green Economy for Sustainable Development’ initiative supported by DEWA

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has replaced 5,200 lighting units with new cutting-edge and highly-efficient lighting systems across its premises, including power stations, substations and offices as part of the states 'Green Economy for Sustainable Development' initiative.

The move is in line with the 'GESD' initiative announced by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai and is part of ongoing efforts at DEWA to increase energy efficiency and green building standards and specifications.

Since 2011, DEWA has built all its new premises to meet green building standards and specifications approved in the Emirate. One of its most impressive achievements has been the Sustainable Building, located in Al Quoz, which is the first public sector green building in the UAE and the world's largest government building with a Platinum Rating for green buildings from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the US Green Building Council, securing 98 out of 110 points.

DEWA has implemented extensive studies at a number of its customer care centres and private offices, including its Head Office, Al Hudaiba, Al Wasl, Burj Nahar, Umm Ramool, and the Administrative Building at (L) and (G) stations in Jebel Ali Power Station; carrying out the amendments required to comply with green buildings guidelines and standards. The cost of making these amendments is approximately Dhs16m, which will be budgeted for 2014.

DEWA provides its high-consumption customers with support and instructions by performing field visits that help explore ways to rationalise electricity and water consumption.

"We at DEWA spare no effort in encouraging efficient energy consumption by enhancing awareness on the importance of adopting responsible energy and water consumption. This is based on the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, which aims to reduce demand for electricity and water through the rationalisation of consumption in the Emirate to achieve long-term sustainable development and protect the environment. This also supports our corporate values and our vision to become a sustainable world-class utility. These are the reasons why our exercises are an integral part of our continuous efforts to preserve our valuable natural resources, for generations to come," said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

"DEWA is now providing an electricity and water consumption efficiency review service across its customers' buildings, which involves checking the lighting, air conditioning and water systems, to promote conservation practices and maximise consumption efficiency, by advising on recommendations on lowering consumption," added Al Tayer.

"In the second phase, DEWA will monitor the electricity and water consumption of the buildings that have been reviewed to ensure that consumers follow the recommended procedures for consumption efficiency," Al Tayer concluded.