Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), the world’s largest district cooling services provider, received the official Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) cancellation certificate issued by United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for the successful offset of emissions during the IDEA District Cooling 2016 Conference, in cooperation with Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence (DCCE).
The cancellation certificate was presented to Bin Shafar by Ivano Iannelli, CEO, Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence. The certificate is an important milestone testifying Empower’s leading approach to green practices and reinstates Dubai’s position in the development of a UAE carbon market.
“It is indeed an honour to receive the cancellation certificate, which is a reflection of our ethos that we refuse to rest on our achievements and continue to strive to become a more environmentally responsible organisation. At Empower, we consider carbon emission reductions an integral part of our environmental strategy and adopt the best green practices in line with the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The CER certification not only reinstates our commitment towards climate change mitigation, but also drives Dubai and the UAE closer to achieving its agenda of sustainable development,” said Bin Shafar.
The purchase and cancellation of CERs owned by Dubai Carbon allows local businesses to reduce and offset their carbon emissions using locally sourced carbon credits from regional clean energy projects. The CERs were generated from the DEWA’s Chiller Station L, CDM Project. The project is the source of the CERs utilised for cancellation, which reduces around 26,800 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent per annum and is one of the few CDM projects generating carbon credits in the GCC. The station utilises energy efficient technology in electricity generation.
“Following the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and the Paris Climate Agreement, it is increasingly important that companies set an example in reducing emissions. At Empower we are committed to reducing our CO2 emissions to support the Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy and Dubai Plan 2021. In addition, reducing the amount of carbon not only drives the country towards a carbon-neutral framework, but also significant cost reductions, which ultimately leads to greater profits,” added Bin Shafar.
This prestigious certificate not only contributes to the growth of green projects in the region, but augments Empower’s position in the development of a green sustainable economy. While the cancellation certificate promotes awareness and encourages the emission of CO2, it also provides a central point for representing a successful and sustainable UAE.
“Empower’s commitment is a milestone in green economy leadership and the IDEA District Cooling 2016 conference is the perfect platform to showcase new international best practices. Events such as these are engines of innovation and are an integral part of getting business done in today’s world. Being an attractive hub for international trade shows and conferences, Dubai presents a promising ground for green events,” says Ivano Iannelli, CEO, Dubai Carbon.“We expect to see more carbon-reduction programmes in the events industry. When you organise an event it is very important to understand the carbon impact, so you can identify areas where you have room to make reductions,” said Ivano Iannelli.
Empower currently operates more than 1.250 Million RT, providing environmentally responsible district cooling services to large-scale real estate developments such as Jumeirah Group, Business Bay, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai International Financial Centre, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Ibn Battuta Mall, Discovery Gardens, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai World trade Centre Residences, Dubai Design District, amongst others.