Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) organised a workshop on sustainability, clean energy, and environmental challenges in the modern world. The workshop was held at DEWA’s Sustainable Building in Al Quoz, in adherence with the vision of the wise leadership to achieve sustainability and transform into a green economy, and to achieve the sustainable development of the Emirate. During the workshop, the sustainability leadership team concluded their meetings for 2016, with the participation of managers and staff from all sectors.
Participants were briefed on the rate of sustainability achieved during 2016. The workshop also allowed participants to gain insight into the latest internal sustainability awards, in preparation for the Sustainability Report 2016. This supports DEWA’s commitment towards enhancing a culture of innovation among employees, and developing their abilities according to the highest international standards. This will contribute towards building a green economy and reducing the impact of climate change on individuals. The workshop included a series of sessions that focused on raising awareness regarding sustainability and climate change.
“DEWA works to instil a culture of sustainability, and adopts an integrated strategy to protect the environment, and preserve natural resources while taking social, cultural, and economic factors into account. This supports the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote sustainable development, and strengthen Dubai’s position as a world leader for sustainability and clean energy. The workshop has become a significant platform for enhancing education and awareness, and encouraging DEWA staff to support strategic plans aimed at strengthening environmental sustainability. This supports the Dubai Plan 2021 to transform Dubai into a smart, integrated, and connected city, that is sustainable with its resources, and has elements that are clean, healthy, and sustainable,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
“DEWA promotes the social, economic, and environmental development of Dubai, and continuously organises campaigns and interactive workshops, to raise awareness on sustainability and climate change. This is in adherence with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to provide 7% of Dubai’s energy from clean energy sources by 2020, 25% by 2030, and 75% by 2050,” added Al Tayer.
Mohammed Abdul Kareem Al Shamsi, Senior Director of Sustainability and Climate Change at DEWA, delivered the opening speech at the workshop. Al Shamsi stressed the importance of uniting efforts to achieve sustainability as a strategic priority, and achieving the sustainability of the energy and water sectors, the environment, and in the community. Al Shamsi noted that DEWA has become a leader in supporting efforts to achieve sustainability both locally and internationally. DEWA was the first government entity in the region to adopt the G4 GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards in the electricity sector.
This ensures meeting the needs of the present and future generations and supports DEWA’s efforts to enhance sustainability, and keep pace with the best global practices. DEWA’s sustainability leadership group is considered a key element in raising awareness among employees regarding sustainability, through a host of activities for over 800 employees from different departments. The group operates under DEWA’s Climate Change and Sustainability department, which oversee programmes aimed at enhancing institutional sustainability, and reducing carbon emissions.