29 March 2015
Encourages its staff and the business community to switch off lights during annual global energy-saving event

Dubai, UAE: For the eighth year running, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry participated in Earth Hour by switching off lights and non-essential appliances and encouraging the broader business community to do the same.

The worldwide event, which took place on Saturday 28th March, saw participants from 162 countries and territories worldwide take action against climate change by switching off lights and appliances between 8.30pm and 9.30pm.

Dubai Chamber has been participating and promoting Earth Hour since it was launched internationally by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in 2008.

The business organisation has been working hard to save energy and water for more than 15 years with its head office named the Arab world's first LEED Platinum certified existing building.

For its part, Dubai Chamber is participating in Earth Hour by switching off air-conditioning, lighting and non-essential appliances at its head office from 8.30 to 9.30pm on Saturday, March 29. It is also encouraging staff and the business community to benefit by conserving energy.

"Once again, Dubai Chamber is pleased to be participating in Earth Hour by switching off air-conditioning, lighting and non-essential appliances at our head office. This global event helps raise awareness about the importance of climate change and that if we all made just one small change to be more sustainable the accumulative impact can be massive,'' said Rami Halawani, Director, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Dubai Chamber.

He added: "Dubai Chamber is encouraging its staff members and the wider business community to participate in Earth Hour and adopt measures to conserve energy throughout the year to make our city a healthier and more sustainable place to live and work."

Between 1998 and 2013, Dubai Chamber has successfully made over AED 17.7 million in energy and AED 3.5 million in water savings, representing an 18% overall reduction in energy and 82% in potable water use in its head office building.

As the business organisation's building use increased rapidly during this period, this represents a 63% reduction per person in energy use and a 92% reduction per person in fresh water.

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Established in 1965, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry is celebrating its milestone anniversary of 50 years empowering vision in Dubai's business community. A non-profit public entity, Dubai Chamber supports Dubai's vision as a global player by empowering businesses, providing innovative value added services and access to influential networks. Its mission is to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai by creating a favourable business environment, supporting the development of business, and by promoting Dubai as an international business hub. For more information visit: www.dubaichamber.com

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For more information, please contact:
Ruba Abdel Halim
Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry
PR & Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +971 4 2028450
Email: ruba.halim@hotmail.com

© Press Release 2015