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- Around 900,000 tonnes of carbon emissions reduced
- Residential sector reduced water consumption by 27% and electricity consumption by 19%
- Educational institutions reduced water use by 24% and electricity use by 10%
Dubai, UAE: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) gives great importance to the sensible use of electricity and water in line with its efforts to achieve the Dubai Plan 2021, to make Dubai a smart, integrated and connected city whose resources are sustainable, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, to establish a sustainable model in energy conservation that supports economic growth without damaging the environment and natural resources, as well as make Dubai the city with the lowest carbon footprint by 2050. DEWA launches several environmental programmes, initiatives, and awareness campaigns that have achieved significant savings over the past years. The incurred savings have proven that all members of society can contribute to supporting national and international efforts to limit climate change and global warming.
DEWA’s programmes and initiatives have achieved significant savings in electricity and water across all sectors. Between 2009 and 2017, customers saved over 1.677 TW/h of electricity and 6.66 billion gallons of water, worth over AED 1 billion. The savings resulted in offsetting around 900,000 tonnes of carbon emissions. DEWA’s programmes and initiatives managed to reduce electricity use by 19% and water by 27% in the residential sector. The commercial sector reduced electricity use by 9% and water by 29%. The industrial sector reduced electricity use by 14% and water by 28%. Educational institutions succeeded in reducing electricity use by 10% and water by 24%. Government and semi-governmental organisations reduced electricity use by 12% and water by 21%. Accumulated savings from electricity and water consumption, equate to over one million trees, more than 104 million LED light bulbs, and over 12,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
“The Demand Side Management Strategy in Dubai aims to reduce power and water consumption by 30% by 2030. At DEWA, we have an effective strategy to optimise energy efficiency for both supply and demand. DEWA’s global results reflect our efficient, effective and sustainable practices. As part of our vision to become a sustainable innovative world-class utility, we have adopted an integrated strategy to raise awareness about the importance of sensible use, and involve customers and community members in the efforts to protect the environment and preserve natural resources. We encourage all sectors to adopt a conscious and responsible lifestyle in electricity and water use. This supports our efforts to protect the environment, reduce the carbon footprint, and ensure the sustainability of natural resources, for generations to come,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
Throughout the year, DEWA launches a comprehensive set of innovative initiatives, programmes, and rationalisation activities for the residential, commercial, industrial, and government sectors to encourage everyone in society to adopt positive behaviour in their daily lives to contribute to the conservation of electricity and water.
‘Ideal Home’
DEWA launched the Ideal Home initiative to enhance quality of life, ensure the safety and well-being of community members, raise awareness about best practices, provide an ideal environment at home, and establish environmental sustainability in Dubai. The initiative was launched in cooperation with Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, the Community Development Authority, and the Smart Dubai Government Establishment. During the first two rounds of the initiative, participants achieved savings of 900MW/h of electricity, and 18.3 million gallons of water, as well as financial savings of AED 1.2 million. This contributed reducing approximately 850 tonnes of carbon emissions. The first place winner in the second round received an electric car, the second received AED20,000, and the third place winner received AED15,000. Winners from fourth to tenth place received AED10,000 each. Additionally, 16 participants had photovoltaic systems installed on the rooftops of their homes.
The Conservation Award
DEWA organises the Conservation Award for educational institutions, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai. Over 11 years, these joint efforts have resulted in impressive outcomes, with the participation of 443 educational institutions in Dubai. Thus far, DEWA has delivered 1,241 sessions and workshops to approximately 334,000 students. Educational institutions have made total savings of 157GW/h (equivalent to 10 million LED lighting bulbs) and 1,400,000,000 gallons in water consumption, which is enough to fill 2,500 Olympic swimming pools. This contributed to reducing nearly 90,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, which is equivalent to planting 102,000 trees. These cumulative savings in electricity and water are worth approximately AED 122 million.
Let’s Make this Summer Green
DEWA organises its annual Let’s Make this Summer Green campaign to raise awareness about the importance of adopting sustainable practices and rational consumption, to preserve natural resources and reduce Dubai’s carbon footprint. The campaign incorporates tips that contribute to reducing energy use during the summer. These include encouraging consumers to limit their use of electrical appliances during peak-load hours from 12-6pm, setting A/C to 24 degrees Celsius, checking for water leaks, checking connections to detect water leaks, and tips before travelling among others. Such practices help all members of society contribute to saving energy and protecting the environment. In 2017, DEWA’s Conservation team conducted 74 visits and lectures to government, private, and educational institutions in Dubai, targeting 26,000 people.
Earth Hour
DEWA has been organising Earth Hour annually since 2008, to raise awareness on the importance of the sensible consumption of electricity, promote rational consumption, and highlight practices that contribute positively to environmental work. It also supports national efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and environmental pollution, and find sustainable solutions to global warming, climate change, environmental protection, while conserving natural resources for generations to come. Dubai achieved a remarkable reduction of carbon emissions and energy use during Earth Hour 2017, which was organised by DEWA in cooperation with the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and the Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS). DEWA recorded a reduction of 244MW, a 22MW increase compared to last year, this resulted in offsetting 107 tonnes of carbon emissions. Dubai’s significant results show the importance of rationalising energy and reducing its carbon footprint to protect the environment and natural resources to achieve sustainable development.
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For more information, please contact:
Ribal Dayekh or Iman Saeed Belkiz Fawzy or Eman Hussein
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority Hattlan Media
+971 4 307 2006 or +971 4 515 0512 +971 50 714 6677 or +971 50 736 6990
© Press Release 2018
