Bgreen may 2013 by BGreen

Issue 34 | MAY 2013

cruise control the wonders of electric traction and other green technologies explored

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EDITOR’S PAGE 3

Publisher Dominic De Sousa COO Nadeem Hood Founder Liam Williams liam.williams@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 1511 Editorial Senior Editor Praseeda Nair praseeda.nair@cpimediagroup.com Contributing Editor Anoop K Menon anoop.menon@cpimediagroup.com Reporter Lorraine Bangera lorraine.bangera@cpimediagroup.com Advertising Director Harry Norman harry.norman@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 1502 Manager Junaid Rafique junaid.rafique@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 1504 Marketing Commercial Director Gina O’Hara gina.ohara@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 1513 Manager Jasmine Kyriakou jasmine.kyriakou@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 1506 Design & Photography Senior Designer Marlou Delaben marlou.delaben@cpimediagroup.com

A MAKEOVER FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS

ushing electric vehicles and hybrids as environmentally sustainable alternatives to other forms of personal transport is getting old hat. In this issue, we look into the future by examining the role of electric traction, ‘green’ tyres, and automation in realising the concept of driverless vehicles. Turning skyward, we look at the Empire State Building’s recent green makeover, and what that means for the high rise buildings in our part of the world. It’s not all shiny skycrapers and fast cars this issue; we also present hardhitting comments from industry leaders, tackling topics as varied as the sustainability of the mining industry, and Dubai’s carbon consumption watch. The 81-year-old icon of New York took three years to be retrofitted with the latest in energy and water reduction. The office suites were modernised and reworked to factor in ergonomics and employee health. After this massive overhaul, two things remain unchanged: the building’s Art Deco facade and the observation desk on the 86th floor which provides the historic landmark it’s daily bread. As the Burj Khalifa ages, retrofits may be the cards for the world’s tallest tower. Will the feat take a larger, dedicated force to work over a longer period of time? At the rate of growth in green construction in the UAE, the retrofit could possibly evolve into another record breaker within the next decade.

Designer Cris Malapitan cris.malapitan@cpimediagroup.com Web Development Troy Maagma Maher Waseem Shahzad Administration Cesar Ypil cesar.ypil@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 1500 Production and Circulation James P. Tharian Rochelle Almeida Printed by Printwell Printing Press LLC Published by

Head Office PO Box 13700 Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 375 1500 Fax: +971 4 365 9986 Web: www.buildgreen.ae __________ © Copyright 2013 CPI. All rights reserved. While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.

Praseeda Nair

Senior Editor praseeda.nair@cpimediagroup.com

May 2013

CONTENTS

CONTENTS May 2013

ENERGY AND WATER

14 The rise of Shams 1 Anoop K Menon outlines Shams 1 as it stands now, and where it can take the nation in years to come 22 Desalination and sustainability UAE’s M Station dissected

CONSTRUCTION

cruise control

BGreen highlights the latest technological achievements in the automotive industry as it veers towards sustainability

26 Green skyscraper America’s iconic Empire State Building records massive savings a year after its top-to-toe retrofit 32 Sustainable Realty Indicative of the region’s growing interest in green construction, Dubai is set to host the the first Arab International Sustainable Real Estate Conference this month

News 8 UAE 10 WORLD 12 REALLY?!

COMMENT 28 Hassan Mohammed Makki on Dubai Municipality’s drip irrigation strategy 64 Vicky Kendrick on sustainable mining

May 2013

CONTENTS

34 Paving the way: ecoConstruct 2013 A look at the major trends at this year’s expo, held last month

SPECIAL FEATURE 38 Reinventing the wheel Instead of chasing speed, auto manufactures today are chasing reduced carbon emissions 40 Green is the new black The world’s first environmentally responsible luxury car and the Middle East market 42 The diesel engine Over 119 years of development have refined the fuels powering the diesel engine to achieve optimum efficiency 45 In the right direction Fuel consumption can be kept in check by comissioning wheels 46 Driverless vehicles: are we ready? Vehicle autonomy may not be a questions of erradicating the driver

stars of wetex 48 We present the most outstanding organisations at this year’s WETEX

TECHNOLOGY 58 Efficiency in the telecoms sector The du case study

ECO-LEISURE 60 Polynesian pearls Reviving and sustaining the age-old trade of pearl farming

OIL & GAS 68 Greening the sector ENOC in review 70 Qatar as a beacon QP’s green strategy 71 Dubai Global Energy Forum 2013 A summary of events 72 IPIECA and the future The global association dealing with sustainability in the oil and gas industry

SOCIETY 75 Green Personality Rebecca Tarbotton and her fight for the rainforests 76 Diary dates 78 Sustainable past Roman concrete

May 2013

Expert Panel

His Highness Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi

Saeed Alabbar

Thomas Bohlen

LEED AP, Estidama PQP Vice Chairman Emirates Green Building Council Director Alabaar Energy and Sustainability Group

NCARB,LEED AP, BD +C, ESTIDAMA PQP Chief Technical Officer Middle East Centre for Sustainable Development

Dr Michael Krämer

DR Mutasim Nour

IVANO IANNELLI

Senior Associate Taylor Wessing (Middle East) LLP Legal Counsel Emirates Solar Industry Association

Director of MSc Energy Heriot Watt University, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence

Alan Millin

Roderick Wiles

TANZEED ALAM

LEED AP, Chartered Engineer consultant/trainer Middle East Facility Management Association

Director - Africa, Middle East, India and Oceania American Hardwood Export Council

POLICY DIRECTOR EWS-WWF

Abdulrahman Jawahery President Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company Chairman GPCA Responsible Care Initiative

Environmental Advisor Ajman Government Chief Executive Officer Al Ihsan Charity Centre Chairman International Steering Committee Global Initiative Towards a Sustainable Iraq, UAE

JosE Alberich PARTNER AT Kearney

Lars Mårtensson, Environmental Director Volvo Trucks

Eng. Hassan Mohammed Makki director of the drainage and irrigation network department

May 2013

The concept behind the BGreen Expert Panel is to provide a platform for those who are active in encouraging sustainable practices and solutions across industries—the real experts— who can share their views, analyses, and research with our informed readers. We will also be organising quarterly events for the panellists to meet and mingle, while discussing the latest in news, strategies and solutions on focussed topics related to sustainability. Panellists are encouraged to pen their comments, opinions and analyses that

can be published in our magazine, as well as on our website in a portfolio format documenting their contributions. The Panel is constantly growing as we strive to form the ultimate taskforce of decision makers, academicians, consultants and engineers that can encourage a sustainable watershed across industries. If you would like to nominate an expert to join our panel, please email our Editor, Praseeda Nair, at praseeda@cpidubai.com.

Building the Future

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NEWS | UAE

Carbon credit reduction Recent decision made by leading entities progresses carbon market in the UAE, enabling indigenous businesses to reduce their carbon emissions using locally sourced carbon credits from regional clean energy projects. Dubai based Capital Alternatives Group (CAG), a company which provides expert advice to other companies on how to be environmentally friendly and save money, is the only carbon reduction organisation in the GCC region to be accredited by the Voluntary Carbon Standards Registry System. It has announced a partnership with the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence (DCCE) to supply Certified Emission Reduction carbon credits (CER’s) to businesses within the UAE. According to the terms, DCCE is responsible for providing access to carbon credits from Dubai-based projects of its client base, while CAG does the same for the businesses within the region that are developing carbon management strategies. DCCE has successfully managed the registration for clients like DEWA, Dubal and Union Cement Company (UCC). The carbon credits provided by DCCE are co-funding green initiatives that benefit the Dubai green economy, an initiative launched in January 2012 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Suppliers forum Dubai Municipality (DM) has recently organised a supplier’s forum, Green Suppliers, to honour and appreciate their contribution and also enhance the relationship between suppliers, contractors and the purchasing department of DM. The event took place in the City Hall in the DM head office in Deira, it was attended by several representatives of various private firms who have service contracts with DM. Mohammed Abdul Kareem Jalafar, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality, opened the session by outlining how the municipality maintains a strong bond with its suppliers. He said, “(DM) has always been keen on transparency in its relations with suppliers. And we believe, to create a city where essence of success and comfort of living is at its high, channels of cooperation between various private suppliers should be active.” He also explained how the title of this forum actively suggests that they motivate their suppliers to use an eco-friendly approach while dealing with the DM. The ceremony included an award ceremony for best suppliers, as well as speeches by Ismail Kazim, head of suppliers relations section in the Dubai Municipality, Suhail Nejjar from Orient Irrigation services, Mohammed Sadiyyeh from Khatib & Alamy, and John Colley from Intercare, and Nasser Ahmed Lootah from Green Scapes.

latest addition to green globe list After a sustainability audit by Farnek Consulting, Green Globe Certification (GGC), a worldwide sustainability accreditation, has been recently awarded to the Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai. The Green Globe Certification operates under a worldwide license, and is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, supported by the United Nations Foundation. It is based on internationally-accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Sandrine Le Biavant, Division Manager at Farnek Consulting, said that the hotel demonstrated commitment to the certification process, with team members involved at all levels and across all departments.

May 2013

With the impact of tourism on the global environmental driving the hotel’s green commitment, it has taken all necessary

steps to make sure it’s green certified, like launching a dedicated waste separation and recycling programme, planning twoyear strategy and a well thought-out environmental plan. The GGC certified hotels also have access to Farnek’s web-based Hotel Optimiser technology, which enables them to track their performance of energy and water consumption as well as non-recyclable waste production, calculate their CO2 emissions and analyse the savings on operational costs. GGC is a premier worldwide sustainability stamp for the tourism industry and more than 800 businesses in 50 countries have so far met the 337 exacting standards.

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NEWS | WORLD

Transport development Even though major investments have been made in urban sectors of China, the public transport services still remain inadequate. Suffering from limited accessibility, unreliability, and costly transfer, it has pushed the growth of private car ownership across the country. As the quality of public transport falls short, the cities of China gets polluted with greenhouse gas emissions caused by growing traffic congestion. This congestion then increases the cost of providing basic public transport services, causing further reduction in service quality and quantity. The Global Environment Facility (GEF), the largest funder of projects to improve the global environment, has designed a grant the Large City Congestion and Carbon Reduction Project which aims to help China. Last week, the World Bank approved the grant with more than US $18 million which will help in establishing a policy

framework to reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions in these large cities. The project will support innovative approaches to improve public transport. Three of China’s largest cities, Suzhou, Chendgu, and Harbin, will have transport projects launching soon which will transform the cities. The projects across the three cities will focus on a wide range of development initiatives like clean-energy buses, development of bus lanes, construction of a bus priority lane, implementation of parking management systems, and environmental management plans. GEF’s project aims to support transport users in the three cities through the establishment of a national public transport system that can improve public transport services, reduce traffic congestion, and improve air quality.

TEPCO’s leaking plight

Mauritania’s solar beginning

Three of the underground storage tanks at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant have leaked an estimated 32,000 gallons of radioactive water. After the earthquake and tsunami knocked out the power of the power plant’s cooling system two years ago, the water turned radioactive when it was sprayed into the Fukushima Daiichi reactors continuously for months to cool the nuclear fuel. The government of Tokyo has ordered Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) to address the problem immediately. The three leaking tanks are among seven that TEPCO built to hold the radioactive water. In March, several power outages were found that temporarily disabled the plant’s nuclear fuel cooling systems. Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Toshimitsu Motegi ordered TEPCO President Naomi Hirose to address public concerns about the radioactive water leaks and power outages. In the meeting, the minister instructed him to ensure that the leaked radioactive water will not seep into the Pacific Ocean. However, TEPCO recently commented on its website that there was no leakage into the ocean since there is no drainage ditch near the reservoir. TEPCO still continues to struggle with the volume of contaminated water and a shortage of alternate space to store it. After the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) summoned TEPCO’s Executive Vice President, Zengo Aizawa to discuss the leaks, the NRA Commissioner Toyoshi Fuketa said they are taking the incident seriously but assured the public that there is no cause for alarm at this time. He also mentioned how it will take some time before the contamination reaches the environment and that by then, the company will have taken steps to contain the leaked water.

Like many countries in Africa, Mauritania’s electricity grid has been reliant on expensive diesel generators and has been exposed to price volatility, energy security and sustainability issues. Its demand for energy grew by an estimated 12% in 2012, compounding the pressure on their 144-megawatts of installed capacity and resulting in severe energy shortages. Last week the city of Nouakchott established in its region the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) plant at 15-megawatts in the African continent. The facility will account for 10% of Mauritania’s energy capacity, displacing approximately 21,225 tons of carbon emissions a year, and supply energy to nearly 10,000 in the city. International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) welcomed plant as it was inaugurated by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and Masdar, the renewable energy company of Abu Dhabi, the UAE. Because of its wind and solar resources, Mauritania can achieve a large proportion of its electricity capacity from clean, secure, and sustainable sources of energy. “Energy access is a pathway to economic and social opportunity,” said Mauritania President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz during the inauguration of the solar plant. “Electrification, through sustainable sources of energy, is critical in ensuring our people have access to basic services and is a step toward improving our infrastructure and long-term economic development.”

May 2013

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NEWS | REALLY?

Alternative sulphur A Recent study conducted by international scientists discovers a new use for waste sulphur in creating plastic that can yield better batteries for electric cars By: Lorraine Bangera

orean, American and German scientists jointly reported a new chemical process which can transform waste sulphur into a lightweight plastic. This plastic is used to make lithiumsulphur (Li-S) batteries that can help improve batteries for electric cars. Jeffrey Pyun, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry at University of Arizona, says that the Li-S batteries will be better for electric and hybrid cars because they are more efficient, lighter and cheaper than those currently used. The batteries with cathodes made of elemental sulphur can be used and recharged just a limited number of times before they begin to fail. The new plastic on the other hand performs better and can be produced

May 2013

easily and inexpensively in an industrial level. The discovery is more like an alternative use of waste sulphur, which is left over when oil and natural gas are refined into cleanerburning fuels. Although there are some industrial uses for sulphur, the excessive amount generated from refining fossil fuels. “There’s so much of it we don’t know what to do with it,” said Pyun. He calls the left-over sulphur “the garbage of transportation.” The world has surplus of elemental sulphur at oil and gas refineries, but Pyun wanted to focus on how chemistry could use the cheap sulphur to satisfy the need for good Li-S batteries. Which is why his team tried experimenting with the

substance and transformed liquid sulphur into a useful plastic that could be produced on an industrial scale. They identified the chemicals which were most likely to polymerise sulphur and began to test those 20 chemicals one at a time, they found their lucky match in the first try. Now the new plastic formed exhibits electrochemical properties which are superior to the elemental sulphur now used in lithium-sulphur batteries. The team’s new batteries exhibited high specific capacity and enhanced capacity retention. The researchers have filed for an international patent for their new chemical process and for the new polymeric electrode materials for lithium-sulphur batteries. Several companies have shown interest in the new plastic and the new battery. The research was conducted and funded by the combined efforts of various organisations like the National Research Foundation of Korea, the Korean Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the American Chemical Society and the University of Arizona.

ENERGY & WATER

of Shams1

The Rise

The world’s largest Concentrated Solar Power plant is a major milestone for renewable energy in the Middle East By Anoop K Menon

he vast sea of mirrors nestled among the undulating sand dunes looked like an incongruous setting at first glance. But the flashes of sun light reflecting off the mirrors seemed to be beaming a semaphore that signalled a milestone achieved. From a cluster of metal tubes in middle of that field, wisps of white smoke melted into a blue sky. On 17th March 2013, in the blaze of a noon sun, inside the desert 120 kilometres southwest of Abu Dhabi in the UAE, world’s largest concentrated solar power (CSP) plant in operation began to transmit power into the grid.

May 2013

Located besides the E1-12 Habshan to Liwa Oasis highway close to the city of Madinat Zayed, the 100-MW Shams 1 CSP plant was officially inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The ceremony was also attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, as well as other members of the UAE leadership.

Shams 1 was designed and developed by Shams Power Company, a joint venture between Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company Masdar (60%), France’s Total (20%) and Spain’s Abengoa Solar (20%).

Why is Shams 1 so important? There are several reasons why Shams 1 represents a major milestone for the renewable energy sector in the Middle East. First, the superlatives. Largest CSP project in the world: Philippe Boisseau, President of Marketing & Services and New

ENERGY & WATER

Energies at Total SA pointed out that unlike huge solar complexes where smaller capacity solar power plants are co-located and operated together to produce huge amounts of power, Shams 1 is the single largest CSP plant of its kind in the world not only in terms of production capacity, but also size (covering 2.5 square kilometres or the equivalent of 285 football pitches). First utility-scale commercial solar power project in the Middle East: In addition to advancing long-term UAE energy diversification plans, Shams 1 demonstrates the rich solar potential of the whole region, where annual global radiation reaches 2,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per square metre. While many countries in the region have set renewable energy targets, Masdar has demonstrated on the ground that large scale solar projects are technically and

HE Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber; HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Ruler of the Western Region; HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi; HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; HH General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; with staff of Shams Power Company

financially feasible in the region. HE Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar said, “with the demand for energy rising exponentially, the region is undergoing a major transformation in how it generates electricity. In fact, the Middle East is poised for major investments in renewables and Shams 1 proves the economic and environmental advantage of deploying large-scale solar projects.” The world’s largest financing transaction for a solar power project: When Shams Power Company announced the financial close of the project in March 2011, the US $600 million closing marked the world’s largest financing transaction for a solar power project and helped established a precedent for the region. In fact, the financing was oversubscribed with commitments totalling more than $900 million. Project Finance magazine awarded it ‘Middle East Renewable Energy Deal of the Year 2010.’ A benchmark for the Middle East: Shams 1 followed the independent water power and power producer (IWPP) model used by Abu Dhabi for its conventional power and desalination projects. With the model finding takers in other countries in the region, Shams 1 may become an example worth emulating in all respects. Shams 1 features ‘green payment’ mechanism under which the Abu Dhabi Ministry of Finance will compensate Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Company (ADWEC), the off taker, for the difference between average domestic power generation cost and the generation

“The inauguration of Shams 1 is a major milestone in our country’s economic diversification and a step toward long-term energy security. The domestic production of renewable energy extends the life of our country’s valuable hydrocarbon resources and supports the growth of a promising new industry.” His Highness President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi

cost (tariff) for Shams 1. The Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is between Shams Power Company and ADWEC. Flagship project for Masdar: With the addition of Shams 1, Masdar’s renewable energy portfolio accounts for almost 68% of the Gulf’s renewable energy capacity and close to 10% of the world’s installed CSP capacity. Last year, at the inaugural Solar Awards organised by the Emirates Solar Industry Association (ESIA), Shams 1 bagged Project of the Year Award. The award recognises outstanding achievement by entities that operate in the region’s solar industry. Adnan Amin, Director-General of IRENA pointed out that though countries in the region have announced ambitious plans for renewable energy, Shams 1 represents the first footstep, and a massive one at that, for solar power in the Middle East. He continued: “A question often asked is: why would be a renewable energy agency be headquartered in an oil producing country so well endowed as the UAE? Shams 1 is proof of the potential we have been discussing over the past two years, the fact there is a business case, as well as economic case, climate change and political cases for renewable energy in the Middle East. Shams 1 shows the way for the region to become one of the biggest renewable energy producers and exporters in the world.” Most of the region’s 1 GW of commissioned renewable energy capacity today consists

May 2013

ENERGY & WATER

“The UAE’s investment in renewable energy offers the region a pragmatic path to reducing per capita carbon emissions, which are currently among the highest in the world. Projects like this will also show how renewable energy bolsters the entire value chain – from research and development, to manufacturing, to on-theground power projects.” IRENA’s Director-General, Adnan Z Amin

of North African wind power projects. Morocco also has a 160 MW solar project in the works in Ouarzazate. Yet major oil exporters in the GCC have also recognised renewable energy as their best long-term economic choice, as excessive domestic oil consumption undermines highmargin export opportunities.

Special trucks are used to clean the solar field twice a week

site was chosen over two other shortlisted sites due its very low connection costs for gas, power and water (proximity to an existing power station helped), the going was anything but easy. In fact, Shams 1 is the first CSP plant to be built on desert sand. There are CSP plants in existence in deserts, but none in sandy desert environment that is found in the UAE. Moreover, existing models for measuring Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) from satellite data fail to consider airborne dust particles and sandstorms that are common to UAE’s desert environment. When the ground measurements came in, the DNI estimates had to be modified substantially. To deal with

Technical benchmarks By concentrating heat from direct sunlight onto oil-filled pipes, Shams 1 produces steam, which drives a 125 MW turbine and generates electricity. (See How does Shams 1 work). Industry superlatives apart, Shams 1 is also serving a proving ground for solutions for tackling issues arising out of the UAE’s and the region’s unique combination of sandy desert, high humidity, dust storms, seasonal winds and water scarcity. While the Madinat Zayed

May 2013

constant dust, five special hi-tech trucks are used to clean the solar field twice a week. A seven metre high wind-break – part concrete and part mesh - surrounds the entire plant to prevent wind from breaking the mirrors and dust from piling on inside the plant. “We had to face many technical challenges because Shams 1 was breaking new ground,” noted Philippe Boisseau, President of Marketing & Services and New Energies. “The big mirrors offer a strong resistance to wind and we faced a lot of difficulties finding the right location and size of the wall to make sure the wind wouldn’t jeopardise the mirrors. To increase the efficiency of the plant, we had to increase the temperature of the Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) which was new and led to some challenges.” At the heart of Shams 1 is a steam turbine which is the largest single casing turbine ever built for solar thermal power plant. Offering a gross output of 125 MW, MAN´s steam turbine is the largest ever built for a solar thermal power station. The custom-made turbine, which weighs 220 tonnes, was constructed in Oberhausen, Germany and arrived on site in May 2011. Limited availability of water in the region meant that cooling the exhaust steam from the power plant using wet cooling technology like most power plants was not a viable option. As a spokesperson from

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ENERGY & WATER

Shams Power Company put it, if they had opted for wet cooling, Shams 1 would have consumed 200 million gallons of water annually. Moreover, pumping in desalinated water would have been very expensive because the coast is 60 kilometres away. Therefore, Shams 1 has gone in for air cooled condenser, which is a global first for a CSP plant. The condenser, supplied by GEA, is used to condense the exhaust steam flow coming from the steam turbine. The condensate is then returned to the solar steam generator or heat exchangers. However, on the minus side, use of dry cooling results in lower turbine efficiency due to high back pressure (in the steam turbine world, lower the back pressure, higher the output). At Shams 1, against a typical 50-bar, the back pressure was 160-bar which necessitated a customised steam turbine which works efficiently even with high back pressure. Shams 1 is also unique in the way it utilises natural gas, which gives the plant a hybrid character. “A major advantage of CSP technology is that it can be integrated with other forms of electricity production like gas,” said Santiago Seage, CEO, Abengoa Solar. “Shams 1 uses a limited quantity of gas as heat source to complement the heat from the sun.” The plant uses natural gas in three ways – first, in booster heaters to raise the steam temperature for optimal turbine operation and second, in heat transfer fluid (HTF) heaters to provide the required thermal energy during cloud cover

“Abu Dhabi is investing and incubating a new energy industry. Through Masdar, we are redefining the role our country will play in delivering energy to the world. From precious hydrocarbons exports to commercially viable renewable energy projects, we are extending our legacy for future generations.” H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar

May 2013

Shams 1 reduces the UAE’s carbon emissions, displacing approximately 175,000 tonnes of CO2 per year

compensating for the temperature loss and avoid shutting down of the steam turbine and third, in auxiliary heating boiler for creating sealing steams for turbine start ups. Without an auxiliary boiler, start ups can be much longer. In fact, Shams 1 may well be the first CSP plant to burn gas during sunshine hours to improve production efficiency. The HTF enters the solar field at 280/300°C and leaves the field at 400°C, which is its maximum temperature threshold. Above that, HTF tends to lose its characteristics. At Shams 1, the heat exchangers transfer the heat from the oil to the water and generate high pressure steam at 380°C. However, steam turbines require super-heated steam around 500°C. Therefore, purpose-built booster heaters burning gas superheat the steam to 540°C to enhance the efficiency of the steam cycle and turbine. “Shams 1 is a innovative solar power plant for the emirates and the region,” said Seage. “We are using solar resource to heat the fluid to move the turbine, which is similar to conventional turbine, with the advantage that we use natural gas in small quantities to make sure the plant can produce any point in time. In other words, you have power coming into the grid when you want it and not when the natural resource is shining.” Despite its continuous use, natural gas will account for only 18% of heat input with 80% coming from the solar field. In terms of output, 55% is from solar field and 45% from the

gas .Thus, for a heat input of 18%, the plant gives a production output of 45%, which is called double gas utilisation factor. The gas-fired HTF heaters can also be used to run the power plant without any sun shine which helps meets the ‘firm capacity’ (or availability at all times of the year) criteria laid down by the off-taker ADWEC. Additionally, the site has two diesel tanks to assure seven days generation of power in case of emergency. Redundancies have also been built into water supply through underground tanks so that if there is a supply problem or even a risk of reverse contamination, the plant can be isolated. A standout aspect of Shams 1 is the absence of thermal storage. In an interview featured in CSP. In January 2012, a Masdar spokesperson attributed the decision to the fact that there was no CSP plant with thermal storage in operation in 2007 when the project got the go-ahead. Building the first CSP plant of the region was novelty enough, so going ahead with unproven technology was deemed too risky. Total’s Philippe Boisseau noted that when work started on Shams 1, global PV prices were headed south. Not only has PV become the most economical solar technology today, it doesn’t require storage either. CSP’s major advantage is that it can be combined with storage and also with other forms of electricity production, which extends the production of the CSP plant when the sun isn’t shining early in the morning or late in

Comment | Dahmash

Shams-1 has more than 258,000 mirrors mounted on 768 tracking parabolic trough collectors. They concentrate the solar radiation on a central tube where special oil is heated to 393 °C. Cooled HTF flows at approximately 280/300°C from the steam generator into a cold HTF header that distributes it to 192 loops. These loops are connected in parallel and heat up the oil from 300°C to 390°C in normal operation. Each loop is responsible for Delta T of 91°C. The hot header returns the hot HTF from all loops to the heat exchanger to transfer the heat from the oil to the water and generate high pressure steam at 380°C to drive the steam turbine.

the evening. Total is working on electricity storage with batteries and heat storage technologies to extend the potential of CSP.

A low carbon journey According to Shams Power Company, Shams 1 reduces the UAE’s carbon emissions, displacing approximately 175,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, an equivalent to planting 1.5 million trees, or taking 15,000 cars off the road. Shams 1 was also the first CSP plant registered as a project under the United Nations’ Clean Development Mechanism. Fully operational, the 100-MW, grid connected power plant generates clean energy to power 20,000 homes in the UAE, and with solar power generated during peak demand, Abu Dhabi can reduce its need for ‘peak shaving’ generators, which are expensive and idle most of the year. One of the benefits associated with CSP technology is value chain development potential. According to Frost & Sullivan, in CSP projects, Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) services are between eight to 10% of the total cost; other key components with local potential include collector structures, HTF, absorber tubes, power blocks and mirrors. Local companies and engineers have played a significant

May 2013

role in the success of Shams 1. In an interview with the local media, Yousuf Al Ali, General Manager at Shams Power Company, said all the major equipment for the plant was built by over 70 local companies. The assembly of the solar field was done by Amana, the electrical work in the solar field was done by Al Hussam and the heaters and boosters were built by Fabtech. In fact, 66 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) came into existence thanks to Shams 1. On the emiratisation front, currently 30% of the employees are UAE nationals, which will be increased to 40% within two years. “We are proud of the young Emiratis that worked on this project,” said His Highness President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “The expertise they gained, working closely with international companies and building a project of such scale, is the type of human capital development that will enable our country to secure long-term energy leadership.” Sham 1 is also a showcase for Masdar in terms of capitalising and transferring all the learning,

experience and knowledge gained from its projects abroad like Gemasolar thermosolar plant in Spain and London Array in the UK to Abu Dhabi and the UAE. The local and international experience gained by investing and developing renewable energy projects gives Masdar the confidence and capability to spread its wings wide. “The world is our market,” said Dr Al Jaber. “As long as there is a regulatory framework that is solid and reliable and as long as the returns meet our commercial expectations, we will invest in renewable energy projects in other destinations. I believe we will the first ones to start in Saudi Arabia.” Dr Al Jaber was also emphatic that Shams 1 doesn’t signify the end of a journey for large scale solar power in the UAE. He confirmed that the 100 MW Noor 1 project, slated to be one of the world’s largest PV plants, is in the final stages of evaluation and a major announcement can be anticipated in the second half of 2013. Utility-scale solar power plants like Shams 1 and Noor 1 will directly contribute toward Abu Dhabi’s target of achieving 7% renewable energy power generation capacity by the year 2020. Projects like these will be complemented by smaller projects and initiatives like the 10 MW solar PV plant at Masdar City, distributed generation off-grid applications and roll out of energy efficiency measures in industrial and commercial sectors. The Masdar CEO also believes that Abu Dhabi’s investments in nuclear energy and renewable energy don’t contradict each other. “To us it makes perfect sense to capitalise on our energy expertise and financial resources from hydrocarbon sector to advance renewable energy and use nuclear energy as the bridge and catalyst that will provide us with base load electricity,” he explained. An underplayed aspect of Shams 1 so far (and which is being redressed) is the evolution of Western Region of Abu Dhabi from being the centre of the UAE’s hydrocarbon industry to being the same for renewable energy and nuclear energy in the country.

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ENERGY & WATER

Desalination

sustainability and

The largest power generation and water desalination plant in the UAE, M Station, is valued at over AED 10 billion, generating 2,060 MW and 140 million imperial gallons of desalinated water to meet the current and future demand for electricity and water in Dubai

is Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance, and President of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), officially opened DEWA’s ‘M Station’ for electricity generation and water desalination in Jebel Ali at an opening ceremony in May. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, accompanied by VIPs, conducted an introductory tour of the station and its various divisions, which are equipped with state-of-the-art advanced technological systems. The M Station is the largest power production and water desalination plant in the UAE, and generates 2,060 MW of electricity and 140 million imperial gallons of desalinated water per day. The opening ceremony included a video featuring the process of building the station, and keynote addresses by plant construction partners, Klaus Baier, Project Manager at Project Consultant Fitchner; Key-Sun Han, Chief Operating Officer of Power Plant Contractor Doosan; Sylvain Hijazi, President of Steam Turbine Original Equipment Manufacturer Alstom; Silvio Oliva, Managing Director of Desalination Plant Contractor Fisia; and Marcus Brueckner, Senior Vice President of Gas Turbine Original Equipment Manufacturer Siemens. “This constitutes an impressive addition to DEWA’s impressive array of achievements to meet the

May 2013

directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA at the inauguration early last month. “We have been inspired by the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that, ‘we do not wait for things to happen, we make them happen.’ In line with the vision and directives of His Highness, we are moving forward with confidence to achieve the best possible results, building on the growth strategy of our government, and bearing in mind the huge responsibilities we have to further enhance Dubai’s international image,” said Al Tayer.

“The on-going support and guidance from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance, and President of DEWA, has had a profound impact on the development of DEWA to fulfil its part in meeting the requirements of our ambitious plans in various sectors,” added Al Tayer. “The total cost of M Station exceeded AED 10 billion, and it has a capacity of 2,060 MW of electricity, and 140 million imperial gallons of desalinated water per day. We are now able to achieve a total production of 9,646 MW of electricity, and 470 million gallons of desalinated water per day, to meet the current

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ENERGY & WATER

and future needs of the Emirate of Dubai, including planned expansion to further drive our urban prosperity and economic advancement.” “Securing the supply of electricity and water to ensure sustainability in the long-term is critical to achieving the vision of our government, and DEWA is committed to planning in advance to meet our future demands. It is in line with this strategic vision that we gather today to launch a new national milestone, which adds to DEWA’s international accomplishments in the past five decades,” added Al Tayer. “Led by our long-term strategic planning, investments in our staff, and the adoption of the latest technologies, we have achieved impressive results in the standards of services that we provide to our partners and customers.” “DEWA has achieved very competitive results surpassing the private sector, and even leading European and American companies in efficiency and reliability. This is demonstrated by our reduction of losses in the electricity transmission and distribution networks to just 3.5%, compared to 6-7% in Europe and the US. Network line losses in the water sector decreased to 10.8% compared to 15% in North America, setting another international benchmark, and highlighting our

May 2013

commitment to meet the growth in demand for water and promoting sustainability,” added Al Tayer. “DEWA’s results are some of the best internationally. For customer minutes lost per year, DEWA’s figures reached 5.78 minutes, significantly better than 16.4 minutes recorded by counterparts in the European Union. DEWA’s adoption for the most advanced systems has made it easier than ever to complete customer’s transactions. All these have, contributed to the UAE, represented by DEWA, to be positioned as 7th in the world, and the first in the MENA region in terms of ease of access to electricity according to ‘Doing Business 2013’ report released by he World Bank.” “We have succeeded in enhancing the efficiency of fuel use between 84-90%, while improving production efficiency by more than 26% between 2007 to 2012 through the deployment of high-efficiency technologies in the production of electricity and water desalination. We are committed to working with all our partners and community members to reduce the demand for energy in Dubai by 30% by 2030, to achieve the goals of the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030,” concluded Al Tayer. “The inauguration of M Station is in line with our efforts to increase electricity and water production

capacity to meet the economic growth in Dubai. In 2012 electricity production capacity increased by 10.6% compared to 2011,” said Yahya Alzafin, Vice President at Generation for DEWA. “DEWA has achieved a milestone in increasing its installed capacity. The number of DEWA’s 400 kV substations increased to 18, and 132 kV main substations increased to 184. Besides, the number of 11 kV and 6.6 kV power transformers increased to 26,756, while the total length of 11 kV and 6.6 kV medium voltage cables reached 24,942 kilometres,” added Alzafin. M Station’s efficiency measures at 82.4%. The plant has six F-class gas turbines, each of which generates 234 megawatts, three steam turbines, each generating 218 megawatts, eight MSF desalination units of 17.5 million gallons per day, six heat-recovery boilers, two dualfuel fired auxiliary boilers of 370 tonnes/hour, and 16 fuel oil storage tanks, each with a capacity of 20,000 cubic metres, with total fuel oil storage of 320,000 cubic metres.

The inauguration was attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy; His Excellency Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazroui, Minister of Energy; Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development; His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Public Works; His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State; His Excellency Matar Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman of DEWA; His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA; His Excellency Essa Al Maidoor, Director General of Dubai Health Authority; His Excellency Hussain Lootah, Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality; His Excellency Hilal Al Marri, Director General of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing; His Excellency Khaled Al Kamda, Director General of Community Development Authority; His Excellency Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri; Director General of the Dubai General Department for Residency and Foreigners Affairs; His Excellency Sultan bin Mejren, Director General of Dubai Land Department; His Excellency Mohammed Mohammed Saleh, Acting General Manager of FEWA; His Excellency Juma Al Majid; His Excellency Saeed Al Kindi; and His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Habtoor.

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Construction

Green

skyscraper Arguably the world’s most famous office building, the Empire State Building has reported savings of millions of dollars one year from their green retrofit, slated to further cut energy use by 38%

ne year after an innovative building retrofit project, the Empire State Building is ahead of plan and has exceeded its year one energy-efficiency guarantee by 5%, saving US $2.4 million and establishing a commercial real estate model for reducing costs, maximising return on investment, increasing real estate value, and protecting the environment. “First and foremost, making the Empire State Building energy efficient was a sound business decision that saved us millions of dollars in the first year,” said Anthony Malkin of the Empire State Building Company. “We have a proven model that shows building

May 2013

owners and operators how to cut costs and improve the value of their buildings by integrating energy efficiency into building upgrades.” Mr. Malkin and the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI) Cities program, an aligned partner of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, assembled a coalition of leading organisations focused on energy efficiency and sustainability. The team was comprised of the Empire State Building Company, LLC; Johnson Controls, Inc.; Jones Lang LaSalle; and Rocky Mountain Institute. “Mr. Malkin had a vision of bringing innovation to his historical landmark. The results are just beginning to pay off while at the same

time creating a new model for the world to follow,” said Dave Myers, President of Johnson Controls, Building Efficiency. “It is critical that we tackle the billions of square feet of inefficient office buildings around the world to meet our growing energy needs, save money, create jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” The core energy efficiency retrofit at the Empire State Building is complete, with the balance of the project to be finished as new tenants build out high-performance workspaces. Not only is the Empire State Building more energy efficient, but it is also estimated to have saved 4,000 metric tonnes of carbon, the equivalent of that

Construction

Johnson Controls Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in over 150 countries. Its 162,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimise energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. The company’s commitment to sustainability dates back to its roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat.

offset by 750 acres of pine forests. Once all tenant space s are upgraded, the building will save $4.4 million a year, a 38% reduction of energy use that will cut carbon emissions by 105,000 metric tonnes over the next 15 years. “These promising first-year results underscore the impact of this global flagship project, which continues to serve as a model for sustainable climate action, not only for other building owners in New York, but right across the global network of C40 Cities,” says Terri Wills, Director of Global Initiatives, C40, in partnership with the Clinton Climate Initiative. The Chair of C40 is New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “Our work at the Empire State Building demonstrates that a major reduction in energy usage can be cost-effective in terms of energy savings, and can enhance a building’s appeal to high-quality tenants,” said Ray Quartararo, international director at Jones Lang La Salle. “As we continue to work with new and existing tenants, we find that the overwhelming majority of people want to do their part to reduce energy usage while delivering economic returns and occupying an environmentally responsible building.” “The saving achieved by the deep retrofit was due in large part to three factors: Tony Malkin’s vision and leadership, a team that could test traditional assumptions, and integrative

Rocky Mountain Institute Rocky Mountain Institute is an independent, entrepreneurial, nonprofit think-and-do tank. RMI emphasises integrative design, advanced technologies, and mindful markets in fulfilling its mission to drive the efficient and restorative use of resources. RMI’s strategic focus is to map and drive the US transition from fossil fuels to efficiency and renewables by 2050.

design, which made bigger savings cheaper than incremental savings,” said Amory Lovins, Rocky Mountain Institute’s Chairman and Chief Scientist. The retrofit project focussed on eight innovative improvement measures addressing core building infrastructure, common spaces and tenant suites. Improvement measures performed by Johnson Controls and Jones Lang LaSalle included the refurbishment of all 6,500 windows, a chiller plant retrofit, new building controls, and a web- based tenant energy management system. The project partners

Jones Lang LaSalle Jones Lang LaSalle is a financial and professional services firm specialising in real estate. The firm offers integrated services delivered by expert teams worldwide to clients seeking increased value by owning, occupying or investing in real estate. With 2011 global revenue of $3.6 billion, Jones Lang LaSalle serves clients in 70 countries from more than 1,000 locations worldwide, including 200 corporate offices. The firm is an industry leader in property and corporate facility management services, with a portfolio of approximately 2.1 billion square feet worldwide. LaSalle Investment Management, the company’s investment management business, is one of the world’s largest and most diverse in real estate with $47.2 billion of assets under management. developed a detailed engineering design and Johnson Controls guaranteed the energy savings through a $20 million performance contract. With performance contracting, savings in energy consumption from facility upgrades pay for the project over the term of the contract. If the savings are not realised, Johnson Controls pays the difference between the value of the measured and verified consumption and the guaranteed consumption under the contract. The project has attracted new tenants including LinkedIn, Skanska, LF USA, Coty Inc., and the FDIC. Such tenants look for space that reflects their sustainability values, provides more comfort for employees and allows them to monitor and control their energy use. To ensure that each energy project resulted in performance improvements as predicted by the replicable project development model, Johnson Controls and Jones Lang LaSalle developed a measurement and verification (M&V) process that included baselining; energy mode l calibration; updating assumptions regarding weather, tenancy and operational improvements; and actual performance improvements attributable to each project . The

annual savings for the project are calculated based on the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol Option D, using a calibrated eQuest energy simulation model. In the United States, 40% of energy is consumed by buildings, according to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. In dense urban settings like New York City, commercial buildings account for up to 75% of energy used. If every commercial building in New York City followed this blueprint, carbon emissions would be reduced by four million tonnes – the equivalent to that generated by a typical coal-fire d power plant. About C40 partnership with CCI C40 is a network of large and engaged cities from around the world committed to implementing meaningful and sustainable climate-related policies and programmes locally that will help address climate change globally. C40 works in an aligned partnership with the CCI Cities programme, which was started by the William J. Clinton Foundation. CCI Cities became the delivery partner of C40 in 2006. The closer alliance between the two organisations - announced in the spring of 2011 - brings significant resources and infrastructure that will enhance and accelerate their historic activities and positions the combined effort as one of the preeminent climate action organisations in the world.

The Empire State Building Soaring 1,454 feet (from base to antenna) above Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building is dubbed the “World’s Most Famous Office Building.” With new investments in infrastructure, public areas and amenities, the Empire State Building has attracted first-rate tenants in a diverse array of industries from around the world. The skyscraper’s robust broadcasting technology supports all major television and FM radio stations in the New York metropolitan market. The Empire State Building was named America’s favourite building in a poll conducted by the American Institute of Architects. The Empire State Building Observatory is one of the world’s most beloved attractions and is the region’s number one tourist destination.

May 2013

Construction

Solar-powered

irrigation Dubai municipality’s sustainability initiative in the waste water sector has set a precedent as the region’s first solar-powered waste water irrigation system for all landscaping needs. Engineer Hassan Mohammed MakKi, director of the drainage and irrigation network department, outlines dubai municipality’s strategy for harnessing renewables in public spaces

he need for energy from renewable sources has become a pressing issue in recent years in the emirate of Dubai, as well in the region. Many individuals and organisations have become concerned about our future energy needs and have begun searching for ways to meet these demands. With the finite and rapidly depleting reserves of oil and natural gas, it has become a major issue to discover sources of renewable energy and implement systems that harness them. The adoption of such systems would have a positive impact on our environment, while sustaining the needs of society. Renewable forms of energy, such as solar power produce virtually no pollution. The implementation of renewable energy systems will be a wise investment; energy would no longer have to be purchased, and over a period of time, these savings in costs may exceed the price of the system. The feasibility of installing solar panels for landscaping irrigation system was determined by gathering pertinent weather data, conducting site analysis, investigating possible solar panels and mounting solutions, and finally, creating an economic model.

May 2013

Eng. Hassan Mohammed Makki

These attributes combined to form a final solution through which we determined the investment potential as well as the social and environmental impacts of implementing such a system. Our results indicated that the system would have a payback period of roughly 10 to 12 years. The goal of this project is to achieve environmental sustainability and promote Dubai’s green economy. The implementation of this project has created awareness within the department and in Dubai, and has employed more professionals within the department to operate and maintain the solar landscaping irrigation system. Moreover, the above renewable energy technology will be implemented in the operation of sewerage network systems in the forthcoming years. The main aim of this project is to utilise the renewable solar energy and the treated water and establish a cost effective and environmentally sustainable solution by adopting drip irrigation system to irrigate the plants and trees in the various roundabouts (traffic intersections) of the emirate of Dubai. About 177 million m3 of waste water is treated and more than 149million m3 of treated water

was used last year for greening the city of area of about 24 million m2 which has substantially reduced the carbon foot prints and use of fossil fuels. The solar power landscaping irrigation system comprises of three sub systems; (a) Solar power system; (b)Electrical control sub system (c) Pumping system. The major components are: solar power system; the subsystem is responsible for generating electrical power from the solar power and supplying power for the operation of the whole landscaping system. The major components include PV panels, rechargeable batteries and necessary accessories. The Electrical control subsystem controls the charging of batteries and the timing of operation of pumps and sprinklers. The major components include electrical timers, automatic controllers and inverters. The pumping and water storage system deals with storage and irrigation of landscaping (roundabouts).The major components include submersible water pump, treated water storage tank, sprinklers and associated water pipes. The system mainly comprises of photovoltaic solar cells, Lorentz submersible solar

Construction

pump and underground water tank of about 5000 gallon capacity. A submersible pump operated by solar energy is installed in the tank which is specially designed to run on DC current consuming 250 to 300 watts supplied by solar cells and a drip irrigation system is used to irrigate the trees and ground cover plants automatically on daily basis. The treated sewage effluent water is used to irrigate the plants for surface area of about 25000 square metres and the photovoltaic system is expected to generate about approximately 15 megawatthours of electricity and will reduce about 10 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions annually. The capital cost of the project is about AED 1.7 million. This project is being implemented at 34 roundabouts which is located at various locations in the emirate of Dubai in collaboration with Horticulture department, Dubai Municipality and M/s Alsa solar systems LLC , an Abu Dhabi based organisation and a local representative of M/s Lorentz for the design, manufacture, supply, engineering, implementation and commissioning of the project . The project is completely managed by the drainage and irrigation network department by using in house expertise without employing a consultant. The project was implemented by adopting design build contract business model and M/s Alsa solar system was selected by the department by adopting the procurement principles

May 2013

and methods of the ISO 9001;2008 , quality management system standards. In fact, the solar power landscaping irrigation project was recognised by the H2O Middle East Water Award 2012 and the Middle East Electricity Award 2013 under the project category â&#x20AC;&#x153;Innovative Use /Application of technology.â&#x20AC;? This project initiated by the department will be the first step towards achieving low carbon energy innovation in the waste water sector in the region and the implementation of such project will play a significant role in combating climate change, promoting economic competitiveness in the facility management industry in GCC, and achieving energy security in the region As a matter of fact , the department of drainage and irrigation network department which executed the above project is functioning under Dubai Municipality and is responsible for the management of operation and maintenance of sewerage / rain/storm water network facilities in the emirate of dubai . The department is spearheaded by Engineer Hassan Mohammed Makki, Director of the Drainage and Irrigation Network Department, and is responsible for the management of waste water and irrigation water infrastructure and facilities in the emirate of Dubai . The total infrastructure facility located strategically at Al Warsan comprises about 700 employees, more than 100 fleets, well

equipped workshop of international standard , about 10 major pumping stations and about 200 subsidiary pumping stations which are monitored and controlled by SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition system) a computerised remote control system which control and monitors the operation of number of submersible pumps installed strategically at various locations in the emirate of Dubai. In addition to that, the movement of sewer tankers/vehicles are monitored and controlled by a team of professional engineers using the state of art technology i.e.: vehicle tracking system (GPS). In order to receive the complaints from the residents a 24/7 call centre is established which can be reached by dialling 800900. The services of complaint redressal system is available for 24/7 hours. On receiving complaints with regard to water accumulation, choking of road/ street side drain or removal of de-silted material is resolved within 1 to 2 hours. The maintenance of pumps (both submersible and mobile pumps), tankers, vehicles and other mechanical and/or electrical equipment and accessories are maintained and operated by a team of well qualified and experienced maintenance and/or operation engineers and technicians. In addition to that, an in house workshop of international standard with all modern and sophisticated equipment is located strategically at al Warsan which cater the needs of all maintenance activities throughout the year.

KONE Eco-efficient solutions ™

KONE Elevators

KONE is the pioneer of eco-efficiency in the elevator industry. For several decades, KONE has led the way in creating innovative solutions that help to significantly cut the energy consumption of buildings. Lifecycle assessments of KONE elevators show that the greatest environmental impact of an elevator stems from the electricity used in the operation of the equipment. Therefore, the key focus area for KONE is to systematically reduce the energy consumption of its elevators with each new product release. Elevators consist mostly of metals and over 90% of this material can be recycled. Supporting green building through energy measurements and calculations KONE MonoSpace elevators have achieved excellent A-class energy efficiency ratings in measurements performed by independent third parties. We offer VDI A-class energy efficiency for our entire elevator range. KONE is focusing on the ongoing development of standards such as ISO/DIS 25745, Energy Performance of Lifts and Escalators, which will define globally agreed criteria for measurement and comparison between different technologies and products in terms of energy consumption. KONE has developed tools to estimate the energy consumption of customer-specific solutions in the design phase of each project. These tools are especially helpful for customers working on green building certified (e.g. LEED, BREEAM) projects.

KONE eco-efficiency milestones • 1987: KONE introduces the V3F frequency converter, improving the energy efficiency of its hoisting machines. • 1991: KONE is the first elevator company to utilize regenerative drives in its elevators. • 1996: KONE invents and launches the first machine-room-less elevator, KONE MonoSpace® , providing up to 70% energy savings compared to conventional technology. • 2005: KONE MonoSpace is the first elevator to include LED lighting as a standard feature. • 2006: KONE unveils the concept of solar powered elevators. • 2009: KONE launches high-performance regenerative drives for a full range of applications. • 2010: KONE receives A-class energy efficiency ratings for its elevators (VDI standard 4707). • 2012: KONE launches completely renewed and more energy efficient KONE EcoDisc ® hoisting machine for the KONE elevators.

KONE follows the latest green building trends through its involvement in green building associations around the world.

KONE elevator energy efficiency performance according to VDI 4707*** KONE N MonoSpace ® KONE S MonoSpace ® KONE N MiniSpace ™ KONE S MiniSpace ™ KONE MiniSpace ™

Environmental impacts during the lifecycle stages of a typical KONE elevator * Raw material production Component manufacturing Use Delivery Maintenance End-of-life treatment

***Guideline issued by the Association of German Engineers

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Construction

Sustainable

Realty

The Government of Dubai Land Department (LD) in cooperation with the Arab League (AL) is set to organise the Arab International Sustainable Real Estate Conference on the 1st and 2nd of May in Dubai—a regional first

Green realty is a growing trend globally, set to enter the Middle East market

May 2013

he conference is the first of its kind in the region and it comes to reflect the national initiative introduced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai: “Green Economy for Sustainable Development”, in the framework of a national strategy to build a greener economy on the long run in the UAE. The Sustainable Real Estate Conference is sponsored by Diamond Developers while Falcon City of Wonders is a strategic partner. It is being held in conjunction with the 3rd Edition of the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and hosted by the Ministry of Economy, at the Dubai International Convention and

Exhibition Centre and in parallel with the International Property Show 2013 (IPS) held on 30 April to 2 May in Dubai; which the LD participates in and supports. Sultan Butti bin Mejren, Director General of the Land Department says “The importance of the conference lies in the professional debates by dozens of experts participating in the conference, which will focus on the three dimensions of sustainability (ecological, social and economic).” Bin Mejren notes that the LD has taken it upon itself to address issues related to sustainability in the real estate sector and to come forth with leading initiatives as the department considers sustainability as one of its priorities. The LD keeps pace with global developments and trends and, in accordance with the long

term strategy and vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed, the LD draws a roadmap to launch initiatives to achieve sustainability in the real estate sector. He pointed out that the conference will highlight important issues on how to relate the property market with modern sustainability requirements, and how to develop strategies inspired by past experiences to meet with current challenges. The Director General of the LD hailed the AL’s efforts and its constructive cooperation with LD to achieve the objectives of this conference. “Organising the first edition of this conference in Dubai is based on AL’s belief in Dubai and its ability to meet the requirements of real estate sustainability and its role in promoting such concepts in Arab real estate markets,” says bin Mejren.

Construction

Dr Refat Al Faouri, Director General of the Arab Administrative Development Organisation (ARADO), working under the umbrella of the AL, said that the Land Department is the first official entity in the Arab world to address the challenges of real estate sustainability in a professional and impressive manner. “The property sector in the Arab world lacks sustainability practices, which are common practices in the international markets,” comments Al Faouri. “Hosting this conference in Dubai reflects its position as a centre for promoting sustainability concepts and will help in educating professionals working in this sector,” he says. “The conference will not only be limited to theories but will showcase leading practices of real estate sustainability in the UAE, particularly in Dubai. Details of Dubai Sustainable City will be revealed during the event and we anticipate the remarkable success of this project and its role in positioning Dubai as an active player in real estate sustainability,” notes Al Faouri. On her part, Majida Ali Rashid, Chairwoman of the LD’s Real Estate Investment Management and Promotion Centre, says: “The Sustainable Real Estate Conference is the result of rapid

interaction and response to the national initiative launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum under the slogan ‘a green economy for sustainable development.’ The sessions at the conference will explore the best ways to achieve global leadership in real estate sustainability. The UAE’s green economy initiative announced by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is aimed at transforming the UAE into one of the world leaders and a centre for the export and re-export of green products and technologies, and to maintain a sustainable environment to support long-term economic growth. The initiative includes various programmes and policies in the areas of energy, agriculture, investment and sustainable transport, in addition to new environmental and construction policies that aim to raise the quality of life in the UAE. According to Rashid, a group of experts and specialists from the UAE, Arab world and abroad will take part in the event. “This is a unique opportunity to educate the societies in this region and businessmen working in property development regarding the transition towards sustainable real estate to ensure the safety of the community,

protect the environment and improve and develop professional and economic practices through rationalisation and wise use of natural resources.” She projects that the four sessions of this conference will give way for discussions regarding the state of property development and in the future and whether sustainability and social responsibilities are key elements in enhancing competition and the state of the sustainable real estate investments. Engineer Faris Saeed, CEO of Diamond Developers, sees this as a necessary step for the emirate. “Dubai opens the door for creative concepts and successful models and experiences.” He expressed confidence in the success of the Dubai Sustainable City project, “which is becoming a reality thanks to the unprecedented support from the Government of Dubai Land Department.” Salem Al Moosa, Chairman and CEO of UAE’s Falcon City of Wonders - the strategic partner of the conference, considers the Sustainable Real Estate Conference as crucial for all stakeholders. “We are excited to be a part of this conference and our cooperation with the Dubai Land Department is part of our drive to support the general interests of the government, private sector and investors as well,” says Al Moosa. Dawood Al Shezawi, CEO of Strategic Marketing and Exhibitions, said, “Organising the first edition of the Arab International Sustainable Real Estate Conference in Dubai comes in line with the leading role played by the UAE in terms of preserving the environment.” According to Al Shezawi, sustainability in real estate in particular has become an urgent necessity, and that international practices and Dubai was effectively engaged in this drive through initiatives and legislations to achieve the common international objectives to reduce waste of resources and adopt environmentfriendly lifestyles. He sees the conference’s global dimension, held with the participation of international pioneers and experts aimed at enhancing knowledge regarding sustainable real estate, as its unique factor. “It will review best practices and address challenges facing property development. The conference is a platform for all relevant parties to exchange real estate expertise and build partnerships in sustainable development in accordance with the best international practices and regulations. The conference will surely help in promoting sustainability generally and in the real estate sector in particular.”

May 2013

Construction

Paving

way

the

the GCC’s prime event dedicated to sustainable building practices and solutions, ecoconstruct 2013, was held in april to promote sustainable products, services and regulations in the construction industry

Every year, ecoConstruct gives industry professionals a chance to engage with lucrative sourcing and knowledge, as billions of dollars have been committed to major construction projects within the region. The expo has also provided a successful platform for the growing real estate market and helped increase profitability for future, by including construction professionals, suppliers, developers, financiers, architects and engineers in the mix. Held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the event took place from 16 to 18 April this year, giving exhibitors a chance to showcase several projects from leading developers in the regional real estate industry. Most of them have been widely regarded as the annual barometer for the Abu Dhabi and wider GCC real estate market.

Cityscape Abu Dhabi The expo was held during the 7th edition of

May 2013

Cityscape Abu Dhabi, which was opened by His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The events have been hailed as a huge success with many of the industry’s thought leaders and key decision makers attending the event. At Cityscape Abu Dhabi, investors, developers and industry experts scheduled to meet with an objective of being updated with Abu Dhabi’s master developments and knowing latest market trends. The Vision 2030 Conference Centre included keynote speeches addressing Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategic development plan.

Growth of green Recent statistics indicate that the UAE is facing challenges of oversupply. According to lan Robertson, CEO of Jones Lang LaSalle MENA, “the foundations are being laid for a recovery from 2014, with a number of major infrastructure projects scheduled to start later this year.” Jones Lang LaSalle expects the real estate market in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai to benefit from increased economic activity between the UAE and East Asia, specifically China and South Korea, as well as sub-Saharan Africa and Australia. Robertson’s real estate advisory firm’s Q4 2012 Dubai Real Estate Overview reports that there have

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Construction

been promising signs of recovery from the end of 2012 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with upward prices in the residential, retail and hotel sectors. These were coupled with stimulus packages, as well as UAE Central Bank mortgage loan-to-value caps to curb market fluctuations. Most professionals in the construction sectors have predicted that there will be an increase in sustainable methods of construction over the next five years. On the other hand, others expressed concern of being left behind unless they take up the challenge of adopting these practises in their work. The UAE has a value of projects planned, under tender, under construction or on hold, of US $900,953m, according to the latest figures from Ventures ONSITE. Whereas, project values for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are $673,490m, Qatar $108,063m and Kuwait $142,924m.

Green awareness As sustainability grows in a rapid pace within the construction industry this year, it is clear that Abu Dhabi is dominantly taking the lead. Some reports made earlier this year states that developers across the region have begun to give more attention to the impact of green construction concepts on their profits and cost savings targets. Energy audits show that energy bills can be reduced by up to 20% through good design and the use of sustainable materials. The entire industry is realising how the lifecycle costs of these buildings can be reduced with minimal cost measures, for which the payback period is just 12 to 18 months. For those looking to ensure longevity of their assets, the year 2013 is set to be the year of massive growth in the sustainable construction sector. Adnan Sharafi, Emirates Green Building Council (Emirates GBC) Chairman explains, “the

May 2013

The entire industry is realising how the lifecycle costs of these buildings can be reduced with minimal cost measures, for which the payback period is just 12 to 18 months”

Adnan Sharafi

construction industry in the region is witnessing robust growth, and emerging from the challenges faced in the last few years, the sector now has a renewed focus on sustainability and quality. Industry stakeholders seek materials and processes that will not only help optimise resource use efficiency, but also contribute to cost and energy savings in the long run. Through our participation at Cityscape Abu Dhabi and ecoConstruct Expo 2013, Emirates Green Building Council is underlining its commitment to promoting best practices in sustainability in the

built environment, in line with the green vision for the UAE.” Giving importance to preservation and quality will not only benefit the developer but also the end user, “Being the region’s leading event focusing on green sustainability, ecoConstruct Expo has a crucial role to play in what is an everincreasing priority for the building industry,” offers Chris Speller, Commercial Director of Informa Exhibitions. “Together with Cityscape Abu Dhabi, the Expo is perfectly aligned to provide a holistic view of one of the region’s key economic sectors.”

Special feature

Reinventing the

wheel

The race is on! Instead of chasing speed, auto manufacturers today are chasing reduced carbon emissions. One solution is electric traction

May 2013

n the push to reduce carbon emissions and meet government targets quickly enough, vehicle manufacturers are looking for ways that allow them to incorporate new elements into existing designs. One such innovative element comes from Protean Electric. The company’s electric motor is housed inside the wheel hub. The technology is a modern development of an old idea. Ferdinand Porsche sold 300 cars using electric in-wheel motors more than a century ago. The ready availability of cheap gasoline put an end to that. Now, however, the escalating economic and environmental costs of gasoline are bringing the potential for in-wheel motors back. Ken Stewart, Vice President of Business Development at Protean Electric says the philosophy behind the idea is simple: “Why not

put the torque at the wheel? That’s where you need it.” The idea also has the advantage of freeing up space inside the vehicle. “Not only does the motor fit inside wasted space,” Stewart says, “you don’t need drive shafts, transmission, differential or any mechanical connections. You just press the throttle pedal, which sends a command along a wire to provide more torque at the wheel.” Protean is still testing the motor on prototypes and expects to go into serial production in 2014. The motor would be ideal for retrofitting on a car to augment the existing powertrain. One of the main uses Protean sees in the medium term is for fleet operators who can improve the carbon footprint of their fleet by making all their cars into hybrids with two electricdriven and two conventionally driven wheels, all controlled by smart software. It will also be useful for manufacturers that are redesigning existing models. “Companies realise they can meet the increasingly tough environmental norms over the next two or three years with their own technology, but after that they need larger reductions,” Stewart says. And looking to the future, wheel-based power could lead to the total redesign of the automobile, with features such as pod-like vehicles moving sideways into parking spaces. But if the wheel is an ideal home for the motor in some ways, in others it’s the worst possible place. It’s subject to vibrations and road irregularities, it gets splashed with water, and it is often knocked against curbs. So the

Special feature

The seals within the in-wheel motors have a difficult job to do. They have to keep foreign matter out of the gap between the rotor and the stator.

seals within the in-wheel motors have a difficult job to do. They have to keep foreign matter out of the gap between the rotor and the stator. Says Tony Fagg, a Key Account Manager at the Trelleborg, a marketing company for sealing solutions: “This application requires that the seals meet a combination of thermal and physical challenges. It has needed a number of design and material iterations during development to meet these demands.” The challenge is the wide variety of conditions under which the seal has to work. “The car could be parked in a puddle in Alaska that freezes overnight,” Fagg says, “but when the motor starts, the seal quickly reaches a potential friction heat of 160 degrees Celsius.” Tests are ongoing. Fagg says that with the current design “nothing has failed yet,” but he expects that small changes will still be necessary. Comments Stewart: “This is a critical design point for the motor, and I’m confident it’ll work.”

Ferdinand Porsche sold 300 cars using electric in-wheel motors more than a century ago. The ready availability of cheap gasoline put an end to that.”

The Motor Within Protean Electric has been making in-wheel motors since 2005. The company has featured in a variety of prototype vehicles, from a Mini Cooper to a Brabus Mercedes and a Vauxhall delivery van. Though now based in Detroit, Michigan, in the US, its engineering is in Farnham, England, and there are plans for a production facility in China. Worldwide network of specialists Tony Fagg, a Key Account Manager for sealing solutions at Trelleborg, is pleased with the way this project has come together. “This has been a real international affair, combining our expertise from around the world,” he says.

“The Trelleborg manufacturing and development facility in Malta has the knowledge of materials to engineer the right elastomer and will be carrying out volume production,” Fagg continues. “We’ve been able to call on the assistance of our facilities in England in the initial stages. Tewkesbury has the skill to manufacture prototypes, and our site in Bridgewater has the specialist test equipment needed. In addition, we’ll be able to serve the factory in China with our Global Supply Chain Management network and give local support from our marketing company there.”

May 2013

Special feature

Fisker, the world’s first environmentally-responsible luxury car has entered the Middle East market with the award-winning Karma sedan

May 2013

enior management from Al-Futtaim and Fisker Automotive pulled the wraps off the world’s first high performance electric luxury vehicle recently, making the privately held Dubai-based business group exclusive partner in the GCC and MENA regions. The launch was attended by Henrik Fisker, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman at Fisker Automotive, Barny Koehler, Co-Founder and CEO of Europe and Middle East, Fisker Automotive, Len Hunt, President - Automotive, Al-Futtaim Group, Colin Cordery, Managing Director, Trading Enterprises and other senior management from Al-Futtaim. Trading Enterprises have planned to distribute the Hollywood star Leonardo Di Caprio endorsed Fisker automobiles exclusively in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt and the Levant. The region’s first Fisker showroom will open in Dubai Festival City’s automotive park before the end of the year. Depending on the chosen interior trims, accessories and paint combinations, the Fisker Karma will retail in the UAE. Colin Cordery, Managing Director, Trading Enterprises said: “We are familiar with first-class automotive brands and understand

Special feature

the need to offer premium customers a technologically advanced vehicle that respects the environment.” “Fisker offers an environmental alternative to traditional luxury vehicles and we are well placed and proud to partner with Fisker and support their vision of delivering uncompromised, responsible luxury to this part of the world. Al-Futtaim has built strength and credibility in delivering great customer experience and this latest partnership with Fisker automobiles further reiterates our position as the region’s number one dealer of the finest automotive brands.” Hollywood actor and environmentalist Leonardo Di Caprio is an equity investor in Fisker Automotive who are committed to producing electric vehicles with extended range that deliver uncompromised responsible luxury. The company is on the forefront of designing and developing the world’s first line of premium plug-in electric hybrid vehicles. Henrik Fisker, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman at Fisker

Automotive said: “(This) is a proud moment for the Fisker brand as it is the start to our journey in the Middle East. We could not have found a better business house than Al-Futtaim Group to partner us. Al-Futtaim is one of the strongest players in the automotive segment with proven capabilities in customer engagement, high standards of after-sales service, network of showrooms and parts distribution centres. We are honoured to have a partner with such strong legacy.” Following the unveiling of the Fisker Karma, Henrik Fisker said: “The Karma sedan is built according to the company’s sustainable and Accountable Design™ philosophy, which represents a dramatic leap forward for the auto industry. Fisker’s approach to responsible luxury goes well beyond minimising fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions. Fisker uses renewable materials and the lowest-impact technologies at every stage of the engineering, production and marketing processes.”

The Fisker Karma sedan has already picked a number of global awards in its debut sales year, including Top Gear’s ‘Luxury Car of the Year’, Automobile’s ‘Design of the Year’ award, listing in TIME Magazine’s ‘Top 50 Innovations of 2012’, a ‘Global Green Design’ award, and Swiss magazine Schweizer Illustrierte named Karma ‘Most Stylish Car of 2012’. The Fisker Karma was awarded the prestigious Fast Company Magazine ‘Innovation by Design’ award to win the Transportation Category finishing ahead of competitors including the Boeing 787 airliner, the Faraday Bike and Ford’s Fusion. The Karma was also awarded a coveted Auto Bild Magazine ‘Golden Steering Wheel Award’ as ‘Classic Car of the Future limousine category - voted for by readers of the publication. Confirming the Fisker Karma’s status as a future classic, setting the trends of tomorrow’s cars today, Motor Trend Magazine in the USA nominated the car as one of its Top 10 Future Classics taking into account a car’s significance, rarity and purity of design. Finally, in eco-conscious Sweden, the Fisker Karma was voted by Auto Motor Und Sport Magazine as the ‘Environmental Car of the Year’ for 2012. The magazine praised the Karma for its ability to combine both desire and environmental compatibility whilst making a statement in automotive development. Fisker produces electric vehicles with extended range (EVer). The EVer powertrain consists of an efficient gasoline engine, an electric generator, a lithium-ion battery pack, and two electric motors at the rear wheels. The Karma sedan allows the driver to select between two driving modes: Stealth mode for relaxed all-electric driving and Sport mode to access the vehicle’s full power. The EVer powertrain on the Karma sedan uses dual electric motors to drive the wheels - the gasoline engine never directly drives the wheels.

May 2013

Special feature special

The versatility of the diesel engine

Diesel fuel can be made from fossil diesel oil as well as from biodiesel, synthetic diesel, DME and methane gas.

From peanut oil to methane gas, the fuels powering the diesel engine have undergone considerable development during its 119-year long history. So much so that today, even the fuel we traditionally, if somewhat simplistically, refer to as ‘diesel’ is beginning to make way for alternatives with a smaller environmental footprint, such as biogas and DME

ne might say that diesel is somewhat misunderstood and has received more than its fair share of criticism from an environmental perspective. Originally the term had nothing to do with any particular type of fuel but instead only described a particular type of engine. For instance, Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine, ran his first engines on peanut oil. For many people, however, the word has become synonymous with fossil diesel oil, which is a rather narrow description since the diesel engine can be run on many different fuels, some of which are renewable. The common factor is that they are ignited via compression instead of through the spark provided by a spark plug. The reason why diesel oil has become synonymous with the diesel engine is that, over the years, which has been the most common fuel used in the diesel engine. However, as society’s demands increase and technology makes significant

May 2013

advances, so too are more and more alternative fuels being developed for use in the diesel engine. “It’s important for us to work with a wide range of alternative fuels and to come up with solutions that reduce our impact on the climate. It is already possible to build efficient diesel engines that run on renewable fuels. This can be shown, not least, in our new Volvo FM MethaneDiesel and the bioDMEpowered trucks on which we are now conducting field tests. This fuel has the potential for cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 95%,” says Lars Mårtensson, Environmental Director at Volvo Trucks.

One engine, several fuels Anders Röj is a fuel expert at Volvo Technology. He explains that diesel fuel can actually be made from virtually any organic material just as long as it has flammable properties that make it suitable for the diesel process. “However, some fuels require major or minor modifications of the

engine and its peripheral equipment. And, unfortunately, the engine does not always function equally well on all fuels. For instance, biodiesel exhibits poorer stability and cold-weather properties than hydrocarbon-based diesel fuels. When mixed in small quantities with diesel oil, biodiesel functions well if its quality is acceptable in other respects. Since there is such a wide range of alternative fuels, it is a good idea to undertake a thorough review of just what is available. Here is therefore an examination of both existing and future fuels for the diesel engine.

Fossil diesel oil What we traditionally refer to as diesel oil is a petroleum product consisting of hydrocarbons. To produce diesel fuel, crude oil is first distilled and then refined. In this process the petroleum is filtered and purified to meet the legislative requirements and diesel standard of the particular country in which the fuel is to be sold.

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for the production of BioDME in Piteå, where the raw material being used is black liquor, a highenergy by-product of paper pulp manufacture. It gives 95% lower carbon dioxide emissions than diesel fuel and zero emissions of soot. BioDME can also be produced from other biomass sources. “As a diesel fuel, BioDME gives the highest energy output per unit of raw material. It offers five times the driving range per unit of cultivated arable land than biodiesel, for instance,” reveals Anders Röj. Consequently, BioDME is one of the fuels that Volvo Trucks is focusing on for the future. The company is currently engaged in field tests in Sweden with trucks running on DME.

Volvo Trucks’ Volvo FM MethaneDiesel is 30-40% more energy-efficient than a gas truck fitted with spark plugs.

The EU, for instance, has both a directive and a CEN standard* – an abbreviation that stands for European Committee for Standardisation – to regulate quality requirements for diesel fuel. The USA on the other hand generally adopts the ASTM International standard. Furthermore, many countries also have their own national standards. According to Anders Röj, fossil diesel fuel offers the best energy efficiency from initial oil extraction to combustion in the engine, known as the “well-to-wheel” perspective. “Nature has done an excellent preliminary job with its crude oil deep down in the bowels of the earth over millions of years. And in the almost 100 years that oil refineries have been around, the technology has also undergone significant development,” he explains.

Biodiesel FAME, Fatty Acid Methyl Esters, is the collective name for what we refer to as biodiesel. FAME can be produced from a number of different vegetable or animal oils, such as rapeseed oil (RME), soya oil (SME) and palm oil (PME). It is even possible to run a diesel engine on fuel obtained from used cooking oil or tallow, depending on where the biodiesel is produced. The advantage of FAME fuels is that they give 50-60% lower CO2 emissions from “well to wheel” compared with conventional diesel, and are free from sulphur and aromatics. The fuels’ downsides are that they contribute to increased emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Within the EU, it

is no longer permitted for diesel fuel to contain more than seven percent FAME since, with a higher proportion, NOx emissions will be too high. “Had FAME not been a biocomponent we would probably be very negative to such fuels due to the NOx emissions and quality problems. Now, however, there is political pressure to use renewable fuels, and biodiesel is one of the few biofuels currently available on a commercial scale,” says Anders Röj.

Anders Röj, fuel expert at Volvo Technology

Natural gas or biogas can be used as vehicle fuel in both compressed and liquid form. It does not ignite like diesel fuel but if fossil or biodiesel is used to assist in the combustion process, it works well.

Synthetic diesel Diesel oil can also be produced synthetically through gasification of fuels such as black coal and natural gas, creating a fuel that contains a smaller proportion of aromatic hydrocarbons. There is at present no significant production of synthetic diesel, however, research is currently being conducted into energy-efficient gasification of biomass. If this project is successful synthetic diesel may become a particularly viable fuel in the future. “Emissions of NOx and particulates from synthetic diesel are lower than from fossil diesel oil. However, the energy content per litre of fuel is somewhat lower,” Anders Röj goes on to say.

Since there is such a wide range of alternative fuels, it is a good idea to undertake a thorough review of just what is available. .”

The advantages of renewable fuels for diesel engines: •

•

DME (Dimethyl ether) One of the synthetic diesel fuels being examined is an ether known as DME, a carbon/hydrogen/ oxygen molecular bond. At present DME is produced from natural gas, but Swedish company Chemrec is running a pilot plant

Methane gas

•

• Lars Mårtensson, Environmental Director at Volvo Trucks.

Obtained from renewable energy sources (biomass). Cause lower (in some cases much lower) emissions of greenhouse gases compared with fossil diesel fuel. Usually produce lower particle emissions; some fuels burn with virtually no soot formation (e.g. DME). Other regulated emissions may also be lower than for fossil diesel fuel.

May 2013

Special feature

“Diesel fuel can be made from virtually any organic material just as long as it has flammable properties that make it suitable for the diesel process,” says fuel expert Anders Röj.

It’s important for us to work with a wide range of alternative fuels and to come up with solutions that reduce our impact on the climate. It is already possible to build efficient diesel engines that run on renewable fuels.” In May 2011 Volvo Trucks launched its new Volvo FM MethaneDiesel, a gas-powered truck designed for regional distribution. It is powered by up to 75% liquefied methane gas with the remainder consisting of diesel oil, with the diesel serving as the above-mentioned “spark plug”. With biogas in the fuel tank, CO2 emissions drop by up to 70% compared with a conventional diesel engine. With fossilbased gas, emissions are cut by 10%.

May 2013

Special feature

Steering in the right direction The right tyres, tyre pressure and wheel alignment can reduce fuel consumption – and therefore greenhouse gas emissions – by up to 15%

n 2010, global carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels rose by more than 5% according to the International Energy Agency. At the same time the vehicle industry dedicates huge amounts of resources to reducing CO2 by just a few percentage points. However, minor adjustments to vehicles can have a surprisingly large effect on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, according to a study by Volvo Trucks and Michelin. The revelation in November that a new international treaty on climate change will be delayed until 2020 at the earliest means that the actions of individual people and companies to reduce their carbon emissions will become even more important. Recent research by truck maker Volvo and tyre manufacturer Michelin shows that a quick and simple measure can have a significant impact on emissions without the need for major outlay or new ways of working: checking and correcting the tyres and wheels on your vehicle. The study shows that having the right tyres, tyre pressure and wheel alignment can reduce fuel consumption – and therefore CO2 emissions – by up to 15%. If the environmental incentive is not enough, in financial terms that could be a saving up to US $10,500 per vehicle per year. “We know that wheel alignment, tyre type and tyre pressure all have a major impact on fuel consumption,” says ArneHelge Andreassen, Business Area Manager for tyres and wheel alignment at Volvo Trucks’ Aftermarket department. “There is a lack of awareness in the

Test with tyre manufacturer Michelin

Jacques de Giancomoni, Technical Account Manager at Michelin.

transport industry about the importance of checking tyres and wheel alignment, on both the truck and the trailer. At our dealers, we can help haulage companies check the entire rig and correct any problems. If everyone did this, it would have a significant impact on carbon dioxide emissions.” Volvo Trucks and Michelin decided to produce statistical data on just how much wheel alignment, tyre pressure and rolling resistance affect fuel consumption and therefore CO2 emissions. In a two-week long, 1,000km test, a rig with optimal tyres, tyre pressures and wheel alignment was compared with a vehicle featuring different wheel alignments and tyre parameters. The tests were carried out on a track and in a workshop under the watchful eye of SP (the Technical Research Institute of Sweden). The trucks were equipped not only with fuel gauges but also with special

14.5% reduction in consumption due to wheel alignment

11% Reduction in consumption due to choice of tyre

1% reduction in consumption due to correct tyre inflation

The test • Between the test cycles, the engineers replaced the tyres and adjusted tyre pressures and wheel alignment

•

Between the test cycles, the engineers replaced the tyres and adjusted tyre pressures and wheel alignment.

Conducted at Hällered, Volvo’s test circuit in Sweden. Two Volvo FH 4x2 trucks were involved, each equipped with a 500 hp 13-litre Euro 5 engine. Each hauled a fully loaded van-bodied trailer and weighed 40 tonnes gross. One rig was driven with a range of incorrect wheel alignment settings, a variety of tyres and different tyre pressures. An independent representative from SP (the Technical Research Institute of Sweden) was on location to ensure that the tests strictly adhered to scientific protocol.

instruments that monitored exact speed, tyre wear, tyre pressure and rolling resistance. The test engineers made adjustments in the test results for factors such as wind, rain and temperature. “All the conditions tested were realistic, and no exaggerations were allowed,” says Andreassen. “Real life is bad enough. Diesel consumption increases dramatically if the wheels are not entirely parallel. And this applies to all vehicles, for construction and long-haul operations too.”

May 2013

Driverless vehicles: Special feature special

are we

T Technological advances have made it possible for a vehicle to run without a driver, but is a driverless future actually desirable? Volvo Trucks says that making vehicles more autonomous is perhaps not a question of excluding drivers, but rather of emphasising their importance

May 2013

ready?

he history of autonomous vehicles dates back to 1970s Japan, and various projects are currently underway at universities, research institutes and high-tech companies around the world. Hundreds of thousands of driverless kilometres have been clocked up, and proponents of the technology believe that such vehicles will increase road capacity, reduce congestion, and most importantly improve road safety by eliminating driver error. The tech liberals argue that if 90% of accidents are due to the human factor – as statistics indicate – why not completely take the driver out of the equation? Opponents, meanwhile, raise concerns about the fallibility of the computerized systems. And who is legally responsible if one of these unmanned vehicles causes an accident?

In convoy mode the autopilot is engaged. This allows the driver to rest for a while behind the wheel while the truck drives itself.

Automated systems like sensors, cameras and radar for monitoring the traffic situation and the vehicle’s surroundings are regarded by many as having some advantages over humans, but Carl Johan Almqvist at Volvo Trucks believes the safest approach is to combine the automated system’s 360-degree awareness with the professional driver’s knowledge and experience. “We believe in the driver and appreciate that the human brain can make decisions that automatic systems struggle with,” he says. “The computer never gets tired, but it can only do things for which it is programmed. As soon as you are outside

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of normal situations, that is where the driver’s skill comes in. Drivers are often best placed to assess a situation and to choose between slowing down, panic braking or driving round an obstacle.” Volvo Trucks is therefore working on systems that support drivers in situations where they are under-stimulated, such as when stuck in a traffic jam. “When you are moving slowly your mind wanders, you aren’t focussed on driving and if the car in front suddenly stops, you might hit it,” says Almqvist.

“These are situations where it’s a good idea to support the driver.” Volvo’s vision of combining a well-trained professional driver with increased automation is being realised through the SARTRE (Safe Road Trains for the Environment) project. The idea behind the project – of which Volvo is a part through its centre for research and innovation, Volvo Technology – is to develop a technology for vehicle platooning – that is, a convoy where a professional driver in a lead vehicle drives a line of other vehicles. Each vehicle in the

Platooning may be the new way of travelling on motorways in as little as ten years’ time. The EU-financed SARTRE project has carried out the first successful demonstration of its technology. Vehicle platooning is a convoy of vehicles where a professional driver in a lead vehicle is followed by one or several cars. The Volvo automated safety truck.

Volvo has developed a radiocontrolled scale model of the Concept Truck 2020.

convoy measures the distance, speed and direction to the car in front, and adjusts accordingly. The vehicles are not physically attached to each other and can leave the procession at any time. But once in the platoon, the following drivers can relax and do other things while the platoon proceeds towards its destination under the expert guidance of the lead driver. Platooning is expected to deliver a number of benefits: road safety will improve as the human factor is minimised; fuel consumption – and therefore also CO2 emissions – will be reduced by up to 20%; road congestion will be reduced as vehicles will be only a few metres apart; and the drivers of the following vehicles will be able to rest, work or eat. The technology has been successfully tested with one car following the lead vehicle. Public acceptance and the relevant legislation may, however, be longer in coming. Volvo Trucks participates in several technologically-driven project such as SARTRE, since the outcome and lessons from such projects are always regarded as valuable knowledge. “Safety is one of Volvo’s core values, so we are investing considerable effort in automation while doing it in the safest possible way,” says Almqvist. “The technology is moving quickly, but getting it to work in a safe way with a human being is our ultimate aim. You should feel as safe as you do when driving yourself, even if it is a computer that is doing the work.”

May 2013

Stars of WETEX 2013

Stars of WETEX 2013 Attracting select companies from the Water, Energy, Environment, and Oil and Gas sectors in the GCC and beyond, the 15th edition of WETEX concluded on a high note, after its three-day run from 15 to 17 April 2013. Officially opened by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of The Supreme Council of Energy in Dubai, the event presents more than 1,000 exhibiting companies from over 30 countries. WETEX 2013 is organised by the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) under the theme â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sustainable Development for Allâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Yearly, WETEX brings together manufacturers, suppliers, energy experts, investors and engineers to exchange views and share experiences and introduce the latest innovations and technologies in the energy, water, technology and environment sectors. Highlighting outstanding participants at WETEX 2013, we bring you our top 10.

May 2013

WETEX | DEWA

o congratulate sponsors, exhibitors and supporters of WETEX 2013, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) hosted a celebratory gala dinner in the Dubai World Trade Centre at the end of the three-day event. Among the attendants, there was His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, senior officials from the organising committees of the exhibition, 54 sponsors, and 1,300 government organisations and participating companies. HE Al Tayer honoured strategic, platinum and gold sponsors during the ceremony in presence of Executive Vice Presidents of DEWA. During the ceremony DEWA honoured government departments, municipalities and public associations, and emphasised on the importance of cooperation between companies to help improve the water, energy, environment, oil and gas sectors in Dubai. HE Al Tayer highlighted the close cooperation between private and public sector companies, which helped in pushing the success of event. Consumer Award During an awards ceremony held at SmarTech Forum organised as a part of WETEX 2013 DEWA honoured the winners of the 9th ‘Best Consumer Award’. The award was aimed at DEWA’s residential customers to encourage the conservation of electricity and water consumption, and the adoption of eco-friendly practices to reduce the use of natural resources required to generate electricity, desalinate water and minimise carbon emissions. “The Award supports ‘Dubai’s Integrated Energy Strategy 2030’ to reduce the demand for energy in Dubai by 30% by 2030. Besides, it is a part of DEWA’s continual efforts to promote a culture of conservation among community members, and support the efforts of Dubai government in achieving sustainable development in Dubai,” says HE Al Tayer. “DEWA consistently raises awareness about conservation and rational use for electricity and water among the residents of Dubai through launching awareness campaigns throughout the year including ‘Earth Hour’, ‘Eco-friendly Home Appliances’

under the theme of ‘Do Good to Planet Earth’, ‘Water Conservation’, ‘Neighbourhood’, ‘Peak Load’, and ‘Power Factor’ in addition to many other campaigns. Our initiatives are well received by the residents and have achieved positive results in reducing electricity and water consumption. Launching such campaigns helps in conserving natural resources and saving huge amounts of money,” says Amal Koshak, Senior Manager of Marketing Communications at DEWA. During the ceremony, DEWA rewarded the participants who succeeded in saving 9.15 million KW/h of electricity, 49.35 million gallons of water, 5,491 tonnes of carbon emissions, and AED 5.25 million. “Through adopting the useful tips provided by DEWA, my family and I succeeded in saving 62,300 KW/h of electricity, and 100,885 gallons of water. I urge community members to participate in this award as it contributes to conserving our precious natural resources, and protecting our environment, as well as reducing the monthly bills,” says Mohammed Shukralla, first prize winner of the ‘Best Consumer Award’. Dubai Global Energy Forum 2013 DEWA also became a strategic sponsor of the Dubai Global Energy Forum (DGEF 2013), which was held in conjunction with WETEX. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, this year’s forum’s theme was ‘Clean Energy for Sustainable Development.’ DGEF 2013 offered a platform for experts from around the world to discuss some of the major issues in the fields of energy, environment and sustainability, including topics such as how to invest in green projects, the potential for nuclear power in the Middle East, and how to unleash the potential of solar energy. It also explored the need for influencing consumer behaviour in an attempt to reduce the consumption of energy and water. DEWA’s achievements DEWA has launched a number of initiatives that contribute to Dubai’s

vision for achieving sustainable development, including the Green Buildings Initiative. DEWA’s Sustainable Building, in the Al Quoz district of Dubai, is a prime example of this global leadership. It is now the largest government building in the world with a Platinum rating for green buildings from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). DEWA’s Sustainable Building occupies an area of approximately 340,000 square feet, and boasts a wide range of environmentally friendly features. Amongst the other key initiatives undertaken by DEWA is the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which when completed will be the largest solar park in the region, providing 1GW of energy to the emirate’s capacity. DEWA has also piloted a number of smart grid projects, with a prominent example being its use of the latest Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technology. SCADA allows for water and electricity supply and control to be monitored, and illustrates how smart grid technology can enhance energy efficiency, reducing the cost, both financial and environmental, to the consumer and utilities provider alike.

Memorandums of understanding During WETEX 2013, DEWA announced its strategic partnerships with prominent private sector companies, with companies such as Unilever, Samsung Gulf Electronics, Osram Middle East, and Sharaf DG topping the list. Sponsors of WETEX (BOX OUT 2) Strategic sponsors: Gulf Eternit Industries, Emirates Electrical Engineering LLC, DUBAL, ENOC, BP, Al Futtaim Group, Samsung, and Borouge Pte Ltd, Platinum sponsors: Pratibha Industries Ltd, Ducab, Utico FZC & Shanghai Electric Co, Al Hijaz Mechanical Equipment Co, and First Solar, Inc. Gold sponsors: Lucy Switchgear, Emirates Transformer & Switchgear Limited, Arabian Automobiles, Schneider Electric, and ELIPS Insulated Pipe Systems.

May 2013

WETEX | SAMSUNG

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 236,000 people across 79 countries with annual sales of US$187.8 billion. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.

May 2013

Samsung’s Green Credentials We are in the midst of a ‘green revolution’ in the Middle East. More consumers are becoming ecoaware and are beginning to search for products that can help cut their carbon footprints and promote greener lifestyles. At Samsung, we believe it’s our responsibility to do business in a way that enriches our planet. That is why we carry out a wide range of environmental activities globally, and more recently in the Middle East. We are currently the leader in delivering innovative eco-friendly products to consumers and are committed to product stewardship throughout the entire life cycle of our products. In fact, everything that we do is actually guided by our continued focus on the ‘greening’ of management, products, processes, workplaces and communities. Our green management policy guides and supports the continuous enhancement of a greener environment through all our business activities including product design, the manufacturing process and workplace operations. Consumers are increasingly seeking to balance their desire for cutting edge technology while pursuing a greener way of life, in response to this global trend Samsung launched PlanetFirst, a commitment and fundamental approach to supporting and considering the environment in everything that we do. We are committed to providing a better green experience through eco-friendly products, solutions and technologies, which benefit our customer’s lives, affirm our shared values and respect our planet. Samsung also continues to run an Eco Management initiative, which we initially launched in 2009, with the view of establishing a comprehensive set of mid-term goals to become a world-leading eco-friendly company. As part of our 2013 Eco Management initiative we have decided on a number of goals, which include reducing Green House Gas (GHG) emissions from manufacturing and product use and expanding our line of innovative eco-friendly products available on the market. Within these goals we expect

to reduce emissions from facilities by 50 percent on an emissions intensity basis by 2013, reduce indirect emissions from products by 85 million tons and finally report 100 percent eco-product achievements by the end of 2013. In 2011, five our Samsung’s production plants received the international energy management certification ISO 50001, we consequently set our sights on achieving this certification for all of our sites, globally by 2015 in order to establish a systematic energy management structure. Samsung has been meeting its GHG emissions reductions target since 2009 and reduced 40 percent of the intensity in 2011 compared to the 2008 baseline and we expect to achieve the 2013 target. We have an 360 degree view about our Green Management policy, where all our GHG Emissions scope covers the full supply chain of all our business activities, including the GHG emissions of our partners, all our logistics, employee business activities as well as end user product usage. We make regular green management investments to support our GHG reduction goals; in 2011 Samsung invested USD 604 million in green management which was an 86 per cent increase from 2010.

Involvement at WETEX Samsung Gulf Electonics recently played a key role at the 15th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) 2013, an initiative to build a green economy in the UAE. As a strategic technology partner of DEWA, Samsung always views WETEX as a crucially important event. In line with our global commitment to the environment and in support of the UAE’s vision to achieve significant energy consumption reductions, we got involved with WETEX to showcase how Samsung Gulf is helping to save natural resources and help build a sustainable environment in the UAE. This year at WETEX, Samsung showcased its cutting edge range of Smart and eco-friendly products and solutions, such as our energy saving Smart air conditioning range that contributes to reducing power consumption by up to 35 percent. Samsung also showcased its line of Smart LED lighting that are dependable, eco-friendly and long lasting that reduce up to 80 percent power consumption. We also presented our Smart digital home appliances that help to enable smart living for consumers in the region.

WETEX

Eco-friendly Product Spotlight The Samsung Air conditioning DVM-S VRF system, which was showcased at WETEX 2013, has the most advanced technology available, adopting a twin variable compressor system and an intercooler of the plate type heat exchanger. This system has achieved an Institute of Energy and Environment Research (IEER) rating of 27 and is AHRI certified. The new system has a maximum module capacity of 16HP and a maximum capacity of 64HP per unit, which are both the highest standards available in the industry. The DVM-S VRF system has adopted Samsung’s latest control architecture, which reduces the commissioning time from 180 minutes to just 50 minutes. Samsung’s LED lighting solutions that were also showcased, boast a wide range of retrofit lamps, including bulbs, MR16, PAR-16/20/30/38, Candle, Luster lamps and L-Tube (LED Tube lights). The complete range has a lifetime of up to 50,000 hours, which reduces the cost of maintenance and replacement. All of Samsung’s LED Lights use Samsung LED packages that are used across Samsung’s LED TVs, mobile phones and even in car headlamps of reputed car manufacturers. Samsung’s home appliance products also sport an array of eco-friendly features including its Eco Bubble range of washing machines. By incorporating an energy saving feature with soap-rich bubbles, cold water can wash clothes just as effectively as the hotter 40°C water, resulting in as much as a 70 per cent energy saving in a single cleaning cycle. Additionally Samsung’s full range of Refrigerators leverages our superior digital inverter technology for improved energy efficiency, better durability and enhanced cooling performance. This technology strengthens the durability and life span of Samsung’s refrigerators and to add to this we offer our consumers a 10 year parts warranty on the Digital Inverter Compressor. The Samsung line of dishwashers also incorporate an array of energy saving features for smart living, including being Energy Star® compliant, helping the environment and saving consumers money by lowering water and energy consumption. To promote a healthier lifestyle, Samsung showcased its state of the art air cleaners, featuring Samsung’s Virus Doctor Technology, which eliminates 99 per cent of biological contaminants from the air including H1N1 and influenza viruses. While traditionally the ‘green ideology’ has been apparent in the home, where consumers are replacing their existing appliances with environmentally friendly products, there has also been a noticeable shift toward implementing

green solutions in the office space. Inefficient office IT equipment is one of the main culprits that add to a business’s carbon footprint. Recently Samsung launched its environmentally inspired color laser printers, the Samsung CLX8640 and CLX-8650 series which are designed to deliver the fastest performance on the market with a lower cost of operation, enabling offices to achieve the best and most reliable productivity. In addition to the outstanding performance and reliability, the CLX-8640 and CLX-8650 series reduce expenses and save businesses money by conservation of power consumption which in turn makes the models ecofriendly. This is provided by Samsung’s IFS technology in avoiding a long warm-up period and their Eco Driver Functions. Samsung’s 550 and 750 Monitor series also have a variety of green credentials. They enable consumers to easily conserve energy with their innovative Eco Savings feature, which allows users to save up to 50 per cent energy by selecting an energy consumption level. The 550 series monitor includes Samsung’s proprietary innovative moulding technology called Touch of Color (ToC). Through this ToC the monitor was designed in an eco-

friendly way without the use of any harmful materials such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), lead or mercury. In fact all Samsung’s featured LED LCD panels are completely mercury free and consume only 60-70 per cent of energy normally used by LCDs and boast a level V of energy efficiency rating for their adapters. Additionally all of Samsung’s mobile PCs are environmentally committed and developed to meet the high standards of international certifications and have been awarded the TCO Notebooks 3.0, which is the leading environmental and usability standard operated by the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees. All of Samsung’s notebooks also boast an Energy Star 5.0 rating after being awarded as the only Computer Manufacturer with the Energy Star Excellence Award in 2009. The notebooks also feature LED LCD panels which are completely mercury free and hence consume only 60 -70% of energy normally used by LCD panels. The Series 9 notebook comes with battery life extender. This automatically disconnects the power supply at 80% charge in order to save energy and also prolong the computers battery life.

May 2013

WETEX | DUBAL

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Area(s) of expertise: Primary aluminium smelting and manufacture of high quality, premium purity products; reduction cell technologies; power generation; and water desalination. Green track record: DUBAL recognizes the value that can be created by being a sustainable business. Consequently, DUBAL adopts a holistic approach to its business strategy, seeking to realize value for all stakeholders through a sustainable business philosophy. Department managers have ultimate accountability for ensuring DUBAL’s contribution to sustainable development and progress towards the corporate goal of “zero harm to people and the environment”. This is implemented through a number of processes, such as Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) management standards and the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) system. As per the three pillars of sustainability, DUBAL endeavours to remain economically robust while protecting the environment and contributing to society. These aspirations are not only interwoven into DUBAL’s vision, strategic goals and dayto-day operations, but also enable continual improvement in DUBAL’s performance across all categories, despite any challenges that may arise. DUBAL was among the first companies in the UAE to publish a Sustainability Report. Two such reports have appeared to date (in 2008 and 2010 respectively). DUBAL’s third Sustainability Report is currently in production and will be released by mid-2013. DUBAL has twice received third-party endorsement for its sustainability practices, namely: • 2nd Runner-up in the Arabia Corporate Social Responsibility Awards 2011 (Large Category), the forum being designed to recognize companies for their policies

May 2013

and actions towards the three dimensions of sustainability; and The Dubal Chamber Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Label in 2012, this being a voluntary standard on corporate social responsibility and sustainability that is tailored to the Middle East, specifically Dubai.

Involvement at WETEX 2013 As a Strategic Sponsor of WETEX 2013, DUBAL not only contributed substantially to the staging of the event, but was also an active participant at two levels • First, a large exhibition stand was used to highlight DUBAL’s world-leading in-house developed DX and DX+ reduction cell technologies. The spotlight also fell on DUBAL’s commitment to energy conservation, specifically the fuel-efficiency of DUBAL’s captive 2,350 megawatt power station (at 30˚C); and its energy-saving successes achieved through implementing a combination of the initiatives mandated by the Dubai Supreme Council for Energy (“DSCE”) in terms of Dubai’s 2030 energy conservation strategy and DUBAL’s own innovation-based progress in energyefficiency. • Second, Tayeb Al Awadhi (Vice President: Power & Desalination) delivered a presentation in the WETEX 2013 seminars on the pilot absorption chiller project at DUBAL (inaugurated in March 2013). The absorption chiller, installed on the rooftop of the DUBAL Desalination Plant control building, utilizes available steam in DUBAL’s Power and Desalination Plant, without compromising either plant’s processes, to produce chilled water for air-conditioning units previously operated by electrically-driven chillers. The project is the first of its kind in a power plant in the UAE and is expected to reduce power consumption by approximately 60 per cent. Spotlight REDUCTION CELL TECHNOLOGY DUBAL’s DX Technology is a state-of-the-art, UAE flagship technology that performs among

the most efficient reduction cell technologies currently available. It has been operational in a dedicated 40-cell potline at DUBAL’s Jebel Ali smelter complex since 2008. These DX Technology cells presently operate at 385 kA, offering several benchmark attributes that provide significant advantages, notably: • An energy-efficient design that enables specific energy consumption of less than 13.21 kWh/kg Al and 95.2 per cent current efficiency, together contributing to energy conservation and associated operating cost reductions • Reduced environmental impact through lower fossil fuel consumption (a direct benefit of enhanced energy-efficiency) and reduced carbon consumption (anodes) of less than 0.410 kg C/kg Al. Moreover, DX Technology cells experience minimal anode effects (AEs) of less than 0.05 AE/pot/day, resulting in PFC emissions of 7 kg CO2eq/t Al. Through ongoing research and development, DUBAL’s DX Technology cells have been re-designed to enable operation at even higher amperages. Five new generation cells, built in the pilot line at Jebel Ali, began operating at 420 kA at the end of August 2010. Mid-2011, the amperage of these pilot cells began to be increased gradually and reached 440 kA in February 2012, with stable results. The improved technology — known as DX+ Technology — is based directly on DX Technology. The industrial version is targeted to achieve bestin-class energy efficiency and environmental performance standards: the targeted specific energy consumption is less than 13.33 kWh/ kg Al. The AE frequency is very low but, more importantly, DUBAL’s proprietary advanced control logic restricts the average duration of AEs to less than 10 seconds (a world benchmark for lowering PFC emissions). DX Technology has been installed at EMAL Phase I (756 cells) and DX+ Technology is being installed at EMAL Phase II (444 cells, currently under construction). DX+ Technology has also been selected for Aluminium Bahrain’s Line 6 Bankable Feasibility study.

WETEX | AL FUTTAIM

Prius is the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle in the world, the brand is the leading hybrid car manufacturer globally and will have sold over 5 million hybrid models before the end of 2013. For display at WETEX, Lexus showcased its compact hatchback CT200h, the popular crossover RX450h, the GS450h sports sedan, and the fullsize luxury saloon LS600hL.

eadquartered in Dubai, Al-Futtaim was a strategic sponsor of WETEX 2013. On the opening day of the event, Al-Futtaim’s stand was visited by dignitaries and officials of the UAE government who attended WETEX and the adjoining Dubai Global Energy Forum. They were greeted by Omar Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman; John Harker, Group Director, HR; Len Hunt, Group Director, Automotive Division; Dawood Bin Ozair, Senior Managing Director of Engineering, Electronics & Technologies (EET); and Zuhair Al Haj, Al-Futtaim’s Group Director of HR and Localisation in the MENA region. Showcasing a wide range of products from hybrid vehicles to smart air conditioning units, and from energy efficient building and hygiene products to food waste disposers, Al-Futtaim’s presence also attracted thousands of visitors during the three day event. The company’s presence occupied the entire Hall 3 of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) spanning 4,320 square metres or 10% of the exhibition’s total floor space.

Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate The Group has accomplished a significant step toward the energy efficiency and sustainability in Dubai Festival City through a total energy management programme which contributes significant energy saving achievements. Dubai Festival City implements many of the Smart City standards combining the information and communication technologies and the sustainability requirements for the buildings, infrastructure, environment, water and energy without compromising the human satisfaction and needs. A total of 12 Al-Futtaim companies participated at the event featuring some of the world’s most prestigious brands, as well as some of the region’s most renowned organisations. They included Toyota, Lexus and Hino from the group’s Automotive division; a host of brands under the group’s Electronics, Engineering & Technologies division (EET); Dubai Festival City from Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate; and Emrill, the joint venture partnership between Al-Futtaim, Carillion and Emaar. “Al-Futtaim is fully aligned with the Dubai Government’s sustainability strategy and our expansive presence at WETEX 2013 sends out a strong message to the entire UAE community that consumers have the option to contribute towards a cleaner and healthier environment for the future generations through the purchasing choices they make today,” says Mr Omar Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman. Al-Futtaim Motors Environmentally friendly hybrid technology was on display through Toyota’s popular hybrid Prius, and Lexus’s luxury hybrid vehicles. Toyota’s

Al Futtaim Engineering The MEP Maintenance Division is the first in the UAE to implement and operate the district cooling plant with 100% treated sewage effluent recycled water for condensing, which resulted in saving of 121 million gallons of potable water annually while contributing to the reduction of carbon emission of 15,000 tonnes till date. Techserve Techserve showcased its “Electronics waste collection” and the eco-friendly disposal management. This electronic waste is subsequently passed on to the e-waste management companies authorised by Dubai Municipality. Other displays include energy efficient batteries, CFL and LED lamps from Panasonic, live demo of pioneering ‘Remote Tech Services’ which could help reduce tons of CO2 emissions indirectly. Also showcased is the revolutionary “i-Home services” which could eliminate 850 pounds of CO2 emission in a year from a three bed room house just by dimming the light while rest of the controls could help to save tons of CO2 emission.

May 2013

WETEX | SMART4 POWER

Empowering Energy Efficient Solutions Implementing energy efficient solutions is, by far, the fastest and most profitable way for companies to reduce their operating costs. Not surprisingly, an increasing number of companies and individuals in the UAE are looking for solutions, whether it is in air conditioning, lighting, motors or water.

2012 was a key year for Smart4PoweR Smart4Power ended last year with 23 energy audits and solutions tests and the implementation of 6 energy efficiency projects providing a total energy savings of AED 5.4 million / year and reduction of greenhouse gases emissions of 8,500 TnCO2 / year. We worked in 2012 with several large companies including Dubai Investment, Al Rostamani and National Bank of Abu Dhabi and have participated in emblematic energy efficiency projects like the Volga Dnepr Aircraft Maintenance Hangar.

May 2013

2013 looks already quite promising as we are gaining a firm foothold in the region and expect to triple our activity in the UAE green emerging market. Smart4Power was proud to take part in WETEX, showcasing its latest technologies and equipment to provide energy saving solutions to our customers. The exhibition was a huge success for Smart4Power and during this event Aircosaver (our energy saving device for air-conditioning) was approved by DEWA following a test carried out at its head office.

Smart4Power is an engineering and consulting company headquartered in the UAE with partnerships in Germany and Spain, specialized in retrofit energy saving solutions. Our main aim is to help our customers to become more efficient and environmentally responsible organizations. Smar4Power is proud of having a specialized team of engineers and certified auditors with hands-on expertise in implementing energy saving solutions in the areas of HVAC, lighting, control and water treatment. Our main asset is our human capital and our knowledge on a wide range of energy efficient technologies that we offer and customize to our customers. Scope of services Smart4Power scope of services spans from energy audits to the actual implementation and measurement and verification of energy saving solutions. Most of our retrofitting solutions fall within the following areas: • Chillers Performance Optimization • Energy Saving Devices for DX AC units (window, split, ductable) • Alternative Air Conditioning Systems • Light Replacement and Intelligent Light Sensors • Performance Optimization for Motors and Pumps • Water conservation

WETEX | SMART4 POWER WETEX

Our engagement with customers starts with an energy audit Smart4Power has developed a thorough methodology for investmentgrade type energy audits in order to help its customers to identify the “wasted energy” and the solutions to reduce it. In a recent energy audit conducted at an office building in Dubai, we found that more than 60% of the energy consumption was taking place during non-working hours!

Implementation of ad-hoc energy saving solutions Experience tells us that there are rarely two customers with the same conditions and needs. Just as there are different types of water chiller AC systems (centrifugal, screw, scroll, reciprocating…), there are specific solutions for each of them.

Smart4Power is not attached to a single technology or brand when proposing the best solutions to our customers. We propose solutions based on customer needs and not the other way around. Our recent project at one of the largest hangars

in the UAE confirms this approach. Smart4Power was asked by the client to provide an energy efficient solution to cool a space equivalent to the size of 2.5 football fields. After analyzing different solutions (conventional air conditioning, evaporative cooling and geothermal heat pump system using solar power) S4P recommended to install the evaporative cooling system with water recovery system which required less investment and is easier to maintain & operate. The evaporative cooling solution saves operating expenses of 2.25 million AED at year and reduces the CO2 emissions by 3,440 Tons.

Smart4Power measured the energy and water consumption 24/7 over a period of two weeks, focusing on the building’s main sources of consumption (HVAC, lighting, water). As result of the audit, we were able to identify several saving initiatives spanning from HVAC operations rescheduling to implementation of specific retrofitting solutions. Interestingly enough, three of these initiatives with total savings of 300,000 AED / year did not require any investment at all.

Reliable and tested solutions Throughout the engagement with our clients, we propose also plugand-play energy saving solutions or “quick-wins” that have a direct and immediate effect on client’s utility bills. A good example is the AIRCOSAVER, an electronic control unit manufactured in Germany that adds state of the art intelligence to DX air conditioning systems, improving their energy efficiency. The DEWA-certified Aircosaver has been tested in over 20 different locations in the UAE with savings between 15 and 25%. A recent installation at a staff accommodation of 300 rooms showed savings of AED 220,000 per year with a payback period of just 10 months. The expected total energy reduction is 500,000 kWh, with equivalent CO2 reduction of 320 Tons. ——————————————————————————————— Do you want to learn more? If you want to learn more about Smart4Power, call us at +971 4 364 93 88 / +971 4 364 93 99 or email us at: info@smart4power.com. You can also visit us at www.smart4power.com

May 2013

WETEX | DUCAB

The largest manufacturer of high-quality cables and copper products in the Middle East, Ducab, has had an increase of 42% in cable exports including a 72% increase in International markets in the last year. Ducab is a member of the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) and the Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC), and is a founding member of the Dubai Quality Group (DQG). Ducab HV During the previous financial year, Ducab opened an AED 500 million high voltage cable plant, which has recently completed its first full year of operation. In addition to supplying high voltage cables to both its utility partners, ADWEA and DEWA, Ducab HV was also successful in winning its first major export order for MEW Kuwait valued at AED 62m. This export success was achieved two years ahead of the target set in the original business plan. Ducab HV also

successfully completed 132,000V system type tests in its own extra-high voltage test facilities under the close scrutiny of the utility specialists and independent third party expert witnesses. Shams 1 HE Dr. Ahmad Al Shaikh, Chairman, Ducab, underlined the importance of the current edition of WETEX, coming as it does right after the official launch of ‘Shams 1’; the world’s largest concentrated solar power plant in Abu Dhabi, with a capacity of 100 MW of clean electric power. This confirms the UAE’s commitment to maintain its distinguished position as a major supplier of energy by expanding the scope of its leadership to the renewable energy sector.

WETEX Ducab was one of the main sponsors of WETEX 2013. Al Shaikh states that “through its participation in WETEX 2013, Ducab aims at highlighting its new range of electric cables of all kinds, especially the flexible cables, designed for internal wiring applications which bear high pressure, along with a range of fireresistant FLAMBICC cables, ideal for residential and industrial use where safety is a primary concern, in addition to a range of control and instrumentation cables which are used in control circuits, as Ducab’s cables are widely used in the oil and gas and petrochemicals sectors.”

new and demanding applications for polyolefin (PO) pipes. The Borouge Innovation Centre, which will be operational this year as well as our cooperation with Borealis, will enable another step change in this commitment to sustainable solutions for infrastructure around the world. Water conservation “As far as water conservation is concerned, WETEX gives us a chance to highlight the successful projects we participated in different parts of the world through the Water for the World programme,” explained Lootah. “Initiated in 2007 together with Borealis, the programme helped some 300,000 people around the world have access to safe drinking water and sanitation.”

Reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development, Borouge, a leading provider of innovative, value creating plastics solutions, demonstrated its wide scope of polyolefin solutions for infrastructure applications including reliable pipeline systems and durable wires and cables at WETEX 2013. “Participating as one of the strategic sponsors of WETEX 2013, we emphasise our leading role as a longterm partner to our customers in the region and our commitment to keep providing the local and regional

May 2013

markets with sustainable solutions that are known for its processing characteristics, lower maintenance, lower installation costs, longer product lifetimes, increased safety and leakage free.” says Hussain Sultan Lootah, Borouge Senior Vice President, Middle East and Africa. Leading the pipe market Borouge is recognised as a leading player in the pipe market with the durable pipe solutions. Its pipe team works closely with customers and other key value chain members to pioneer

Wires and cables In addition to showcasing its latest innovations for advanced insulation, semi-conductive and jacketing materials for cables, Borouge highlighted its high productivity solutions that enable cable makers to manufacture quality cables according to the highest industry standards. Committing to meet the increasing demand for cross-linkable polyethylene (XLPE), Borouge will be producing 350,000 tonnes of low density polyethylene (LDPE) per year at its new plant being built in Ruwais, Abu Dhabi, as part of the Borouge 3 expansion project due to be operational in 2014. This investment spearheads Borouge’s ability to manufacture innovative XLPE solutions for the global wire and cable market.

WETEX | UNILEVER

Unilever Gulf is a global brand with sales in more than 190 countries around the world. To share its experience with leading companies and benefit from their experiences as well, DEWA signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Unilever Gulf during the second day of WETEX 2013. According to the memorandum, DEWA will train Unilever Gulf promoters on the instructions to rationalise the use of water and energy and provide promotional materials on energy saving devices to be used at the points of sale as well as campaign management promotion of energy-saving devices.

RTA assigns chief importance to maintaining the environment and the public health. Engineer Nazim Faisal, Director of Roads & Facilities Maintenance and Head of RTA’s Energy Optimisation Team says, “The RTA’s participation in this important international event offers an opportunity for showcasing our initiatives and strategic plans to nurture a green and sustainable environment. To further strengthen this trend, the RTA is endeavouring to save energy consumption in its premises, transport means and other service delivery channels.” Public Transport The Dubai Metro is now one of the most commonly used mode of transport, powered by electricity. Public buses are also equipped with advanced engines conforming to Euro IV & V standards. Parking meters For 16 years, the parking meters used in Dubai has been working through solar energy. The average annual power consumption per parking machine is 2 kW h per year, saving an equivalent of lighting 7,800 lamps of 100-watt for 10 hours. Green initiatives Faisal states, “The RTA Public Transport Agency is keen on running traditional abras on electric power, which is a clean with no harmful emissions to the environment and their engines do not cause any noise pollution. The DTC’s fleet uses 20 vehicles powered by eco-friendly hybrid engines; and the results of this experimental use is subject to test by RTA’s competent bodies before generalizing it to other fleet vehicles.

this is part of Unilever Gulf plan for sustainable living. There is only 5% of the environmental footprint caused by manufacturers like our company while 68% of which is produced for the consumer. Hence, we take our responsibility to the partnership with nongovernmental organizations and government agencies, as Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, to help educate consumers and thus ensure the best use of our natural resources. “We live in an area that suffers from shortage of water, however we have one of the highest consumption rates in the world. So we are delighted that DEWA is our partner in this initiative, which shares our ambition to build a sustainable environment and provide a better life for all.” With the help of DEWA’s instructions regarding the consumption of water, Unilever Gulf will be using promotional packaging for soap, body lotion, shampoo, and toothpaste and fabrics softeners in addition to providing support in booking promotional spaces to connect with consumers and give useful tips to change the habits of excessive use of water and energy.

Sustainable efforts Unilever Gulf has now committed to initiate water conservation, activate energy-saving devices, promote water conservation packages and encourage the campaigns directed for schools and the residential-oriented sectors. Arijit Ghose, Managing Director of Unilever Gulf says, “Unilever Gulf intends to fulfil its commitment to reduce ecological footprint through the full life cycle of their products and

Cavotec is the leading global engineering group that now prepares to highlight that role, while keeping environmental impact to a minimum. Eco-friendly products At WETEX, Cavotec presented innovative power delivery solutions that maintain the constant flow of electricity from power authorities to residences, offices and businesses across the city. They also highlighted the Aura long-life lighting solutions that use environment-friendly fluorescent technology. Aura’s Eco Saver lamps use up to 12% less energy than a standard

fluorescent lamp, and have of a life span of up to some 60,000 hours or approximately 13 years in a normal office environment. Cavotec and DEWA “Through the successful relationship Cavotec has maintained with DEWA in the past 20 years, we have cemented our reputation as a leader in the field of power delivery, an activity that demands reliability and durability,” Juergen Strommer, Managing Director at Cavotec Middle East says. Cavotec has worked closely with DEWA on numerous projects over the past two decades including the supply of Schneider Electric and Wibe cable management systems to DEWA’s power plants and substations, as well as high amperage plugs and sockets to the authority’s 132kV and 400kV substations.

May 2013

Technology

Efficiency in the telecom sector D

Reflecting the UAE leadership’s vision of establishing a green economy, and in line with Du’s efforts towards sustainability, the telecommunications company has announced that it will add around 70 new turnkey Genset Efficiency Solutions to its mobile network, provided by Heliocentris, the experts in energy efficiency and clean energy solutions

May 2013

u has decided to convert all possible offgrid sites to smart hybrid power solutions with the deployment of Heliocentris’s solution. This is in direct support of the UAE Government’s strategy towards sustainable energy, and the national objective to reduce diesel consumption and CO2 emission by 50%. Heliocentris’ solutions have run successfully in 137 of Du’s base transceiver station (BTS) sites for more than one year, and have fulfilled the telecom’s high expectations in terms of energy savings and reliability. In light of this, the company will upgrade even more sites to include Heliocentris’ technology. Heliocentris’ Genset Efficiency solutions have helped Du significantly in its efforts to go green. They have allowed for a reduction in diesel fuel consumption of more than 1.1 million litres, and a reduction in CO2 emissions of more than 2,500 tons over the course of 2012. With the continued implementation of these solutions, Du expects a yearly saving in fuel consumption of more than 3 million litres and reduction in CO2 emissions of more than 12,000 tonnes, by end of 2014. Saleem Al Balooshi, Executive Vice President, Customer Operations and acting Executive Vice President, Network Development and Operations, Du, said, “The installation of Heliocentris’ solutions into our BTS sites has led to a massive improvement in our environmental impact. This is in line with our strategy to improve sustainability within our company, and to promote sustainable practices to our community. Our achievements so far support the UAE leadership’s desire to establish our country as a leader in sustainability, and we are proud to be in a position to install further Heliocentris solutions in order to more fully support this great vision.” Michael Kutschenreuter, General Manager of Heliocentris Energy Solutions AG, said, “Du’s order of new turnkey Genset Efficiency Solutions further endorses Heliocentris’ energy efficiency solutions

Technology

as proven and best in class to meet and exceed our customer’s requirements. We are proud to continuously be the partner of choice for Du’s efforts to drive for more and more eco-friendly and state of the art energy solutions for its BTS operations.” The Heliocentris smart hybrid solution involves deep cycling batteries and a smart Energy Manager, which cycles the site’s load between generator and batteries, thereby reducing the run time of the diesel-powered generator significantly. The conversion project will be managed by Heliocentris Energy FZE, located in Silicon Oasis, Dubai, with local staff including Sales, Solution Engineering and Project Management. This underlines the importance of the Middle East Africa region as a growth driver and is at the same time a further sign of Heliocentris’ strong commitment to this region. In a showing its support of the UAE leadership’s vision for a greener and more sustainable future, Du has implemented several long-running initiatives that contribute to the nation’s more environmentally friendly future. Osman Sultan, CEO of Du said, “Du has long been a proud supporter of the UAE’s vision to achieve sustainability, which is incorporated into our company philosophy as a key pillar. We are committed to upholding our leadership’s vision and to promoting sustainability practices in the UAE. The UAE is establishing itself as a leader in sustainability, and we are proud to do our part to cement this status for our nation.” In its recognition of the need to be a responsible company, Du has demonstrated exemplary practices in both corporate governance and sustainability throughout its operations. These leading practices earned the telecom the position as the most compliant company in the MENA region in the Standard & Poor/Hawkamah Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) Index 2011, and the prestigious 2012 Corporate Governance Award from UK’s World Finance magazine.

The telecom encourages the development of innovative and viable sustainable practices to conserve energy, and actively seeks to employ systems into its operations that contribute towards a greener future for the UAE. sustainability initiatives

Hybrid power solutions at base station sites In line with the UAE government’s strategy towards sustainable energy and with the objective to reduce the diesel consumption and CO2 emission by 50%, Du has decided to convert all possible offgrid sites to smart hybrid sites by deploying hybrid solution which in this case involves deep cycling batteries and the smart Energy Manager which cycles the site’s load between generator and batteries thus reducing the run time of the generator significantly. 137 sites were converted to hybrid power solution as of today. As a result: • This has led so far to 50% less fuel being consumed, and therefore 50% fewer CO2 emissions; • Around 1.3M litres of diesel fuel has been saved, which equates to a reduction of 3,300 tonnes of CO2 emissions up • Decrease in generator runtime by 70%, meaning less air and noise pollution. By the end of 2014, Du intends to have increased the number of sites using these solutions to 250 across the UAE, with an anticipated saving of 5 million litres of diesel, and consequent reduction of carbon emissions by 12,000 tonnes.

received the highest LEED rating, Platinum, for its green solutions. These include: • All lights and air conditioning controlled by sensors to reduce energy consumption • Energy star rating on all equipment • All wood used in the Shop is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approved • 92% of construction waste was diverted from landfill • 42% of furniture and furnishings used in the store are up-cycled • Lighting power is reduced by 41%, in comparison to average power • 24.5% of materials used in the project were recycled • 28.5% of materials used in the project were sourced from within 500 miles of the location 30% more ventilation ensures constant fresh air. more green Shops in the future.

Recycling Du’s efforts to recycle were up by 36% in 2012, meaning more paper waste, cardboard and plastics sent for recycling. The telco achieved its target to recycle at least 50% of paper waste produced.

Saving power The implementation of LED lights in Du’s Fujairah Contact Centre has reduced lighting power consumption by 53%, in comparison to conventional lights.

Increasing Temperature inside BTS shelters In another initiative and part of “Du green initiatives”, Du technology team had increased the temperature set point inside over 2000 BTS sites resulting in 3% energy saving.

LEED Platinum-certified Green shop in Fujairah City Centre Du’s newest Shop in Fujairah has

May 2013

ECO-LEISURE Leisure

Polynesian

Pearls

Among the spray of islands speckled across the central and southern Pacific Ocean, French Polynesia distinguishes itself as the ‘pearl in the crown’, sustaining its second largest industry, pearling, through centuries of exploitation

By Praseeda Nair

he French Polynesian islands include the palm-laden hedonistic haven of Tahiti, which has inspired close to a century of picture-perfect postcards and holiday retreats for the European elite in the roaring 20s. After tourism, the second largest and most historically relevant economic resource in French Polynesia is its black pearl culture, which has seen tough times in recent years. Overproduction, falling prices, and dwindling local interest in the trade have negatively affected pearling across the reef-rimmed atolls,

May 2013

which has prompted environmental groups to study methods to extend the longevity of the trade.

Pearl culture Tahitian legend shrouds the mythic beginning of pearl culture in French Polynesia. In one account, Oro, the god of peace and fertility, descended to earth on a rainbow to offer pearl-bearing oysters to humanity as a gift. This legend is used to explain the iridescence of mother-of-pearl, and the multifaceted properties of the

black pearl. Tahitian pearls are not simply “black” as their names suggest, but contain rich blues, purples, greens and other shades in their vibrancy. While they take their name from French Polynesia’s most well-known island, Tahitian pearls are cultivates in the island’s neighbouring waters. In the late 1700s, European conquistadors opened trade routes between the isolated Pacific Islands and the rest of the world. Soon, a rush of traders flocked to the region, learning of the water’s

ECO-LEISURE Leisure

riches: mother-of-pearl, turtleshell, sandalwood, natural pearls. In less than a century, the pearl oysters of the islands of Gambier and Tuamotu were depleted, nearly to the point of extinction. By 1880, France annexed most of Polynesia. At this point, the pearlrich South Pacific islands were a patchwork of English, French and Spanish-speaking cultures, still entrenched in its native sociolinguistic culture. Under colonial rule, strict regulations were applied to rein in overexploitation of fishing and pearling among these islands. Certain zones were designated as off-limits to allow oyster beds to repopulate. This

crude conservation plan has been in effect ever since, identifying the islands and atolls where fishing is permitted, which has led to the migration of divers and their families to other places for work. In the mid-20th century, building on the successful pearl culturing techniques of Kokichi Mikimoto in Japan, experimentation began with the Tahitian oysters. Building on these sophisticated techniques, the first cultured Tahitian pearls came to be. Today, as the coral crown in the middle of an expansive ocean,

French Polynesia continues to provide the ideal environment for Tahitian pearl cultivation.

Preservation In the first decade of this century, the pearling industry was on the receiving end of a major crisis that was building for a quarter of a century. The price of pearls per gram fell from US$ 100 to below $5 in 25 years, owing to overproduction and muddled routes. Now, this age-old trade is currently undergoing a recovery

May 2013

ECO-LEISURE LEISURE

Pearl cultivation requires a deft hand

period, as environmentalists and policy makers attempt to balance demand and supply for the trade’s prolonged existence. The quality and size of pearls depends on the attention and care given to the culture cycle, as well as the cultivation and maintenance of the farming environment. In order to define the ideal conditions according to the lagoon environment, researchers from the Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD) have been

Culturing Pearl oysters between the ages of two and three are seeded with a small ball of nacre from a freshwater bivalve shell (the “nucleus”), and a piece of mantle tissue taken from an oyster (the “graft”). Over the course of 18 months, a pearl will form and grow around the nucleus

May 2013

extensively investigating the conditions of ‘pearl farms’ off the coast of Tahiti since 2008. Located 500 kilometres north-east of idyllic Tahiti, the Ahe atoll lagoon has been a central point of interest for scientists keen on preserving pearl culture in French Polynesia, as it spans 145 square-kilometres (km²) and has supplied nearly 80 pearl concessions last year.

Ahe atoll lagoon The IRD researchers administered studies to quantify available plankton in the area for oysters to feed on, while monitoring the water flow in the lagoon. The results of the studies are to supplement policies and farming decisions for sustaining the industry. Assessing the food source available for the pinctada margaritifera (South Pacific pearl oysters), these scientists examined the spatial-temporal patterns of the planktonic communities near the atoll over a year, as well as their reception among the oysters. The results suggest that molluscs retain more than 1% of the lagoon’s primary production of organic plant matter. In layman’s terms, 80% of what we see as plankton is actually 2 micrometrelong minute organisms that are poorly gathered for consumption by oysters. With nutritionally relevant diet, the oysters can produce higher quality pearls at a steady rate. The research has also examined the region’s planktonic trophic network to keep track of its development. In addition to this, IRD studied the water flow in the lagoon to understand how underwater

LEISURE

this age-old trade is currently undergoing a recovery period, as environmentalists and policy makers attempt to balance demand and supply for the tradeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prolonged existence.â&#x20AC;?

circulation could influence the dispersion of oyster larvae for its propagation, why certain areas are more favourable for oysters, and other necessary conditions.

The impact We have yet to learn of the long term ecological effects of pearl farming. Oysters have been artificially introduced into several

lagoons along with sponges, anemones and other organisms. While the surrounding lagoons contain phosphorus and nitrogen from human activities, research from the 2008 study did not indicate any potent signs of chemical contamination, or of eutrophication, where the oversupply of nutrients leads to the rapid growth of algae, which can deplete the oxygen levels in water.

Through years of research, the work on the Ahe toll helps the local players better understand the lagoon environment in relation to the pearl farming industry for enhanced technological and infrastructural developments for the next few decades.

May 2013

business

Exploring Sustainability in Mining There is no getting away from the fact that mining and the extraction of mineral resources from the earth and underneath the world’s oceans, is in no way sustainable. However, there are areas in which the industry can be improved and work to a more sustainable model, as Vicky Kendrick at Allen & York International Sustainability Recruitment Consultancy outlines

he mining industry has a crucial role to play in the responsible development of the world’s natural resources; however at the same time mining can have a substantial and direct social, environmental and economic impact on the surrounding communities. As demand for the world’s mineral resources continues to grow, exploration and mining activities are expanding into areas of critical habitat. Degradation of these areas can result in the loss of threatened or endangered species, as well as ecosystems vital to the provision of services such as food production and freshwater availability. There is clearly an urgent requirement for the mining industry to become more sustainable. The sustainability of the mining industry, particularly the local environmental impact of mines, has been a hot topic for many years and mining companies have worked hard to address these issues.

May 2013

However, failure by mining companies to manage local environmental and community relations effectively can cause serious disruption, ranging from temporary shutdowns to project delays and loss of licenses; ultimately resulting in an unsustainable mining industry. This, along with the growing awareness of sustainability in mining, has lead to an increased demand for EIA and SIA professionals working within the mining industry. Not only do EIA licences need to be granted for the mining project to proceed; demonstrating the move to more sustainable mining, but also the EIA processes provide a valuable opportunity for the local community to participate in decisions about mines, and their involvement at the planning stages are also beneficial in the prevention of issues further down the line. By evaluating each stage of the mining process in terms of its environmental and social impact; mining companies are more informed to be able to move towards more sustainable and socially responsible mining practice. Each phase of mining has an environmental and social impact on the local community; from clearing of vegetation at the exploratory stage to the construction of access roads surrounding ecologically sensitive areas and the creation of the mining pit. Allen & York

specialise in sourcing EIA and SIA professionals specifically to manage the project delivery. A good ESIA professional will ensure that the potential health risks of mining; such as the hazardous chemicals in waste and water, do not affect the local environment or community and consequently move the mining company in the direction of a less polluting and more environmentally friendly strategy. SIA professionals may have to manage the resettlement of communities during a period in which they feel particularly vulnerable. Maintaining good relationships with local authorities and enabling local communities to play a role in the decision making process can ensure that the views of the local community are taken onboard and not infringed. Managing the communities demands on land, water as well as waste infrastructures are also important aspects’ involved in SIA management and again steer mining projects towards a more socially responsible agenda. The social impact of mining is complex, although mining can create jobs, roads and infrastructure in undeveloped communities, it can cause considerable disruption. Assessing the treatment of communities is therefore an important part of making the mining industry more sustainable.

business

Energy efficiency Among the most pressing environmental concerns for stakeholders associated with the mining industry are energy efficiency and water usage. An exciting sustainable development that will improve energy efficiency in the mining industry is being implemented by Rio Tinto, who are developing the Mine of the Future™, a robotic mine at the iron ore mine in Pilbara, Australia which will rely more on remote controlled equipment and energy efficient solutions. A continual transition to more efficient mining is also taking place in South Africa, where in March last year, mining companies were looking at solar or wind power to substitute grid power for parts of powering operations and floodlights. Some companies have also become directly involved in electricity generation. Rio Tinto, for example, has its own hydropower generating facilities with combined generating capacity of over 3,500MW for energy usage at their mines. Furthermore, a new joint mining venture in South Africa aims to provide the foundation for a shallow and low-cost platinum mining complex. The mine hopes to make use of the “Kell Process”, which uses only one-fifth of the energy used in conventional platinum smelting. It is clear that a number of mining companies are working on the development of low emission technologies for the industry either directly, or through funding for research. Given growing public concern about water resources, the minerals industry has an urgent need to demonstrate, and be recognised for, responsible and sustainable water management. Furthermore, by being seen as effectively managing water usage, this will help the industry maintain its social licence to operate and continue to grow. Reliable access to water, its management and disposal is critical for mining and processing sites. The sustainability reports of the major mining companies

Each phase of mining has an environmental and social impact on the local community; from clearing of vegetation at the exploratory stage to the construction of access roads surrounding ecologically sensitive areas and the creation of the mining pits.”

Vicky Kendrick

frequently address the issue of water; in the majority of reports there is an exploration into excess water produced in mines and how it could be used for agriculture or for generating electricity, instead of being wasted. In addition, changes in laws, technologies and attitudes have begun to address some of the most immediate threats posed by mineral development, to the water system. Water-pollution problems which can often be caused by mining include; acid mine drainage, metal contamination and increased sediment levels in streams. There is a call for mining companies to manage their water usage more sustainably, so water pollution does not occur as often. A number of preventable accidents that have occurred recently include massive sediment loading into fishbearing streams, the building of roads with acid generating waste rock, non-compliance with waste handling plans, and repeated violations of water quality standards. To avoid these accidents, mining corporations need to ensure the best pollution prevention strategies are employed in cases where the risks can be managed. Another question that should be raised is to whether there is a need to recognise that in some places mining should not be allowed to proceed because the identified risks to other resources, such as water, are too great. In the right place – and with conscientious companies, new technologies and good planning – many of the potential impacts are avoidable. In fact, it has also been argued that most water pollution that is caused by mining arises from negligence not necessity. Therefore, having

the right water professionals working within mining companies can ensure mining pollution does not occur. At Allen & York we’re recruiting for water professionals within the mining industry, all with the responsibilities to make the water processes in mining more sustainable, such roles include Senior Hydrogeologist; which is both a technical and senior level role that will provide client and project management assistance to the business. Mining is involved in a diverse range of energy intensive processes such as excavation, mine operation, material transfer, mineral preparation and separation. Good news is that mining companies are taking steps towards carrying out these activities more sustainably; with energy efficiency being a key focus for them - they continue to seek to reduce the emissions of toxic substances such as carbon, nitrogen and sulphur dioxides, generated in smelting and combustion processes, and to reduce air pollution.

Clean coal The coal-mining industry in particular has come under scrutiny recently, as society and politicians show a continued concern about CO2 emissions and global warming. It is clear that the biggest problem in coal mining is the large amounts of CO2 emitted. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) coal contributes 31% of CO2 emissions the largest of any source. Happily, coal mining is also an industry that is investing significantly in environmental processes and research into ‘clean coal technologies’. Clean coal has a number of variations, but each one of them involve stripping the CO2 out of the coal, either before or after it is burned and then capturing it. It is then either utilised for industrial purposes or for enhanced oil recovery, or else it is pressurised into a liquid form where it can be injected underground and where it supposedly will stay indefinitely in a process called carbon

May 2013

business sequestration. The overall process is called carbon capture and storage (CCS). The least destructive form of clean coal is underground coal gasification (UCG). This is where the coal is left in the ground and converted to gas by chemical means and then sucked up to the surface where it is burned. China has positively embraced the concept of moving towards cleaner coal technologies to lessen problems with greenhouse gases and reduce the release of sulphur and nitrogen oxide, which are the main contributors to acid rain. China is developing promising new coal processing innovations that make best use of resources, not just environmentally but commercially; capturing the heat and the chemicals that are emitted. As a dominant coal supplier and coal producer it is good to see that China are recognising the need for change and it’s likely the continent could begin to lead the world in clean coal technologies.

Biodiversity Minimising the impacts of mining practices on biodiversity is also a major challenge facing mining companies today in their quest to become more sustainable. Frequently, when mining companies create new mines, they strip the land of all plant life, destroying animal habitats and threatening the region’s biodiversity. Companies are therefore challenged to avoid harmful impacts on all lands they own, including the unnecessary disturbance and removal of habitats. In 2010, the UN declared a ‘Decade of Biodiversity’; highlighting the requirement for the conservation of biodiversity in mining and its relationship with a more sustainable mining industry through 2010-2020 and beyond. Post 2010, a case study of the De Beers Marine mine in South Africa demonstrated their move towards a more sustainable extraction process, having realised their environmental and social responsibilities. Mining activities at the De Beers Marine mine in South Africa altered the nature of the seabed landscape; where the communities that live in the effected soft sediment areas were destroyed during the mining processes. To counteract this and preserve the seabed’s; De Beers invested in independent scientific assessments of mining operations on this particular West coast of South Africa; of which the results demonstrated that natural recovery of the unconsolidated sediment habitats occurs over time. The understanding of the seabed environment and its biological communities around Southern Africa was improved by involvement in research of marine science. Combined with the company’s collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund and the South African National Biodiversity Institute in the planning phase and the recruitment of Conservation Planners; De Beers altered their mining processes to ensure the natural recovery of sediment habitats occurred.

May 2013

Collaboration is key The mining and minerals industry has always been on the receiving end of environmental campaigns but it appears the industry itself is embarking on a campaign for a more sustainable mining industry. Not only through all of the technical innovations and developments in mine processing outlined above; but also with the recruitment of environmental and sustainable professionals to move the industry towards a more permanently sustainable model. The two-year Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development (MMSD) project, completed earlier this year, is certain to go a long way towards developments in more environmentally friendly mining. The project was assessing the global mining and minerals sector in terms of transition to sustainable development, identifying how the services provided throughout the minerals supply chain can be delivered in ways that support sustainable development, proposing key elements for improving the minerals system and building platforms for ongoing communication and networking among all in the industry. The conclusion of the project was that sustainable development in the minerals sector can be achieved through increased understanding of the principles of sustainable development, creating the right organisational-level policies and management systems, collaborating with others with

common interests and increasing the ability to work towards sustainable development at the local, national and global levels. It suggests factors for improvement including; incorporating sustainable development into the curriculum for minerals professionals and educating employees, government officials, civil society and labour organisations and increasing the number of sustainability and environmental professionals within the mining industry.

Looking ahead Mining is a challenging environment for the sustainability professional, but one in which there are opportunities to make a huge difference in terms of impact to the planet. Sustainability in mining seems to be on the rise in terms of awareness and actions by mining companies and supporting governments and associations. It is clear that companies are incorporating sustainable development into mine operations as well as corporate policy. With a growing number of sustainability job opportunities across the mining industry, primarily across; energy, environmental management and water management Allen & York specialise in recruiting sustainability professionals within the mining and minerals industry; supporting the growth towards a more sustainable mining industry.

Signature Sustainability Initiatives 124-year heritage of Sustainability Leadership WWF Freshwater Science and Stewardship

. .

HydroSHEDS - first tool to help map and protect the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s freshwater supply Global Water Roundtable - setting water stewardship standards

WWF Climate Savers

. .

Diversey is one of 23 companies in this premier programme We have committed a 25% baseline cut in greenhouse gases

Global Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Initiative

. . .

35 schools adopted Teaching proper hand washing Providing facility care

For more information please contact: Diversey Gulf FZE P.O. Box 61485, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel +9714 8819470 Fax +9714 8819488 www.diversey.com May 2013

OIL AND GAS

Greening the sector Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) placed the spotlight on its path-breaking green energy initiatives and focus on promoting energy use efficiency at this year’s Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX)

t WETEX 2013, the different businesses of ENOC highlighted their achievements and initiatives in promoting energy and water use efficiency, in line with the UAE’s ‘A green economy for sustainable development’ initiative. The businesses also shared their experience at SustainTalk, an ENOC initiative featuring a series of short and informative sessions aimed to inform guests who visited ENOC’s stand, the company’s latest contributions to sustainability and development. Emirates Gas (EMGAS) shared its experience on promoting sustainable transport, especially through use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as automotive fuel. ENOC Retail highlighted the success of the region’s first green fuel stations it has rolled out in Dubai, while ENOC ADMIN Services & Facilities underlined the energy and water conservation initiatives across the organisation’s facilities and buildings. Furthermore, ENOC Lubricants provided an overview of the green products in its portfolio and how they contribute to a greener environment. Saeed Khoory, Chief Executive Officer of ENOC and member of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy,

May 2013

Saeed Khoory

said: “The UAE and Dubai are leading the regional dialogue on promoting sustainable development with a focus on conserving our precious energy resources. The ‘green vision’ outlined by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum serves as a benchmark for all entities to continuously innovate and implement green practices that will mitigate any adverse impact on the environment, and conserve our resources for future generations. WETEX and DGEF are important platforms to highlight the message of sustainability to a wider audience, and ENOC is presenting some of our path-breaking advances at these events.” WETEX 2013 is held under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance of the UAE and President of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). DGEF, held alongside the global exhibition, is organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy. Both events are among the most important initiatives in the

region to promote water and energy use sustainability. “We believe that our commitment towards strengthening environmental sustainability must be backed by concrete action and long-term planning. Our proud accomplishments, including the first green fuel station, the launch of green lubricants, and the concerted initiatives to promote the use of CNG as clean automotive fuel are important milestones in our journey to promote sustainability. We look forward to engaging with our stakeholders to contribute to the green vision of our nation and making a tangible difference to the community.” While WETEX visitors can gain an overview of ENOC’s achievements in promoting environmental sustainability at its pavilion in Hall

OIL AND GAS

No 6, they can also benefit from a stronger understanding of the energy sector initiatives by attending the SustainTalk sessions to be held on all three days of WETEX. Among these are details on the ‘green service station’ in the Middle East, located in The Greens neighbourhood in Emirates Living, Dubai. The station features advanced technological devices to contain petrol fumes released at the pump, and a variety of other state-of-the-art systems, including solar-powered lighting, a ‘waterless’ car-washing system, new waste segregation systems, and design upgrades to reduce noise pollution. The green initiative led by EMGAS focuses on introducing CNG as transport fuel. The company is credited with launching CNG in Dubai through a pilot project with RTA in 2006. Diesel-operated wooden abras were converted to operate on CNG highlighting its effectiveness as an environmentfriendly fuel ideal for all types of transportation modes. The project

helped in saving fuel costs by 30% and expanded the lifetime of engines. EMGAS has introduced CNG to fleet users such as Dubai Municipality, DP World, Emirates Group, Transguard and DEWA, among others. To initiate green solutions in gas-based applications, EMGAS also developed its first CNG mobile filling station in 2007. Most recently, EMGAS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Municipality to treat land and sewage waste to generate Compressed Natural Gas. EMGAS is now setting up an advanced facility to convert waste to bio-methane, from what is currently being flared, and then condense it into compressed natural gas that will be used as an automotive green

fuel. The CNG will be marketed for use as automotive fuel, which will reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development. When the project is fully complete, it can provide CNG to approximately 15,000 passenger cars and light commercial vehicles per day. Among the green lubricants to be highlighted include PROTEC Green for gasoline engines and VULCAN Green for diesel engines. Both are designed to ensure better health for vehicles and lower levels of greenhouse gas emission. ENOC is committed to protecting the environment and promoting energy use efficiency. The company undertakes year-round awareness activities as well as rolls out innovative programmes for a greener future.

May 2013

OIL AND GAS

Qatar as a beacon As it does every year, Qatar Petrochemical Co (QAPCO), a leading petrochemical powerhouse in the Middle East, showcased its environmental initiatives at the 2013 edition of QP Environment Fair, to raise and promote awareness and encourage ecofriendly practices within the community

eld under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry and Chairman & Managing Director of Qatar Petroleum (QP), QP’s Environement Fair is an annual platform that brings toghther corporations from all over Qatar and the public. QAPCO, with its eye-catching stand, engages with the public, and especially the youth, via in a range of events, activities, trainings, and outreach projects, to communicate the need to think and act sustainably, and to showcase the environment-friendly measures and green practices that are already being adopted by QAPCO. In addition, QAPCO emphasised how plastics are contributing to making the world safer and greener, on a global level.

May 2013

Environment is a key pillar of the the Qatar National Vision (QNV 2030), and as an industrial major player, QAPCO’s role is to contribute to the QNV 2030, hence environment protection is embeded in the company’s strategy and in its policies. “The industrial sector in general, and we at QAPCO, have the responsibility to reduce and limit the impact of our operations on all our stakeholders, and therefore on the environment, via a range of practical steps and comprehensive environmental programmes aimed at limiting our carbon footprint. The health of any business is linked to the health of the community and the environment in which we operate,” said Dr. Mohammed Yousef Al Mulla QAPCO’s Vice Chairman and CEO. Since its establishment 40 years ago, QAPCO has continuously invested to modernise and upgrade

its facilities, adopting the latest and most sophisticated technologies and monitoring systems and following comprehensive environmental programmes in a drive to further contribute to the preservation of the environment, limit its emissions, protect the flora and fauna, and focus on sustainable development. QAPCO highlighted some its new projects that are further contributing to the preservation of the environment, for instance, the replacement of previous furnaces, using the latest and greenest technology in combustion, waste control and on-line monitoring, allowing significant reduction in NOx air emissions, reuse of coke inside the furnaces preventing air and soil contamination, increasing efficiencies in fuel consumption and improving yield to increase productivity and reduce waste.

OIL AND GAS

energy

woes addressed Worldwide

Dubai Global Energy Forum 2013 highlighted ways to transition away from conventional energy sources to greener alternatives

ubai Global Energy, Forum (DGEF) 2013, the first forum of its kind on clean-energy related issues in Dubai, brought together global energy experts to exchange perspectives on some of the world’s most vital issues; clean energy and sustainability, in mid-April this year. To ensure the success of sustainable development, the event stressed the need for policies to be put in place to encourage investment and production. To this end, amongst other initiatives, the Government of Dubai in 2010 established the Regulatory and Supervisory Bureau, the body that is responsible for setting technical, economic and environmental standards for Dubai’s electricity and water networks. Topics around Market Creation and Regulation at DGEF 2013 included: investment opportunities and potential in the MENA region, with a specific focus on nuclear energy, realising the potential of unconventional resources – an energy outlook with a view to 2040, smart grids – technology and regulations, as well as the social, economic and environmental factors that influence renewable energy investments in the region.

Financing Key to the success of transitioning to clean energy is encouraging financial institutions to fund green projects. With total renewable energy capacity in the Middle East and North Africa expected to grow to more than 30,000MW by the year 2020, there needs to be exponential growth in investment in the sector. This year’s Dubai Global Energy Forum included discussions on the opportunities and challenges of investing in green projects, the creation of a clean energy fund and the regulatory framework required to attract investment. Experts from major international financial institutions, including HSBC and Deloitte, were in attendance to provide valuable contributions to the debate.

Energy efficiency Graeme Sims, Executive Director at Dubai’s Regulatory and Supervisory Bureau, moderated a fascinating opening panel session on the third day of the forum, that focused on Energy Efficiency for Demand Management. Ahmed bin Shafar, CEO of Empower UAE, gave his verdict on how district cooling technology is playing a fundamental role in rationalising energy usage. Yousef Jebril, EVP of Power and Water Planning at DEWA, explained the various methods in which consumer behaviour can be influenced to reduce consumption of water and electricity. A point reiterated by both speakers was the vital importance of raising efficiency on the supply side, and of reducing demand on the demand side of the energy nexus.

Storing energy Holger Rubel, Managing Director of BCG, gave a compelling insight into the work he and his company are doing in the field of Energy Storage Technology, and what he sees the future holding for this crucial component of the clean energy revolution, on the closing day. Tayeb Al Awadhi, Vice President of Power and Desalination at Dubal, used his company’s vast experience in adopting and implementing energy efficiency initiatives as an example to help explain how best to save energy through plant optimisation measures. Final speaker in Panel A was Jacob Fontijne, COO of DNV Kema Sustainability, Benelux, who explored some of the possible solutions for

Key outcomes of DGEF 2013 1.

Collaboration and partnership is vital to deploy clean energy projects, therefore the Public Private Partnership is a feasible model for region. 2. the Setting workable policies and regulations is crucial to drive the successful deployment of technologies and investment in the region. 3. Energy efficiency must be the priority in targeting a strong demand management strategy. 4. Renewable energy has great potential in the region, and regional governments have set this high on their agenda to implement. 5. Government’s role in national strategies and integrating diversified energy sources is essential to achieve sustainable development. 6. There is an urgency to act now to conserve resources and secure energy supply, as this directly leads to a reduction in the carbon footprint and preserves environmental quality for our future generations.

reducing carbon emissions and deploying carbon management technologies.

Climate Change Dr Thani Al Zayoudi, from MOFA, offered the UAE Government’s perspective on climate change. Aisha Al Abdooli, of the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water, spoke in great detail on the UAE National Green Growth Strategy, which is in line with HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s national initiative ‘Green Economy for Sustainable Development.’

May 2013

IPIECAand the OIL AND GAS

future

Covering both the upstream and downstream sectors of the industry, IPIECA is devoted to improvements in environmental and social performance from the earliest phases of exploration to the end-use of the oil and gas that its members produce

PIECA, the global oil and gas industry association for environmental and social issues, was established in 1974 in response to the formation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Thirty-seven years later, IPIECA remains the oil and gas industry’s principal channel of communication with the United Nations. Over the decades, the organisation’s remit has expanded. Covering both the upstream and downstream sectors of the industry, IPIECA is devoted to improvements in environmental and social performance from the

May 2013

earliest phases of exploration to the end-use of the oil and gas that its members produce. Its membership is broad, covering the companies responsible for over half of the world’s oil output. IPIECA’s vision is for an oil and gas industry that successfully improves its operations and products to meet society’s expectations for environmental and social performance, and works to achieve this by developing, sharing and promoting good practices and solutions, enhancing and communicating knowledge and understanding, engaging members and others

in the industry and, working in partnership with key stakeholders Currently, IPIECA addresses a range of sustainability issues for the sector including biodiversity, climate change, health, oil spill preparedness, operations and fuels, reporting, social responsibility and water. The association cannot do any of this in isolation; by their very nature issues involving the environment and social responsibility are interconnected. The way IPIECA works recognises this, through extensive links with other organizations. IPIECA worked with the International Association of

OIL AND GAS

Oil and Gas Producers (OGP), its sister organisation for the upstream industry, on the oil and gas industry’s representation to the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. Last year, IPIECA and OGP united in preparing for the oil and gas industry’s participation in the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in June 2012, also known as Rio +20. To that end, both associations are committed to the principle that sustainable development is a shared responsibility that needs action today. The industry’s challenge is to continue to find and provide essential fuels in ways that are environmentally and socially responsible. To do that, IPIECA are working with governments, business, academia and communities around the world. First of all, the collective aim is to operate responsibly. That means a commitment to safe, clean, reliable, efficient and ethical operations. But conducting business along

these lines isn’t enough in itself. IPIECA also recognise the oil and gas industry’s responsibility to provide energy products that contribute to global economic and social development. The role that oil and gas will play in sustainable development is crucial. Oil and gas have a vital role in the energy mix. They benefit all by enabling – and driving – widespread economic growth. Moreover, the business of exploration, extraction, marketing and refining also provides economic and social development in itself. This happens by implementing programmes that encourage local content and capacity building as well as job creation and technology transfer. Looking ahead, the industry is also investing in new technologies to meet both demand and the challenges of climate change. All of these efforts depend on effective partnerships, because even the biggest companies and the most dedicated organisations can’t succeed on their own. The issues are simply too big. Joint action cuts even the greatest challenges down to size and makes progress possible. It can also promote a fact-based approach to problems, foster innovation, encourage greater stakeholder participation and lead to better results. For these reasons, the oil and gas industry is involved in several partnerships. IPIECA’s work with the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights, for example, has established links with governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other industrial sectors. Over the course of the past five years, they have seen growing levels of trust – even among those partners who traditionally hold opposing views. Another example is IPIECA’s alliance with the UN International Maritime Organisation (IMO), who together formed the Global Initiative. This partnership brings together participants from industry and government to develop and implement

sustainable oil spill contingency plans. The Global Initiative also promotes ratification of related international conventions. Since its launch in 1995, 16 African nations have signed up to the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness Response and Co-Operation. Many more have made significant progress in developing national plans or response systems. Another example is called Proteus. It links companies involved in mining, technology and oil and gas with the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Proteus exists to equip decision-makers with the facts they need about biodiversity and ecosystems. To that end, the partnership compiles and disseminates, develops the tools needed to address real-world needs. A critical partnership for IPIECA has been the UNEP hosted Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles, which was launched in Johannesburg in 2002. This is how the oil and gas industry, through IPIECA helped to eliminate the use of leaded gasoline in developing countries, with particular focus on Africa. Just over a decade ago, nearly 100 nations still relied on leaded fuel. By 2014, none will. UNEP, the World Bank, IPIECA and others sponsored the first regional conference on the subject in Dakar in 2001. There, 25 African countries agreed to phase out lead by the end of 2005. Building on this, the partnership launched a global push to gain the widest possible benefit. It worked. The result was one of the great environmental and health success stories of the early 21st century. Achim Steinar described this achievement as “one of the major environmental achievements of the past few decades and a triumph of diplomacy and publicprivate collaboration. “ Business can better achieve sustainable development goals by working with others and the oil and gas industry, through IPIECA is dedicated to working in partnership to attain these goals.

May 2013

Green Personality

Rainforest fighter As the leader of world renowned Rainforest Action Network, Rebecca Tarbotton leaves a mark through demanding environment and social change to protect rainforests throughout the world

ince 1985, Rainforest Action Network (RAN) has been working towards protecting the rainforests and the human rights of those living in and around those forests. Rebecca Tarbotton, the first woman to lead this organisation, has been the Executive Director for over 3 years. Even though her leadership was cut short, due to her unexpected death during a vacation with her family, Tarbotton achieved numerous victories in preserving endangered rainforests and the rights of their indigenous inhabitants. One of her most recent accomplishments include forging a landmark policy by Disney that is designed to transform the way the company purchases and uses paper. Before Tarbotton took up the role of Executive Director, she was the program director at RAN for one year and the head of the organisation’s Energy and Finance programme for two years. Also, later as RAN’s Global Finance Campaign Director, she worked with some of America’s most powerful corporate executives to lead RAN to an important victory: the creation of a sector-

Rebecca Tarbotton

wide bank policy statement known as the Carbon Principles. The policy put limits on the financing of new coal-fired power plants, creating a pivotal moment in the battle to curtail the construction of 200 planned new coal plants. In one of her keynote addresses in October last year, she talked about climate change and how people need to their sights higher and deeper. She emphasised on how people as individuals must be honest with themselves and begin to transform everything about the way they live on this planet. “We don’t always know exactly what it is that creates social change. It takes everything from science all the way to faith, and it’s that fertile place right in the middle where really exceptional campaigning happens – and that is where I strive to be,” she said. “That’s really why I wanted to work at RAN. It’s one of the few organisations out there that’s working on transforming our economy by changing the way that corporations do business. A fundamental shift is necessary to create a future where humans are in balance with nature.” In her earlier years, Tarbotton had earned a bachelor’s degree from McGill University in Montreal and a Master’s Degree from the University of British Columbia. After which she interned with the David Suzuki Foundation, working on the first letter from Nobel Laureates warning of the dangers of inaction

on global warming. She then moved on to becoming an environmental researcher among indigenous communities on Baffin Island in Canada. She also spent eight years in Ladakh, northern India, working with local communities to support their traditional food and farming systems. Over there she helped to build an association of women farmers from a membership of seven women to 4,000. She then worked in the local food movement in the UK, and then relocated again to California where she joined the movement against genetically modified food. With the role campaign coordinator for a state-wide coalition of farmer, consumer and advocacy groups, she worked to stop the spread of genetically modified seeds in California, county by county. But it was when she was recruited by Rainforest Action Network, where she was able to progress in protecting the planet. As RAN’s executive director, Tarbotton said, “Making systemic change in the world is hard work, decades-long hard work – but with the right combination of issues, strategies, experience and tenacity it is possible to achieve victories that have lasting impacts. We know this because for the last 25 years, Rainforest Action Network has taken on corporate titans and secured real wins for the forests, climate and human rights.”

May 2013

SOCIETY | DIARY

the date Save

BGreen highlights events and conferences taking place in the coming months Project Qatar 2013 6-9 May, Doha, Qatar Project Qatar is a premier international and regional construction, building, environmental technology, and materials exhibition. Details for Project Qatar 2013 will be officially announced later this month. This year’s exhibition will take place at the Doha Exhibition Centre, between 4 and 10pm. Emirates Green Building Council Networking event: Building insulation 7 May, Dubai, UAE EGBC will examine the highly pertinent issue of building insulation at their networking event, scheduled to be held at the Grand Hyatt Dubai. MEED Arabian World Construction Summit 13-15 May, Abu Dhabi, UAE There are still challenges facing the construction sector in the coming year. Market share and competition has seen a shift from West – East, whilst faith in the project tendering process has been tested by an increasing number of aborted or stalled projects. AWCS 2012 will examine these issues and more and remains the only place to access the region’s leading project owners and leading contractors all at one meeting. TEDXWWF 2013 21 May, Abu Dhabi, UAE This year, WWF and EWS-WWF will be hosting the prestigious TEDxWWF conference in Abu Dhabi. Previously held in Geneva and Singapore, Abu Dhabi is the third city to host TEDxWWF, and this year is the first time the conference will visit the Middle East.

May2013

Global Conference on Sustainability and Reporting (GRI) 22-24 May, Dubai, UAE Greater transparency and responsible practices lay the foundation for sustainability in the corporate world. This two-day course highlights ways in which small and medium companies can strive to instill best practices in their organisations through sustainability reporting. MEED Al Gharbia Development Forum 27 May, Abu Dhabi, UAE The inaugural edition of the Al Gharbia Development Forum will define the agenda for businesses and investors in Al Gharbia, the Western Region of Abu Dhabi Emirate in the years to 2030. The forum will host senior delegates from Abu Dhabi, the UAE, the Middle East and global businesses to participate in this event.

Dubai Carbon Corporate Carbon Footprinting & Carbon and Sustainability Reporting 29 and 30 May, Dubai, UAE Dubai Carbon has developed two courses that provide in-depth knowledge on a quantifiable approach to sustainability and carbon in order to calculate, report and manage corporate carbon emissions. The curriculum is in accordance with international accounting standards. It teaches practical Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) framework and enables you to implement a reporting structure by utilising the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). Courses can be booked separately as well.

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SUSTAINABLE PAST

Roman concrete

Age old techniques used by the Romans managed to form remarkable structures that have lasted centuries. Today they not only prove to be sustainable, but also inspire modern builders

oman notable structures like the Pantheon and the Colosseum have managed to survive for centuries despite the lack of maintenance. After years of observing and studying its properties, geologists, archaeologists and engineers have discovered the mystery behind their longevity. The stability in the structures come from its core ingredient, Roman concrete, which is also called opus caementicium, one of the materials used in construction throughout most of Roman history. This concrete was used back in second century B.C. in most large

May2013

scale construction projects. Made of cement (based on a hydraulic setting), the material was often used as brick-faced concrete. The formula of the concrete comprised of limestone, volcanic ash (which helps the durability of the structures), and chunks of bricks or volcanic rocks called tuff. It also consists of aggregate and hydraulic mortar, pieces of rock, ceramic tile, and brick rubble from the remains of previously demolished buildings. Gypsum and lime were used as binders. Unlike

modern concrete, Roman concrete can resist seawater due to the volcanic dust called pozzolana, which contains large amounts of alumina and silica. Once built, Roman concrete exhibited plasticity, although it withstood some resistance to stresses. As the region under the Roman Empire (around the Italian peninsula) had an environment that was prone to natural disasters like earthquakes, many projects were interrupted and thus created discontinuities in the concrete mass. There were parts of the building that would slightly shift in the event of an earthquake. As the movements accommodated stress, this enhanced the overall strength of the structure. The flexible bricks and concrete were precisely the reason why many buildings managed to survive serious damages and cracking to stand to this day. . When Augustus became the first Roman emperor in 27 B.C., builders started becoming particular about the materials they used. Augustus had initiated a programme to repair old monuments by using volcanic ash from a deposit called pozzolane rosse, which comes from the ash flow of a volcano that had erupted 456,000 years ago. It was during Augustusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time, when pozzolane rosse was used to standardise the mortar in building materials. This tradition of building came to end around the same time as the Roman Empire. Today, similar concrete that has been developed by the Bureau of Reclamation which follows a lot of what the ancients did.

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