The Sustainabilist - Issue 20

The Sustainabilist ISSUE 20

World Future Energy Summit

ENABLING YOUTH

ISBN 978 - 1978357310

DISTRICT COOLING

Prepearing Students for Climate Change Mitigation

Tabreed Soars Through the District Cooling Market

ACCELERATING THE NEW AGE Insight into the Electric Mobility Market

THE SOLAR REVOLUTION Qi - Energy is Leading the Way

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PRODUCT

Jinko solar tiger 460w

IVANO

IANNELLI CEO, DUBAI CARBON

Jinko presents next generation of high-efficiency solar modules JinkoSolar, one of the larger and more innovative solar module manufacturers in the world, have recently announced that they have officially launched a new high efficiency Tiger module using nine-busbar mono PERC and Tiling Ribbon technology. The announcement was made as part of the 2019 All-Energy Australia in Melbourne, Australia›s largest national showcase of clean and renewable energy.

With a module efficiency of 20.78 per cent, the new Tiger module is capable of generating up to 460 watts of power output which is suitable for both utility and rooftop installations.

JinkoSolar incorporated Tiling Ribbon technology into the new Tiger module to eliminate the inter-cell gap and increase efficiency. The new Tiger module combines a half-cut cell design to reduce cell current mismatch and

ribbon power losses. In addition, nine-busbar layout shrinks the distance between the main busbar and finger grid line, which reduces the resistance loss and increases power output and efficiency.

“Our new Tiger module delivers a significantly higher power output and an easy performance boost that does not require much extra effort for customers to install,” said Kangping Chen, CEO of JinkoSolar. “This is another step forward for us in terms of technology and demonstrates our ability to innovate advanced technologies as we accelerate towards the era of grid parity.”

JinkoSolar were also one of the manufacturers involved in our 2019 pv Guided Tour on High-Efficiency Solar Modules and DC Generators at the Intersolar in Munich.

ABOUT JinkoSolar is one of the leading and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world. Jinko distributes its solar products and sells its solutions and services to a diversified international utility, commercial and residential customer base in China, USA, Japan, Germany, UK, Chile, South Africa, India, Mexico, Brazil, UAE, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, and other countries and regions. Jinko has built a vertically integrated product value chain, with an integrated annual capacity of 12 GW for silicon wafers, 8 GW for solar cells, and 15 GW for solar modules, as of Sept. 30, 2019. When it comes to product quality, Jinko’s No.1 ranking in shipments for 3 consecutive years and a solid track record speaks for itself. As a leading module manufacturer, Jinko has shipped over 50GW solar modules to customers in 108 countries around the globe.

The Sustainabilist | WFES

Letter from the Editor in Chief

T

he World Future Energy Summit (WFES) will be one of the key events of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week hosted by Masdar from 13-16 January 2020. WFES is the unrivalled global platform that brings together a complete range of experts and specialists to share expertise and best practices to achieve growth across various sectors.

The programme will cover water, waste management and smart cities, with a core focus on renewable, particularly solar energy. As such, the event serves as a platform to connect governments, businesses, and finances to stimulate sustainable development and growth.

Eng Waleed Bin Salman Editor in Chief The Sustainabilist

The Sustainabilist Follow Us On

Editorial: www.thesustainabilist.ae/contribute Commercial: tellmeyourstory@dcce.ae

The Sustainabilist is published by Dubai Carbon.

Articles reprinted in this issue are copyrighted 2019

by Dubai Carbon. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, without prior written permission of Dubai Carbon is expressively prohibited.

Printed by: Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing LLC P.O. Box - 5613, Dubai, UAE. Nothing in this magazine shall be taken as technical or advice and DCCE waives any liability with respect to any representations made.The production of this magazine will be offset with local carbon credits.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reports that global installations of renewable energy continue to grow, with 171 gigawatts (GW) installed in 2018. The majority of this growth is attributed to solar and wind energy and has resulted in one third of global energy capacity being based on renewable power. As the Middle East continues to substantially increase its solar installed capacity, supported by the UAE’s recordbreaking Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park projects, WFES will generate ideas and opportunities for economic planning centred around sustainability.

In addition to the clean energy and solar exhibitions, which are dedicated

to attracting large buyers and sellers of renewable energy technology, the pillars of WFES also include water to tackle the challenges of water scarcity, an issue especially critical in this region; EcoWASTE – to exhibit successful and innovative processes of recycling, waste management, and waste-to-energy – to make a positive difference to the environment; and smart cities – to bring together forward-thinking public entities and smart infrastructure, transportation, and building technology pioneers.

Through the many national visions and strategies, such as the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, the UAE has positioned itself as a global role model in renewable energy as a result of its tremendous efforts to drive sustainable development and protect the environment and natural resources. Moreover, the UAE continues to support other countries to promote the development of renewable energy sources. The 13th edition of the World Future Energy Summit reaffirms the UAE’s position towards energy diversification and a carbon reduced future.

WFES is a key global industry platform that facilitates immense deals pertaining to energy, clean technology, and efficiency, implemented across a vast number of countries. The event will function as a global catalyst and serve as a platform to showcase disruptive innovation.

Contribute at: www.TheSustainabilist.ae/contribute 2

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Issue 20 | January 2020

Contents

ECO CHAMPION

49

The Sustainabilist ISSUE 20

World Future Energy Summit

DISTRICT COOLING Tabreed Soars Through the District Cooling Market

ACCELERATING THE NEW AGE Insight into the Electric Mobility Market

ENABLING YOUTH

2

Editor in Chief

5

WFES Section

6

Energy – Asset for the Future

8

Collaboration, Innovation and Effort

12 Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO Tabreed

Prepearing Students for Climate Change Mitigation

THE SOLAR REVOLUTION

16 The Way Forward

Qi - Energy is Leading the Way

18 Renewable Energy & Water Section ON THE COVER

19 DEWA and Stanford University

Bader Saeed Al Lamki Chief Executive Officer, National Central Cooling Company PJSC (Tabreed)

22 Future in Our Hands 24 Giant Steps in the Energy Sector 26 Research – The Hard Truths of Climate Change

22

28 Future Mobility & Logistics Section 29 Electric Drives Represent the Future of Mobility

FUTURE IN OUR HANDS

31 The Cost of Fuel Motorcycles to our Environment 33 Creating the Right Environment for EVs 36 Facilities Management & Waste Section 38 Practice What You Preach 39 Amidst the Enablers of Climate Change 40 Urban Mining 41 Lenovo’s Reduction of Electric Waste 42 Wastewater Recycling 44 Green Startups & Finance Section 45 Rewiring Capital 47 CLIX – The Climate Innovations Exchange 48 I am The Sustainabilist – Dominique Chatfield 50 The Eco Champion 51 Green Champions Section 52 BUiD, the Launchpad for Novel Education

08

ALI AL JASSIM, CEO OF ETIHAD ESCO

46

54 Smart Cities & Technology Section DOMINIQUE CHATFIELD, CATALYST PROGRAM MANAGER

55 Putting an End to Counterfeit Refrigerants 57 Brining Sustainable Autonomous Homes to the UAE 59 The Importance of Talent Development

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The Sustainabilist | WFES

Furthermore, the Safe Water Cube project will export its technology to Cambodia, benefiting more than 5,000 people while water purifiers to be installed in Madagascar will aid 5,000 citizens.

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Therefore, we use normal paper, but offset it. Under a circular economy perspective, the latter is more viable from both a resource consumption pattern and the circular life of resources.

Of course, the most sustainable magazine is one that does not use any paper at all! That is why The Sustainabilist will only be printed till the end of Expo 2020.

We are building a community and hope to migrate to 100% digital well before our set target date. After all Sustainabilist is a vehicle to raise awareness, and encourage dialogue. If you wish to help us, please contribute and comment on www.thesustainabilist.ae

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The Sustainabilist ISSUE 04

683 KG

Fuelling Sustainable Energy

Exploring Safaqat

ISBN 978 - 1978357310

CONNECTING THE UAE

DISRUPTORS

Shams Dubai

Small investment: Big impact

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The Sustainabilist

1,964 KG Personal Loans

ISSUE 03

Green Finance. Banking on Sustainability

The hassle-free, digital Personal Loan solution is here 50% off on Processing Fees* GREEN GOALS

PRIVATE PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP

ISBN 978 - 1978357310 ISBN 978 - 1978357310

Interview with Suvo Sarkar

Promoting green investment

CRYPTOCURRENCY REWARDS

SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTING

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Issue 8

CO2e

BRINGING SOLAR TO THE NATION

POWERING BUSINESS GROWTH DP World reveals its distributed solar project

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Connect with us

685794

CO2e

The Sustainabilist ISSUE 02

Climate Change. A Private Sector Affair.

THE UAE’S CLIMATE AC CTION

BLOCKCHAIN MEETS CLIMATE CHANGE

I terview with His Exc In xcel elle lenc le n y nc Dr. Thani Al Zeyouudi

A Game-Changing Approach to Fighting Climate Change

AED 100 MILLION RETROFIITTING DUBAI

PLASTIC. FANTASTIC?

Duubaai Ai Airp rpor orrt Part artne n rs wit ithh Et Etihad Etih ad Esc scoo

Understanding packaging

Issue 7

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683 KG

CO2e

WW WWW.THESUSTAINABILIST.AE WWW.THESUSTAINABILIST.AE

The Sustainabilist ISSUE 01

WATER, LIQUID GOLD

EXPO 2020 CHANGES

81 BILLION INVESTED IN ENERGY AND WATER

Towards, during and after 2020

THE ENERGY REVOLUTION

Exclusive interview with the MD and CEO of DEWA

On the water desalination front: sustainable energy as a core business

1,708 KG

Issue 6

Issue 3

CO2e

WWW.THESUSTAINABILIST.AE

THINK FRESH

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum ISBN 978 - 1978357310

Issue 10

OECD outlines sustainability action plan

Miraah full scale mega project

FACE OF THE MONTH

Expo 2020 Dubai

MISSION WATER

THOUGHT LEADER

NASA’s Ecostress

His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer

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The Sustainabilist ISSUE 09

Electrifying

TRANSPORTING VISION 2021

NEED FOR SPEED

Emirates Transport’s Innovations

DP World’s Hyperloop ISBN 978 - 1978357310

Atlas Copco revolutionises the cement industry

MAP TO MANUFACTURING

Issue 9

CO2e

RELIABLE OPERATIONAL SAVINGS

EGA discusses its sustainability initiatives

SOLAR THERMAL POWER

ISSUE 10

For the Love of Water.

GREEN AIRPORTS TAKE OFF

FUEL EFFICIENT FALCONS Nature Leading Engineers

Managing Abu Dhabi Airports

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1708 KG

CO2e

598 KG

CO2e

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The Sustainabilist SPECIAL EDITION

Green is the New Gold

ISBN 978 - 1978357310

ISBN 978 - 1978357310

EGA CHAMPIONS SUSTAINABILITY

The Sustainabilist

Sponsored by

ISSUE 07

The Future is Smart

PIONEERING TRANSPORT

INDUSTRY 4.0

Hyperloop

Virtual Revolution

DISRUPTIVE BANKING

INNOVATIVE HOTSPOT Dubai Design District

Emirates NBD

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The Sustainabilist ISSUE 06

A Journey Through Sustainable Tourism

GLOBAL AVIATION STANDARDS

DESERT CONSERVATION

Being Carbon Neutral

Al Marmoom Reserve

CHALLENGING THEME

ECO FRIENDLY LUXURY

Dubai Parks and Resorts

Armani Hotel Dubai

632 KG

CO2e

The Sustainabilist

ISBN 978 - 1978357310

Manufacturing Sustainable Production

ISBN 978 - 1978357310

683 KG

ISSUE 05

ISBN 978 - 1978357310

Issue 4

Issue 5

Emissions from Issue 1 – 10 The Sustainabilist

ISBN ISB ISBN N 978 9978 78 8 --1978357310 11978357310 1978 978357 357310 310

The Zayed Sustainability Prize initiative will replicate projects in developing countries As the result of the 20by2020 initiative, 20 projects, awarded funding by the Zayed Sustainability Prize over the past decade, will be replicated in developing communities in 20 countries around the world by the end of 2020, giving more people access to sustainable and potentially life-changing services. Among those is a solar light project that won funding in 2018 for installing solar street lamps in Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazaar, Bangladesh. The technology will be replicated in Jordan, benefiting 3,000 people, and in Egypt, benefiting 3,500 people.

We have considered recycled paper, however to do that successfully, we would have to use twice as much recyclable paper, which would actually increase our emissions.

Issue 2

The UAE’s policies and strategies will support the transition to a green economy, in accordance with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. The UAE continues to demonstrate its generosity and devotion through its allocation of $50 million to the UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund, in addition to many more international funds.

A

t Dubai Carbon, we offset our resources used through our UAE-generated credit. A carbon offset is a reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide or greenhouse gases made in order to compensate for or to offset an emission made elsewhere. This approach, despite being more complex, is more beneficial in the long run as it has a 6x multiplier for green economy and green GDP.

ISBN 978 - 1978357310 ISBN 978 - 1978357310

The UAE is a Global Role Model in Renewable Energy The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has stated that the UAE’s commitments to the renewable energy sector, totaling $12 billion worth of investments in renewable projects producing 4 GW of energy across 25 countries, have made the nation a model to follow.

Achieving Carbon Neutrality

Issue 1

NEWS ROOM

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598 KG

CO2e

854 KG

CO2e

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Date: 19 December 2018 Reference: VC/0801/2018

VOLUNTARY CANCELLATION CERTIFICATE

Presented to: CDM Project 7260: DEWA Chiller Station L

Reason for cancellation: Voluntary cancellation made by Dubai Carbon to offset emissions generated from printing The Sustainabilist from October 2017 to October 2018

Number and type of units cancelled Start serial number: AE-5-621404-2-2-0-7260 End serial number: AE-5-621413-2-2-0-7260

10 CERs

Equivalent to 10 tonne(s) of CO2

The certificate is issued in accordance with the procedure for voluntary cancellation in the CDM Registry. The reason for cancellation included in this certificate is provided by the canceller.

Issue 20 | January 2020

World Future Energy Summit

Last year, WFES saw 33,500 visitors and more than 800 exhibitors.

Energy - Asset for Future

06

Collaboration, Innovation and Effort

08

District Cooling and Beyond

12

The Way Forward

16

5

The Sustainabilist | WFES

INTERVIEW

Energy - Asset for Future HE Mohamed Bin Jarsh Al Falasi, Undersecretary of Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, shares his thoughts on sustainability, the role of technology and the transition to renewables in the energy sector.

D

o you think the world is moving in the right direction towards global sustainability environmentally, economically, and socially?

I believe we are in the right direction, but progress is slow. Changing an ingrained fossil fuel paradigm and its attendant cultures won’t happen overnight.

However, some major industries have started taking solid steps to move towards sustainable business. The aviation industry is one of these and is trying to reduce carbon emissions through the use of alternative greener fuels.

In Abu Dhabi’s energy sector, environmental sustainability is one of

6

our main strategic drivers. For example, we are in the initial stages of a massive investment program on renewables energy, and Abu Dhabi has this year inaugurated the world’s largest Solar PV plant – Noor Abu Dhabi. And, we cannot forget that this adds up to the significant investment in clean energy with the Nuclear power plants, currently in its final construction stage.

Encouraging the community to become more sustainable helps its members to play an active role in reducing the impact of climate change. While there is a huge number of ongoing awareness campaigns and educational material related to this, we still need to work on delivering these to every community around the globe. In this

respect, we have recently – launched the Abu Dhabi’s Demand Side Management and Energy Rationalisation Strategy 2030, which will play a crucial role in managing efficiency in the end use of water and electricity in the emirate.

What is the role of cutting-edge technologies in ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come?

New technology and innovation are critical if we are to face the sustainability challenges today and in the future. The role of new technology in the energy transition is already self-evident today, one of the best examples being the dramatic development of wind and solar PV technology, and the corresponding reduction in prices over the last 10 years.

Issue 20 | January 2020

We anticipate that technology and innovation will play an ever more important role in ensuring a revolution in the way the world uses energy today, and progressively intensifying the energy transition. The role of electric vehicles and new fuels for aviation will be fundamental in changing the energy paradigm in transportation.

In addition, consumers are taking a more active role with a number of enabling technologies such as IoT enabled/ connected devices, appliances, embedded generation and energy storage solutions.

The world is transitioning to renewables. Do you have plans to go fossil free?

Fossil fuels are one of the main pillars of the energy sector globally and in Abu Dhabi. Thus, we cannot dispose of such an important resource from our portfolio. What we aspire for, is to keep enhancing our energy transition journey towards higher levels of efficiency and sustainability of this sector.

This is what the UAE has considered by announcing the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which addresses both the supply and demand sides of the energy equation.

In Abu Dhabi, we are committed to meeting the requirements of this national strategy, which is considered as a contribution to the Paris Agreement and sets a clean energy target of 24% by 2021.

For total power generation capacity by 2050, the strategy outlines targets of 44% renewable energy; 38% natural gas; 12% ‘clean coal’; and 6% nuclear energy. It

also aims at 40% improvement in energy efficiency in all sectors compared to a business as usual trajectory, in addition to a 70% deviation in CO2 emissions from power generation by 2050.

“

The role of electric vehicles and new fuels for aviation will be fundamental in changing the energy paradigm in transportation.

free: the sun. Developing and managing more efficient ways of using energy is another example of an area with great opportunities for the development of a green industry.

Energy, real estate development, aviation, transport, electronics and food & beverages are some of the main sectors that can lead the future of green economy growth.

“

This impact is so important, that today these two technologies are amongst the cheapest sources of energy in the world.

In your opinion, what industries providing green products or services have potential for future economic growth in the UAE? A key area for future investment is electricity generation and water production. In Abu Dhabi there is a large opportunity for greener renewable energy generation, making use of the abundant natural resource that we have for

According to you, what stakeholders should be involved in focus groups on strategies for workforce and economic development in the green economy?

Why? The energy sector is one of the most dynamic sectors, in which the stakeholders vary according to their location in the supply and demand equation. There are energy producers, distributors and service providers on one hand and, all types of consumers on the other. In parallel, come financial institutions that provide the necessary funding for projects and initiatives in the energy transition.

In addition, there are the research and academic institutions that provide the sector with the human capabilities that are qualified to lead the sector operations and plan for its future. Most importantly, the role of policy makers and regulators in enabling the energy transition through the right policies and regulatory frameworks that will ensure forward looking agendas are being addressed while ensuring the energy security, affordability and environmental sustainability.

All these partners and stakeholders are highly encouraged to be prepared and ready to deal with the developments occurring in the energy sector and the transformation towards a green and sustainable economy.

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The Sustainabilist | WFES

FEATURE

Collaboration, Innovation and Effort Etihad ESCO’s CEO Ali Al Jassim shares his thoughts on the environment and the prospects of the UAE’s climate change efforts.

By HE Ali Al Jassim CEO Etihad ESCO

P

reservation of the planet that we live in is a growing concern for policy makers around the globe. The challenge of climate change mitigation is now trending through major global think tank forums as nation economies account for damage caused by variations in climate patterns. The solution is clear and has been unanimously accepted, however it requires a legion of collaboration and effort from leaders, innovators and consumers worldwide.

Within the last decade, several major industry sectors in developed countries have incorporated initiatives directed towards sustainable growth. These initiatives primarily consist of reductions in energy and water use, renewable energy generation, or the implementation of resource and waste management strategies

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Issue 20 | January 2020

that streamline upstream and downstream emission reductions in the manufacturing process. However, despite aggressive efforts in many sectors, the 2019 UN Emissions Gap Report has appraised a shortfall in targeted emission levels for all developed countries.

Total carbon dioxide emissions totalled around 37 billion tonnes in 2019. The UN Environment Programme detailed in a report published last month how off-target countries remain in their collective goal of limiting the Earth’s warming to the 1.5°C threshold. No country has yet been able to match the Paris Agreement goal.

where Etihad ESCO plays a critical role as a key driver and Programme Manager of Dubai’s Demand Side Management Strategy.

Additionally, the world population continues to expand and is expected to top at 9.8 billion by 2050. Governments are actively planning for the imminent increase in demand for the basic essential resources of energy, water and food. A major industry report has projected that the demand for electricity will double in 2050 from where it is now. In addition to population growth, this demand will stem from rising living standards in growing economies, as consumer needs shift towards more space-cooling technology and labour-saving appliances.

“

Etihad ESCO has facilitated the reduction of energy consumption in Dubai by nearly 147 GWh per annum through an ambitious retrofit of over 2,600 facilities.

“

According to the UN, the world needs a five-fold increase in its commitment to reduce carbon emissions and maintain a global temperature averaged at 1.5°C. In the UAE, this commitment has been accepted at all levels of government, and is channelled through a robust system of socio-economic frameworks such as the UAE Vision 2021, UAE Centennial 2071, and the 50-Year Charter. The ensuing policies, laws and regulations are directing development in the country with the objective of bringing about tangible benefits in energy efficiency and the rapid adoption of renewable energy. It is here

Energy-use reduction in large part is equal to carbon emission reduction, and as of 2019, Etihad ESCO has facilitated the reduction of energy consumption in Dubai by nearly 147 GWh per annum through an ambitious retrofit of over 2,600 facilities.

Another 5,000 facilities are under execution for retrofit by end this year, which will result in a further reduction in energy consumption by 250 GWH per annum.

These reduction efforts are the implementation of the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy, and the Shams Dubai Programme under the DSM strategy.

Bolstered by Etihad ESCO’s services, these policy frameworks strategically aim to secure a sustainable supply of energy in the country that will eventually comprise 25% of total energy produced in 2030, and 75% by 2050. More importantly, these reductions in energy-use equate to urgent carbon emission reductions as

stated in the UAE Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).

In the global race to reduce carbon emissions, the UAE government has generated a business environment that is financially reinforcing and mutually aided by a diversity of players. In 2019, DEWA achieved a world record by receiving the lowest bid of US$ 1.6953 cents per kilowatt hour (kW/h) for the 900MW phase of the Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park for using PV solar panels based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. This model has encouraged increased investor confidence in renewable energy projects within the private sector and from foreign banks.

This is only the beginning. A wealth of ingenuity remains visible on the horizon.

And all paths to it converge at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), which stands as a unique global platform for the advancement in investment and innovation in energy, cleantech and sustainability.

Held within Abu Dhabi’s Sustainability Week, WFES will launch its 13th run this year and is expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors including government, business leaders, and specialist exhibitors.

It is the showcasing of pioneering technologies and ground-breaking thinking in energy, energy efficiency, water, solar, waste and smart cities, which is the essential catalyst for sustainable growth for all stakeholders.

The UAE government has committed to making a built environment that stands as a leading example of energy efficiency for the region and the world. However, it is through forums such as WFES where the transfer of ideas and technology can effectively stimulate the five-fold increase in commitment as prescribed by the UN. 9

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14 - 15 January 2020 | Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Akon Co-Founder and Chairman, Akon Lighting Africa, USA

Laurent Fabius Environment Patron on Environmental Governance, UN

Sandrine Dixson-Decleve Co-President, Club of Rome, Switzerland

H.E. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson Former President of Iceland

Fleur Newman Lead Officer, Gender and Climate Change and Gender Focal Point, UNFCCC

H.E. Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair Founder, Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education, UAE

Eng. Amina Benkhadra Director General, National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Morocco

H.E. Noura Al Kaabi Minister of Culture and Knowledge, UAE

H.E. Ahmed Al Sayegh Minister of State, Chairman Abu Dhabi Global Market, UAE

H.E. Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, UAE

Patrick Odier Senior Managing Partner, Bank Lombard Odier & Co, Switzerland

Francesco La Camera Director General, IRENA, UAE

Faraz Khalid CEO, Noon, UAE

Gunter Pauli Entrepreneur and Author, South Africa

Abdulaziz AlMulla Co-Founder and CEO, Madar Farms, UAE

Harry Boyd-Carpenter Director, Head of Energy EMEA, EBRD, UK

David Sandalow Co-Director, Energy and Environment Concentration, SIPA, Columbia University, USA

Evans Wadongo Executive Director and Chairman, Sustainable Development For All-Africa, Kenya

Joe Kaeser President and Chief Executive Officer, Siemens

Laila Mostafa Abdullatif Director General, WWF, UAE

ADSW Principal Partner

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The Sustainabilist | WFES

COVER STORY

District Cooling and Beyond Bader Saeed Al Lamki shares with The Sustainabilist

insights into district cooling and elaborates on the strategic objectives of the National Central Cooling Company PJSC (Tabreed) and its firm commitment to sustainability.

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G

lobally, Space Cooling has tripled since 1990 as a result of population increase, urbanisation, economic growth and improvement in living standards causing a steep increase in CO2 emissions; up to 1,130 million tons.

Space Cooling now represents around 15% of peak residential electricity demand - and up to 70% in hotter countries such as in the Middle East - the rising demand for cooling significantly

Issue 20 | January 2020

drives up the overall cost of generating and distributing electricity.

consequently reducing emissions and energy costs.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that the energy used for cooling will more than triple by 2050, up to more than 6,000 Terwatt hour (TWh per year, becoming the second strongest driver in overall electricity demand growth.

In 2019 alone, Tabreed contributed to saving over 2.02 billion kilowatt/hours across the GCC – enough energy to power 115,000 homes in the UAE annually.

These power savings prevented the release into the atmosphere of over 1.209 mn tonnes of CO2 – the equivalent of eliminating the emissions of over 262,900 vehicles annually.

As one the largest district cooling players internationally, with over 800 employees and 78 district cooling plants delivering1.2 million refrigeration tons in 5 countries, the National Central Cooling Company PJSC (Tabreed) is committed to combatting climate change by promoting and advancing the use of sustainable cooling solutions.

On Environment District cooling can play a pivotal role in addressing the current global challenge of reducing emissions. Indeed, district cooling systems consume 20% to 30% less energy than the most efficient conventional cooling solutions and 60% to 80% less energy than the average conventional cooling systems.

Tabreed is leading the industry through innovative technologies such as stateof-the-art thermal storage application that further reduce CO2 emissions and improves demand side management during peak hours. Another great example of innovation is Tabreed’s Bahrain plant that runs on sea water; using deep cold water as an alternative energy source and

“

In 2019 alone, Tabreed contributed to saving over 2.02 billion kilowatt/ hours across the GCC.

“

As global economic growth continues to shift south, to mostly hotter and under equipped emerging countries, Space Cooling demand – and its environmental and economic impacts – will continue to soar.

Bader Saeed Al Lamki Chief Executive Officer, National Central Cooling Company PJSC (Tabreed)

On Investments On the demand side, Industry experts predict the Middle East’s district cooling market is likely to exceed US$12bn by 2024, doubling its estimated value of US$ 6bn in 2016. The Middle East presents ideal growth opportunities for district cooling companies, with year-round warm climates, rapid urbanization, economic diversification, a growing infrastructure spend, and a growing population driving the market size.

Cooling demands in the GCC are expected to triple by 2030 as a result of these growth drivers. Cities are key expansion areas due to growing urbanisation – they now consume 70% of global energy according to the UN. The concentration of buildings in a compact area means the utilisation of water can cool entire neighbourhoods rather than individual apartments or houses each having their own cooling solutions.

Tabreed always pursues investment opportunities to further cement its commitment in supporting and fulfilling infrastructure needs of large-scale developments in the region; providing access to reliable and cost-efficient cooling solutions.

Acting on this, Tabreed has recently further invested in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by acquiring a further 8% in its affiliate Saudi Tabreed. Saudi Tabreed currently operates and maintains 400,000 refrigeration tonnes (RT) of cooling projects including Jabal Omar Development in Mecca; ARAMCO in Dahran; King Abdullah Financial District; and the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. With the rapid growth and urbanisations of the largest market in the GCC, Tabreed’s acquisition will further 13

The Sustainabilist | WFES

enhance its ability to capitalise on new business opportunities.

In addition, Tabreed has successfully raised US$ 500 million (AED 1.8 billion) with a fixed-rate senior unsecured US dollar denominated RegS Sukuk with a 7-year tenor. The Sukuk, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange, delivers several benefits including an improved balance sheet efficiency and a longer debt maturity. This further improved Tabreed’s cashflow, providing a fresh impetus for the company’s expansion into both existing and new markets.

On QHSE Tabreed’s Energy Management System, developed in accordance with its operational excellence and focus on

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energy efficiency requirements across all its 78 plants in the region, has enabled the company to be the first district cooling developer to receive the ISO 50001 certification. This ISO standard is based upon best practices and global benchmarks and is intended to enable organisations to follow a systematic approach to achieving continual improvement of energy performance, consumption and sustainability.

Being awarded with an ISO 50001 certification is a clear manifestation of Tabreed’s efforts of more than 20 years in optimising energy efficiency. Tabreed’s commitment towards sustainability is evident through its robust Energy Management System, which is particularly important within the context of the GCC’s

growing demand for environmentally friendly cooling solutions.

Tabreed also holds the ISO 9001:2015 accreditation for Quality Management Systems, ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management Systems, and OHSAS 18001 for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.

Tabreed recently celebrated 10 million safe work hours without Lost Time Injury (LTI), an accomplishment which was a result of the company’s compliance with the highest international standards of safety and operational excellence; its commitment to maintaining a robust Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) culture; and its continuous implementation of workplace safety improvement programmes.

Issue 20 | January 2020

“

Being awarded with an ISO 50001 certification is a clear manifestation of Tabreed’s efforts.

“

On Commitment Tabreed is an active member of both the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) - “Cool Coalition”, a global network connecting over 80 partners from the private sector, government, cities, international organisations, finance, academic and civil society, and the International District Energy Association (IDEA), an association that works actively

to foster the leaders of providing reliable, economical, efficient and environmentally sound district energy.

At recent United Nations Climate Action Summit, the conversation revolved around the number of avenues that are available to policy makers to further advance efficient technologies. The members of the Coalition announced major pledges

that would best achieve sustainable development and save trillions of dollars.

Tabreed is committed to investing in cooling efficiency innovations that support the current market it operates in alongside targeted markets such as India, Egypt and Kuwait. It has also put in play a rigorous plan to retrofit existing plants with new Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) technology to maximise on efficiency and better service the end goal.

Energy efficiency and sustainable development is at the heart of discussions at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ASDW) during which Tabreed will be actively engaged in the discussions to highlight the challenges of soaring cooling-related energy demands and the solutions that the district cooling industry can offer.

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The Sustainabilist | WFES

A

s we enter a new decade, it is perhaps an appropriate time to reflect on Dolphin Energy’s sustainability journey; to assess how far we have come; to look ahead, anticipate challenges and capitalize on opportunities that can build on our commitments and add more value for all.

We started our own sustainability journey in the late 1990s, shortly after plans to develop the Dolphin Gas Project were announced and well before we started delivering gas in July 2007.

FEATURE

The Way Forward Dolphin Energy Limited’s CEO, Obaid Al Dhaheri, discusses the sustainability journey, the achievements, and the outlook to future challenges and opportunities.

16

We acted early and seized the opportunity to create a long term commitment that could evolve over time. It was a strategy built on the firm belief that ‘being a good neighbour is good business’. We understood we had an obligation to protect the natural and social environment but looked beyond simply complying with legal and regulatory requirements. We began engaging first in corporate social responsibility and then sustainability. This was reflected in our founding membership of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group in 2008 and later the Qatar Petroleum Sustainable Development Industry Reporting Program. We then formalized this commitment by launching our first ever sustainability report in 2010 and have produced an annual assessment of our sustainability performance ever since.

Today, our corporate and sustainability objectives are embedded so that they are one and the same. By integrating sustainability principles into the our corporate strategy, making our commitments public, tracking our performance and developing a system of accountability, we understand what matters to us and our stakeholders. This is reflected in our performance and in the

Issue 20 | January 2020

completion of 91% of our sustainability objectives in 2018.

Our conduct is driven by our conscience; we must safeguard the natural environment, optimise the natural resources in our processes (such as water, fuel and raw material) and ensure we handle the production, processing and transporting of gas in the most responsible manner – ensuring minimal impact on the environment and a positive growth on the societies and economies we are supporting.

We have used this same sense of responsibility to fund the efforts of scientists and researchers to track, monitor and protect marine life and their habitats; to engage in important initiatives such as the Ras Laffan Community Outreach Program; and to foment important relationships with organizations such as Emirates Nature WWF and the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi.

As sponsors of the annual Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Forum, we are keen to act as advocates for change and embrace efforts that drive and develop the pillars of sustainability development.

Our support for the Al Wathba Wetlands Conservation Program doesn’t just focus on the rehabilitation of a critical wildlife habitat, but also highlights the need to protect and enhance Abu Dhabi’s natural capital. We are proud of our commitments and yet, more needs to be done.

The oil and gas industry is entering a new era and the challenges are well documented - that the global demand for oil and gas will continue to grow for the next 20 years, driven by the emerging middle classes and anticipated population growth; that energy companies will need to supply more energy while reducing CO2

emissions to support a low carbon future.

Economies need access to sustainable energy in a way that protects the environment. This is our challenge, but also our opportunity. And it’s one we are intent to embrace through the adoption of digitization.

We launched our digital transformation program, ‘Future Forward’, in May 2018.

We identified more than 200 ‘digital opportunities’ from which 39 initiatives have been streamlined for implementation across our entire value chain. Using a three year roadmap, these will help us adjust to the new realities in our industry and enhance our operational safety and security, improve asset reliability and efficiency, and boost productivity across our supply chain.

These initiatives include a digitized wells integrity management system that will ensure safety, efficiency and reliability of our wells by using live data feeds to produce accurate information and effective analytics.

Another digital solution which will enable our Upstream Operations team to predict maintenance requirements for our plant and related installations, based on sophisticated algorithms. Enhancing our ability to proactively assess plant maintenance requirements and to take immediate action to fix any issues will ensure safety and gas reliability and availability. By reducing unplanned maintenance requirements and allowing for safer and more efficient operations, we will be more sustainable.

Improving energy efficiency is vital. In fact, several of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) talk about

the need for greater energy efficiency.

For example, SDG Nine (build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation) says “Technological progress is the foundation of efforts to achieve environmental objectives, such as increased resource and energy-efficiency”.

Digitisation does this and more. New, innovative and disruptive technologies are not only producing efficiencies in the way energy is produced and managed.

They are ensuring greater equipment availability, helping reduce emissions for improved environmental performance and transforming the way we work by building new partnerships and developing a new, digital workforce of tomorrow.

It is an exciting time for us. Digitisation is poised to unlock improvements in our sustainability performance further because it will ensure greater efficiencies in our production, our supply of natural gas and in our people.

The next decade will bring unprecedented change to the industry and will allow us to contribute more to efforts that tackle climate change. At the same time, we will continue to support initiatives that promote environmental stewardship, societal growth and economic development; whether that be endorsement of entities like the Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development (ABHAIF) or the Emirates Environmental Group, sponsoring programs that develop children and youths in STEM or honouring the terms of our supply agreements that meet 30% of the UAE’s energy requirements every single day.

17

The Sustainabilist | WFES

Renewable Energy & Water

The GCC will generate cost savings of USD 76 billion through the realisation of its renewable energy plans.

DEWA & Stanford University 18

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Future in our Hands

22

Giant Steps in the Energy Sector

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Issue 20 | January 2020

FEATURE

DEWA and Stanford University Cooperate on R&D for Solar Energy DEWA is cooperating with Stanford University on numerous research and development fields through its Energy 3.0 Programme Membership.

D

ubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced its cooperation with Stanford University in a number of research and development fields involving researchers at its Research and Development (R&D) Centre through its membership in the university’s Energy 3.0 Programme, in line with DEWA’s vision to be a leading sustainable innovative global corporation.

The fields of research include radiation cooling to improve the efficiency and performance of solar panels, utilisation of autonomous robots in monitoring

and maintaining solar power plants, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to forecast the performance and production of photovoltaic solar plants in the short term.

“At DEWA, we strive to achieve the vision of our wise leadership to anticipate the future and develop longterm, pre-emptive plans to keep pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution as well as use disruptive technologies that contribute to providing world-class services that enhance the quality of life in Dubai. DEWA attaches great importance to research and development, and its strategies and initiatives are aligned with the UAE’s leading national strategies, including UAE Centennial 2071, a longterm government plan to prepare the UAE and young Emiratis for the future; the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, to position the UAE as a global leader in AI by 2031; the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to diversify the energy mix and provide 75% of Dubai’s total power output from clean sources by 2050; and the Dubai 10X Initiative, which mandates the Government of Dubai to be a global leader that is 10 years ahead of all other cities through government innovation and reformulation of traditional work mechanisms,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA. “Joining the Energy 3.0 Programme provides DEWA’s researchers with an important opportunity to take advantage of the global expertise and the environment for advanced research at Stanford University by ensuring they have access to the most successful experiences and best practices in electricity, water, artificial intelligence, and smart networks,” added Al Tayer.

Waleed Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence at DEWA, underpinned the cooperation programme between DEWA and Stanford University that includes research and development in the fields of renewable energy, smart networks, energy efficiency and storage, and data analysis among others. The programme aims to exchange knowledge and expertise to develop solutions for the world’s most pressing energy problems as well as accelerate innovation and expand research and studies on advanced energy technologies.

DEWA’s R&D Centre at the Mohammed

The programme aims to exchange knowledge and expertise to develop solutions for the world’s most pressing energy problems. bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park highlights four major operational areas: electricity generation from solar energy, integration of smart grids, energy efficiency, and water. The R&D Centre’s projects and programmes comprise internal labs to study and test system reliability, and external field testing of new technologies and equipment, including performance and reliability of solar photovoltaic panels and removing dust.

The Centre cooperates with many entities, including the National Renewable Energy Laboratory of the US Department of Energy, the Spanish National Renewable Energy Centre, as well as the United Arab Emirates University and Khalifa University on joint research and studies in renewable and alternative energy.

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PRODUCT

IVANO

solar framing systems for roof, ground and floating applications

IANNELLI CEO, DUBAI CARBON

Supporting the Solar Revolution, Literally!

The regional solar market is a fluid mix of evolution, diverse nationalities and overseas market experience. The system architecture and equipment specifications are often a patchwork of standards or codes from across the globe that regional EPC’s and developers must navigate. In our experience of this region, despite what would initially appear to be similarities, no two projects are ever alike.

Whilst modules and inverters tend to be fairly generic these days, the aspect of the project that connects the system to the roof or ground is often taken for granted and it is the most variable of all.

One thing that solar projects do have in common is composition of cost plan. Without question the largest cost element of a solar project, although declining, are the modules which can account for up to 50% of the project value. Therefore, it is important to source from a reputable source as they have arguably the largest impact on generation. Interestingly though, a framing system can actually account for as much as much as the modules when we explore floating and car park solutions. However, on average a structure is 12% of the project value and fits undamental function is to ensure modules stay where they should be for the longevity of the asset. The most impressive module outputs in the world are worthless if your framing system fails to keep them where they should be for the lifespan of the project.

Qienergy is the first and leading regional manufacturer of solar framing systems for roof, ground and floating applications. Since it’s inception,

it has also developed other business units focused on off-grid/hybrid systems, mobile-integrated and building-integrated solutions. Regionally established in 2017 in response to the 2050 clean energy strategy but with roots in the European market dating back to the late 1990’s, Qi-energy is a Dubai-based LLC serving the Middle East, North Africa and wider EMEA region.

Our team has spent almost a decade in the GCC region.

We offer steel, aluminum and composite solar framing solutions for utilities and commercial scale projects ranging from as little a 250KW to over 100MW. Our systems come with a comprehensive 12 year manufacturing warranty and have a design life in excess of 25 years. The Qi-energy range of systems is the culmination of decades of engineering, manufacturing and project experience. Our solutions are easy to understand, simple to erect and designed to withstand even the most challenging of climatic conditions.

We use state of the art materials and advanced processing technologies to ensure our systems are as cost-effective as possible. Along with the traditional delivery mechanisms we also have some more disruptive delivery models that allow for self-procurement of raw materials and site-based manufacture for projects exceeding 100MW Whilst we would never be so bold as to state that what we do is as important to project performance as modules. A framing system is the foundation of a solar project and finding the right delivery partner is the key to real, long-term bankability.

We are Qi-energy, we are supporting the solar revolution

www.qi-energy.ae

The Sustainabilist | WFES

FEATURE

Future in Our Hands David Holland, Professor of MathematicXs at NYU’s Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Principal Investigator for NYU Abu Dhabi’s Center for Sea Level Change, provides insight on the rapid melt of one of Greenland’s largest glaciers.

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hat makes you passionate about glaciers?

When you think about what a fragile place the Earth is, and how very small it is, seeing rising temperatures in the atmosphere and ocean affecting the rapid retreat of glaciers is concerning. It makes it imperative to better understand these beautiful structures. We know very little about, for example, the physics and the mechanisms that cause them to fracture and break off into the ocean, therefore elevating sea level. Glaciers also play a vital role in regulating the Earth’s temperature, so we are all well served by being passionate in studying them and increasing our global knowledge and awareness of them.

What is your research project in detail?

NYU Abu Dhabi is currently involved in two major studies of glaciers. One focuses on the Greenland ice sheet and two large outlet glaciers there: the Jakobshavn glacier on the west, and the Helheim glacier on the east. Both glaciers have been showing rapid signs of retreat over the last approximately decade or so. We study this retreat using radars, temperature probes near the calving fronts, GPS equipment that we place on the glaciers themselves, and seismic monitors which tell us about ice-quakes.

The ocean instruments are important because we are concerned that warm ocean waters from the tropics are finding their way into the fjords and are causing quick melting at the bottom of the calving front.

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The second major study NYU Abu Dhabi is involved in is monitoring the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica. A team and I will deploy in mid-November to gather data on ocean temperatures around the Thwaites

Issue 20 | January 2020

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This year, however, saw in one single day the largest melt since records have been kept.

The ice sheet shed more than 10 billion tonnes on that day.

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glacier. We are again trying to identify if warm waters have arrived at the calving front of Thwaites. We will drill a hole through the ice, almost a kilometre deep, and sample the temperature of the ocean water.

Is the rate at which glaciers are melting, continuing to increase?

We have seen an astounding amount of melt this year in Greenland, for instance.

Normally, Greenland grows its ice sheet in the wintertime and loses it in the summertime. The normal rate is for it to gain approximately 200 billion tonnes in winter, and to lose the same amount in summer (think of it like a bank account – you put money in, and you take money out). This year, however, saw in one single day the largest melt since records have been kept. The ice sheet shed more than 10 billion tonnes on that day. Going forward this is not a sustainable situation for the ice sheet to survive. This will eventually have profound consequences for global sea level rise around the planet.

We understand that glaciers have a huge importance on the rise of the sea level. What can be done to minimise the meltdown of glaciers?

Yes, glaciers that move from the land into the sea cause sea level to rise. It is like having a glass of water in which you place an ice cube. The level in the glass will rise.

The melt of the glaciers is caused by many factors such as a warming atmosphere, and the warming atmosphere warms the ocean waters, which then cause more retreat.

Carbon emissions may play a role, for instance, in warming the temperature of the air and thus affecting the temperature of the ocean. So being aware of this issue, and working towards making changes to our carbon emissions, could go a long way towards slowing the melt rate down.

What should be done to protect the glaciers?

Having the public be aware of the fragility of these regions means people make better choices when it comes to renewable energy sources, recycling, or even just

conserving energy. Small changes can make a huge difference! We all want these amazing places to be around for future generations.

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The Sustainabilist | WFES

INTERVIEW

Giant Steps in the Energy Sector Pinsent Masons’ Energy Team discuss the Middle East’s tremendous breakthroughs and future opportunities.

By Tim Armsby Regional Head of Energy and Infrastructure, Gurmeet Kaur, Partner and Rita Allan, Senior Associate, Pinsent Masons

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hat are some of the most remarkable achievements in the energy sector that you have witnessed in the Middle East?

Over the past decade we have experienced tremendous cost declines in solar and wind technologies, with PV module prices now at or below US$ 0.25 per watt.

Remarkably, it is only in the last 5 years that we have seen significant uptake in 24

renewables in the Middle East, but the region is now at the forefront in terms of demonstrating that solar technology is scalable on a large scale and also in driving down LCOE to levels that are competitive with and often cheaper than conventional alternatives.

The UAE is at the forefront of this push to use renewable energy, with the development of the Mohammed bin

Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single site solar park in the world with a target total capacity of 5000 MW by 2030. This is consistent with Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy which has a goal of producing 75% of the Emirate’s energy from clean sources by 2050. Similar public commitments to the incorporation and expansion of renewable energy in the domestic energy mix have been made in Saudi Arabia and other countries in the

Issue 20 | January 2020

What changes in this sector will be have to take place to sustain the region’s growth?

There are a number of high profile projects such as the Red Sea development in Saudi Arabia with ambitious 100% off-grid renewable energy goals. In order to succeed, energy storage capability will be necessary. In fact, as and when storage can be fully combined with solar, this will be revolutionary to the industry and will enable renewables to fully replace conventional power plants.

In parallel to innovative storage solutions, there needs to be continued investment in grid infrastructure. In terms of technological developments, we expect to see continued innovation in photovoltaic systems (including bifacial modules), and concentrated solar power (CSP) which offers storage capacity when combined with molten salt technology. We have been working on the largest CSP project in the world; Phase IV of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park (Noor 1), a $4.3 billion plant which combines, solar tower, solar trough and bifacial technology into a 950MW plant with thermal storage capacity of 15 hours; allowing for energy availability round the clock.

What trends are emerging in an effort to decouple economic growth and energy consumption?

The recent drop in oil prices and declining cost of solar technology has sharpened the focus on the economic arguments in favour of renewable energy. Under the UAE’s Energy Strategy, this shift to

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In the UAE, DEWA has established the Dubai Green Fund (DFG) which has already secured more than US$ 650 million for green projects.

In the UAE, DEWA has established the Dubai Green Fund (DFG) which has already secured more than US$ 650 million for green projects. It aims to help companies in the private and public sector invest in green projects such as renewable energy, retrofitting existing fossil fuelbased energy systems, energy efficiency and much more, DGF’s role is to lead the way into investments that have to date not been taken up by existing operating lenders. Recently it was announced that Noor Energy 1 has become the first project in the GCC region to receive “Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI)”’s certification for Renewable Energy Project Financing, supporting the efforts towards meeting the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050.

renewables is hoped to achieve a cost saving of AED 700 billion by 2050, as well as an estimated 70% reduction in the carbon footprint of power generation.

Do you believe that the UAE will continue to be the leader in the region for the development of renewable energy?

Yes. The UAE has developed challenging renewable energy targets and has already procured a number of high profile power projects in order to meet these goals. Other developments include the Shams Dubai Program, which encourages residential, commercial and industrial building owners and tenants to install PV panels to generate electricity. Excess generation can be exported into the distribution grid under a net metering scheme. In Dubai and in Abu Dhabi, new building codes have been introduced to promote energy efficiency in newly built and refurbished construction developments. Regulations and safety standards for Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) systems are also currently being developed and will represent the next step in the shift to modernising the UAE’s building codes, consistent with its energy mix goals.

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region. It is remarkable for fossil fuel rich countries to now have these stated targets and this represents a high commitment to genuine change in the energy sector.

The next step towards achieving a major shift towards distributed solar is a reduction in the fossil fuel subsidy in the long run. We have already seen various initiatives in the region such as in Saudi Arabia and UAE, which have the goal of moving towards a truly cost reflective tariff which can effectively drive a demand shift.

How are green investments developing in the GCC? Various banks in this region offer socalled green investments, with dedicated funds that focus on green technologies.

Further, banks are increasingly required to comply with equator principles in international lending, which emphasise a requirement for lenders to have first considered any environmental impacts of an investment proposal.

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The Sustainabilist | WFES

RESERACH

NATIONAL COMMITMENTS

BY JEFF TOLLEFSON AND RICHARD MONASTERSKY DESIGN BY JASIEK KRZYSZTOFIAK

Climate Action Tracker (CAT), a consortium of scientists and policy specialists, has rated countries on the basis of their policies and emissions pledges, and has estimated the amount of warming that is compatible with those actions.

The CAT rates a nation’s commitments against what it judges to be a fair-share plan to reduce emissions.

Time is quickly running out for the world to avoid catastrophic climate change. Four years ago, nations pledged to limit global warming to 1.5–2 °C above pre-industrial levels as part of the Paris climate accord, but they are largely failing to meet their commitments — and emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases continue to escalate. The good news is that countries are rapidly adding renewables to their energy mix, but they are also burning increasing amounts of coal, oil and natural gas. That puts billions of people at risk, particularly some of the most vulnerable, who have contributed the least to the problem.

The Hard Truths of Climate Change

Pledges are: Critically insufficient; >4 °C Highly insufficient; 3–4 °C Insufficient; 2–3 °C Compatible with 2 °C

TOTAL CO2 EMISSIONS

BY COUNTRY Annual worldwide emissions of CO2. Sources include the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, agriculture and other human activities that affect the landscape.

Total 1900

1920

1940

1960

1

1.957 billion tonnes of CO2 Second World War

DO OR DIE For the world to meet the Paris target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, nations would have to slash their CO2 emissions to zero by 2050, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Even staying below 2°C of warming would require massive cuts. In reality, emissions are still rising under existing policies and environmental pledges.

Current policies Pledges and targets 2°C consistent 1.5°C consistent

FAIRNESS Current emissions are only one way of looking at the problem. Although China is now the largest producer of CO2, it is responsible for just 13% of all emissions over time. Its per capita emissions are rising quickly, but the US leads in per capita and total emissions.

60 GtCO2e 50 40

30 Historical emissions

Projections

16.6

India

10

China 13% 11.6

Japan

9.1

Iran

8.7

Russia 7% Japan 4% India 3% 18.1

Saudi Arabia South Korea 2000

2010

2020

2030

12.4

Canada World average

EU28 22%

6.7 2

Russia

GtCO2e = 1 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent; and includes the warming effect of other greenhouse gases

26

7

United States EU28

0 1990

United States 25%

Per capita (tonnes CO2) China

20

Cumulative emissions

15.3 4.8

Rest of the world 26%

Issue 20 | January 2020

2018 total 36.831 billion tonnes of CO2

CHINA Where China goes, the world goes. The country is the largest source of CO2 and its emissions are growing while other big emitters are turning the corner. CAT says China is on track to see its emissions peak by 2030 — in line with its Paris pledges — but that is not consistent with keeping global warming below 2 °C.

1980s recession

FUELLING THE WORLD

2018 global coal consumption 3.7 Gtoe 100%

In the past decade, the world has added more renewable energy capacity for generating electricity than it has added from coal and gas. Most of the new renewable energy comes from solar and wind power — with China leading the way. But electricity is just one part of energy use, and consumption of fossil fuels continues to grow rapidly. China accounts for more than half of the global use of coal, the fuel that produces the most CO2.

New electricity generation capacity added each year Renewables Non-renewables

China

250 GW 200 150 100

50

50

UNITED STATES

India

0

US emissions surged in 2018, but they have been declining generally over the past decade because coal use has fallen, in favour of natural gas and renewables.

However, President Donald Trump is rolling back provisions to curb greenhouse-gas pollution and wants to pull the country out of the Paris accord.

2002

2010

2014

2018

United States South Korea

3

Japan Russia

South Africa

Germany

2

0

EUROPEAN UNION

Rest of the world

2018

1 1965

The 28 EU nations account for more than one-fifth of CO2 emissions over time, but their collective annual emissions have dropped by more than 20% since 1990. Some estimates suggest the EU is on track to meet its Paris targets. Coal use is dropping but remains a major source of emissions.

2006

Total energy consumption 4 Gtoe

Hydro

Other Nuclear renewables

Gas

Oil

0

Coal

Gtoe = 1 billion tonnes of oil equivalent

CLIMATE CHANGE’S HEAVY TOLL As global temperatures rise, they put billions of people at risk of heatwaves, water shortages and a range of other problems. And these impacts fall hardest on the poorest and most vulnerable people. The map below shows the cumulative risks from major climate impacts with 2 °C of warming; the chart estimates how many people would be affected by a selection of those risks.

Germany

Cumulative risks of 2°C warming

INDIA

RUSSIA

1980

2000 Risk score 9 Japan

5 0

Iran The collapse of industry after the break-up of the Soviet Union caused CO2 emissions to plunge, but they have been rising since.

Russia has invested little in renewables such as solar and wind and the CAT gives Russia its lowest rating.

2000–08 Emissions grew by 30%

Saudi Arabia South Korea Canada India has contributed much less to global warming than have other large countries, on a per capita basis.

Although its energy use and coal consumption are growing rapidly, the country is also emerging as a leader in renewable energy.

All other nations

SOURCES: CO2 EMISSIONS AND FAIRNESS: GLOBAL CARBON PROJECT; DO OR DIE AND COMMITMENTS: CLIMATE ACTION TRACKER; FUELLING THE WORLD: IRENA (NEW ELECTRICITY)/BP (PRIMARY ENERGY AND COAL); HEAVY TOLL: IPCC/E. BYERS ET AL. ENVIRON. RES. LETT. 13, 055012 (2018).

Population affected by various risks (millions of people)

1.5 °C

Water stress 3,340

Heatwave exposure 3,960

Risk to power production 334

= 10 million people

Crop yield change 35 Habitat degradation 91 2 °C

3 °C

3,658

3,920

5,986

7,909

385 362

680

742 1,817

1,357

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The Sustainabilist | WFES

Future Mobility & Logistics

Electric vehicles made up 2.2% of the global vehicle market in 2019.

Electric Drives Represent the Future of Mobility 28

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The Costs of Fuel Motorcycles to our Environment

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Creating the Right Environment for EVs

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Issue 20 | January 2020

FEATURE

Electric Drives Represent the Future of Mobility By 2030, roughly one-quarter of all cars and light trucks on the road will be electric.

By Kivanc Arman Vice President for Automotive Aftermarket, Bosch Middle East, Turkey and Iran

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n the coming years, our roads are set to see more and more electric vehicles, from small scooters to transporters and trucks and even offhighway vehicles. According to the Boston Consulting Group, by 2030, roughly one-quarter of all cars and light trucks on the road will be electric, including hybrids and fully electric vehicles. In the same time frame, costs for motors, inverters and power electronics could be 25 to 30 per cent lower than they are today, as per the report by BloombergNEF. 29

The Sustainabilist | WFES

We at Bosch are an integral part of the advancement towards that milestone.

Today, more than half a million such vehicles are equipped with technology from Bosch across the world, with several thousand of our employees specialised in electromobility.

Bosch powertrain components already feature in over a million electric cars around the world. By the end of 2022, this number is set to rise to 14 million.

To date, the company has carried out powertrain projects for 50 electric vehicle platforms. 2018 alone saw 30 newly acquired projects. More than any other company, Bosch is accelerating electrification with increasingly efficient and economical solutions – for cars, two-wheelers, and commercial vehicles in equal measure.

The uptake of electric vehicles has hit full velocity, literally, with us also joining the world’s first electric racing series, Formula E, as sponsors. The move underscores Bosch’s aim to be a leader in electromobility, for us to maximise its potential for everyday mobility which saves resources and offers maximum driving pleasure at the same time. Bosch is intensively pushing the development 30

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Today, more than half a million such vehicles are equipped with technology from Bosch across the world, with several thousand of our employees specialised in electromobility.

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According to our estimations, the range of electric vehicles will be between 300 and 600 km by 2022. Power in such vehicles will be driven by using either a battery or a fuel cell. Fuel cells generate electricity to power the car on the spot by converting natural gas into electricity – without burning it. Commercial vehicles in particular with long-range requirements will utilise such mobile fuel cells, while vehicles traveling shorter distances will be powered more often by a battery.

of all relevant technologies. Disruptive technologies will be key to continuing this upward growth trajectory. The proliferation of electric vehicles is partly due to the scalability and economic viability of electric powertrain systems such as the eAxle that are easy to integrate and can be used flexibly in many vehicle classes, reducing development times and costs and helping to get new vehicles ready for the market faster. The eAxle unites the electric motor, power electronics and transmission in one, representing an allin-one principle for manufacturers. This gives rise to synergies which reduce costs, save time and therefore improve efficiency for all vehicle classes.

With powertrain technology from Bosch, electromobility goes beyond the means of choice of both the individual and mass traffic movement. Going beyond the highly efficient and compact components for e-powertrains themselves, Bosch is also optimising energy flows within the vehicle as a whole.

This includes the recuperation of released energy using regenerative braking systems but also highly effective air-conditioning of the vehicle. As the waste heat from the combustion engine is no longer available, for example, new solutions are applied which offer full air-conditioning comfort even in electric vehicles.

One of the most important factors in developing electromobility is an easy-touse charging infrastructure that covers a large area.

Life with an electric vehicle should be just as convenient as with a fuel-powered vehicle – in addition to being better for the environment in the long run. As per Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Dubai already has more than 200 charging stations installed in easy-toaccess locations, a significant milestone in advancing electromobility in the region. To support similar expansion of charging infrastructure; we have developed a smartphone solution that is already being implemented in five countries in Europe.

According to the data released by the United Nations last year, two-third of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050. To account for such rapid urbanisation, sustainable development will continue to depend on viable e-mobility solutions. Our efforts will continue making electromobility attractive for the mass market, may it be hardware or software. Our scalable systems for the electrification of light vehicles are our signature of products that are invented for life- making life better.

Issue 20 | January 2020

FEATURE

The Costs of Fuel Motorcycles to our Environment How ONE MOTO will Revolutionise the Delivery Industry.

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econd only to air transport, petrol powered motorcycles are the most damaging vehicles to the environment. We’ve conducted researches on the effects fuel-based motorcycles have on the environment compared to cars and other forms of transport. With the increasing demand and supply of petrol motorcycles in the delivery sector, these statistics are shocking!

ONE MOTO – The Brand and Business were built from our inner-values and transposed to our operations – we want to create a sustainable world, realising that it extends far wider than the mobility sector yet, it plays a huge factor in how we commute throughout our lives and deals a staggering harm to our planet. So over the past few weeks our management team wanted to put together a series of messages to offer you (our customers) an insight to the benefits of electric motorcycles to the environment and business.

Many believe motorcycles have a substantially smaller carbon footprint than cars, however, the reality is much more complicated.

Motorcycles use less fuel than cars, however, better fuel economy doesn’t always result in fewer emissions. Most motorcycles create more air pollution and smog than cars. Bikes produce less carbon dioxide, but they release more carbon monoxide.

of work. ONE MOTO bikes are classed as Zero Emissions Vehicles.

With the recent Paris Agreement on global warming, now is the time to consider an electric bike to help lower carbon emissions. Car journeys to work account for about 65% of travel, and nearly 25% of commuters live within 9kms of their place

• 18 times more energy efficient than an SUV or 4x4 • 13 times more energy efficient than a saloon car • 6 times more energy efficient than rail

A recent study in America came to the following conclusions when comparing electric motorcycles with other forms of transport, they are:

TRANSPORT OPTIONS

Plane

Motorbike

88

1.2

AVERAGE CAPACITY

285 C0

2

Bus

Large Car

Small Car

12.7

4

4

AVERAGE CAPACITY

AVERAGE CAPACITY

72 C0

68 C0

2

AVERAGE CAPACITY

2

55 C0

2

AVERAGE CAPACITY

42 C0

2

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The Sustainabilist | WFES

DO YOU OPERATE A DELIVERY BUSINESS? If you do, then you’ll understand the operational costs involved in providing a fleet of vehicles. As we focus our decisions and development on our values, convenience is key to why ONE MOTO would be a considered for your operations.

byka is the ultimate courier bike. This electric delivery bike is fitted with an alarm system, slot in/out batteries, Intelligent Brake Management System, 3-pin charging option, RTA regulated boxes and much more. In addition, they allow you to host a charging station (office/depot) to avoid a downtime in deliveries, zero fuel

costs, zero servicing and zero pollution.

THE ENVIRONMENT THANKS YOU As petrol motorcycles produce 16 times more hydro-carbons and if a motorcycle isn’t well maintained they produce 50 times more carbon monoxide than the ‘safe’ amount, we can rid our cities of this toxic harm very easily, by ensuring, as a collective, that we are united for ONE cause.

Affordable transport is crucial to any business operation, and we’ve made this possible. With an all-in, on-the-road price and incredible bottom-line savings for both your business and your riders, ONE MOTO bikes are the solution to revolutionising the delivery industry.

GREEN JOB

Head of Customer Relationship Management Unit (19000452)

Preparing strategic and operational goals and work plans for all operations performed by the unit and ensuring their implementation, organizing and distributing the work and directing employees towards achieving targeted performance levels, among other responsibilities.

To apply, please visit: jobs.dubaicareers.ae

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Issue 20 | January 2020

www.renault.ae

FEATURE

Creating the Right Environment for Electric Vehicles Electric vehicles are a more environmentally-friendly option than petrol-powered machines – if people can be persuaded to use them. Dubai is working to develop a charging infrastructure to increase adoption, but uptake isn’t straightforward.

By Samer Choucair Director, CE-Creates

“I

f you build it, they will come.”

That would definitely appear to be the rationale for Dubai’s development of its electric vehicle infrastructure, with the government keen to achieve its target of 10% of all vehicles on Dubai roads being electric or hybrid by 2030. Last year, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced the successful completion of

the second phase of its EV Green Charger initiative, bringing the total number of stations it has installed to charge electric vehicles to 200.

DEWA began the initiative in 2015 to create an EV charging infrastructure to make it easier for people to switch from ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles to electric, in turn helping Dubai

achieve its carbon reduction target by 16% by 2021. Charging stations have been placed in all sorts of locations, such as government offices, airports, petrol stations, malls and residential complexes, and are free to use (at least until the end of this year).

While Dubai can now boast of having a charging station-to-EV ratio that 33

The Sustainabilist | WFES

Norway has achieved its leadership in the EV market, not simply due to its citizens being any more environment caring than other nations, but by offering a range of incentives and subsidies, including waiving a sales tax of 25% on EV purchases, exempting EV users from road tolls, and providing free parking and free charging. In short, it’s simply cheaper to own an EV than an ICE vehicle in Norway.

For drivers in Dubai, used to comparatively cheap petrol costs, incentives to switch are less clear-cut.

While the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) offers benefits such as free assigned parking, and exemption from vehicle registration and renewal fees, EV purchases still tend to be seen as a luxury. The Tesla Model 3 – touted as an “affordable” option and the best-selling EV ever – still comes in at a cost above many annual salaries.

Another issue is that while providing wider access to charging points is definitely important to increasing EV uptake, 34

charging a plug-in car takes a lot longer than filling up a petrol tank – 30-45 minutes or even longer. Many motorists prefer to charge their vehicles overnight at their homes – not always a practical solution for high-rise Dubai residents.

So, creating the right ‘environment’ to empower EV dominance is complex – and requires incentivising users, to the point where the overall lifetime cost of an EV is clearly lower than that of an ICE vehicle.

Ultimately, beyond the exhilarating and fund-driving experience, the biggest attraction of electric vehicles is of course that they offer a greener alternative to the combustion engine, and do not emit combustion gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.

While critics have highlighted that actually manufacturing EVs can create more emissions than making conventional cars does, well-to-wheel emissions have been found to be considerably lower for electric-powered cars than their gasguzzling counterparts. When you add in that electric car batteries can be recycled – or repurposed for non-automotive use

– once an EV has reached the end of its useful life, and they are clearly the greener option.

Environmental sustainability was a key driver behind Crescent Enterprises’ decision to launch its ION joint venture with Bee’ah, the Middle East’s leading environmental management company.

ION’s operations include the development and management of EV fleets for commercial use, with the pilot phase seeing an EV fleet launched in Dubai and booked through Careem. The goal is to deploy fleets of energy-efficient electric vehicles in nine cities across the MENA region, complementing their existing transport networks, and also helping to promote electric vehicle usage.

Further, through ION, we are looking to work with utilities, regulators, road transport authorities, and other bodies to shape policies that create the conditions that will drive greater adoption of electric vehicles. We believe ION will play a key role in creating a sustainable zeroemission transport system.

“

EV purchases still tend to be seen as a luxury.

“

Of course, Dubai is hardly alone in being slow to adopt EVs – globally, electric cars accounted for just 2.1% of passenger car sales last year. Still, that figure is up from 1.3% in 2017, and less than 0.9% the year before that. In Norway – which requires all new cars to be zero-emission by 2025 – EVs made up almost half of all vehicle sales last year, and this March, EV sales actually outstripped ICE vehicles.

“

Globally, electric cars accounted for just 2.1% of passenger car sales last year.

“

compares favourably with anywhere in the world, the main reason for that is simple: there still aren’t that many EVs on the road. A report last year estimated there were just 4,000 hybrid and electric vehicles on the road now in Dubai, with less than 1,000 being fully electric.

Getting the right infrastructure in place for EVs to displace their combustion counterparts is going to take time and effort, but if we build it right, the users will come – eventually.

The Sustainabilist | WFES

Facilities Management & Waste Waste generated throughout the MENA region will reach 255 million tonnes per year by 2050.

Practice What You Preach 36

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Amidst the Enablers of Climate Change

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Urban Mining the New Black

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Lenovo’s Reduction of Electric Waste

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Wastewater Recycling

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Issue 20 | January 2020

Your partner for optimized resources management

www.veolia.com/middleeast 37

The Sustainabilist | WFES

FEATURE

Practice What You Preach ENGIE Cofely introduces internal sustainable initiatives to align to the company’s zero-carbon transition ambition.

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NGIE Cofely, an international leader in providing zerocarbon energy and innovative integrated facilities management solutions, continues its road to increased sustainability by introducing recycled staff uniforms and business cards, electric/low carbon emission vehicles, and have completely banned single-use plastic from their offices.

saved,” explained Bart Holsters, UAE General Manager of ENGIE Cofely.

“We have also collected all the old uniforms which have also been recycled for a good cause as per our CSR initiatives,” added Holsters.

The company, which recently re-branded from Cofely-Besix Facility Management to ENGIE Cofely, introduced a new range of uniforms made entirely from recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET).

Along with a host of paper recycling and digitalisation initiatives to decrease paper usage within the company, ENGIE Cofely has also introduced business cards made from recycled paper for all its staff.

Approximately 40,000 cards are printed per year, which equates to roughly 1 tonne of paper or 24 trees per year.

“A total of 42 plastic PET bottles are used to make one uniform, and to date we have produced 4,200 recycled uniforms for our staff. This equates to 176,400 bottles that have been successfully diverted from landfills, and 28,32876 ounces of carbon

“ENGIE Cofely has also pledged to reduce single-use plastic packaging, as well as encouraging recycling amongst their approved suppliers. We have already adopted a ‘no single-use plastic water bottles or cutlery/cups’ philosophy, and

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we also recently partnered with Liquid of Life to install water filters in the pantry to avoid using plastic water dispensers.

In fact, we calculated that we will divert approximately 6,000kgs of plastic from landfills over 10 years,” said Holsters.

ENGIE Cofely is also currently reviewing the process of transitioning all company vehicles to electric/low carbon emission vehicles to support ENGIE’s strategic ambition to be a leader in the transition to low-carbon transportation, helping to reduce pollution and improve air quality across the country.

ENGIE aspires to become the world leader in the zero-carbon transition. Worldwide, internal practices are fully aligned with this ambition, while ENGIE promotes an internal culture of sustainability and active carbon footprint reduction in all its’ practices.

Issue 20 | January 2020

#THEGREENECONOMIST

Amidst the Enablers of Climate Change

By Ivano Iannelli CEO, Dubai Carbon

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he chairman of the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) has announced that Dubai has been selected by the UN Secretariat to host the first climate event of its kind in the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA). The news was shared during a press conference for the Regional Climate Weeks, on the sidelines of the 2019 United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP25, held in Madrid, Spain, in December. MENA Climate Week 2020 will be the first Regional Climate Week convened in the region. It will gather governments, civil society, and the private sector from across the region to collaborate on bold and rapid actions in the face of the severe threat of climate change.

Selecting Dubai as a host city represents an impressive economic milestone of global significance and serves as testament to the UAE’s deliberate efforts to transitioning to a green economy. As the nation strives for a swift monumental shift towards a new model of sustainable growth that addresses climate change and strives to meet global development goals, gathering of public and private sector representatives under one roof to highlight the successes and share ideas from across the region will be imperative.

The UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment participated in the press conference, whereby the importance of hosting the MENA Climate Week 2020 and UAE’s rigorous efforts to combat climate change were highlighted.

More and more international companies are joining the movement to take action in tackling climate change by devising clear plans aligned with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) cautionary report. Names like Danone, Inter IKEA Group, and Nestlé are just some of the first movers committed to a 1.5°C future. These ambitious entities encourage the alignment of the private sector with governments and civil society and send a clear message that the markets are shifting.

Dubai has a long-standing experience in hosting regional and global events which will help ensure the success of the MENA Climate Week 2020. The event will be organised by the UNFCC-WGEO Regional Collaboration Center’s Steering Committee during the long-anticipated Expo 2020 Dubai and it will be attended by over 10,000 participants.

The greatest edge for the MENA region is that the businesses are not weighed

down by global uncertainties unlike those of the Western society. The former have the advantage of being innovators that take bold steps to combat climate change, without being suppressed by delicate political structures. We are excited to see how the MENA climate week will bring out new commitments, actions, debates, and discussions across the powerful network of businesses and governments that will create a shared vision to shape the future for the better.

We are proud to be one of the enablers of climate change at the MENA Climate Week 2020. UAE has consistently been a leader on the attainment of this monumental achievement, demonstrating the nation’s ongoing commitment to promoting a green economy. We look forward to meeting you there!

GREEN JOB

Accountant – (17002009)

Provide financial, administrative and clerical services in order to ensure effective, efficient and accurate financial and administrative operations. The Accounts Receivable Clerk must comply with organization policies and procedures.

To apply, please visit: jobs.dubaicareers.ae

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The Sustainabilist | WFES

FEATURE

Urban Mining the New Black The concept of Urban Mining is here to stay as methods for recycling critical raw materials are being developed globally as their scarcity increases.

By Simone Andersson Project Manager at RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Division Energy and Circular Economy

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are earth metals and other critical materials, for example Cobalt, Platinum and Neodymium, play a crucial role in industrial production, especially for green energy technologies such as wind turbines, solar cells, electric vehicles and energy-efficient lighting. One of the finite resources, Phosphorus, is an essential nutrient that is necessary for cultivation and thus a mineral essential to our survival.

It is imperative that all critical materials indispensable for conversion to fossil freedom, reduction in climate impact and for coping with the planetary boundaries (i.e. also the critical materials in themselves) are managed efficiently to avoid setbacks. As the demand increases and deposits in traditional mines are running low there is the need for new, innovative solutions to create sustainable loops.

Conflicting virgin raw materials Many critical elements are not only scarce, they are also extracted in non-

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sustainable ways, exploiting people, leaving the environment with irreparable damages and sometimes even financing armed conflicts. Extreme demand leads to increases in the prices, and since methods to effectively trace the materials are still under development, profit-driven actors exploit these circumstances without considering the repercussions and with no consequences.

On the 1st of January 2021, the European Union will implement a new law, the Conflict Minerals Regulation. Its purpose is to help the trade of the 3TGs (Tin, Tantalum, Tungsten and Gold) become more sustainable by meeting international responsible sourcing standards, set by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The regulation will directly apply to approximately between 600 and 1,000 EU-importers and indirectly affect about 500 smelters and refiners, whether they are based within the EU or not.

Enabling recovery and recycling The recovery rate and available techniques

for recycling differ widely for different critical materials. Often, the problem is dilution (i.e. low levels) in combination with a lack of technology and being able to take out components containing the various substances to get as concentrated currents as possible. Another problem is the lack of traceability, collection systems, policies/regulations, standardisation and awareness through the system, which allows for many components/materials that could be sorted out, to be rejected and either put in landfill or be incinerated.

There is a lot of research and development ongoing – by governments, research institutes and through private initiatives in, for instance, the electronics, vehicle, recycling and, of course, mining industries. To recover Phosphorous from human waste as well as from mining residue is also a very high priority in many countries. Those who can present feasible and sustainable methods of recycling these critical material streams will be the leader in the new era, where mining will be done through products already circulating in our society – the so called Urban Mining.

Issue 20 | January 2020

FEATURE

Lenovo’s Reduction of Electric Waste Lenovo’s ‘Remove-IT Program’ Aims to reduce Electrical and Electronic Waste in the Middle East.

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enovo, a technology leader in Intelligent Transformation, has partnered with Enviroserve, who have recently launched the world’s largest integrated processing facility for electrical and electronic equipment waste (WEEE) in Dubai Industrial Park. The partnership with Enviroserve and Wisetek forms part of Lenovo’s wider approach to e-waste management through its Lenovo RemoveIT Program.

The Recycling Hub by Enviroserve is a state-of-the-art facility that is spread across 280,000 square feet and offers the annual capacity to recycle 39,000 tonnes of electrical and electronic waste. Powered by solar energy and producing no air or liquid emissions, the facility contributes to international e-waste recycling efforts and serves as a role model in the Middle East and Africa. It also features an IT Asset Disposition centre.

“When we think about waste management and recycling, a data centre is not the first thing that springs to mind. Neither do we think about what happens to the smartphone in the palm of our hands once it retires. However, the electronic materials we deal with every day, in both

daily life and at the backend across data centres, consist of components that are potentially harmful to our environment and we must find pioneering ways to manage them effectively,” said Dr Chris Cooper, General Manager of Lenovo DCG. “This is something we are tackling with the partnership and through our Lenovo Remove-IT Program in general. As we work towards empowering the workforce in an age of intelligent transformation, will be working closely with clients and partners to optimise the lifecycle of their enterprise IT equipment, as well as maximise their products value. We strongly believe that taking a circular economy approach will contribute to the sustainability agenda of the UAE and region beyond,” he continued.

Commenting on the partnership Stuart Fleming, Group CEO, Enviroserve said: “Lenovo has shown great leadership and innovation in the sustainability space by offering three programs that address key challenges in recycling electronic waste.

We are proud to be their partner in this initiative and are ready to support their sustainability goals across the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa.”

“Reuse is the highest form of sustainability and environmental best practice. Wisetek is excited to join hands with Lenovo and Enviroserve to bring our global network of testing, data deletion, repair and sales expertise of used ICT equipment to the region.” Jim Sheehan, Executive Director, Wisetek META added.

As part of the Lenovo Remove-IT Program, Lenovo is focussed on three key areas. The Lenovo Health Check (LHC), the Total Returns Management Authorisation (TRMA) and the Lenovo Residual Value Guarantees (LRVG) are the Lenovo’s three sub-programs that enable a circular approach to environmental waste management in which companies replace the end-of-life concept of equipment with restoration and reuse.

This approach is in line with the UAE’s Vision 2021, for creating and maintaining a sustainable environment.

The LHC will provide clients with a physical audit of IT equipment for the purpose of supporting the equipment lifecycle. Through Lenovo’s partner network, it can perform a complete physical inventory of every site and prepare detailed reports. The TRMA is a sustainable and scalable trade-in program. It will provide a service model that ensures all returning materials are analysed, valued, collected, reconciled and processed efficiently at an optimal cost. Both these initiatives will support clients with managing the life cycle of their e-waste and preserve their products for longer, at a higher value.

Finally, the LRVG program enables the procurement of new Lenovo Data Centre Equipment (Compute, Storage and Network) with a binding residual value.

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The Sustainabilist | WFES

FEATURE

Wastewater recycling: A viable solution for the global water shortage

By Bee’ah

A

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s the world’s population rises towards the projected 10 billion by 2050, we are already experiencing a growing

demand for freshwater, with our existing resources increasingly stressed by overabstraction, pollution and climate change.

Located in the Arabian Gulf, the UAE is in

one of the most arid regions in the world.

We also have one of the world’s highest per capita water consumption of 550 litres per day. As our economy develops and

Issue 20 | January 2020

population increases, water, which is an already scarce resource for us, will come under greater pressure due to a surge in demand. To offset growing water scarcity, we need greater awareness amongst our stakeholders to leverage the advancements in technology to expand the judicious use of our water resources.

Wastewater is one such untapped resource, which if managed efficiently and properly can generate tremendous social, environmental and economic benefits that are essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Currently, water consumption in the UAE is primarily divided across private households, agriculture and industry.

Fortunately, the nation’s leadership and authorities are aware of the opportunities in wastewater management. Sharjah based Bee’ah, for example, has adopted a sustainable process to produce irrigation water from wastewater. As a pioneering force for sustainable solutions in the Middle East, Bee’ah, expanded its efforts to provide environment-friendly solutions for all waste generators, by establishing an Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant in Sharjah to treat contaminated water and produce an effluent that can be returned to the water cycle, with minimum impact on the environment.

The plant has a daily capacity of 350 cubic metres and produces unrestricted irrigation water through five different treatment stages. The process starts with industrial wastewater entering the reception area where it passes through a physical treatment stage of sedimentation and filtration to separate sand and floating fats. In the next stage, the water is pumped for a chemical treatment to adjust the pH levels of water between six and nine and

for coagulation to remove heavy metals.

The next step is the biological treatment of the water, which involves bacteria consuming organic pollutants in the water through anoxic and aerobic processes. In the final stages, the water goes through filtration and a UV light processes to remove suspended matter and most harmful pathogens.

Bee’ah is currently working on increasing research on process control systems and equipment while also developing working principles of auxiliary and electrical equipment to be used in the plant. Bee’ah is also conducting studies to improve the quality of Sharjah’s popular water features, Khalid and Al Khan lagoons.

The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has also committed to recycling and reusing all of its wastewater within the emirate for irrigation purposes. This is an enormous step as currently it is estimated that 60% of irrigation water is sourced from water wells.

Evidently, wastewater can be a costeffective and sustainable source of energy, with direct benefits to food and energy security. Within the context of a circular economy, utilising wastewater and recovering by-products can also generate business opportunities, while the costs of better wastewater management are outweighed by the greater benefits it offers towards people’s health, socioeconomic development and environmental sustainability.

UNESCO and UN Water estimate that more than 80% of the world’s wastewater is released into the environment without treatment. Among the world’s least developed countries, this figure rises to

about 95%. We cannot ignore the impact of untreated wastewater on our health and environment, while also reducing freshwater availability. Wastewater discharged into rivers and lakes ultimately finds its way into the oceans, which has even more disastrous consequences for the marine environment.

Wastewater management offers plenty of opportunities – from phosphorus recovery to developing healthy ecosystems and capacity building, research and development that can create jobs and a cleaner, inhabitable environment for people.

Reaching our goals of a higher percentage of wastewater treatment and reuse does require us to consciously address, what is known in the industry as the 4Rs: Reducing pollution at the source; Removing contaminants from wastewater flows; Reusing treated wastewater; and Recovering useful by-products.

Technology has allowed us to innovate and create solutions that allow us to manage wastewater treatment, however, around the world there is an urgency for more economic and regulatory leadership that prioritises the use of reclaimed water and recovered by-products.

Through the success of our Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant Bee’ah has been able to set an example for decisionmakers, government and the private sector about the economic and environmental benefits of managing wastewater as a sustainable source of water, energy nutrients and other recoverable byproducts. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with the UAE’s leadership to deliver solutions that will tackle the water challenge in sustainable and effective ways.

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The Sustainabilist | WFES

Green Startups & Finance

In 2018, US$ 167.6 Billions worth of green bonds were issued.

Rewiring Capital 44

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CLIX - the Climate Innovations Exchange

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Dominique Chatfield

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The Eco Champion

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Issue 20 | January 2020

FEATURE

Rewiring Capital Mike Wilkins, Managing Director - Sustainable Finance at S&P Global Ratings, sheds light on the importance, challenges and innovative opportunities in investments.

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hat important strategies could be adopted to boost sustainable investment?

Right now, the framing of ESG as a niche issue or investment strategy – or as something inherently “non-financial” – is among the greatest hurdles for markets, regulators and investors to overcome.

To change market perception, the financial community may look to increase understanding of ESG factors and their business impact.

Naturally, the material impact of the “E” is gaining recognition, given the effects of climate change, water scarcity and biodiversity loss are most visible, and already pushing entities to consider these new threats in their strategic decisions.

Since environmental factors are most

visible, promoting awareness of the importance of “S” and “G” factors – and their material financial impact on an entity – will also be key.

Importantly, there are currently no uniform standards about how to account for and measure ESG factors, which in turn limits the opportunities to effectively compare ESG performance.

The creation of market-recognised yardsticks will, therefore, be vital.

This is no small task but the potential value is significant. With this in mind, initiatives such as S&P Global Ratings’ ESG Evaluation can serve as an independent analysis of an entity’s ability to operate successfully into the future, based on how ESG factors could affect stakeholders and potentially cause a material financial impact.

How do you see the green bond financing for water-security efforts as leveraging already-existing financing mechanisms or pools of finance?

Climate change and the depletion of groundwater reserves are increasing water-related risks, including freshwater scarcity, flooding and droughts. Water factors have played a significant role in S&P Global Ratings’ analyses, being the main driver of 28 ratings actions and mentioned in 169 ratings actions in the period July 2015 to August 2017.

Importantly, 70% of ratings actions in which water risks were a key factor were negative, with half being downgrades.

It makes economic sense, therefore, for entities to drive and fund initiatives that aim to mitigate the negative impacts of water risks.

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The Sustainabilist | WFES

Globally, state entities and private corporates have started looking to fund their sustainability and water management projects via green finance instruments.

Vehicles being utilised include green bonds; pools of finance; and, in the Gulf and ASEAN region particularly, sukuk – a financing instrument compliant with Sharia law and thus accessible to Islamic investors.

2017 marked the Gulf’s first green bond issuance, which was issued by the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (now First Abu Dhabi Bank following a merger with First Gulf Bank) and raised AED 2.1 billion (US$ 587 million). The same year, the Dubai Electric and Water Authority (DEWA) announced that it had secured AED 2.4 billion (US$ 653 million) in sustainability project funding via the Dubai Green Fund.

This was secured via a financing pool, with the lead investor being a savings scheme owned entirely by the Emirate’s sovereign wealth fund. DEWA’s green fund has expressed its intent to eventually be worth AED 100 billion (US$ 27 billion).

From the corporate side, Majid Al Futtaim, a UAE-based developer and shopping mall operator, launched the Middle East’s first corporate green sukuk, valued at US$ 600 million.

How could developed countries mobilise sufficient funding for mitigating and adapting to the adverse effects of climate change?

Climate change adaptation will require significant investment – as much as US$ 4.3 trillion according to some estimates in a two-degree global warming scenario.

Given the sheer size of the adaptation gap, combined with constrained public finances, we may see private investment stepping in to shoulder the shortfall. On 46

the whole, global climate finance flows have scaled up, increasing by 17% to US$ 681 billion between 2015 and 2016, from 2013 to 2014 levels. This can largely be attributed to high levels of new private investment – particularly from project developers, corporations, and commercial banks. Indeed, new investments from these entities accounted for 54% of the share of global climate investments in 2015 to 2016.

To continue this upwards momentum, the financing community may look to make adaptation financing more appealing to the private sector. Demonstrating a strong “resilience benefit” in projects should draw investors looking for significant resilience in addition to an attractive riskreturn profile. The successful adoption of new financial instruments that introduce a strong link between investment returns and resilience benefits could further increase uptake of adaptation financing.

There is likely to be an uptick in issuance of innovative green financial instruments in the coming months and years, such as the development and evolution of green collateralised loan obligations (CLO), which would support the scaling up of green loans by banks. Currently, the lack of green collateral is the main drawback to the development of a green CLO market.

Policy change has historically fuelled the growth of the green market too. This is a trend likely to continue as policymakers look to incentivise public, private and multilateral financings in order to achieve their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), targeted mitigation and resilience efforts, set out under the Paris Agreement.

Spurred by the International Panel of Climate Change’s landmark 1.5° report,

attendees of the UN climate change negotiations (COP24), held in December 2018 in Katowice, Poland, called for a significant ramp up in countries’ NDCs. Previous NDC targets would result in a global warming scenario of 3°, which would have severe macroeconomic consequences. The new NDC targets, negotiated at COP24, aim to cap global warming at 1.5° above pre-industrial levels, which will require significant investment – so we may see sovereigns implementing favourable policies for sustainable investment and projects.

Sovereigns have also ramped up their own green-labelled issuance, which has grown by upwards of 60% in the last two years.

GREEN JOB

Application Software Engineer (18001338)

Build system mission of application or Simulator for controlling, testing and analysis the spacecraft such as mission control software to generate command and received telemetry.

To apply, please visit: jobs.dubaicareers.ae

Issue 20 | January 2020

FEATURE

CLIX - the Climate Innovations Exchange Launched in 2018, CLIX supports the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment strategy to enable the sourcing and funding of climate change solutions and technologies.

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LIX is a unique global marketplace located in Abu Dhabi, UAE, a World Future Energy Summit initiative and a part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week connecting entrepreneurs, innovators and investors on a global level to enable partnerships that will power climate change solutions through knowledge, innovation and funding.

CLIX connects young entrepreneurs from around the world with investors to drive winning environmental concepts that leverage cutting-edge tech for the good of the planet. Through providing a dedicated space for innovators to introduce their solutions to an audience of potential investors, CLIX presents a viable opportunity to secure the funding they need to translate their ideas from concept to implementation.

In 2019, 41 finalists showcased their inventions at CLIX Marketplace in Abu Dhabi, and met with investors. During the 4 days, start-ups met with visitors, investors, and authorities and reported a total of US$53.9 million of potential

involvement in projects and investments in the region.

For 2020, CLIX organisers focused on searching the globe for the breakthrough innovations in Sustainability in Space, Future of Energy, Future of Food and Agriculture and Future of Mobility.

Finalists will get benefits from free showcase area, financial support as well as opportunity to pitch their solutions to investors. “Once again, CLIX opens its doors to innovators and entrepreneurs from across the globe. Hosted by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment of the United Arab Emirates on the sidelines of the World Future Energy Summit 2020, the platform has in its previous editions disrupted climate and sustainability action worldwide.

Currently in its third instalment, CLIX boasts a proven track record of facilitating successful partnerships between trailblazing startups and forward-thinking investors. Recognising the power of harnessing the creativity of young minds to deliver unconventional solutions to

environmental challenges, CLIX aspires to provide a viable opportunity for young entrepreneurs to secure funding and develop winning environmental concepts for the benefit of our planet,� said HE Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, UAE.

GREEN JOB

Instrument Science Engineer(18001326)

Create capabilities for developing a data pipeline process to be able to handle infrared data sets ensuring the organization realizing the strategic objectives for supporting new space and planetary missions.

To apply, please visit: jobs.dubaicareers.ae

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The Sustainabilist | WFES

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Issue 20 | January 2020

I AM THE SUSTAINABILIST

Dominique Chatfield CATALYST Program Manager Have sustainability and environmental issues always been a passion of yours?

How did you first get involved, and how did you develop your passion?

Born and raised in Abu Dhabi, I was constantly surrounded by rapid urbanisation which influenced my interest in city development and resource consumption, especially in the context of water security and energy usage. As a teenager, a visit to Masdar City ignited my developing environmental awareness as I quickly became fascinated about the concept and logistics behind building a low carbon city. Completing my bachelor’s degree in the field of Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technologies allowed me to develop an understanding of the practical ways in which new technologies can be developed and deployed in real world situations to alleviate carbon emissions. My Masters of Environment and Sustainable Development explored the social perspective of the climate crisis, how it can have severe and disproportionate effects on societies and the ever-increasing role of technology in reduction of poverty through aid, data collection and energy access particularly in the Global South.

Do you have a particular favourite area of sustainability or environmental issues?

I believe that research based environmental policies in governance have a huge role to play in the sustainability of our future. Strong environmental

policies often bring about lasting and transformational change. Policies which drive wide societal awareness and behaviour change will become increasingly important to build a sustainable future for generations to come. The Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy is an example of a strong policy that is driving behaviour change through tariffs on energy use.

Recently implemented policies mandating the inclusion of sustainability and ethics education in school curriculums will also play a key role in increasing public awareness.

Where do you see your career and commitment to sustainability?

I hope to continue building my professional career in the Middle East as I believe that my education, skills and personal values are aligned with the UAE governments’ strategy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution which includes elements of sustainability and clean technologies. My current employment at Catalyst, A Masdar-BP Initiative, the regions first technology start-up accelerator focused on sustainability and clean technology, enables an energising and challenging work environment whilst giving me the ability to use my knowledge and skills to help new business initiatives grow, identify synergies and build nurturing networks. This is undoubtedly shaping my career in the direction that aligns with my personal ethos.

important to Dubai and the UAE? Is it something in which we should all be invested?

The high risk for water scarcity and the continued high energy consumption will have lasting impacts on the region as we continue to witness evidence of unprecedented and an exponentially growing climate crisis across the globe.

Sheikh Mohammed is clear about his dream for a sustainable and resilient Dubai and improving efficiencies in carbon use. The Federal leadership in the UAE is a pioneering, international role model and has shown commitment through investment into the sustainability of the UAE. An example of this is the key theme of sustainability in Expo 2020. All businesses in the UAE should investigate how introducing sustainable best practices can help the UAE reduce costs and improve necessary resource utilisation in a holistic approach to positively impact the economy, environment and society.

GREEN JOB

Accountant – (17002009)

Provide financial, administrative and clerical services in order to ensure effective, efficient and accurate financial and administrative operations. The Accounts Receivable Clerk must comply with organization policies and procedures.

To apply, please visit: jobs.dubaicareers.ae

Why do you think sustainability is 49

The Sustainabilist | WFES

INTERVIEW

The Eco Champion

Three young and passionate entrepreneurs founded a locally based start-up BluePhin to collect floating marine trash and monitor water quality.

H

ow did you come up with the idea for BluePhin?

Well Irfan Vakkayil and Anand E P used their engineering senior project to work on what would be India’s first unmanned surface vehicle for water quality monitoring and pollutant tracking. During this period, they found plastic debris to be the largest contributor to ocean pollution. It is then that Irfan and Anand met their co-founder, Simran Chowdhry through Sheraa and pursued their mission to decarbonise the economy and save our oceans.

Tell us more about the technology behind BluePhin.

BluePhin is what we get when we find symmetry between hardware and software.

We integrate artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, aerodynamic marine design and water treatment methods to deliver value. BluePhin’s team is continuously innovating and leveraging all forms of technology to achieve our mission in saving the planet.

What was the hardest part in the early

50

stages of development?

Ultimately, any start-up is creating something from nothing. Turning an idea into reality, is usually where most start-ups fail. Just like Lego, you have a lot of pieces and there isn’t a specific order to build in.

It just takes time and persistence. As long as you have all the pieces, you’ll finish your build.

What do you hope will be the future implications of the technology you are developing?

This year alone, the great pacific garbage patch has grown to become nineteen times the size of the UAE and as we speak it is still growing! The technology will help us tackle ocean pollution and acidification whilst reducing our carbon footprint. We hope to work for a future where technology such as BluePhin will outdate itself due to the lack of contamination in our waterbodies to begin with.

What advice would you give to all the young people out there with an idea?

There is never a right time to start working

or the right circumstances for start-up.

You have to just do it, and take a leap of faith, start somewhere, anywhere but start. Taking the first step is the hardest part but once you commit to it, the feedback and insights received can then pivot your start-up and create the value you envision.

The real value proposition doesn’t lie in your idea, business model or patent, it lies within you. Understanding that will help you use the bumps along this journey as a learning curve for what’s to come.

It’ll also be motivation when competition feels ahead, and everything starts to take a toll because at some point it does and the key to coming out on top is just keep driving.

Feedback is like photography; you need to take 100 pictures to get 1 or 2 shots that are actually usable.

You’re going to fail a lot of times before you succeed, the key to this is failing fast, early, and cheap!

Issue 20 | January 2020

Green Champions Since its launch, 200 talented young delegates have taken part in and benefited from DEWA’s Carbon Ambassador Programme.

BUiD, the Launchpad for Novel Education

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The Sustainabilist | WFES

INTERVIEW

BUiD, the Launchpad for Novel Education Professor Bassam Abdel-Karim Abu-Hijleh, Head of the Sustainability MSc & PhD Programmes at the British University in Dubai discusses with the Sustainabilist the efforts to grow environmental and sustainable knowledge and awareness among students in the UAE.

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hat initiatives is BUiD partaking in to promote awareness and knowledge about sustainability and climate change?

BUiD holds a wide range of activities deigned to promote awareness and knowledge about sustainability and climate change, such as: 1. International conferences with sustainability as a major theme hosted in Dubai 2. Sustainability Summer School (SSS).

This is a free-to attend 5-day event hosted at BUiD. The participants are high school and university undergraduate students. The event includes a wide range of lectures, activities, visits and competitions designed to enhance the participants knowledge and appreciation to the issue of sustainability.

3. BUiD holds a wide range of professional training and certification workshops that are focussed on different aspects of sustainability.

The first such workshop was the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) 52

back in 2007. In 2013, BUiD introduced a new range of energy efficiency international certificates from the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP), and Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) to name a few. These certifications have since been recognized by the Dubai’s RSB and Etihad ESCO as requirements for accrediting Energy Services Companies (ESCOs) to work on Dubai government energy efficiency projects. These workshops have attracted participants from all GCC countries who came to Dubai to attend the workshops and take the certification exam at BUiD. We continue to add new international certifications as per the market demand.

4. BUiD also develops and offers specialised in-house training programmes as per the customer’s request. This has included a wide range of sustainability related workshops for federal, local, and

private organisations across the UAE. 5. BUiD staff regularly participate in sustainability related events in the UAE as guest speakers, panel members, and judges.

6. BUiD holds sustainability-themed public lectures on regular bases.

The lectures are delivered by local industry experts as well as internal guest speakers.

7. BUiD has organised several student trips to the UK and the Nordic countries to allow students to experience the latest sustainability related technologies and implementations from the countries that have made great strides in the implementation of sustainability.

Are sustainability-related programmes becoming more popular?

Yes they are becoming more popular with potential students. Unfortunately the industry is lagging behind in terms of recognizing and appreciating such graduates. This is negatively affecting the uptake of such programmes.

What do you think the higher education

Issue 20 | January 2020

Recognition and accreditation by professional organizations will become as important as academic accreditation in the UAE. This is already the case in many developed countries in which professional accreditation is sought in order to ensure that the university degree is industry relevant and that the graduates can be productive as soon as they join an organization. For this

“

In 2015, BUiD was the first in the UAE & the GCC to introduce a PhD programme focused on the theme of sustainability.

“

landscape of the future will look like in the next 10 years in terms of sustainability?

Sustainability is a broad concept and has links to almost every academic discipline.

As such, I expect future curricula to include elements of knowledge related to how the discipline links to sustainability.

More programmes will be developed with focus on the outcome, e.g. energy efficiency or renewable resources, that the current classical programmes, e.g. architecture or mechanical engineering.

This will require students to work across a range of classical disciplines breaking the classical tradition of studying/working in individual silos. A pioneering example of this is our Sustainable Design of the Built Environment MSC Programme which BUiD introduced for the first time in the gulf back in 2014. Students joining these programmes include Architects, Interior Designers, Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers and others. When BUiD introduced this programme, we had to spend a lot of time educating people about sustainability and the unclassical names/themes of this novel programme. Since then, many other universities in the UAE have followed site and attempted to duplicate this programme. In 2015, BUiD was the first in the UAE & the GCC to introduce a PhD programme focused on the theme of sustainability.

reason, BUiD has already sought and achieved several relevant professional accreditation & associations such as The Chartered Institute of Buildings (CIoB), the American Society of Engineering managers (ASEM), and Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). BUiD is currently working on achieving other relevant professional accreditations such as Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) and the Chartered Institute of Building services (CIBSE).

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) will also become mandatory in the near future. CPDs are already a requirement by many professional organisations of their members in order to maintain their membership. CPDs play an important role in insuring that professionals are always aware of the latest relevant knowledge and technologies in their filed and do not replay solely on the knowledge gained while at university.

This is crucial as the rate at which the world is changing is extremely fast and professionals need to contribute to invest in themselves to insure they remain

industry relevant. BUiD offers several of its post-graduate modules as CPDs. BUiD also developed custom made CPDs to meet specific needs of several high caliber organisations.

Is BUiD investing in programmes that contribute to Dubai’s and the national strategies to mitigate climate change?

Yes, BUiD was the first to introduce a sustainability related programme in 2005.

Since then, BUiD continued to add new programmes and refine existing ones based on the UAE’s and Dubai’s strategic plans along with market needs. Some of the programmes that BUiD has introduced over the years include: Sustainable Design of the Built Environment (MSc), Intelligent Building Design and Automation (MSc), Engineering Management (MSc), Architecture and Sustainable Built Environment (PhD), Building Services Engineering (MSc), and Electro-Mechanical Engineering (BSc).

GREEN JOB

Senior Specialist - (19000007) Develop and implement HSE plans and programs, communicate them effectively while ensuring that the established processes comply with International Management System Standards and applicable laws & regulations, amongst other responsibilities To apply, please visit: jobs.dubaicareers.ae

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The Sustainabilist | WFES

Smart Cities and Technology In the MENA region, the smart cities market will double from US$ 1.3 Billion in 2018 to US$ 2.7 Billion by 2022.

Putting an End to Counterfeit Refrigerants 54

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Bringing Sustainable Autonomous Homes to the UAE

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The Importance of Talent Development for our Economic Future

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Issue 20 | January 2020

INTERVIEW

Putting an End to Counterfeit Refrigerants Honeywell launched a first-of-its-kind mobile app to combat counterfeit refrigerants in the Middle East, providing proof of authenticity to customers.

Amir Naqvi, Regional Business Leader, Honeywell Fluorine Products, META; Yiannis Bessiris, General Manager, Honeywell Advanced Materials, META

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n 5th October 2019, Honeywell launched a first-ofits-kind mobile app to combat counterfeit refrigerants in the Middle East. Named after Honeywell’s Genetron brand of refrigerants, which have been a target for counterfeiters in the region, the app will provide proof of authenticity to customers and direct access to Honeywell consultants and technicians.

What is the purpose of Genetron app and who is it designed for?

Amir: The audience is the HVAC industry because the app is all about connectivity and knowledge sharing. It can be a government body or regulator, such as DEWA or the Ministry of Environment, or it could be a technician. There are also features in the app where we will offer webinars, training and tech support, and the possibility of connecting with Honeywell to ask questions. The app

is primarily a tool to enable people to identity genuine refrigerants versus counterfeits, so it concerns people who are trading, buying and using refrigerants.

Everyone was trying to find their way around what counterfeit means and some would send us photos. Now the QR code will tell you 100% whether what you have is an authentic product.

What is the environmental impact of counterfeit refrigerants?

Amir: There are two main environmental impacts. One is from the direct impact – for example any harmful refrigerant or material or gas will leak into the environment, it could be ozone depleting or it could contribute to global warming.

But the most important impact is the indirect one, which comes from energy efficiency. As you know in the Middle East, 80-85% of the energy consumption of a building is in the air conditioning.

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The Sustainabilist | WFES

Yiannis: Even if they haven’t seen any of that. Once they buy the product, there is a sticker that says ‘scan and verify’. People will be intrigued to see what is this new sticker.

Yiannis Bessiris

Amir Naqvi

General Manager, Honeywell Advanced Materials, META

Regional Business Leader, Honeywell Fluorine Products, META

So if the right refrigerant is not used, this could affect the performance and efficiency of the system. You will have a high energy bill. The system will stop performing well and your energy consumption will go up, which means you’ll need more oil or gas and the energy demand will go up.

sure the refrigerant going into their car is genuine. But there are various other features in the app, such as tech support to the technician. The app will provide an optimal design parameter or guidance on using a refrigerant. Right now, the communication is on a prompt email basis but depending on the demand, we may launch features like a hotline or live chat. We might also roll out web-based training on topics such as how to use different types of refrigerants and how to make an A/C more efficient.

Yiannis: At the end of the day, when a product is fake, it could have anything inside. It can be something very harmful for the environment or something very toxic. And the app aims to deal with this problem and will help address safety and environmental concerns.

How will the app help address the negative impact of counterfeit refrigerants?

Amir: From the environmental side, it will help control the prevalence of counterfeits in the market or at least empower the end user, which can be a homeowner or car owner. Anyone can scan and make 56

How will the technicians know about this app?

Amir: We are doing a direct communication campaign. For example, this morning we had an event for our key customers and introduced the app to them. We’re also using our point of sale promotion, through our distributors and retailers where these refrigerants are being sold.

So how were you previously authenticating your refrigerants?

Amir: Before, we didn’t have an instant way of authentication. We had three tactics – one was the security features in the packaging but we had to physically go to identify them it so it was not empowering technicians. It was an obsolete way because counterfeit sector was catching up quickly. Secondly, we were working with the police and customs authorities. Thirdly, we have been raising awareness by telling people to only buy from distributors. But these weren’t fool proof. That’s why we introduced this digital feature, it empowers the end user who’s remotely using the product, not just to verify authenticity but to check with Honeywell should there still be doubts.

What are some of the new energyefficient refrigerants that you’ve launched in recent years?

Amir: We have a low global-warming range of products which we call the next generation. We’re promoting them in this region, and this app will help us to connect with the industry to talk more about them.

They’re finding more traction because of the energy efficiency. For example, in a supermarket application, there is a product we’re introducing called Solstice N40, and it’s replacing an incumbent product called 404A. This new solution can help save 10 to 15 percent energy on the refrigeration system of a supermarket versus the 404A refrigerant. We have very strong brand equity in the market, we’re the most premium, and that’s the reason people want to create counterfeits.

Issue 20 | January 2020

and be environmentally conscious, for present and future generations.

INTERVIEW

Bringing Sustainable Autonomous Homes to the UAE Wolfhaus, a global leader in tailored, wood-based construction is bringing the well-established family-run business to the Middle East.

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hat distinguishes Wolf System buildings from the others?

To understand how Wolf System building’s, differ from the others, it is important to know where Wolf System comes from and what makes us unique in the Middle East contracting landscape. As a German /Austrian family-run business with over 50 years of experience in sustainable construction, Wolf System is focussed on guaranteed reliability for our customers.

Our philosophy is based on innovation and the continuous search for new technological systems that reflect the values of sustainable construction and social responsibility for future generations. We believe we are more than a contracting company but instead, we are an all-rounded building service provider, focusing on customer satisfaction in

terms of overall well-being, healthy living environments, the technical characteristics of the homes, and the design flexibility that our exclusive technology allows.

Our overall approach focuses on design optimisation, integrated and BIM oriented smart engineering, building material production and supply and, off-site manufacturing with on-site construction.

This allows us to develop projects that differentiates from traditional buildings and means that our buildings are quicker to build, more cost efficient and energy efficient.

How is sustainability integrated in the Wolf System business operations?

Our awareness and passion about sustainability comes from our roots, from the European Alpine region, and our daily connection to nature. It has always been in line with the company philosophy to optimise the entire lifecycle of our buildings

We see it as our social responsibility to hand over homes and buildings that present a lifelong sustainability concept, from a zero waste off-site production, optimised through smart engineering and supply chain management and enhanced by renewable construction materials, to zero CO2 emissions for the building’s life cycle through our outstanding Zero Energy and Energy Plus technologies.

Our aim is to create buildings that offer consumers and businesses a true alternative to traditional construction that have significantly less of an environmental impact. However, we also see it as our responsibility to well-being and health as our homes offer safer and healthier environments for inhabitants - we believe this will be a real game changer to the real estate market.

Is the exceptional efficiency of the product’s thermal insulation equally efficient for maintaining low internal temperatures?

We place importance over our relations with a number of key research entities in order to ensure continuous growth to our systems. Following our feasibility studies of our building technologies and the harsh climate conditions in the region, in 2016 Wolf System built, along with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), the UAE’s first “sustainable autonomous house” relying on our Wolf Haus Energy Plus technologies.

It is also the first-ever UAE structure to have been certified by the Passive House Institute (PHI) in Germany as a ‘Passive House’ under hot and humid climate conditions. It has also been awarded in 2017 with the MENA Green Building 57

The Sustainabilist | WFES

Award under the category Green Residential Building and with the gold Emirates Energy Award 2017 – under the category of Solar Energy Projects - Small Scale, organised by Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE).

The UAE is keeping pace with the rest of the world when it comes to setting targets to achieve sustainability and energy efficiency.

Manufactured off-site using light and renewable construction materials, the MBRSC sustainable autonomous house features solar photovoltaic panels across a meticulously designed building envelope that delivers high-energy efficiencies and numerous health and well-being benefits. The well-insulated MBRSC structure protects its internal spaces and occupants from the harmful external environment. The exceptional energy efficiency of the thermal insulation within our system’s advanced technology gives a major contribution to keep comfortable internal temperatures as requested by the customers, drastically reducing at the same time the cooling load which is needed to keep that internal temperature.

By creating a living and working environment that does not require constant AC to keep the required comfort, occupants breathe cleaner air and gain the health benefits of a consistent comfortable temperature.

What is an Energy Plus home?

Renewable power is only part of the solution to build Energy Plus homes and to meet net-zero targets, which are an important part of UAE’s visions for a sustainable future. The most important part of the solution is to reduce the 58

building’s energy demand itself, specially the cooling demand, to the very minimum.

The Wolf Haus Energy Plus Home, one of the latest products towards a sustainable future, is a complex system that is based on a simple principle: the house must be a place of well-being that adapts both to individual needs for absolute wellbeing and living comfort, as well as to the different climatic and geographical realities to allow energy efficiency without compromise.

The concept is that the house produces more energy than it consumes, through innovations in the field of thermal insulation of building components, in order to reduce the building’s cooling demand to the very minimum, with a wise use of the most modern plant technologies that exploit renewable energy, making the house in fact independent of fossil energy sources. All of these homes are highly efficient offering comfort at low operational costs, really transforming what is on offer in the real estate market.

Through high levels of efficiency, the homes require less energy to operate, placing less stress on the renewable energy systems themselves. Overall homeowners can expect lower utility bills than traditional homes and they can be a part of the future of construction.

While the Energy Plus Homes were initially developed for moderate and cold climates, where the peak of energy consumption will not meet the peak of energy production, the Middle East offers the perfect conditions for an Energy Plus Home: here we have the peak of energy demand which goes directly along with the peak of energy production – in other

words, the highest cooling loads and the highest efficiency for the generation of renewable energies will happen at the same time, in summer.

What benefits and potential will the buildings bring to the Middle East, both in terms of the users and the environment?

In the UAE and the wider region, we hope to continue our contribution to social responsibility as we have done in our European markets. We believe that through proving the importance of our technology for the well-being of home occupants and the environment, we will be a part of future innovations in the market. We feel that the Middle East is predestined for Net-Zero Energy and Energy Plus Homes.

We believe our homes should be happy places, tailored for the future, where customers can feel comfortable and safe, experiencing anther level of wellbeing and happiness, away from cold and unhealthy living environments, which are characteristic for the summer period in the region, where AC related sicknesses are a major problem for the occupants.

Part of our commitment for happy customers is also a carefree building life cycle, considering lower operational and maintenance costs as well as a high durability, given by the outstanding quality and energy performance.

As part of our social responsibility and our commitment for the UAE and the region prosperity, Wolf System can provide an important contribution to achieve the UAE’s and the region’s targets for sustainability and clean energy, as well as for an expanding green economy.

Issue 20 | January 2020

GREEN JOB

Director of the Office of Strategy and Organisational Excellence (UAE National Only) - (19001859)

Draft, review, and develop the strategy of the SLC’s General Secretariat, participate in developing and implementing projects related to this strategy, communicate and coordinate the organizational units with other entities for developing strategies and policies, among other responsibilities.

To apply, please visit: jobs.dubaicareers.ae

FEATURE

The Importance of Talent Development for our Economic Future EGA is bridging gaps with its KHDA approved STEM education.

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e are living in an age of disruption and globalisation.

Technology is changing the way we live and work, bringing tremendous opportunity and new challenges. The next generation will inherit this new economy, our role today is

to prepare them to thrive in it.

Our leaders recognise this fact and have set targets in UAE Vision 2021 and beyond to improve educational attainment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (collectively known as STEM) at our schools. STEM education is

the foundation upon which our country is building a diversified, knowledge-based economy, which in turn enhances our national competitiveness.

Young UAE Nationals certainly understand the importance of STEM, and are much keener on these fields 59

The Sustainabilist | WFES

than older generations. Last year, a study commissioned by Emirates Global Aluminium and conducted by YouGov showed that 40% of 18 to 24 year-olds aspired to a STEM career; while also showing that less than a quarter of their parents would choose a STEM career if they were able to pick again today.

An overwhelming majority of people in the UAE see STEM careers as more likely to contribute to national development than careers in other fields, even if they do not plan to pursue these jobs themselves.

The challenge is turning youth’s aspirations into reality. Only 21% of UAE Nationals in government universities and 19% in private universities were enrolled in STEM subjects in 2015, the most recent year for which figures are available.

development plans for each graduate trainee. The programme provides onthe-job training and technical skills development, and we typically have at least 100 graduates enrolled at any one time.

Training and skills development programmes like these have been very successful and hugely beneficial to our company. Today, five members of our Executive Committee, including our Managing Director and CEO, studied STEM subjects at university and joined EGA as graduate trainees. These senior leaders’ decades of experience places them and others in our company firmly amongst the role models young people would like to engage.

Some 68% of respondents surveyed said that they could be motivated to pursue studies and ultimately a career in STEM if they had access to role models and on-thejob training opportunities.

We believe we have a responsibility to move past just encouraging young people to consider EGA as a career opportunity, and to instead also illustrate what it means to be a STEM professional in an array of fields, and support young people on a path to building long-term careers – at EGA or elsewhere.

At EGA, we are working hard to bridge the gap and provide young people what they need to pursue careers in these fields.

Training is one such area. We currently run a UAE National Graduate Trainee Programme, which creates customised

We provide internships, send young EGA role models to speak at universities and forums, and strongly support our EGA Youth Council in their outreach to the community. We also work with organisations to provide high-schoolers

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The National, Utilities Middle East

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Utilities Middle East

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World Future Energy Summit

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Clean Technica

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World Bank

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Climate Bonds Initiative

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The National

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with work experience opportunities.

Providing some insight into the breadth of STEM work was one of the main reasons we launched a national programme called ‘Engineer the Future’ a few years ago, providing female and male high school students with interactive educational sessions on the aluminium industry and the fundamental science on which it is based.

Are initiatives like these enough? Well we can always do more, but they are certainly part of the solution. We believe that industrial companies like EGA must fulfil their responsibility to encourage young people into STEM careers. Sustaining growth and fulfilling our country’s vision depends on it.

GREEN JOB

Senior Transportation and Modelling - (19002381) Participate in planning integrated and efficient multi-modal transport system for Dubai and studies for road and transport, carry out portfolio-related activities within the department, among other duties and responsibilities.

To apply, please visit: jobs.dubaicareers.ae

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