TOP
COMPANIES
UAE 2009/10
GVPedia.com
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They used to say that agriculture has no future, but with God’s blessing and our determination, we have succeeded in transforming this desert into a green land. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late President of the United Arab Emirates
PROVISONAL CONTENTS Vision Statements Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi, Environmental Advisor, Government of Ajman
Research Contributors Narina Mnatsakanian, Project Manager, Emerging Markets & Developing Countries Projects, UN PRI Dr Nasser H Saidi, Chief Economist, DIFC Mark Beer, Registrar, DIFC Courts Dr Raed Safadi, Chief Economist, Department of Economic Development, Dubai Amjad Rihan, Director of Climate Change and Sustainability Services, Ernst & Young Sami Khoreibi, CEO, Enviromena Robert Ziegler, Vice President, AT Kearney Sujit S Parhar, CEO, Tabreed David Brennan, General Manager, Etisalat Academy Chip Harris, Chief Technical Officer, Aqualyng Clare Woodcraft, Director of Regional Communications, MENA, Shell Shezan Amiji, Director, Eco Ventures Michael Cox-Hill, General Manager, British Safety Council Jesse Downs, Director of Research and Advisory Services, Landmark Advisory Dr Issa Baluch, Chairman, Swift Freight International
Features
Dr. Lulu Skidmore, Scientific Director, Camel Reproduction Centre Tony Williams, Senior Vice President- Resorts & Projects, Emirates Hotels & Resorts
Embracing Environmental, Social & Corporate Governance issues, UN Global Compact
Markus Oberlin, General Manager, Farnek Services
Zero Carbon City potentials, Masdar, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company
Steven Greenwood, Manager, InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Welcome to IRENA, Abu Dhabi secures global renewable energy HQ
The Art of Living, Worldwide NGO
The UAE civil nuclear energy policy mushrooms…
Nils El Accad, CEO, Organic Foods & Café
Top UAE Green initiatives
Akhilesh, Grand Reiki Master, Cosmic Rhythm
Top UAE CSR initiatives
Malini Ohri, Health & Beauty Consultant, Splendour
Creating a sustainable identity, Brand Abu Dhabi
Emese Agoston, Managing Director, Elche Beauty Retreat Gulnar Ahmed Ghazi, Director, The Gentleman’s Spa
Editorial Participants
Global Eco Pioneers Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAE
Mike Staley, CEO, Molok
Habiba Al Marashi, UAE
Ali Alsaloom, Founder, Embrace Arabia
HRH Prince Charles, Prince of Wales & Duke of Cornwall, UK
Arno Husselmann, General Manager, Abu Dhabi Motors
Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, Norway
Siobhan Leyden, Presenter & Producer, Dubai Eye, Arabian Radio Network
M.K. Gandhi, India
Dr. Maria Angelo-Khattar, Founder & Managing Director, Aesthetica Clinic
Al Gore, USA
Christopher Baker, Executive Chef, The Harbour Hotel & Residence
Sir David Attenborough, UK
Massimiliano Venturelli, Executive Chef, Jebel Ali Gold Resort & Spa
Nikola Tesla, Serbia
K. Ravichandran, Head Chef, Sangeetha Group of Vegetarian Restaurants
Rachel Carson, USA
Vigneshwari, Student, Our Own English High School, Sharjah
Chico Mendes, Brazil
Primary Industries Group Companies Government and Utilities Health & Medical Advertising, Marketing & Media Transport, Warehousing & Logistics Industrial Services and Suppliers Education Travel & Tourism Farming, Fisheries & Food Processing Leisure, Entertainment & Hotels Food, Drink & Hospitality Beauty & Wellness Retail & Fashion Luxury Goods Business, Finance & Investment Business Services ICT Property Development & Real Estate Building, Construction & Design
“Example isn’t another way to teach, it is the only way to teach” claimed virtuoso thinker, Albert Einstein. Leading by example, this ethos was embraced by extraordinary men and women down the ages that each found unique ways to commit to safeguarding the delicate global eco sphere through their groundbreaking initiatives.
Greening the Nation VISION ‘Turn the dessert green’ by investing oil revenues into projects to improve the harsh desert environment. FAMOUS FOR As the ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the UAE for over 30 years (1971-2004), Sheikh Zayed developed a progressive brand of leadership that was always underscored by his personal zeal for environmental protection. The principal architect of the UAE, his environmental strategies were implemented hand in hand with the nation’s rapid socio-economic growth. To ensure the conservation of his country’s eco-diversity, he outlawed hunting, created his own island reserve for endangered species and elevated tree planting to a national priority.
HIS DREAM “We cherish our environment because it is an integral part of our country, our history and our heritage. On land and in the sea, our forefathers lived and survived in this environment. They were able to do so only because they recognized the need to conserve it, to take from it only what they needed to live and to preserve it for succeeding generations.” WHY I LOVE HIM ”By encouraging a mix of traditional and modern technologies and by stimulating agriculture, His Highness has helped the United Arab Emirates, to quite literally, bloom. Myriad species of plants and flowers now flourish in this beautiful country, contributing to the well-being of its people.” Dr. Klaus Toepfer, Executive Director, UN Environment Program
sheikhzayed.com Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1918-2004) Emirati
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By saying ‘khalas’ to his prized sporting passion of hunting with firearms, a sport at which he excelled, Sheikh Zayed set an enduring example for wildlife conservation in his fragile desert homeland that is under threat from species extinction. Global Eco Pioneers
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Great Soul VISION Even though he was assassinated in 1948, Mahatma Gandhi has left his mark on Indian politics and society for his insuperable integrity across diverse spheres – political, moral and nutritional too. An avid believer in self introspection and self denial, according to the principle of ‘Swadeshi’, that he popularised during the 1920s and 1930s, whatever is made or produced in the village must be used first and foremost by the members of the same; eschewing goods and services that cannot be generated within the community. This was a blow to the British Colonial might based on rampant commercial greed that underestimated the indomitable spiritual power of this so called ‘half naked fakir’ who managed to rouse the Indian masses to reject foreign rule.
the Congress Party. A staunch advocate of ‘Ahimsa’ or passive resistance, during the last throes of the British Empire, Gandhiji was a champion of ‘Swadeshi’. Meaning ‘home economy’, an indigenous programme for long-term self sufficiency from foreign imports, this diminutive lawyer with a will of steel promoted a philosophy focused on the creation of an economy that enhanced community spirit, relationships and grassroots well-being that is still relevant today.
FAMOUS FOR Aside from his homespun loincloth and round wire spectacles that have entered global mass consciousness; he was the founding father of modern India and
Patrick Francis Facilities Manager Dubai International Marine Centre
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HIS DREAM “Our world has enough for each person’s need, but not for his greed.” WHY I LOVE HIM “He was a proverbial thorn in the side of the intractable British Colonialists”.
kgandhi.org
MOHANDASS KARAMCHAND GANDHI Otherwise known as Gandhiji or Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) Indian
In the 1970s, the Chipko movement was formed in India, influenced by Mahatma Gandhi. By setting up peaceful resistance to deforestation by literally hugging trees (leading to the term ‘tree huggers’), their peaceful methods of protest and slogan ‘ecology is permanent economy’ were highly influential.
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quantum of Solar VISION Intrepid explorer of the potentials of solar energy, the power of the sea and electrical transmissions as a means to reduce distance, for enhanced communication, transportation and understanding. A New Ager before his time; Tesla espoused global communications as a means to ensure friendly international relations. FAMOUS FOR Step aside Guglielmo Marconi, Tesla is actually the father of the radio, the modern electrical transmission systems and solar panels to boot. The man to thank for making electricity available throughout the US, Tesla was a prolific inventor with over 700 patents worldwide. He came up with the ‘Tesla Coil’ in 1891 that is widely used in radio and television sets as well as other electronic equipment. He also designed the first hydro-electric
power plant in Niagara Falls. His other discoveries include fluorescent light, laser beam, wireless communications, wireless transmission of electrical energy, remote control, robotics, Tesla’s turbines and vertical take off aircraft. HIS DREAM “If we use fuel to get our power, we are living on our capital and exhausting it rapidly. This method is barbarous and wantonly wasteful. A far better way would be to avail ourselves of the sun’s rays.” WHY I LOVE HIM “I was blown away by his prophetic ability to understand that clean energy is ultimately the only sustainable way to go.” Jonathan Ewing, New Technologies Manager, Platinum Sustainable Development International
teslasociety.com Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) SERBIAN (MOVED TO NEW YORK CITY IN 1884)
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Elevating right brain prowess to an art, Tesla had an uncommon manner of discovering the principles of how new devices work. First, he worked out all the details and actually saw how it worked, after which he would sketch everything, prove it in theory, finally creating a device that would immediately start working perfectly.
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Grassroots Muse VISION Disturbed by the profligate use of synthetic chemical pesticides after World War II, Carson warned about the long term effects of misusing pesticides. In her book ‘Silent Spring’, she challenged the practices of agricultural scientists and the government, calling for a change in the way humankind viewed the natural world. Carson was attacked by the chemical industry and conservative policymakers viewed her as alarmist. Nevertheless, she courageously spoke out to remind us that we are a vulnerable part of the natural world subject to the same damage as the rest of the ecosystem. Carson was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Jimmy Carter. FAMOUS FOR Her books on conservation and natural resources evolved into lyrical prose of a rigorously scientific nature. Namely, ‘Undersea’, ‘Under the Sea-Wind’ and her prize-winning study of the
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ocean, ‘The Sea Around Us’ followed by ‘The Edge of the Sea’ constituted an exhaustive biography of the ocean making Carson famous as a naturalist and science writer for a previously unexposed public. HER DREAM “In an age when man has forgotten his origins and is blind even to his most essential needs for survival, water along with other resources has become the victim of his indifference.” WHY I LOVE HER “How can you not be swept away by her evocative prose that was not only proven by science, but was also inspired by nature?” Albina Machado Administration Manager, Gargash & Gargash
rachelcarson.org
Rachel Carson (1907-1964) North American
Rachel Carson was a consummate writer, scientist and ecologist. Her mother bequeathed to her a life-long love of nature and the living world that Rachel expressed first as a writer and later as a student of marine biology.
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Amazon Angel VISION Being a rubber tapper from a humble background never stopped Chico from becoming a controversial figure in environmental history. Fighting for the Amazon to promote social justice and sustainable use of the forest and its resources led him to become a grassroots activist, unionist and champion environmentalist. He started a storm that is still rising above the Amazon, and his influence continues to draw attention to the importance of protecting the rainforests.
Chico Mendes was murdered by ranchers opposed to his activism, but his cause has proved to be indestructible. He advocated the return to sustainable agricultural systems and urged fellow Brazilians to a nonviolent protest against corporations that would rob them of their livelihoods. A human face connected to the cause, his plight has become an international cause célèbre and many far reaching reforms have been enacted since his death to insure the future of this eco-friendly industry.
FAMOUS FOR Apart from documentaries on his life, a play and an award-winning book and movie, ‘The Burning Season’, he has a species of fish (Astyanax chico, 2004) named after him too. Francisco Alves Mendes Filho Cena better known as
HIS DREAM “At first I thought I was fighting to save rubber trees, and then I thought I was fighting to save the Amazon rainforest. Now I realise I am fighting for humanity.”
chicomendes.com
Chico Mendes (1944-1988) Brazilian
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“If a messenger from the sky came down and guaranteed that my death would strengthen our struggle, it would be worth it. But experience teaches us the contrary. It’s not with big funerals and motions of support that we’re going to save the Amazon. I want to live.” (Spoken by Chico Mendes on December 9, 1988, days before his death)
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CSR Royale VISION Often maligned for his bucolic zeal and love for traditional architecture, Prince Charles has promoted youth entrepreneurship and holistic living by using his position as a platform for developing successful business spin offs.
HIS DREAM “Surely the time has come to escape from an almost adolescent obsession with being ‘modern’ - the product, perhaps, of a 20th century ‘teenage crisis’? - and, instead, to be more concerned about being ‘human’.”
FAMOUS FOR With eclectic interests ranging from eastern mysticism to organic farming, Prince Charles is now president of a group of 20 not-for-profit organizations, 18 of which he founded. The group is the largest multi-cause charitable enterprise in the UK, raising over £119 million annually and is active across a broad range of areas including, education and health, the built and natural environment.
WHY I LOVE HIM “For decades the Prince of Wales has been a champion of the natural world... He has been a world leader in efforts to improve energy efficiency and in reducing the discharge of toxic substances on land, and into the air and the oceans.” Dr. Eric Chivian, Founder and Director of the Center for Health and the Global Environment, Harvard Medical School
princeofwales.gov.uk
HRH Prince Charles Prince of Wales & Duke of Cornwall British
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Whilst waiting to take over from his 81 year old mother, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles has taken a keen interest in environmental issues, leading the way in promoting environmentally sensitive thinking and has even founded his own organic food brand ‘Duchy Originals’.
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Yes, she can VISION She coined the globally accepted term ‘Sustainable Development’ by recognising the need to extend public health beyond the confines of the medical world into environmental issues and larger human development. FAMOUS FOR The ultimate high achiever, as a medical doctor, she gained international recognition, championing the principle of sustainable development as the chair of the World Commission of Environment and Development (the socalled ‘Brundtland Commission’). She was also the youngest and first female Prime Minister of Norway in 1981, and again from 1986-1996. In addition, Dr. Brundtland headed the World Health Organization from 1998-2003. HER DREAM ‘’I see the WHO’s role as being the
moral voice and the technical leader in improving health of the people of the world. Ready and able to give advice on the key issues that can unleash development and alleviate suffering. I see our purpose to be combating disease and ill-health - promoting sustainable and equitable health systems in all countries.” WHY I LOVE HER “For cracking the proverbial glass ceiling even by the progressive standards of a Scandinavian nation and for putting the issue of sustainable development on the global agenda.” Tariq Qureshi Managing Director i2i Group
who.int/dg/brundtland/ bruntland/en Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland Norwegian
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A precocious Gro enrolled in the children’s section of the Norwegian Labour Movement at the age of seven and has been a member ever since, leading the Labour Party to election victory three times.
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Global warming alert VISION Most popular for his fight against global warming, his book, ‘Earth in the Balance: Ecology and the Human Spirit’, published in 1992, explains the world’s ecological predicament and describes a range of policies to deal with the most pressing problems. It includes a proposed ‘Global Marshall Plan’ to address current ecological issues. FAMOUS FOR Aside from losing the most controversial presidential election to George W. Bush in 2000 hotly contested vote recount, this author and environmental activist’s documentary on global warming, ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ won him two Academy Awards for ‘Best Documentary Feature’ and ‘Best Original Song’ in 2007. During his political career as a Vice President of United States, he worked to protect the environment by
linking issues into the wider strengthening of the economy. As a board member of Google rooting for fast telecommunication access for a stronger economy, Al Gore is also credited with taking gigantic steps towards democratizing the Internet. HIS DREAM “I think the cost of energy will come down when we make this transition to renewable energy.” WHY WE LOVE HIM “Al Gore is so passionate about our world he explains the bigger picture easily enough for everyone to understand – He is totally inspirational.” Roy Wicks, Project Manager, ALEC MEP
algore.com
Al Gore North American
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Through his political and literary prowess, Al Gore woke up the masses to the concern of global warming and the need for a unified response to take charge of the issue.
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Homus Naturalis VISION From the beginning, Attenborough’s major series have included content regarding the impact of human society on the natural world. One of the episodes of ‘The Living Planet’ (1984), for example, focuses almost entirely on humans’ destruction of the environment and ways that it could be stopped or reversed. FAMOUS FOR Broadcaster and naturalist, David wrote and presented the nine ‘Life’ series, in conjunction with the BBC Natural History Unit. He was director of programming for BBC Television in the 1960s and 1970s. His series, ‘The Life of Mammals’ and the book plead to control over-population of human being so that other species do not get crowded out. David publicly
supported the WWF’s campaign to have 220,000 square kilometres of Borneo’s rainforest designated a protected area. He is also the patron of the World Land Trust. David also launched ARKive in May 2003, a global project which had been instigated by Christopher Parsons to gather together natural history media into a digital library, an online Noah’s Ark. HIS DREAM “Many individuals are doing what they can. But real success can only come if there is a change in our societies and in our economics and in our politics.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/David_Attenborough
Sir David Attenborough British
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David has repeatedly said that he considers human overpopulation to be the root cause of myriad environmental problems. Both his series ‘The Life of Mammals’ and the accompanying book end with a plea for humans to curb population growth so that other species will not be crowded out.
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Reduce, reuse, recycle VISION An iron-clad will behind her understated demeanour, Habiba epitomizes the statement ‘think globally, act locally,’ through her tireless efforts to introduce environmental concepts and themes in the UAE. Building awareness and organizing green schemes towards a sustainable future by involving the local community is her winning strategy. Since the World Wildlife Fund claims that the UAE has the world’s heftiest per capita eco footprint, ensuring the spread of eco knowledge from a snail’s pace to fast paced mode is no longer optional. FAMOUS FOR Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) established in 1991, she has spread eco-consciousness in the UAE. As a Board Member for the UN Global Compact, (a policy platform and practical framework for companies committed to sustainability and responsible business practices), Al Marashi is widely acclaimed for her continuous efforts at greening the region. Do not be misled by her self effacing style, her indomitable
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will is legendary. Active in educational institutes, scores of businesses and community practices, she has set up the Corporate Social Responsibility Network and Arabia CSR Awards Program to further encourage inclusiveness. By increasing the publics’ capacity to be proactive by instituting innovative solutions to tackle issues like waste, energy, and water, she advocates the ‘R’ mantra- Reuse, Reduce, Recycle. HER DREAM “To live in a truly green and sustainable UAE.” WHY I LOVE HER “In an environment where lethargy is the order of the day, Habiba Al Marashi is the epitome of the real eco warrior. The UAE’s fragile ecosystem needs a friend like her.” Jamil Hatoum Managing Director Universe Media & Advertising
eg-uae.org
Habiba Al Marashi Emirati
The EEG is the first non-profit NGO in the world to be accredited with the ISO 14001:2004 certification for its environment management system. Winner of the Emirates Professional Businesswoman Award, Al Marashi, is a figure of substance, strength and integrity.
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Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi Environmental Advisor, Government of Ajman, UAE Chairman, Green Base Environmental Services, Founder, Majlis for Holistic Knowledge and Health
“It is no longer an option for society to ignore pressing environmental issues; we must be greener if we are to progress. Over the past 20 years, I’ve been immersed in sustainable development in diverse spheres and capacities. Clearly, the challenges of reducing carbon emissions; recycling and sustainable ways of working is vital to sustainable entrepreneurship and viable innovation. As president of the Arab Union for Youth and Environment in the GCC and chairman of Environment Friend Society here in the UAE, I see it as my mission to achieve and promote ecological awareness and grassroots action for the satisfaction of The All Mighty Allah, (GOD). Initiatives that aim for holistic living described as being positively connected to the daily circle of life - by balancing the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, aesthetic and environmental fosters harmony and thereby, progress. These have immeasurable value, like a positive domino effect, at every level. By helping to spread peaceful coexistence throughout the world, in the process, wisdom is
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achieved. My mission is to extend this vision to all those around me. I have lived through many scenarios and circumstances, and throughout I never forgot my intimate connection with my surroundings. With its delicate ecosystem and heritage under threat, the UAE is exploring multi facetted initiatives to achieve sustainability in all its spheres of activity, and it is the duty of all to encourage the growth and adherence of these sustainable practices. Be as close to nature as possible. Our forefathers were wise enough to leave us with abundant natural resources. Now, it is our duty to follow in their footsteps for the sake of our children. I envision a future when eco-friendly practices become a habit and I am committed to participating in this process of urgent awareness building in whatever means possible. Just take what you need. It is imperative to remember that the natural resources will last only as long as we are resourceful. In an ecologically fragile eco system such as the UAE for instance, the repercussion of careless use of water and energy is glaringly obvious. With the demand for water growing hand in hand with urbanisation, atmospheric pollution levels increase, together with the realisation that this lifestyle as we know it, is simply no longer viable. Educating future generations to respect, reuse and recycle is the foundation for achieving a truly sustainable future.
Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi, otherwise known as the ‘Green Sheikh’ thanks to his zealous interest in environmental conservation, is a member of the ruling family of the Emirate of Ajman in the UAE.
Sustain Your Environment
Sustainability – What is it? ‘Sustainability’ has become a household word. However, do you really understand what the word actually means? Simply put, sustainability is the ability to maintain a particular process or state. Today, this word is used and often overused in connection with culture, technology, ecology, economics and society. In each of these categories, sustainability describes the usage of resources at a rate that allows for them to be replenished. In terms of ecology,
for example, sustainability requires that rainforests be culled at a pace that is sufficiently gradual to permit seedlings to replace the trees that have been cut down. By managing deforestation in this way, rainforests will not be wiped out, and can continue to provide the resources required for flora and fauna to survive at the same level that civilization stands at.
Did You Know? • Date Palm in UAE is grown in three main regions: both Western & Eastern Coastal Areas, Inland areas (from Ras Al Khaima to Al Ain); and various Oasis (mostly Liwa & Al Ain ). • Date Palm plays an important socio-economical role in the UAE. Before oil was discovered, date palm was used for all purposes. • The UAE date harvest area has jumped from less than 60 hectares in 1971 to 31,005 hectares in 1996 (48 times). • The earliest known record of date palm cultivation is in Iraq (Mesopotamia) as early as 3000 B.C. • Date Palm trees supply an average of two thirds of income of people living in the Sahara..
The establishment of The Middle East Centre for Sustainable Development is a historic event, which marks the beginning of a new era in development in the Middle East. Pacific Controls Systems is committed to making MCSD the focal point of all future sustainable development initiatives, which will put Dubai on the global map in regard to environment protection and energy efficient practices Dilip Rahulan, Chairman and CEO Pacific Controls Systems PCS 27
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“The Gardens Projects serves to provide us with more stimuli to forge ahead with our national project, tailored to provide a balance between urban necessity and environmental integrity.” Dr Abdullah Al Amiri, Chairman of the Emirates Energy Awards
OVER the last century, it has become increasingly obvious that the level at which global shared resources are being used is unsustainable. In response to this, the international community has begun working together to create a solution for global sustainability. In 1989, the United Nations (UN) convened the Brundtland Commission, addressing the sustainability of the environment, the economy and social development. The Commission defines sustainability as: “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. • The concept of ‘needs’, in particular the essential needs of the world’s poor, to which overriding priority should be given. • The idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment’s ability to meet present and future needs. This definition of sustainability has since formed the foundation of the international community’s understanding of the issue, and in turn affects how governments, corporations and individuals around the world work to make all aspects of their lives more sustainable. The Brundtland Commission It is named after Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, the first woman prime minister of Norway, who spearheaded the notion of sustainability at senior government levels. She chaired the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), commonly known as the Brundtland Commission that evolved to address growing concern “About the accelerating deterioration of the human environment and natural resources and the consequences of that deterioration for economic and social development.” www.un-documents.net/wced-ocf.htm
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Top 5 UAE Green Initiatives Despite its abhorrent track record of waste generation per capita estimated at xxxx, the UAE is rapidly joining the ranks of the more enlightened quarters of the international community in the drive towards sustainability. Even
though its ecological footprint is huge as the UAE’s harsh desert topography is not conducive to mass urbanisation, the country has been encouraging the creation of various sustainable, or ‘ green’, initiatives.
A new era is upon us, challenging us to venture beyond the achievements of the past and meet the needs of the future. Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO masdaruae.com With a lofty aim to become a leader in sustainable development, Abu Dhabi Government has established Masdar, an institute that aims to search for solutions to the numerous global sustainability challenges. Meaning source in Arabic, Masdar researches energy security, climate change and the development
of human expertise in sustainability. Established in 2006, Masdar hopes to spearhead a vibrant new economic sector in Abu Dhabi. The aim is to put the emirate on the green map by building zero carbon Masdar City that will shine as a beacon of sustainability.
• Masdar sponsors the annual Zayed Future Energy Prize. • In January 2009, Masdar hosted the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest conference and exhibition on renewable and future energy solutions, innovations, investments, policy and vision. • In February 2008, Masdar launched a world-class project to develop a national CO2 capture network capable of creating a significant reduction in Abu Dhabi’s carbon footprint. • In cooperation with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar has created the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an institute aiming to become a centre of high-calibre renewable energy and sustainability research capable of attracting leading scientists and researchers from around the world.
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One of the leading real estate developers in the UAE, Aldar also heads an impressive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, through which it aims to promote the sustainable use of resources, by reducing greenhouse emissions, minimising waste and enhancing biodiversity. With
a mission to integrate supply and social issues into the company’s corporate DNA, high standards of health and safety and a decent working environment for its employees is promoted. www.aldar.com CEO: Ronald Stephen Barrott
Aldar has launched significant projects that will shape the ‘future Abu Dhabi’ and the future of Abu Dhabi … Aldar, however, is not only concerned with property development. Our loyalty is to be giving this community the sustainability as it rapidly grows.
• With an economically sustainable initiative to ensure that Abu Dhabi successfully diversifies from oil based revenues, broadening the base of its economy to embrace tourism in its various forms; Aldar is currently developing Yas Island, a 2,500 hectare, mixed use haven featuring attractions such as a world-class motor sports racetrack, in addition to hotels, Ferrari theme and water parks. • With an obligation to ensure management sustainability by investing in education, Aldar is sponsoring Aldar Academies: top-level schools at the heart of Aldar communities provide education within stimulating and secure environments. The initiative is also part of the Academies’ goal to support the Abu Dhabi Education Authority with their wider mission of raising standards of education throughout the Emirate.
Building the nation Green Initiativies
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Sorouh Recognising that sustainability is a goal that requires complete dedication, Abu Dhabi real estate developer Sorouh has developed its whole organisation along sustainable lines. It sees itself as an ambitious Government enterprise working
closely at grassroots level to deliver wisely balanced developments that respect both the market and the environment. www.sorouh.com Chairperson: Saeed Eid Al Ghafli
… Sorouh is currently involved in developing more than 10 million square meters of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi … contributing to Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a key destination for business, tourism and capital investment. Sorouh Spokesman
• Sorouh is working in harmony with Plan 2030, Abu Dhabi’s initiative to transform the UAE capital into a city heralded for its elevated sustainability levels. • With over 180 highly qualified professionals, sourced from around the globe and operating in all fields of real estate, a market cap close to AED 21 billion and approximately 55,000 shareholders in the UAE, Sorouh is an example of a company that merges its environmental success with business acumen. • Sorouh was honoured with the Best Customer Service Company Award by the Middle East Excellence Awards Institute in 2008.
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Estidama Embracing the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC), the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) as well as Abu Dhabi Municipality and Masdar, Estidama is an ambitious initiative for sustainable buildings and communities in the capital. Meaning ‘sustainability’ in Arabic, Estidama is devoted to providing guidelines for the sustainable design and maintenance of all types of buildings and communities. Incorporating the principles of the strategic Abu Dhabi Plan 2030, it aims to help make the emirate develop into the ultimate sustainable capital of the world. www.estidama.org Chairperson: unspecified - under the direction of Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council
Estidama is first and foremost, an aspiration – the desire to achieve a sustainable way of living. It is not a program, or a rating system, but an overarching way of viewing all aspects of our life. The Estidama Philosophy
• Estidama’s philosophy is based on four pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic, social, and cultural. • In order to help achieve a sustainable way of living, Estidama is developing four tools: a Regulatory and Code Alignment, the Pearls Design System, Pilot Projects and Stakeholder Engagement, and Integrated Design Process Education and Training. • The Estidama sustainable buildings and communities can be measured against an evolving rating method called the Pearls Design System. The Rating Method and an accompanying Design Guide are being developed through environmental, social and economic research within Abu Dhabi, based on current best practices in global rating systems. Major Achievements Estidama has launched a state-of-the-art online portal with interactive tools that allows users home page customisation according to their needs and specialised interests on sustainability issues. It will also function as a forum to exchange views, comments and ideas and empowers users to delve deep into the latest trends of sustainability directly from specialist Estidama experts. www.estidama.org.
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UAE 2009/10 www.GVPedia.com