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We are currently living in the midst of a transformative era - The Year of Sustainability by the Government of UAE. The underlying theme of “Today for Tomorrow” is being opted by the country to move closer to their goal of becoming a global hub and successful model of the green economy.
Sustainability is not just an environmental buzzword; it is a way of life that acknowledges the interconnectedness of our actions with the health of the planet. The UAE, with its visionary leaders, has recognized the urgency of preserving our natural resources and ecosystems, while simultaneously fostering economic growth. By embracing the principles of sustainability, the nation is forging a path towards a green economy that balances ecological well-being and prosperity. And it is soon on its way to host COP28.
This July issue is a testament to the dedication and collective efforts of individuals, businesses, and policymakers, all working in harmony to safeguard our planet. Each step taken today contributes to a more promising and sustainable tomorrow.
Sustainability is not a solitary endeavor; it necessitates active participation from every member of society. As citizens, consumers, and readers, we all bear a responsibility to make conscious choices and support sustainable practices. By promoting ecofriendly lifestyles, advocating for environmentally responsible policies, and encouraging sustainable business practices, we can collectively create a profound impact.
The Integrator proudly dedicates this issue to the cause of sustainability, recognizing that the choices we make today will determine the legacy we leave for the generations of tomorrow. The journey towards a greener and more sustainable world begins with each one of us.
Vivek Sharma FounderVivek Sharma Founder
Adil Siddiqui
Head of Media
Srijith K N Assistant Editor
Faiz Ahmed
Graphic Designer
Priyanshu Ranjan
Sales Head
Sakshi Sindwani
Sr. Media Sales Manager
Gladwyn Pereira
Sr. Media Sales Executive
Zain Fazal Sankay
Media Sales Executive
Suneeta Dadwani
Business Coordinator
Sehrish Tariq
Digital Marketing Executive
Sidra Kamal
Content Contributor
14 3DXB Pioneers Eco-Friendly 3D Printing Solutions
15 Vast Data Leads the way in Sustainable Data Management for AI Applications
16 Pioneering Sustainable Technologies and Naturebased Solutions for Carbon Sequestration
18 Oracle Fusion Cloud Empowers Mauritius Telecom's Digital Transformation Journey!
20 Jaggaer Annual ESG Report Highlights Customer use Cases Enabling Best Practices
21 Veeam Partners with Microsoft to Bring New Data Protection
26 Is Sustainable Software within Grasp for the UAE’s IT Sector?
28 Sunmoney Solar Group Invests in Revolutionary Tyre Recycling Technology
32 The H Dubai Hotel Leads the way in Sustainable Hospitality with Green Key Certification
34 Premier Inn Middle East Commits to Green Goals
The evolution of the way we live and work has historically been defined by two things: technological advancement and the changing wants and needs of the next generation. In 2023, these two things have never been more inextricably linked, with technology being used by Gen Z and Millennials to disrupt industries to align with their values, and top among these is sustainability.
Consumers demonstrate a desire to be more ecoconscious in their consumer purchases and increasingly invest in products that are built to last. For example, last year in the UK, 38% of consumers opted for durable, sustainable products from trusted brands.
Sustainable purchasing is becoming crucial for businesses as millennials take on IT buying roles and Gen Z begins their careers. We observe this trend through carbon-reducing initiatives and a growing acceptance of refurbished and recycled technology devices. One pressing concern is electronic waste (e-waste), which poses a significant challenge to both businesses and the environment.
To put it in perspective, this amount of e-waste could fill 263 Olympic swimming pools each year. Addressing this issue is vital to protect our ecosystems and promote a healthier, more sustainable future.
So how can businesses make the most out of their existing IT estate, and buy their technology sustainably?
Many new devices are built with greater energy and resource efficiency as central to their design. At Dell, we have set a goal that by 2030, over half of our product content will be made from recycled or renewable materials, and we are exploring several novel and innovative approaches to replacing plastic in our products, for example the use of bioplastics and biobased rubber.
New devices are now built with sustainability in mind, incorporating post-consumer recycled materials to create our most environmentally friendly products. Notably, our latest commercial devices, such as select Latitude laptop series, Precision 3000 workstations, and commercial monitors, embrace this approach.
Furthermore, we prioritize energy efficiency in product design, aiming to reduce scope 3 emissions by 30% by 2030, reflecting our commitment to sustainability.
In recent years we have seen exciting advancements in technology recycling and refurbishment.
Dell's Concept Luna showcases the potential future of sustainable PC design, integrating intelligent telemetry and robotic automation. The vision presented by projects like Concept Luna imagines computer components being re-utilized for multiple lifecycles in next-generation devices, significantly reducing e-waste and minimizing the demand for new raw materials.
The way employees use their technology varies, which means not all components reach end-of-life at the same time. People working from home, for example, may use external components, such as keyboards and monitors. The laptop’s keyboard and monitor have, therefore, barely been used, even when the motherboard is ready to be replaced. Rather than replace or recycle the entire device, the usable components can be repurposed into another laptop. This is one of the visions Dell has for the future of sustainability PC design.
And, while Luna is currently still a ‘concept,’ it demonstrates the positive change being driven, not only by consumer demand, but by innovative designers and passionate sustainability advocates in our industry who see the potential for greater sustainability realized in their work.
In the quest for a more sustainable future, combining technology and urban development has paved the way for Smart Cities. These innovative cities leverage advanced solutions to optimize resources, enhance efficiency, and create harmonious living environments. A key component of this transformative journey is video technology, which is a powerful tool that helps empower sustainable development in Smart Cities. While organizing urban life has always posed significant challenges, from logistical and environmental to social aspects, today's answer lies in the Smart City concept, where new technologies make a remarkable difference.
With the UAE’s vision of becoming a technology-driven country and introducing multiple new initiatives, embracing modern development and leveraging technology for the better is important.
According to research, the video surveillance market in the UAE is anticipated to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 4.35% from 2023 to 2028. As urbanization accelerates and population density rises rapidly, ensuring, for example, public safety and security have become a pressing concern for UAE government bodies and law enforcement agencies. This growing awareness of security challenges has increased the demand for robust video technology solutions to mitigate potential risks.
By harnessing the capabilities of video technology, cities can monitor and manage their resources, enhance safety and security, and foster a greater sense of community. With its potential to revolutionize urban landscapes and drive positive change, video technology emerges as a key enabler in building the cities of tomorrow, where sustainability and progress coexist hand in hand.
However, leveraging video technology in urban spaces must adhere to the ethical demands of citizens. Striking a balance between commercial objectives and responsible use of technology is vital for the success of modern companies.
The datafication of urban spaces
in Smart Cities involves collecting and analyzing vast amounts of data from devices in public areas. For instance, video technology enables the improvement of traffic flows by analyzing real-time data. However, privacy concerns arise when individuals' images are captured. The regulations governing the use of Closed-circuit Television (CCTV) systems remain relatively limited in the UAE. However, it is crucial to acknowledge an individual's right to privacy by law when considering the installation and operation of CCTV.
It is required to prominently display signage indicating the presence of CCTV cameras or obtain prior written consent from individuals captured on camera. It is imperative that video monitoring in public spaces remains proportionate and identifiable to those affected.
Data-driven video technology is pivotal in enhancing safety and security within Smart Cities, a fundamental aspect of sustainability. Smart Cities utilize
extensive volumes of data gathered from diverse origins to enhance the planning and design of infrastructure. Integrating this data with advanced analytics and simulation tools allows urban planners and architects to make well-informed choices and develop more streamlined, resource-efficient, and environmentally sustainable structures.
Video technology also empowers communities to engage in sustainability initiatives actively. By providing transparent and accessible information, cities can raise awareness about resource consumption through publicly displayed video feeds and data visualizations. This can help encourage individuals to adopt more sustainable practices daily, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and community engagement.
Technology companies must lead the way by collaborating with policymakers to ensure the implementation of Smart City concepts responsibly. The role of technology must be to serve humanity and the common good.
grid strain, environmental issues, and graphic card market challenges. To address these concerns, Ethereum (ETH), a popular cryptocurrency, switched to the more energy-efficient Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism last year.
dishonestly. Validators verify new blocks, ensuring network integrity and security, leading to a reduced carbon footprint.
Crypto is a massive business opportunity today, but with this great opportunity has come great repercussions as well.
In August 2022, the estimated global electricity usage of crypto asset mining in the United States exceeded the annual electricity usage of countries like Argentina and Australia. That’s roughly between 120 billion and 240 billion kilowatt-hours per year.
China faced a similar issue, where a massive number of mining operations began weighing down on the nation’s power grid, which pushed the government to outright ban crypto mining, as well as crypto trading and transactions.
However, these digital assets have proved to be a lucrative wealth opportunity like nothing the world had seen before, and so many Chinese miners had either moved to countries like the US and Kazakhstan, or simply launched illegal underground operations.
crypto mining so harmful to the environment?
Around 60% of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, used the energyintensive proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanism. Miners with high-powered computers solved complex puzzles to verify transactions and earn rewards. This caused energy
Proof-of-Stake (POS): A more environmentally responsible consensus mechanism
With Ethereum shifting consensus mechanisms from Proof-Work to Proof-of-Stake, it would become 99.95% more energy efficient than POS, making it one of the largest and most energy-efficient blockchain networks in the world.
While both consensus mechanisms help blockchains synchronize data, validate information, and process transactions, the processes by which they complete these tasks are different.
In Proof-of-Stake (PoS), validators need to own and stake a certain amount of the digital token (e.g., ETH in Ethereum) to validate transactions. The staked coins act as collateral, which can be lost if the validator behaves
It’s easy to forget sometimes that organizations too have been dabbling with crypto. From SMEs to mega-corporations, more and more companies are recognizing the latent potential of digital currencies.
It’s for this reason that Coinshift was launched, an innovative crypto treasury management firm that helps Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), companies and individuals manage and grow their crypto capital.
Launched in 2021, Coinshift surpassed 1.2 billion in assets managed with more than 80 million in payouts as of May of last year, and has so far raised $17.5 million in funding, up to Series A. Some of the platform’s clients include Uniswap Grants, Balancer Grants, Messari, Maker DAO, Biconomy, and Polygon, to name a few.
By: Bjorn Viedge
According to some estimates, the Middle East data centre colocation market could grow by as much as 13.5% annually between 2020 and 2026. The United Arab Emirates is leading its regional peers in this growth. The country is expected to see more than US$1 billion of investment by 2026 – a CAGR of just under 8% over the previous five years. In April this year, the UAE Cabinet initiated a strategy to nurture and boost the digital economy to the extent that it will contribute 20% of gross nonoil GDP in the coming years. The plan included the establishment of a council to oversee the progress of the digital economy. This programme will serve as yet another catalyst to accelerate data centre adoption.
The demand for data centers has led to their expansion, increasing heat generation and costs. According to Swedish researcher Anders Andrae, the ICT industry might consume 20% of global electricity and contribute 5.5% of carbon emissions by 2025. This
poses concerns, especially in regions facing water crises, as data centers use an Olympic swimming pool's worth of water every two days.
To comply with regulations, data center builders must address the challenges posed by rising chip densities and outdated cooling methods.
With the UAE-hosted COP28 climate conference approaching, data center owners need to prioritize climate consciousness and invest in technologies that add value to society. While some greener technologies may not be applicable in all regions, the Middle East has alternative efficient options. Designers must consider the location, resources, climate, and temperature when striving for ecofriendly data centers.
Rethinking modern data center design is crucial, from the building itself to server components. Servercooling technologies, including liquidimmersion cooling, are making a powerful comeback. This technology, dating back to the 1940s, addresses the surging demand for denser computing. Modern liquid-immersion cooling utilizes a dielectric fluid that effectively dissipates hardware heat, outperforming traditional air-based cooling systems.
Liquid-immersion may hold the key to the future of data center cooling. It allows for reduced physical space usage and up to 50% energy savings compared to air-based solutions.
Cooling alone does not guarantee sustainability; facility planners must also consider the building process itself. The emerging technique of prefabricated construction, or modular data centers, gains traction for smaller-scale data centers. Constructing prefabricated modules offsite in dedicated facilities allows for standardized production, improving efficiencies, enhancing quality, and reducing wastage significantly.
Prefabricated data centers, assembled and tested in controlled factory environments, lead to faster, less error-prone, and less labour-intensive on-site construction. Moreover, adding modules as demand arises eliminates the need for building large facilities for future expansion, resulting in a cheaper, more efficient, and sustainable project.
Governments, including the UAE, are firmly committed to the UN's SDGs. Middle East authorities and counterparts in other regions emphasize LEED certification and other standards in their regulatory frameworks. Nations worldwide recognize the importance of sustainable regulations. Data center owners, while playing their part, can also leverage a lucrative new business model with long-term benefits, such as quicker GTM and reduced operational costs.
The UN’s climate science panel estimates carbon removal technologies must increase 1,300-fold by 2050 if the world is to limit temperature rises to within two per cent. In the Middle East, companies like ADNOC, Saudi Aramco and SABIC are quickly becoming leaders in carbon mitigation initiatives in terms of innovation, commitment and investment.
Aramco, for example, signed a development agreement last November to establish a carbon capture and storage hub, aiming to store up to nine million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year by 2027. Once captured, CO2 can be compressed and transported to target locations for storage underground in depleted reservoir areas or salt domes (and that is an emerging valuable resource that the Middle East and North Africa have in abundance) or for utilisation in new products and Aramco, the UAE and SABIC are all sponsoring research and development in CO2 to chemicals approaches, such as formulation of green cement. The Aramco carbon storage project will be in Jubail in Saudi Arabia, aiming to contribute six million metric tonnes of CO2 with another three million tonnes
By: Ron Beck, Senior Director, Solutions Marketing AspenTech
from other sources.
In furtherance of these aims Aramco has entered a partnership with AspenTech to introduce a unique modelling and optimization approach for strategic planning for Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) which will enable other companies in assetintensive industries to achieve better strategic planning for carbon removal.
ADNOC, meanwhile, began scaling up its CCS program which injects captured CO2 into a saline aquifer. This is part of its wider programme of carbon removal, storage and utilization initiatives built on innovation. This innovation could enable the Middle East to provide carbon removal and storage solutions that reach well beyond its boundaries.
Before organisations store carbon, they must capture it, for which two methods have emerged. The first is point-source, which removes CO2 from industrial flue gases before they enter the atmosphere. The second is direct air capture (DAC), which removes CO2 directly from the atmosphere using solar or nuclear
power, large fans and chemistry. Direct air capture not only abates but removes carbon. This math can enable a company not only to employ Direct Air Capture CCS to assist hitting zero emissions, but by removing more carbon that a company emits, DAC could give a business a lower-thenzero profile, selling carbon credits to difficult-to-decarbonize industries such as steel and fertilizers.
For these firms to reach their net zero targets, innovation in carbon capture and the adoption of digitalisation need to advance quickly. It will therefore make sense for leading companies to work towards optimising capture and storage together, Looking ahead, digital technology remains key for rapidly improving economics, scale, and speed of implementation of carbon capture, storage and utilisation, and for storage monitoring. The UAE, for example, plans to become a worldwide hub for carbon capture expertise and innovation on the back of ADNOC’s expansion of its carbon capture capacity to five million tons per annum.
in sustainable development by investing in sustainable technologies. Cyber protection is vital for sustainability, protecting digital assets and preventing cyber threats that can harm organizations and the environment. Robust cybersecurity measures ensure business continuity while minimizing environmental impact from cyber incidents.
sustainability goals, with all vendors returning respectable scores of at least 70%.
According to a Gartner report, the year 2025 will witness a significant shift in cloud purchasing decisions, with carbon emissions ranking among the top three criteria. This prediction places immense pressure on hyperscale cloud giants to ensure their data centres operate in an environmentally friendly manner.
The Middle East, specifically the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is hosting COP28 to promote sustainable solutions for all organizations, while Saudi Arabia and the wider region are also actively engaged in green initiatives. Recognizing the importance of sustainability, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is dedicated to realizing a greener future through innovative programs. In this context, the implementation of sustainable cybersecurity practices holds great significance. By safeguarding digital assets and ensuring the security and privacy of data, cyber protection becomes a crucial factor in facilitating sustainable operations and preserving the integrity of the digital ecosystem.
The UAE and KSA prioritize sustainability with carbon reduction, renewable energy, and a circular economy. They aim to be global leaders
In this dynamic landscape, as the tech industry, known for its rapid innovation and global influence, takes momentous strides towards establishing and advocating for sustainable operations, a single company stands out as a beacon of progress. By adopting a fivepoint formula that could potentially become an industry template, Acronis has emerged as a trailblazer, actively integrating environmentally conscious practices, demonstrating unwavering care for the environment, and fostering opportunities for its staff members. With its comprehensive approach, Acronis is actively contributing to the overarching goal of sustainability within the technology sector.
1.Acronis Cyber Cloud data centres: In 2022, Acronis opened 13 additional data centres that were carefully vetted for exceptional energy efficiency. The company also conducts regular reviews of existing vendors to ensure they meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) guidelines.
2. Supplier assessment: Acronis assesses its top-50 suppliers using a standard questionnaire, focusing on ESG aspects. This evaluation process ensures that suppliers align with Acronis's
3.Mobility initiatives: Recognizing that transportation contributes significantly to greenhouse emissions, Acronis encourages its staff to reduce their carbon footprint during travel. The company's efforts resulted in a notable 59% reduction in emissions in 2022.
4.Sustainable merchandise: Acronis is committed to using recyclable materials in its merchandise. In 2022 alone, this initiative saved the equivalent of 1,826,000 plastic bottles or 21,000 kg (46,000 pounds) of plastic, protecting the ocean from plastic pollution.
5. Renewable energy initiatives: Through the Acronis Cyber Foundation Program, Acronis actively supports its partners, especially those in developing countries, in accessing affordable and sustainable energy sources. As an example, the installation of solar panels at partner offices in Nigeria has been successfully achieved.
Tech companies are now prioritizing environmental impact in their choice of cloud service providers, focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy, carbon footprint reduction, waste management, and adherence to ESG principles. By championing sustainable practices, caring for the environment, and supporting their employees, tech brands can lead the way in promoting sustainability and driving positive change in the world.
As the global focus on sustainability intensifies, Goumbook emerges as a leading force in promoting environmental consciousness and green initiatives in the UAE and the Middle East. In an exclusive interview with The Integrator, Tatiana Antonelli Abella, Founder and Managing Director of Goumbook, sheds light on the organization's pivotal role in the region's sustainable development. As COP28 approaches, we delve into Goumbook's efforts to drive positive change and create a greener future for all.
Tatiana Antonelli Abella Founder and Managing Director, Goumbook
What motivated you to establish Goumbook and focus on advancing sustainability in the Middle East?
From a young age, I have always felt a strong connection with nature, and growing up in Europe, I had, and still maintain, a very strong link to our traditional passion for natural, homemade, and fresh products. When I moved to Dubai in 2005, I felt privileged to see and be part of a city growing day by day, but also felt the need to reconnect with nature, a completely different environment from which I needed to learn from. Eco-awareness and sustainability were not a priority at that time, and I felt I could somehow help raise awareness among the community about sustainable practices and support the local eco-movement. Goumbook is a social enterprise based in the UAE that focuses on promoting sustainable living and business practices. Founded in 2009, Goumbook aims to raise awareness and inspire action among individuals, governments, the private sector, schools, universities, and communities to adopt environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices and make more responsible choices. We do this under 3 key pillars:
• The first step to change is awareness and education. Goumbook supports entities through think tanks, panel discussions, awareness sessions, working groups, and training.
• Action through campaigns and initiative drives to raise awareness and support sustainable efforts
in the UAE.
• Advisory and consulting to accelerate advancements across public and private sectors in their sustainability journey. Through its various initiatives and collaborations, Goumbook strives to create a positive impact on people and the planet and promote sustainable development in the UAE and wider region.
Can you provide us with an overview of the notable projects that Goumbook has undertaken in 2023 to promote sustainability in the Middle East?
In 2023 alone, in addition to our numerous ongoing campaigns and work with corporate and government entities across sustainability and CSR, 2023 saw the launch of these new campaigns:
• The inaugural MENA Oceans Summit, the first of its kind in our region focused on accelerating the pace of comprehensive clean ocean action, to conserve and restore ocean ecosystems, tackle climate change, and ensure the development of blue economies within sustainable frameworks.
• UNISOAP UAE, in partnership with the French NGO, Goumbook aims to accelerate sustainability efforts and circular business models within the UAE tourism sector. The initiative takes used soap bars bound for landfill, from participating hotels, and hygienically recycles them into new soap that is distributed to people in need, providing them with the basics of health & hygiene.
• Our Special edition of our Forward Talks podcast Climate Leaders – Rising up to COP28 in partnership with Mastercard Middle East and supported by the Dubai Government Media Office. Forward Talks highlights conversations with leaders and professionals from the corporate, entrepreneurial, and public sectors, who through their initiatives, stories, and unwavering commitment, inspire positive impact, environmental awareness, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility in the UAE and beyond.
• We have considerable campaigns that expanded under the umbrella of reducing Food Waste called “Eat it or Save it,” applying circular economy principles to benefit those in need, reducing food fit for consumption, from ending up in landfills and allowing companies to come together around a cause for employee team building and Corporate Social Responsibility. This also includes our partnership with the UN Environment Programme and the hospitality industry in a wonderful initiative titled “Recipe for Change.”
With the UAE hosting COP28, what are your expectations for the conference, and how is Goumbook inspiring communities to take further climatic action?
The UAE was the first country in the region to sign the Paris Agreement, the first to commit to an economy-wide reduction in emissions, and the first to announce a Net Zero By 2050 Strategic Initiative. The UAE has demonstrated its strong climate action credentials to host such a crucial summit.
COP28 will be a milestone moment as the world takes stock of its progress to achieve the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. 2023 is the first year where countries will present their Global Stocktake, offering a pivotal opportunity to correct course.
In the lead-up to COP28, we encourage all our corporate partners to participate in
our Climate Fresk workshops, designed to go beyond building widespread climate literacy and put a specific focus on coming up with actionable, industry-specific solutions.
Another focus area for us will be prioritizing youth engagement across all campaigns: Key activities continue to revolve around climate literacy, circular economy models, and low-impact living in general. We strive to make the future generations growing up in this country aware of their own carbon and water footprints, how it compares globally, and help them assess their activities and habits that contribute the biggest share.
How has Goumbook been successful in integrating sustainability into the curriculum of schools and other educational institutions?
Our Learn, Do, Share program engages the youth in educational settings on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In each session, we focus on one of the SDGs and have an entrepreneurial presentation by a mentor showcasing their passion and journey for supporting this SDG. The youth deepen their knowledge and understanding and learn directly from mentors on how passion can turn into action and a career.
We educate the youth through these and other awareness sessions and provide hands-on experience to learn more about sustainability at our campaigns, including Save the Butts (a beach clean-up activity that removes plastic pollution, notably polluting cigarette butts, and turns them through circularity principles into new material for the construction industry).
Could you share some notable achievements or positive outcomes that Goumbook is particularly proud of?
Our Give a Ghaf campaign, launched by Goumbook 13 years ago, has contributed to tremendous growth in awareness around the National Tree of the UAE, the local environment, and the role of indigenous species, and we are proud of our program’s crucial role in this.
From this, Goumbook grew and created the Trees Matter planting program, regenerating thousands of mangroves and contributing to climate action with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) as part of the national sequestration program.
Other campaigns, including Drop It, raising awareness about single-use plastic and its effect on the environment and our health, have grown into national programs like Dubai Can under His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. Working with the private sector and Municipality, Goumbook has reduced millions of plastic bottles.
These campaigns led Goumbook to drive collaborative engagement in climate action of oceans and marine environment through the MENA Oceans Summit. Goumbook is the first women-led social enterprise working on sustainability in the UAE, 13 years on Goumbook is still raising awareness, driving change, and sustainability impact.
The Integrator had an exclusive interview with Badar Rashid AlBlooshi, Chairman of 3DXB GROUP.
utilize precise deposition methods, minimizing material wastage and ensuring that only the required amount of material is used.
construction projects in the UAE? Our technology brings several costsaving benefits to construction projects in the UAE:
How does 3DXB incorporate sustainability into its 3D printing solutions for the construction industry?
Sustainability is at the core of our business model, and we are committed to promoting eco-friendly practices in the construction sector. At 3DXB, we strive to minimize the environmental impact of our 3D printing solutions in various ways:
- Material Sourcing: We prioritize the use of locally sourced and ecofriendly materials whenever possible. This reduces transportation emissions and supports local economies.
- Energy Efficiency: Our 3D printing machinery is designed to be energyefficient, utilizing cutting-edge technologies that minimize power consumption during the printing process.
- Waste Reduction: We implement a "zero-waste" philosophy in our manufacturing processes, ensuring that excess materials are recycled or repurposed.
Can you provide examples of how 3DXB's machinery branch contributes to sustainable construction practices?
Our machinery branch focuses on developing advanced 3D printers that contribute to sustainable construction practices in the following ways:
- Precision Printing: Our printers
- Modularity: The modularity of our printers allows for easy upgrades and replacements, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for new equipment.
- Remote Monitoring: Our printers are equipped with remote monitoring capabilities, allowing for real-time analysis and optimization of printing processes, saving further time and resources.
How does 3DXB's micro-concrete branch address sustainability challenges in the construction industry?
Our micro-concrete branch addresses sustainability challenges through the following initiatives:
- Eco-friendly Formulations: We have developed micro-concrete formulations that incorporate recycled materials, reducing the demand for traditional cement and minimizing carbon emissions.
- Low Water Usage: Our microconcrete mixtures require less water, reducing the strain on local water resources during the construction process.
- Durability and Longevity: The superior properties of our microconcrete products lead to longer-lasting structures, which, in turn, reduces the need for frequent repairs and replacements.
How does 3DXB's technology help in achieving cost savings for
- Faster Construction: 3D printing allows for rapid construction, reducing labor costs and project timelines.
- Material Efficiency: With precise material deposition, there is minimal wastage, optimizing material usage and reducing expenses.
- Maintenance Reduction: The durability of structures built using our technology results in reduced maintenance costs over the long term.
What initiatives or projects have 3DXB undertaken to reduce the carbon footprint associated with their 3D printing solutions?
3DXB is actively involved in initiatives aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of 3D printing in the construction industry. Some of these initiatives include:
- Research and Development: We invest in R&D to develop more sustainable materials and printing processes that produce fewer emissions.
- Collaboration: We collaborate with Governments and universities and experts to implement the latest sustainable practices into our operations.
- Carbon Offset Programs: We participate in carbon offset programs to compensate for any unavoidable emissions associated with our operations.
We are committed to driving positive change and sustainability in construction through innovation and responsible practices.
Can you provide a brief overview of VAST Data?
VAST Data is the data platform software company leading business into the AI era. Accelerating time-to-insight for workload-intensive applications, the VAST data platform delivers scalable performance, radically simple data management and enhanced productivity.
VAST Data has innovated the world’s first data platform - encapsulating storage, database, global namespace and data engine capabilities - built from the ground up for AI and deep learning. VAST Data's platform is designed to leverage the power of flash-based storage technology while optimizing cost and performance. Our solutions are built on a disaggregated, scale-out architecture that separates compute and storage resources. This approach enables efficient scaling, eliminates storage silos, and allows organizations to utilize storage resources more effectively.
In what ways does VAST Data's data platform contribute to sustainable practices?
Data centers are facing two significant challenges: managing and computing on a rapidly increasing amount of data, and meeting sustainability goals. In 2022, VAST published its first Sustainability Report, which details the company's sustainability initiatives and progress. The report found that VAST's storage platform has the potential to save customers up to 90% on energy costs over a 10-year period. This translates to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, as well as cost savings for customers.
VAST achieves this energy efficiency by marrying global data algorithms with state-of-the-art technology. The combination of hyperscale flash, breakthrough erasure code efficiency, global data reduction, and compute power reduction all contribute to an environmentally-compelling proposition for organizations seeking to achieve demonstrable energy efficiency improvements.
What kind of benefits and cost savings can businesses gain by making their data centers more energy-efficient?
Making data centers more energyefficient can bring numerous benefits and cost savings for businesses. Energy consumption constitutes a significant portion of data center operating expenses. By adopting energy-efficient practices and optimized storage solutions, like those offered by VAST Data, businesses can reduce power requirements and cooling needs, leading to substantial cost savings over time. Moreover, energy-efficient data centers enhance operational efficiency, as they are more stable and reliable, resulting in fewer downtimes and increased productivity.
These energy-efficient data centers are designed with scalability in mind, allowing businesses to optimize resource utilization and scale their data centers more efficiently and cost-effectively as their needs grow. This avoids overprovisioning and unnecessary energy consumption while aligning resources with demand.
What are some of the trends and developments you see shaping the future of data management and
Several trends are shaping the future of data management and storage, and VAST Data is at the forefront of these developments.
Firstly, the rapid growth of unstructured data, like multimedia content and sensor data, demands efficient solutions. Traditional structured databases are no longer sufficient to handle the sheer volume and complexity of unstructured data. VAST Data's platform can handle and process such data at scale. Additionally, flash-based storage technology, such as SSDs, is gaining prominence for its speed and performance, enabling high-speed data processing and AI/ML workloads.
Moreover, many organizations are adopting hybrid and multi-cloud strategies to leverage the benefits of both on-premises and cloud environments. Future data management solutions need to seamlessly integrate with and facilitate data mobility across these diverse environments.
Lastly, environmental sustainability and energy efficiency are gaining importance. Future solutions need to minimize the carbon footprint and optimize power consumption, supporting the integration of renewable energy sources.
Rechsand, a prominent leader in sustainable technologies and nature-based solutions, has set an impressive standard for climate action and sustainable development through its Verra-listed program. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Chandra Dake's visionary approach to addressing the diverse facets of sustainability. As the CEO of Dake Rechsand, he offers invaluable insights into the company's groundbreaking initiatives, their impact on climate action, and the transformative potential of their interdisciplinary solutions.
How does a tech-driven approach to climate actions differ from conventional practices, and what are its hallmarks? A tech-driven approach induces accountability, transparency, and measurability into climate actions — something conventional practices have largely failed at. Without transparent climate actions, stakeholders are susceptible to “carbon tunnel vision”, a phenomenon where they solely strive for net-zero emissions while ignoring other sustainable development goals. Tech posits “systems thinking”, promoting comprehensive approaches that factor in how different constituents of the complex climate issue interact.
Dake Rechsand exemplifies this approach with its Verralisted carbon sequestration project, which uses the CDM methodology and other cutting-edge technologies to measure the impact and select plant species suited for UAE’s desert conditions. The project, part of the company's innovative 'Ghaba' afforestation initiative, aims to plant 11 million trees in arid regions, particularly the Middle East. The initiative hopes to overcome tree-planting challenges — high soil salinity, evaporation, seepage, and excessive irrigation requirements — in deserts using the patented Breathable Sand technology.
Furthermore, Dake Rechsand has aligned the ‘Ghaba’ initiative with, and voiced its support for, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment's (MOCCAE) Climate Responsible Companies Pledge aimed at mobilizing stakeholders across sectors towards the common cause of Net-zero 2050. MOCCAE’s initiative underscores the need for concerted and measurable efforts from all stakeholders in the public and private sectors and, by extension, promotes a tech-driven approach to climate actions.
What region-specific climate change effects need immediate attention during the upcoming COP28?
The region's climate has always been arid, with scarce water resources and less-than-favourable conditions for agriculture. Climate change has not only aggravated those challenges but also created new ones, including erratic precipitation and floods. As the MENA region has not historically experienced heavy rainfall, the existing stormwater drainage infrastructure is under-equipped to handle excessive runoff. This issue has become increasingly evident in recent years, with countries such as Egypt, Yemen, and Oman witnessing recurring floods.
These events underscore the pressing need for climate adaptation measures alongside mitigation efforts. Technologies serving both these objectives in a single application are particularly desirable. Such interdisciplinary, dual-purpose solutions must be prioritized, not just in MENA, but across the world. They will not only address immediate challenges but also build resilience for the future. At COP28, it is crucial to highlight the issues, stimulate discussions around them, and advocate for the development and deployment of solutions that hold utility in the context of both climate adaptation and mitigation.
Through use cases, explain how interdisciplinary technologies can measurably and positively contribute to UAE’s Net-zero 2050 and sustainability goals. Interdisciplinary technologies that integrate water, energy, and food (WEF) solutions play a pivotal role in achieving UAE's Net-zero 2050 and sustainability objectives. The agriculture sector, known for its high-water consumption and reliance on carbon-intensive processes like desalination, requires innovative interventions to transition towards sustainability. Breathable Sand, an interdisciplinary technology, offers an
efficient solution for optimizing water usage in arid desert conditions.
Breathable Sand's unique properties, such as selective permeability and water retention, provide an ideal supply of air and water to support plant growth. Implementing this technology can reduce irrigation needs by up to 80%, significantly improving agricultural productivity and ensuring food security. Its environmental responsibility, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness make it a transformative interdisciplinary solution with the potential to reduce agricultural water footprints and support UAE's net-zero emissions goal.
The impact of Breathable Sand technology extends beyond agriculture. It serves as a foundation for "Sponge Cities," a carbon-friendly urban design approach that incorporates decentralized rainwater harvesting into public areas like roads, playgrounds, and parking lots. These Sponge Cities mitigate floods through rainwater capture, storage, and recycling, while also reducing the demand for carbon-intensive desalination. The combined adaptation and mitigation benefits of Sponge Cities align with UAE's water security and net-zero objectives, showcasing another successful interdisciplinary solution.
In conclusion, tech-driven climate actions hold distinct advantages over conventional practices, and Dake Rechsand's initiatives exemplify their hallmarks. The region-specific challenges of the MENA region demand immediate attention at COP28, with interdisciplinary solutions playing a pivotal role in achieving netzero and sustainability goals. Breathable Sand and Sponge Cities offer tangible use cases that measurably and positively contribute to UAE's net-zero journey, fostering environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, and climate resilience.
Can you provide any real-life examples and practical applications of the above-mentioned climate technologies and their positive impact in the context of GCC?
The adoption of Breathable Sand technology has yielded transformative results in GCC. For example, at Al Ajban Farms, mango, lemon, and orange orchards planted using the technology have shown impressive survival rates with significantly reduced irrigation. In a green drive in Ras Al-Khaimah, Ghaf trees — a species native to the arid regions of the UAE — were successfully transplanted using Breathable Sand. That was a remarkable feat because Ghaf is susceptible to “transplant shock”. As a testament to Breathable Sand’s revolutionary potential, it featured in FAO’s special report(1) on practical solutions for saltaffected soils and the 'Green Technology Book - 2022'(2) released on the back of COP27.
The abundance of desert areas in the GCC offers an immense opportunity for greening initiatives using Breathable Sand, just as sprawling urban centres do for Sponge Cities. By promoting regenerative woodland ecosystems such as food forests and agroforestry, stakeholders can restore biodiversity, enable biological carbon sequestration, and ramp up climate mitigation. At the same time, the solution offers sustainable pathways to food and water security — issues of great consequence in GCC.
In a significant announcement, Oracle Partner and industry leader Catalyst Business Solutions is proud to share the successful go-live of Oracle Fusion Cloud at Mauritius Telecom, located in Port Louis, Mauritius. This case study showcases how the telecommunications giant successfully transitioned from Oracle E-Business Suite 12.1.3 Finance and SCM to Oracle Fusion Cloud on time and on budget, overcoming challenges and unlocking a new era of enhanced functionality and innovation.
Mauritius Telecom recognized the risks associated with stagnation in technology, innovation, support, and integration capabilities. To stay competitive in the fast-evolving telecommunications industry, they needed a modern solution that could adapt to their changing business needs and leverage emerging technologies. The migration to Oracle Fusion Cloud became imperative to secure their future success.
The scope of the project encompassed a comprehensive transition from Oracle E-Business Suite to Oracle Fusion Cloud, specifically focusing on modules such as General Ledger, Receivables, Payables, Expenses, Cash Management, Fixed Assets, Lease Management, Self-
Service Procurement, Procurement, Sourcing, Supply Chain Management, Procurement Contracts, Supplier Management, Supplier Qualification Management, Product Management, Reporting, Financial Reporting Centre, FRWS, OTBI, Project Financial Management, Project Costing, and Project Billing.
By embracing Oracle Fusion Cloud, Mauritius Telecom experienced a multitude of benefits, crucial for their digital transformation journey. The enhanced functionality provided by Fusion modules empowered streamlined workflows, ensuring improved efficiency and accuracy across various business processes. The cloud-based deployment enabled flexibility, scalability, and accessibility, allowing Mauritius Telecom to keep pace with the latest technology advancements. Moreover, Fusion's superior user experience, seamless integration capabilities, and advanced security and compliance measures further elevated their operational excellence.
The results of the project are already showing. Mauritius Telecom has witnessed significant improvements in workflow management compared to their previous Oracle E-Business
Suite. Fusion's reporting and analytics capabilities allowed for data-driven decision-making and enhanced visibility into the organization's financial and operational performance. Leveraging the ongoing support, updates, and innovations from Oracle's Cloud-Based Deployment, Mauritius Telecom has positioned itself as a technology-driven leader in the telecommunications sector.
Catalyst Business Solutions, Oracle Partner since 2002, extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Mauritius Telecom Project Team for their unwavering support throughout this exciting project. Their dedication and commitment played a pivotal role in the successful implementation and go-live of Oracle Fusion Cloud. Catalyst Business Solutions and Oracle are proud to have been part of Mauritius Telecom's digital transformation journey.
The transition from Oracle E-Business Suite to Oracle Fusion Cloud has enabled Mauritius Telecom to overcome the challenges of stagnation and unlock a new realm of technology and innovation. With enhanced functionality, cloud-based deployment, improved user experience, and seamless integration capabilities, Mauritius Telecom is wellequipped to drive digital transformation and maintain its competitive edge in the dynamic telecommunications industry.
With the highly anticipated COP28 - the next edition of Conference of Parties to United Nations Framework Convention on climate change - coming up companies across sectors are stepping up efforts to contribute to global sustainability goals.
These practices include the adoption of energy-efficient equipment, proper equipment maintenance, effective waste management, incorporation of sustainable materials, efficient project planning, exploring alternative energy sources, green procurement, employee engagement, collaboration and partnerships, and monitoring and measurement of emissions.
While these sustainability initiatives may not require significant financial investment, they demand effort, communication, and commitment from both employees and management.
Dubai-based based companies, tech startup Zoftware and construction company Meteora Developers, are taking the lead in implementing sustainability initiatives.
In the construction sector, there are many ways for stakeholders to play a role in the drive for sustainability. Meteora Developers, a leading
property company based out of Dubai, is actively pursuing some options while understanding the significance of minimizing waste generation on construction sites.
Praveen Sharma, Meteora founder and CEO, said, "There are many ways we have envisaged to employ sustainable practices for a greener future. Some are in operation. We use recyclable, locallysourced materials such as plastic, reclaimed wood, and others made of low-VOC (volatile organic compounds).
“In conjunction with Dubai Municipality, there will be solar panels and recycling bins as standard fittings near our upcoming projects East Crest and 7 Park Central as well as use of smart technology. Efficient HVAC systems and better insulation has been adopted which will significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Many do not realise that a simple design aspect of cross-ventilation and energy-efficient lightning also can go a long way in our collective effort to reduce our environmental impact but also contribute to the overall well-being of our planet,” Sharma said.
Zoftware is part of the Data Direct Group, pioneers in recognising the digital transformation wave since inception
in 2004, and who provided one of the foremost record management services (RMS) in the UAE.
Zoftware specializes in democratization and customization of computer software according to customers’ needs. “At Zoftware, the challenge and our constant endeavour is to see beyond the interfaces and see what technology goes behind it so we can make it more sustainable as it grows with time,” says Aayushman Dalmia, the founder of Zoftware.
Reducing e-waste is always high on the agenda at Zoftware and Data Direct. While dealing with software companies, there is a conscious effort to look at parameters from eco-friendly packaging, responsible sourcing of materials to end-of-life disposal methods, according to Dalmia.
Besides there is an internal process set up to limit paper usage while recording carbon footprint in office settings as well as those consumed by the staff while commuting to work.
“We encourage employees to email documents instead of printing and circulating hard copies. Files and documents are stored in a centralized digital system or cloud storage, eliminating the need for physical filing cabinets and significant paper waste reduction,” Dalmia added.
“We are currently leading the way in terms of gender equality, and even though there is still significant room for improvement, we are delighted with this achievement in removing barriers for women to becoming high achievers in a typically male-dominated field,” Hamill said.
As an ESG enabler, JAGGAER is helping customers in the following ways:
Environmental: A leading global supplier of engineering and technology services uses JAGGAER for sourcing, supplier management and contracts management. The company is making use of the supplier segmentation assessment within the JAGGAER ONE platform to create a CO2 status element.
JAGGAER released its second Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) Report. It illustrates, through a series of case studies, how JAGGAER’s source-to-pay technology is playing an increasingly important role in helping customers to make better use of the world’s scarce resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, make a positive impact on society and improve governance of the supply chain.
JAGGAER also reports on its progress in advancing ESG best practices within its organisation. As Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive ESG Sponsor Michelle Hamill states in her introduction: “The report has been prepared in reference to the GRI Sustainability Reporting Guidelines. We started putting greenhouse gas emission reduction plans in place that are in line with the Paris Agreement 1.5degree pathway.
Social: A large European energy company is using JAGGAER Sourcing+ and Savings Management+ modules with supplier responses captured, exported and assessed in business intelligence and analytics platforms.
Governance: A Spanish energy company has embarked on an ambitious project to digitalise 100% of its procurement processes using JAGGAER software.
Kyndryl, the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, and Monstarlab, a global leader in digital transformation and innovation consulting, today announced a strategic collaboration to support customers in the Middle East to achieve their digital strategy goals and accelerate the region’s transformation into a leading digital economy.
According to an IDC report, digital transformation investments in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa are set to more than double from 2021–2026. By 2026, those investments will top $74 billion and account for 43.2% of all investments in information and communications technology (ICT). Businesses across the region are moving to scale their IT investments for greater innovation,
Veeam Software announced it is integrating Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 with newly launched Microsoft 365 Backup via their backup APIs to bring customers and partners new capabilities for backup, recovery, ransomware protection and business continuity. Veeam plans to utilize this integration to deliver new innovations and experiences to Microsoft customers that need the very best data protection and ransomware recovery to keep their businesses running.
“Today, every business is a digital business,” said Danny Allan, CTO at Veeam. “That means fast, reliable access and availability of data is critical to keep businesses running. Veeam is the leading provider of backup and recovery for Microsoft 365, with over 15 million users protected. We’re delighted to extend our advanced capabilities to customers and partners using Microsoft 365 Backup. We plan to deliver innovative new features and capabilities taking advantage of the power and reliability of the Veeam Data Platform which keeps businesses running.”
“We’re excited to work with Veeam, and look forward to the unprecedented speed and scale of backup and restore experiences they can bring to customers with our new Microsoft 365 Backup solution,” said Jeff Teper, President, Collaboration Apps and Platforms, Microsoft.
Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 is the leader in Microsoft 365 backup and is being used to protect more than 15 million users. This adoption reflects customers’ shared responsibility to own and protect their critical Microsoft
efficiencies, and business value to increase their competitiveness.
Kyndryl and Monstarlab will work together to create more value for customers through the combination of Kyndryl’s designer-led, collaborative co-creation approach, longstanding consulting expertise, and industry-leading technology integration solutions, along with Monstarlab’ s global expertise in end-to-end enterprise-level digital solutions. Monstarlab has more than 1,500 employees internationally, driving digital transformation projects for a wide range of organisations across many sectors including finance, healthcare and emerging tech.
Kyndryl and Monstarlab will work closely with customers to co-create technology platforms and solutions to solve their business challenges, transform and modernise their systems, navigate complex technology environments and accelerate outcomes.
Edge computing involves putting data processing and analytics closer to where data is collected, such as gateways, or endpoints. This reduces latency and improves the efficiency of the network, operations, and service delivery. Not least, edge computing reduces operational expenses to support bandwidth more efficiently as well. These advantages are convincing many enterprises to migrate their data to the edge.
Edge computing is being challenged by the emergence of another advanced technology – cloud computing. Whether bringing edge computing to the private cloud on the premises of an enterprise, or the public cloud used by all, or the hybrid cloud that combines both, this has complicated the migration of data resources to the edge of data networks.
In response to the above-mentioned challenge, some stakeholders are developing solutions that combine edge and cloud computing to leverage the benefits of both. Hewlett Packard Enterprise, also known as HPE, has initiated its Edge-to-Cloud Transformation Program. HPE begins by evaluating its customer’s operational capabilities, developing a roadmap for them, and creating a cross-
functional governance body to make decision to undertake the edge-to-cloud transformation. The HPE partnership will define the edge-to-cloud strategy, help the customer to establish targets, and implement solution architectures and technology solutions to meet those targets.
An early success of the HPE edge-to-cloud program was Cathay Financial Holding Co. Ltd. of Taiwan. Cathay Financial provides banking, insurance, securities, and other diversified financial institutions to clients on the island nation and has registered capital of NTD$120 billion. Cathay Financial used the HPE program to migrate its data to the cloud to drive its digital transformation and make Cathay Financial’s business development more dynamic and scalable.
Success in the highly competitive and lucrative financial market is generating strong interest in the HPE edge computing solution. We can expect similar edge-to-cloud computing solutions to serve in telecom and healthcare applications in the next few years.
As is the case with other evolving technologies, there will be a greater degree of specialization in edge computing. This will help edge computing technology developers design solutions that are closer to specific customer needs. For example, Microsoft Azure is developing an edge computing solution with built-in intelligence capabilities.
The burgeoning Internet of Things (IoT) networks that wirelessly link connected equipment and appliances, offer another opportunity for edge computing developers. ClearBlade is focusing on cloud solutions to serve the IoT sector.
The demand for more analytical capabilities within enterprise software is shaping edge solutions such as those being developed by Dell Technologies to make this a strength of its edge solutions. The growth of containerized applications underpins Section.io’s edge offerings, while Edge ConneX has focused on data centers for edge computing systems. In each case, specialization supports the differentiation of each edge computing solution.
The evolution of edge computing has spawned the formation of startups around the world whose innovations promise novel advantages for computing at the edge. Again, these efforts focus on different capabilities suiting edge computing to serve distinct applications.
Akridata of Los Altos, California, founded in 2018, has developed an edge data platform to simplify artificial intelligence data operation. This will provide more relevant data streams for automotive, retail, and smart city applications.
Bangalore, India-based Aikaan was founded in 2018 to develop its edge computing platform to empower mobility and robotics companies to remotely access, upgrade, and monitor
IoT edge devices and applications securely. In addition, the Aikaan solution continuously self-diagnoses the system, its applications, and an overall network to spot problems that IT teams can remediate faster.
Reactive artificial intelligence is the strong suite of the edge computing solutions developed by ContextAI based in Glienicke, Germany, and founded in 2017. Logistics and retail companies can use these edge computing solutions to leverage real-time data to perform predictive analytics, such as retail stores identifying customer interactions with specific products.
IOTech Systems based in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, also founded in 2017, developed its EdgeExpert solution to enable its oil and gas customers to collect data at any scale from point of generation without the need for the cloud. The British firm also develops edge computing solutions for telecom.
An emerging technology that could profoundly affect edge computing is 5G, which can lower latency, provide high bandwidth, and download up to 10 gigabits per second, or up to two orders of magnitude faster than existing 4G networks.
At present, 5G deployment is proceeding slowly due to concerns over its complexity, the focus on bringing the technology to major metropolitan areas first, and the relatively small number of 5G devices in the marketplace. However, at least one major telecom provider is working to bring 5G to the edge.
Verizon has developed its 5G Edge multi-access edge computing (MEC) platform to bring cloud servers closer to data network endpoints to lower latency and accelerate local processing. The company’s 5G Edge can bring private cloud MEC into smart factories, processing data near the point of collection from sensors monitoring assembly lines to improve quality control and distribution. 5G Edge can detect the defects captured by computer vision and reduce scrap rates, while improving the flow of finished parts by guiding automated vehicles on the factory floor. The public cloud MEC version of 5G Edge can track and optimize the delivery of goods to distribution centers and eventually retail outlets and customers.
On the horizon for edge computing will be the development of Edge-as-a-service (EaaS) solutions that will provide users with immediate access to edge deployment upon subscription at the needed scale without the time and cost of building their own edge network. There are some signs this has begun, with Section.io in Boulder, Colorado, developing an EaaS solution that is used by QuantCDN a static Web and Jamstack provider that is based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Another user of the Section EaaS is Drupal, the open-source community whose headquarters is in Portland, Oregon. NTT of Tokyo, Japan, has an EaaS solution that it claims combines private cloud 5G, IoT, and operational technology with edge computing. The versatility of edge computing to augment and complement other advanced technologies will continue to attract research effort and investment in the years to come.
It’s no secret that the clock is ticking on climate change and global warming, with human activities largely to blame, according to some 97% of actively publishing climate scientists. And it is common knowledge that marked rises in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are caused by activities like generating electricity from fossil fuels, air travel, combustion engines, and the building and agriculture industries. But they’re not the only culprits – other areas such as the information and communications technology (ICT) sector also have a role to play in helping to reduce emissions.
The UAE, a leader in digital transformation, aims to achieve Net Zero by 2050 and will host COP28. Balancing sustainability objectives with technological progress should be a priority for enterprises in the country.
The obvious place to start when considering the ICT sector’s GHG emissions is hardware, with data centres and networks likely to produce most of the sector’s emissions. In fact, the International Energy Agency reports that data centres and data transmission networks are responsible
By: David Boast, Managing Director, MENA, Endava
for nearly 1% of energy-related GHG emissions. It’s no surprise, then, that data centres have been at the focus of the industry’s attempts to reduce its emissions, with the result that data centres have become much more efficient over the past 10 years.
The amount of emissions that hardware produces depends significantly on its use and operation – and a key part of this is the software it runs.
There is a vast amount of complexity involved when considering how to reduce the emissions caused by software, with a myriad complicated and related factors to take into account. For example, we need to consider emissions generated during software development, from activities such as test environments, analysis tools and developer workstations. Indirect emissions, like those from commuting, the office space and air travel, are also part of the picture when developing software.
Highlighting these overlooked areas empowers businesses to minimize their impact. During the pandemic, remote collaboration through established communication and file sharing platforms eliminated the need for travel, enabling geographically dispersed teams to work together seamlessly. Optimized software development paradigms like The Endava Adaptive
Model (TEAM) streamline software design and testing, reducing time to market and resource requirements.
Turning focus to software in production environments, enterprises can also reduce the carbon footprint of this by aiming to right-size their infrastructure for the workloads they run. While hyperconverged infrastructure offers an effective solution to scale down the physical footprint of the data centre, as a general rule, using cloud platforms powered by sustainable energy sources is currently the most optimum solution, as these are the lowest-emission platforms available to most organisations.
As the UAE advances on its green journey, the ICT sector shows increasing awareness and action to be sustainable and reduce environmental impact. Data center engineers and hardware designers are making excellent progress in measurement, standardization, and efficiency, resulting in lower emissions. The next step for the sector may involve developing methods to assess and reduce the environmental impact of software emissions. Though fully accurate quantitative measurement is challenging, simple steps can be taken now to consider software sustainability.
The Arab Region faces a critical freshwater situation, with one of the highest rates of water scarcity, as highlighted by the United Nations. Around 40 percent of the world's population is affected by water scarcity, while 80 percent of wastewater is discharged untreated into the environment, and water-related disasters account for more than 90 percent of all disasters. In response, governments in the region are increasing their investments in water infrastructure to address this pressing issue.
Over the past three decades, the UAE has experienced a significant decline in its water table, dropping approximately one meter per year. At this rate, the country is projected to deplete its natural freshwater resources within the next 50 years, according to the World Bank.
To meet the growing water demand, the development of desalination projects remains crucial for the social and economic development of the Gulf region. The Middle East and North Africa account for over 75 percent of global desalinated water, with 70 percent located in the GCC countries and 6 percent in Libya and Algeria. The total value of Water Desalination Plant Projects in the MENA region is estimated at USD 39.3 billion.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the UAE has launched the Water Security Strategy 2036, aimed at reducing water resource demand, increasing water productivity, improving water-use efficiency, and enhancing water quality by tackling pollution. Similarly, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is actively focusing on water infrastructure and currently has USD 14 billion worth of water projects under construction.
Treated wastewater, which amounts to around 10 billion m3/year in the Arab region, represents a significant renewable water source. Proper management of treated wastewater is essential for its utilization in agriculture and artificial recharging
of groundwater aquifers. Improving the quality of treated wastewater is crucial to overcome the current obstacles limiting its full utilization.
Now, more than ever, it is crucial to foster dialogue among different stakeholders to explore innovative solutions and mobilize public and private actions to improve water resource quality and ensure long-term sustainability.
In line with these efforts, the UN Water Convention, in force since 1996, aims to address global water challenges. Recently, the UN 2023 Water Conference brought together leaders and experts to identify innovative solutions. The UAE has been actively promoting start-ups to develop technologies for water distillation and farming solutions.
Looking ahead, the upcoming COP28, to be hosted by the UAE from November 30 to December 12, calls for global unity and action to address the climate crisis. COP27 saw countries agreeing to develop new funding arrangements to support developing economies disproportionately affected by climate change. Key actions at COP28 include accelerating the energy transition, addressing climate finance issues, prioritizing livelihoods, and ensuring inclusivity in all aspects of the conference.
Building a sustainable future necessitates collective efforts from both the government and private players. The UAE has consistently been at the forefront of driving transformative projects aimed at addressing climate change. Initiatives such as the carbon market, the development program for national adaptation, the national dialogue for climate ambition, and the Climate Ambassadors program demonstrate the country's commitment to sustainability and fostering climate action. By actively engaging various stakeholders and promoting innovative programs, the UAE is playing a vital role in shaping a greener and more resilient future.
SunMoney Solar Group, which runs the largest community solar program in the world and has its own asset-backed clean energy token, the SDBN2, recently invested in a revolutionary tyre-recycling technology. The futuristic technology's efficient system, whose solution SunMoney Solar invested in, has a zero-carbon footprint of its own, along with a minimal energy requirement during the recycling process, thus drastically reducing its environmental impact. The tyre recycling technology is part of SunMoney Solar’s larger effort to create a more sustainable future for all of its stakeholders. As part of its commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility, SunMoney Solar is working hard to develop cleaner energy sources and investments.
The all-new tyre recycling technology has been developed by a cooperation between an Austrian and a Swiss company and uses advanced machinery and processes to break down used tyres into their component materials without releasing any harmful emissions into the atmosphere i.e. zero carbon footprint. The material produced can then be reused to create new products such as insulation foam, playground surfaces, rubber mats or even artificial turf for sports fields.
“This unique technology is an incredible innovation that will help us reach our sustainability goals faster," said Zoltan Rendes, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chairman of the Board at SunMoney Solar Group. "We are thrilled to partner with them and look forward to seeing their technology become a staple in the industry. This is an incredible advancement in green technology. By eliminating emissions from the process, we can significantly
reduce our carbon footprint while still producing high quality recycled products," he added.
Tires, when burnt as a source of fuel instead of recycling them properly, emit a lot of harmful chemicals in the environment. They also throw off tiny plastic polymers into their surroundings that more often than not end up as pollutants in waterways. The groundbreaking technology is set to have a major impact on global waste management practices. By utilizing this advanced recycling process, companies can reduce their environmental footprint while still producing high quality products without any additional cost or effort. Not only does this process help reduce waste by diverting it from landfill sites; it also helps save money on purchasing new materials for manufacturing purposes. SunMoney Solar’s investment in this technology marks another milestone on its mission to create more sustainable products and services for consumers around the world. With this new partnership, SunMoney Solar Group hopes to bring
about meaningful change within the industry through increased access to innovative technologies that are both eco-friendly and cost effective. The company also sees great potential for this technology in blockchain, and in foraying into asset-backed cryptocurrency tokens for tyre recycling technology, after the success of its previous Solar backed asset token, SDBN1 and SDBN2.
In addition to its environmental benefits, this state-of-the-art tyre recycling technology also has economic advantages. By streamlining the process of sorting and recycling materials, it reduces labour costs and increases efficiency throughout the entire supply chain. This makes it attractive for businesses looking to cut costs while still producing high quality recycled rubber and steel products. With its investment in this innovative solution, SunMoney Solar is taking a major step forward towards being more effective in the tyre recycling space and creating a greener future through sustainable solutions.
Reflecting on the past years, financial institutions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have made significant strides in embracing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles as a crucial part of their commitment to sustainability. Recognizing the growing importance of ESG reporting and the need for a comprehensive approach, these institutions have shifted their focus from defining ESG strategies to implementing them, with data governance playing a pivotal role.
A report titled "Middle East Banks drive growth in ESG finance, face calls for ESG strategy," published by Arthur D. Little (ADL), provides a tailored and scalable solution to effectively manage complex ESG information in the region. This retrospective analysis examines the impact of recent disruptions and explores opportunities for banks to strengthen and expand their ESG strategies. In an impressive development, the MENA region had witnessed a remarkable surge in green and sustainable finance, generating $24.55 billion in 2021 compared to $3.8 billion in 2020. This extraordinary 532% year-over-year growth demonstrated the significant momentum in the entire region.
Andreas Buelow, Partner at Arthur D. Little, remarked, "ESG has become the new normal for financial institutions. A clear indication of this lies in the products and services offered by banks, which now reflected their sustainable aspirations. Countries in the Middle East and North Africa are not merely keeping pace with global growth in green issuances but are actually surpassing it."
The ADL Viewpoint proposed a two-part scalable solution to address the challenges posed by complex data and enable banks to effectively manage ESG information. The first step involves creating an ESG data catalog to ensure transparency without disrupting existing systems. The second step entails establishing a governance framework that ensures quality control in a scalable and structured manner.
Banks face unique challenges as they put their ESG strategies into practice. A comprehensive ESG strategy encompasses various external and internal applications, aiding financial institutions in their pursuit of a sustainable future. Recognizing the pivotal role of data governance in a fully developed strategy, financial institutions need a framework centered around an ESG data catalog with the following three key features:
1. Prioritizing data transparency and quality without disrupting the existing data landscape.
2. Anticipating future ESG-related requirements.
3. Assisting in managing complex data demands in an evolving regulatory environment.
Thus far, financial institutions in the MENA region continue to embrace ESG, which is gathering momentum and gaining widespread acceptance.
With the "instagrammable food" era being prioritized over the taste of food, customers prefer that the look of the food should be perfect enough for aesthetics. A paper straw in a mojito is a sustainable approach, but it doesn’t suit the needs of Gen Z who wants to have a picture-perfect look for their food.
Imagine spending a lovely day out, relishing a delicious meal, and feeling completely at ease – it's something everyone loves, even our furry friends! But here's the thing: are we making choices that will keep these wonderful experiences alive for our children and grandchildren too? Let's explore how we can make our dining habits more sustainable.
UAE is moving towards being a sustainable country through its “The UAE’s Green Agenda – 2030." Restaurants are also stepping up by adopting sustainable dining practices with new ideas and yearly plans. But here's the big question: as customers, are we doing our part to support this shift towards sustainability?
There is a misalignment between our desire for luxury and aesthetics and our commitment towards sustainability and environmental concerns. As customers, we hold considerable power to influence the choices made by restaurants and hotels. By actively voicing our support for sustainable practices, we can encourage businesses to adopt eco-friendly alternatives without compromising on the overall experience. As the demand for sustainable options grows, establishments are more likely to respond with creative and appealing solutions that align with both aesthetics and eco-consciousness.
In recent years, we have witnessed an inspiring wave of eco-friendly initiatives taking root in the hospitality sector. From farm-to-table concepts that prioritize locally sourced, organic produce to zero-waste kitchens that aim to eliminate food waste entirely, these practices are gaining traction and reshaping the way we dine. Restaurants are adopting digital menus and smart ordering systems to reduce paper waste, while energy-efficient appliances and lighting are becoming standard in many establishments.
Our love for dining out and savoring delicious meals should not come at the cost of the environment. By valuing both aesthetics and eco-consciousness, we can create a dining experience that leaves a positive impact on the planet, ensuring that future generations can also enjoy the pleasures of good food, shared moments, and a sustainable world.
How does The H Dubai hotel incorporate sustainability into its operations?
- Guest Engagement: We try to educate and engage guests in sustainable practices during their stay.
- Staff training and engagement: We provide regular training and resources to staff members on sustainable practices. This includes educating our employees about energy and water conservation, waste management, and responsible procurement.
- Monitoring and reporting: We have implemented systems to monitor and track our environmental performance. We also report regularly on key sustainability metrics that help us identify areas for improvement.
Can you tell us more about the Green Key Certification awarded to The H Dubai hotel and what it represents in terms of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation?
The Green Key Certification awarded to The H Dubai hotel is a recognition of its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable operation. This prestigious certification is bestowed by the Emirates Green Building Council, a leading authority in promoting sustainability in the United Arab Emirates.
Green Key Certification is considered a prominent standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility. It signifies that The H Dubai hotel has met stringent criteria set by
the Foundation for Environmental Education, demonstrating its dedication to sustainable practices and minimizing its environmental impact.
Can you elaborate on the 5 interconnected pillars of the eco-project embraced by the hotel?
Following are the 5 interconnected pillars:
1.Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle: We have a proper waste management practice, including recycling and composting through a biodigester machine that helps us minimize the environmental impact of the hotel and conserve resources. We encourage guests to reuse towels and linens instead of replacing them daily.
2.Reduce Water Consumption: We have installed lowflow showerheads, faucets, and toilets to reduce water consumption. Water-saving technologies and practices such as dual-flush toilets and aerators have also been implemented.
3.Energy Conservation: We also utilize energy monitoring systems to track and analyze energy usage. This data helps us to identify areas of high consumption and optimize energy usage through control systems.
4.Local Care: This highlights our commitment to supporting the local community and environment. It involves engaging in local initiatives, supporting local businesses, and promoting cultural heritage.
5.Fair Trade: we communicate with suppliers to reduce packaging, provide environment friendly chemicals, and to provide organic, locally produced, sustained food.
The H Dubai invested in a biodigester, can you explain what a biodigester is and how it works to address the challenge of food waste?
We have installed the Power Knot LFC-100 Biodigester to address the challenge of food waste.
The biodigester releases decomposed food in the form of wastewater which is environmentally safe and is being used to enrich the property’s landscapes. Additionally, data generated through the biodigester will enable us to identify areas that will help reduce overall food wastage and incorporate more efficient and intelligent planning in the kitchens.
Overtime, the biodigester will also help us to lower the cost of disposing waste food and investment signals towards our longterm commitment to sustainability. It is an intelligent machine that has thus far ingested 1,830 kgs of food waste in two months and as a result reduced 3.9 tonnes of carbon emissions.
chosen Dulsco as its waste management partner, and look forward to applying our trusted, unrivalled expertise to help the much-loved brand achieve its environmental goals,” said John Grainger, Chief Operating Officer at Dulsco Environment.
By: Simon Leigh Managing Director,
Premier Inn Middle East, the hotel brand of choice for high quality, high value accommodation, is stepping up its sustainability drive and reinforced its commitment to supporting government green goals by bringing a new waste management services provider on board.
Premier Inn has appointed Dulsco Environment to handle all aspects of waste management at Premier Inn-owned properties in Dubai. New technology, training and targets have been put in place to further reduce waste at the properties and promote recycling in line with government objectives.
“Premier Inn is proud to contribute to the continued success and growth of Dubai’s hospitality and tourism sector – and to support government sustainability policies and objectives,” said Simon Leigh, Managing Director, Premier Inn Middle East. “We are fully aligned with the Dubai Sustainable Tourism initiative which, in turn, supports the UAE Net Zero Strategy, and are committed to making sustainability an even greater priority in all aspects of our operations.
“With 2023 the Year of Sustainability in the UAE, COP28 taking place in Dubai this winter and travellers increasingly demanding eco-friendly tourism and accommodation, sustainability is under the spotlight like never before. Premier Inn is delighted to partner with Dulsco to take our waste management practices to new levels through an holistic approach that includes better waste segregation, tailored training for team members and regular audits to ensure targets are met and identify areas for improvement.”
The Premier Inn-Dulsco partnership, was cemented on World Environment Day in June.
“As a pioneer in environmental solutions, Dulsco Environment champions new technology, spearheads innovation and creates tailor-made solutions for its customers in the UAE. We are proud that Premier Inn has
“With sustainability at the heart of everything we do, we continue to deliver solutions that treat waste as a resource, divert waste away from landfill and achieve a circular economy, fulfilling our sustainability agenda and supporting UAE’s initiatives”
As part of its commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment, Premier Inn uses solar energy to generate hot water and water recycling systems at several properties, and is working towards becoming a plastic-free organisation in line with government policies. The company has also established a dedicated, inhouse eco committee, comprising team members from all departments, to further drive sustainability initiatives in its operations and instil green thinking among team members and guests.
Simon Leigh said: “Sustainability should be considered as a way of life, a way of always improving our operation. We remain focused on the long-term vision of optimising the business in a sustainable way, and the practises and ‘’quick win’’ changes we implement along the journey will ensure we avoid risk and capitalise on opportunities when they arise. We are maximizing team engagement through regular communication and training sessions, and our eco committee meets regularly to review and adapt our plans.
