Ziwira September Issue 2015

September Issue 9 2015 W W W. Z I W I R A . C O M

September Issue 9 2015

BUILDING A GREEN FUTURE

SUSTAINABLE

EXCLUSIVE

THE CHANGE INITIATIVE

INSIGHTS FROM

IRENA + DUBAI CARBON See how they are leading the UAE to a cleaner future

Dubai’s most sustainable establishment

BIOFUELS Middle East

COOKING UP A S O A RAPIDLY DECLINING SOURCE OF ENERGY www.ziwira.com

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BUSINESS

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September Issue 9 2015

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CONTENTS

BUILDING A GREEN FUTURE

CONTENTS

ZIWIRA SEPTEMBER 2015

COVER STORY

22 BIOFUELS

22 Biofuels in the Middle East Cooking up a solution to a rapidly declining

Middle East

source of energy.

ENTERTAINMENT 50 Film: The Worthy Emirati film director Ali Mostafa’s latest en-

COVER STORY

deavor is an action/thriller about a futuristic war fuelled by water shortage.

52 Game of Climate Change?

TRAVEL

There is an undeniable link between Game of

54 Swimming with Giants in the Philippines

probably realise after reading this article.

Thrones and Climate Change that you would

With stunning tropical weather, and a friendly laid-

INTERVIEW

tourists to swim with whale sharks - but is it ethical?

34 Keeping a Tab on Carbon

back community, Oslob has become a prime spot for

Ivano Iannelli, CEO of Dubai Carbon talks about

56 Green hospitality amidst the elegance of the Palm Jumeirah

their projects, COP21, monetization of carbon dioxide, and more…

The Palm Sofitel in Dubai speaks volumes in terms of luxurious, island-style hospitality, all the while remaining ecologically sound.

AUTO 38 UAE embraces the lucrative hybrid taxi market In the Auto section, we present a story on the Toyota Camry (hybrid), which has taken the UAE by storm by means of taxis.

41 A close encounter with the i8 hybrid Following our review of the impeccable BMW i8 in

our April Issue, BMW invited ZIWIRA to attend the BMW Club Event at the AGMC Showroom. www.ziwira.com

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September Issue 9 2015

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32

HEALTH 32 Kenyan’s Innovative Solar Lamp expels the need for Kerosene Kenya may be a small country, but with a popu-

FEATURE 28 Chinese Yulin festival

lation of 44 million, healthy living is imperative to the African nation’s continuation.

This spine-chilling piece on the ruthless Yulin

WILDLIFE

cruelty at the hands of humans.

46 How the Barbary Lions Went Extinct

festival of China exposes the dogs facing terrifying

LIFESTYLE

Human fascination with the beauty and prowess

30 The Urban Yogi

their extinction.

An interview with Nisha Varman Shetty, Founder

and CEO of The Urban Yogi, a sustainable homeware store in Dubai.

BUSINESS 18 Dubai’s Most Sustainable Establishment The Change Initiative is a facility that represents

of these lions may just have been the cause of

GREEN SPORTS 44 Top Scores for Green NBA Initiatives The NBA along with the Green Sports Alliance, have brought positive change by means of environmental initiatives.

community, education, sustainability, and wellbeing in Dubai.

ECO-TECH 42 The Environmental Impact of the Digital World In the global race for technological advancement,

GREEN CELEB 48 Robert Redford addreses Climate Change Actor and activist Robert Redford recently

visited the United Nations to address the UN’s High-Level Meeting on Climate Change.

a dirty footprint has been left on the environment.

ENERGY 14 Insights from IRENA The organization recently opened its official headquarters in Abu Dhabi and now operates from a fully-fledged sustainable building.

LOCAL 12 An admirable cause that’s close to home Monja Wolf’s Monyati Initiatives is now set to

improve the lives of struggling rural UAE residents, in an admirably sustainable fashion.

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POEM

Life The Way It Should Be Tell me what do you see Purple, green, and gold, Mountain peaks that touch the sky Little black birds flying by Sun setting in the west Flowers in the east, Calm, relaxing breeze And forests filled with trees Tell me what do you see The sky starts to fade as night approaches Animals will soon come out The spring is ending without a doubt Fall is coming near Cold weather’s on its way, Flowers start to die Birds go south, bye bye.

Tell me what do you see Happiness, love, and beauty, Everyone is free Life the way it should be.

BY TAYLOR JORDAO

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September Issue 9 2015

BUILDING A GREEN FUTURE

Publisher Ziwira

EDITORIAL

CEO and Founder Adam Merza adam@ziwira.com Editorial Saba Khan saba.khan@ziwira.com Nasreen Rasool nasreen.rasool@ziwira.com Zane Small zane.small@ziwira.com Imran Khan imran@ziwira.com Marketing Nadir Khan nadir.khan@ziwira.com +971 56 7481747 Design Asif Habib asif.habib@ziwira.com Fahad Balabhai fahad@ziwira.com Head Office Techno Hub Building, Office No. 161-162, PO Box No. 341171, Dubai Silicon Oasis, UAE. USA Office Ziwira Inc. 445 Park Avenue 9th Floor

As the world becomes aware of the limited and depleting natural petroleum resources,

UAE prepares to shift its ever expanding food and restaurant industry to produce biodiesel, a healthier alternative to petroleum. I know it sounds strange, but the leftover cooking oil found in tremendous amounts in almost all the eating joints, can be useful rather than be a health hazard and drain blocker. Our cover story this month explores the huge potential of biofuels and its production.

The spine-chilling Chinese Yulin Dog Meat Festival gives me goosebumps. The mere thought of slaughtering and grilling dogs to satisfy the devouring taste buds not only sounds disgusting but also underlines the double standards of the population following the tradition. Read the complete story about the fiesta on page 28.

From setting up a sustainable rickshaw business in Madagascar to building new homes for poor families in Brazil, Monja Wolf’s Monyati Initiatives is now set to improve the lives

of struggling rural UAE residents, in an admirably sustainable fashion. Turn to page 12 to see what this amazing organization has done.

Celebrities are an integral part of raising awareness and implementing change in the world. Actor Robert Redford, who is also a fierce advocate for the environment, recently

visited the United Nations where he addressed the UN Assembly’s High-Level Meeting on Climate Change. See what he had to say on page 48.

In the Auto section, we present a story on the Toyota Camry (hybrid), which has taken the UAE by storm by means of taxis. We checked out the release event where Al-Futtaim Motors handed over an additional 55 Toyota Camry’s to Cars Taxi. Check out the interview with Abdulla Sultan Al Sabbagh, CEO of Cars Taxi Group on page 40.

Hotels are fun. You can take long showers with insane water pressure while indulging in all kinds of miniature plastic bath products, in a room heated to whatever temperature your skin pleases... all part of the hotel experience. These hotel perks rest on the cosmic

amount of waste created by the hospitality industry. Catch up with Rohit Salunke, Director of Engineering, Sofitel, The Palm, Dubai in an exclusive interview where he speaks volumes on the initiatives that makes Sofitel the greenest hotel in Dubai.

I invite you to share your thoughts, ideas and experiences with me on how you “go green” in every capacity of your life. I look forward to hearing from you!

New York City New York 10022 United States of America Canada Office Ziwira Inc. Toronto, Canada © Copyright 2015 Ziwira. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication can be reproduced in

parts, stored in retrieval system or transmitted in

Saba Khan E D I T O R

@ZIWIRA

any form or by any means without the prior written

permission of the publisher.

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NEWS & EVENTS

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT BLOCKS ADANI COAL MINE IN QUEENSLAND Due to an uproar of environmental concerns, the Federal Court of Australia overturned government approval for Indian company Adani’s giant coal mines.

The Carmichael Mine, approved by the government in 2014, would have been

one of the world’s largest coal mines. On August 4, the court said that the Envi-

ronment Minister had failed to heed advice about threats to vulnerable wildlife species. The decision means that the mine cannot legally operate until fresh

approval is granted, according to Sue Higginson, the Principal Solicitor for the Environmental Defenders Office in New South Wales. “The law requires that

the Minister consider these conservation advices so that he understands the impacts of the decision that he is making on matters of national environmental

significance, in this case the threatened species,” she said. Adani, which has

struggled to get financial backing for the project, had also won earlier approval to build a new coal port terminal on the Queensland coast to support exports

from the mine. The project would have dug up and exported about 60m tonnes of coal a year, mostly to India. Environmentalists and reef scientists said work on the port could damage the nearby Great Barrier Reef.

NEW FUEL PRICES FOR UAE DRIVERS

BUILT-IN CAMERAS COULD OFFER VALUABLE PROTECTION TO ENDANGERED RHINOS

The removal of fuel subsidies in the UAE officially

A British team has developed a system to help protect wild rhinos that

from 1.72 per liter on 31 July to 2.14 per liter on 1

could be extinct within the next ten years, because they are hunted

by poachers for their lucrative horns. By using a combination of GPS

trackers, heart rate monitors, and hidden cameras, wardens can be on site to foil an attack within seconds. Cameras are embedded inside

the horn of the rhino, in what researchers say is a painless procedure.

They hope it will be a key weapon in the fight against poaching. “You

need to catch the poacher red-handed, and that’s what we’re setting out to do, and that’s what we can do,” said Dr. Paul O’Donoghue.

The BBC gave him a unique opportunity to trial the camera concept

in South Africa. A hole is drilled into the rhino’s horn, and a camera is inserted. “It’s basically a burglar alarm for rhinos,” says O’Donoghue.

With this new technology, rangers will no longer have to remain onsite as much, as poachers also pose a threat to them. www.ziwira.com

came into effect last month. The price of fuel went August. This 20 percent increase applies to 95 oc-

tane gasoline, or “Special” as it is more commonly

known by motorists. The UAE Ministry of Energy said in a statement that the change will not only boost the

economy but will also help to curb fuel consumption,

save on natural resources and reduce carbon emis-

sions. Residents are now encouraged to purchase cars that are lighter on fuel, and to make more regu-

lar use of public transport. The UAE is the first coun-

try in the entire Persian Gulf to remove transport fuel subsidies, a move which is perfectly in line with the country’s vision to become a world leader in clean energy and sustainability.

September Issue 9 2015

GULFSOL: 14-16 SEPTEMBER – DUBAI This month, Dubai will host GulfSol, an event dedicated to the solar industry, showcasing

the very latest solar thermal and photovoltaic

technologies available in the region. The showcase, held at the Dubai World Trade

Centre from 14-16 September, will be the

WORLD’S FIRST ELECTRIC DOUBLE DECKER BUS WILL SET OFF IN LONDON

second edition of GulfSol in Dubai, which

is currently organized by DMG Events, producers of The Big 5 & Adipec. Visitors

can attend the workshop and also register

as a delegate in the Global Solar Leaders’

London’s iconic Double Decker Bus is receiving a makeover and becoming

Summit – a high level summit bringing

to get the world’s first fleet of double-decker electric buses on a trial basis.

private sector stakeholders from across

London transportation agency TFL (Transportation for London) has already

solar future. The lineup includes esteemed

a low-emission diesel-electric hybrid, and the all-electric venture launches

Al Tayer, Managing Director & CEO of

nese electric bus manufacturer BYD. So far, the company has manufactured

Director General of Dubai Municipality.

than 50 million miles of service. Altogether, the buses have been tested out

government is attracting large-scale solar

announced the new double-decker, “Many believed that a purely electric

generation contributes to overall renewables

quired to power it. However, by working with BYD and utilizing the latest cut-

infrastructure and accelerate renewable

fully electric. The city’s well known bus Route 16 to Victoria Station is going

together senior government officials and

The new double-deckers are slated to begin service in October 2015. The

the MENA region to debate the region’s

launched the next iteration of its iconic Routemaster double-decker bus as

individuals such as H.E. Saeed Mohammed

the double-decker into ultra-low emission territory. TFL partnered with Chi-

DEWA, and H.E. Hussain Nasser Lootah,

more than 5,000 electric buses, which, as of April 2015, have logged more

Topics to be discussed include how the

in more than 150 cities. According to London Mayor Boris Johnson, who

investments, how distributed solar power

double-deck bus would not be possible due to the size of battery packs re-

generation, and how we can optimize energy

ting edge technology, London has been able to secure another world-first.”

energy integration. Don’t miss it!

SOCIAL MEDIA ERUPTS OVER THE KILLING OF CECIL THE LION Mass controversy surrounds the recent death of Cecil, one of

lion. “To my knowledge, everything about this trip was legal and

lion was killed by American dentist James Palmer, without a per-

Star Tribune website. Hunter Theo Bronkhorst and Honest Ndlo-

the oldest and most famously beloved lions in Zimbabwe. The mit, having paid $50,000 to two guides. The lion was reportedly lured out of Hwange National Park using bait, and then wound-

ed by use of a crossbow, and not actually killed until 40 hours after the shot, according to Johnny Rodrigues, Chairman of

Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force. Palmer has since received

a huge wave of criticism on social media for killing Cecil. He says he hired several professional guides who secured permits

for his bow hunting trip, and now deeply regrets shooting the

properly handled and conducted,” he said in a statement on the

vu, a private game park owner, will face poaching charges in Hwange for implementing the lion’s killing. Investigations show

the killing of Cecil was illegal because the land owner was not allocated a lion on his hunting quota for 2015, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA) and ZCTF said in

a statement. “Therefore, all persons implicated in this case are

due to appear in court facing poaching charges,” the conservationists said.

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LOCAL

AN ADMIRABLE CAUSE THAT’S CLOSE TO HOME… The United Arab Emirates has recently been voted the 5th most efficient government in the world by the World Economic Forum. Our country has an excellent reputation as a luxurious travel destination that treats its high expatriate population gracefully. However, even in developed countries like the UAE, there will always be those who struggle. India and Germany based Monyati Initiatives, has seized an opportunity to help out struggling rural UAE residents, in an admirably sustainable fashion.

MONYATI INITIATIVES national

Monja

Wolf

founded Monyati Initiatives in

2009. Monja lived in the Middle

East since 2007, previously working in

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), supported by UNICEF GCC, Just Giving, and the Yunus Centre in Bangladesh. She

established Monyati Initiatives as a non-

profit social development organization to support communities in need. The

word monyati translates to the Arabic meaning of “a wish that is close to your

heart”. Regardless of religious or cultural

background, Monyati Initiatives focuses on

working

globally

in

partnership

with social organizations and socially committed corporations, to fund and

execute projects in emerging markets across

sectors.

education

and

infrastructure

From 2009, the organization has funded and executed 14 projects in Bangladesh,

Brazil, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Kyrgyzstan,

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Madagascar, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sudan. Recent projects include one

“

in Pakistan, where Monyati provided

Our aim with this project is threefold:

setup of a vocational sewing center for

using natural energy; to help rural

sewing machines and equipment for the women in Kashmir. In Brazil, Monyati

provided funding for the construction of

11 low-cost houses for families in favelas near Sao Paulo, and offered 9 students

from universities in the UAE to travel to Brazil to help the beneficiary families in

the construction of these new homes. In Kyrgyzstan, Monyati provided running

water for more than 2,500 children,

To protect the UAE’s environment by

“

G

erman

families by enhancing their infrastructure; and to nurture a compassionate spirit within the country.

teachers and janitors from 9 schools in rural areas. Furthermore, the organization

provided beds for the Little Flower Mercy Home near Kochi in Kerala, India, and

supported the Shibashi slum school in Dhaka, Bangladesh for a period of

2 years. This support covers all of the yearly expenses such as rent, salaries for teachers, school material supplies, and school management expenses.

MONJA WOLF

Founder of Monyati Initiatives

September Issue 9 2015

In appreciation for the support extended by the UAE to

Monyati Initiatives, they decided to implement a project to say “thanks”. The project was to provide solar power for rural families in the UAE – especially since there is

an absolute abundance of sunlight in the Gulf Region.

The project aims to reach out to farmers in rural UAE and provide them with solar parks, which entail two lights, a

fan, and mobile charger unit – all of which is currently not available to them. This will prove to be extremely

beneficial for farmers conducting business with partners

from the city centers, and enable them to plan more efficiently, and live comfortably.

“Most of our team have lived in the UAE for a many years and we are excited about giving something back to the

community,” said Ms. Wolf. “We felt there was a need,

“

Funding for the panels and equipment has come from private donors and we always welcome support. Hopefully, once we complete this initial phase we can then move on, expanding to help hundreds more farmers. But for doing so we need support from private donors, as well as from members of the public who volunteer to help out.

“

SOLAR ENERGY FOR RURAL UAE

perhaps more so in some of the rural areas, where we

could be of help. Many people may not be aware, but if you drive around the country you will notice these small farms dotted around the countryside.”

The organization has already rolled out the first pilot project. 19 volunteers came forward to install the first

solar panels at farms near Mirfa, Abu Dhabi, which turned out to be a great success. Utilizing nature for positive change is powerful and sustainable. For this phase,

Monyati plans to support more than 50 farmers. One solar park costs approximately AED 550, so they kindly ask for donations to help support the admirable cause. Join them and be part of the movement! Visit www.monyati.com or

info@monyati.com for more details on how you can make a difference.

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ENERGY

INSIGHTS

FROM IRENA We spoke to two experts at the International Renewable Energy Agency about the recent Energy workshop and the future of renewables.

by Nasreen Rasool

The new IRENA headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

I

t’s been a big year for the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

The organization recently opened its

official headquarters in Abu Dhabi and now operates from

a fully-fledged sustainable building. It also held its 34th edition of the International Energy Workshop (IEW) in Abu Dhabi from

3-5 June. This was the first IEW to be hosted by the Middle East in its 34-year history.

The IEW is a leading conference for the international energy

modelling community. In a world of environmental and economic

constraints, energy modelling is an increasingly important tool for addressing the complexity of energy planning and policy

making. IEW provides a platform for scholars and researchers

to compare quantitative energy projections, to understand the

reasons for diverging views of future energy developments, and to observe new trends in global energy production and consumption.

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The event featured plenary and parallel sessions, during which

nearly 100 papers were presented on topics including climate change mitigation and adaptation, economics of renewable

energy sources, co-linkages of climate, air pollution and energy security, energy and economic growth in emerging economies,

and energy poverty alleviation. This year’s workshop focused on low carbon technologies, Gulf energy landscapes in the global economy and international climate policy. It also featured guest

speakers from IRENA, Harvard University, Masdar Institute, Chatham House and the International Energy Agency, amongst others.

Dolf Gielen, the Director of IRENA’s Innovation and Technology Centre and Henning Wuester, Director of IRENA’s Knowledge,

Policy and Finance department shared some important information on the growing renewable energy sector.

September Issue 9 2015

Dolf Gielen DIRECTOR OF IRENA INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY CENTRE

Q: It’s been said again and again that renewables will not

affect economic growth. Does IRENA have any tangible figures to show this or examples of countries that have made the transition without negative impact on economic growth?

There are many examples of this across the globe. Take

Sweden for example. It has the ambitious goal to achieve a

fully climate neutral society by 2050 and is on track to meet

this goal. Thanks to national policies, Sweden has achieved a 23 per cent emission reduction since 1990 and their GDP has

risen 60 percent during that same period. It is a compelling example that suggests renewable energy does not stand in the

way of economic growth. Sweden’s dependency on fossil fuel has been reduced by half, and they are now one of the most

renewable energy-dependent economies in the world. The

IRENA REmap analysis also shows a positive socio-economic

cost-benefit balance for accelerated renewables deployment across the 26 largest economies.

Q: What kind of changes would you personally like to Q: After 34 years, how has the International Energy

see, whether in government policies or private sector

Workshop grown as an event and how has the content

involvement, or anything to spur on a growing market in

changed?

renewable energy?

The first IEW was a relatively small event, organized in California

Great progress is being made in renewable energy, but more

location, being held in Europe, Asia, Africa and now the Middle

8 billion people will demand 60 per cent more electricity than

was the first in the conference’s 34-year history to be held in

per year – roughly double today’s investment levels – is needed

in 1981. Since then, it has grown in size, scope and geographic

action is needed, and quickly. By 2030, a world population of

East. This year’s conference, hosted by IRENA in Abu Dhabi,

today. IRENA estimates that an investment of USD 650 billion

the Middle East. In doing so, the IEW community strengthened

to meet future demand safely and sustainably.

its engagement in the MENA region and gained first-hand experience with the UAE’s economic and renewable energy industry developments.

Financing is one of the major challenges when it comes to

increasing renewable energy deployment in developing countries. Governments must have a firm, transparent long-

Each year’s content is different, depending on the issues of

term policy and regulatory framework that gives confidence

Accordingly, this year focused on low carbon technologies, Gulf

structuring of renewable energy finance is very specific. It’s all

climate policy. The IEW is an unparalleled forum to advance

costs of power generation, in terms of fuel, down the road. Here

most relevance and importance at the time and in the region.

to investors for the duration of the project. The finance and

energy landscapes in the global economy and international

upfront money. With conventional energy, you have a lot of the

this vital field of work.

you’re paying 100 percent upfront.

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ENERGY Through two funding cycles, the project will have improved

energy access for roughly half a million people in developing countries around the world, and leveraged for that USD 120 million in co-financing.

Each cycle, including the third currently in process, has received many more applications than can be funded, which proves there is a large appetite and desire to implement renewable energy projects around the world.

Henning Wuester DIRECTOR OF IRENA KNOWLEDGE, POLICY AND FINANCE

Q: Solar seems to be the most popular and most easily available renewable energy resource. But what options are

there for countries with little sunlight? Are there alternatives to solar that are just as effective and cost efficient?

Q: Henning, more than 7.7 million people worldwide are

There are abundant renewable energy resources on every

think this figure will grow and at what pace?

example, the MENA region is extremely rich in solar potential,

We fully expect the number of jobs in renewable energy to

areas have abundant wind resources. That said, even countries

now employed by the renewable energy industry, do you

grow apace with the expansion of the sector. The number of

jobs recorded has increased 18 percent from last year and 35 percent over the last two years. If you add large hydropower to the mix, you get a conservative estimate of an additional

part of the planet, but they vary depending on location. For while Iceland is rich in geothermal energy, and many coastal in the northern hemisphere where the sun is less strong, have

managed to integrate substantial amounts of solar energy into their systems.

1.5 million direct jobs worldwide. This increase is partly due

When considering renewable energy programs, countries can

which is driving more jobs in installation and operation and

their region. IRENA has worked to facilitate this through the online

share of renewables, IRENA predicts that jobs in the renewable

energy resources across the globe. It’s the most advanced tool

to sharply declining prices for renewable energy technologies,

assess the most readily available renewable energy sources in

maintenance. If the world succeeds in doubling the global

Global Atlas tool, which generates maps detailing renewable

energy sector would easily exceed 16 million jobs by 2030.

of its kind, combining 1,000 maps from 67 governments and

Q: Tell us about the IRENA loan project. Who have you

energy resources anywhere in the world, from major cities, to

recently funded and who can qualify? Is there a long queue of applicants?

Financing is one of the major challenges when it comes to increasing renewable energy deployment. Many developing

countries for instance, have vast, untapped renewable energy resources, but are not able to capitalize on them due to lack of

50 data centres to provide reliable information on renewable isolated islands, to remote deserts.

Q: Should renewable energy targets be included in legislation? Would it not help to ensure that a certain percentage of energy is coming from renewables and speed up the transition?

investment and funding.

Renewable energy targets have become a defining feature of

One of the ways IRENA, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Fund

around the world have adopted at least one type of renewable

for Development (ADFD), is seeking to address this financing gap is through the IRENA/ADFD project facility. The Project

the global energy landscape. As of mid-2015, 164 countries energy target, up almost four-fold from 43 countries in 2005.

Facility aims to advance renewable energy in a way that can

Governments are increasingly adopting renewable energy

projects.

environmental sustainability and socio-economic benefits. Their

The Project Facility has already allocated USD 100 million in

towards renewable energy and away from fossil fuels.

drive the global energy transition through innovative, replicable

project funding over its first two cycles and will provide an

targets to meet multiple objectives including energy security, rapid growth is just one more signal of the world’s ongoing shift

additional USD 250 million in its remaining five cycles. Projects

Targets can send a strong signal of the political commitment

geothermal, biomass, wind energy and hybrid projects in

help drive investment. Even if they are not themselves part of

St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Cuba, Iran, Argentina and

effective policies.

approved for funding to date include solar, hydropower,

to the expansion of the renewable energy sector and can

Ecuador, Mali, Maldives, Mauritania, Samoa, Sierra Leone,

legislation, they can play a powerful role if they are backed by

Mauritius.

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September Issue 9 2015

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16

BUSINESS

LIVE GOOD, FEEL GOOD, DO GOOD

DUBAI’S

MOST SUSTAINABLE ESTABLISHMENT

by Zane Small

What is The Change Initiative? Is it a belief?

Is it a group? Or is it a place? In some ways, it has all of these aspects. The Change Initiative is a facility that represents community, education, sustainability, and well-being in Dubai. The Change Initiative facility has LEED certification from the US Green Building Council. In this article, Carlo dei Tedeschi from TCI shares some information about the background and overall purpose of the distinctive facility.

www.ziwira.com

Gundeep Singh FOUNDER OF THE CHANGE INITIATIVE

September Issue 9 2015

The organization is socially motivated to achieve its commercial goals. Its foremost activity is to educate consumers

FOUNDATION

T

he Change Initiative is located

on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, and was founded in 2008 by a

man with a green vision called Gundeep

cated so close to a school, it attracts a lot of mothers with their children.

about sustainable consumption. TCI

In 2013, The Change Initiative was hon-

The criteria includes; water preserva-

tablishment scored 107 points out of a

als, organic, natural, locally made, land-

securing a platinum certification. LEED

air quality, gluten free, forest friendly, fair

green building program in the world. It

gradable. The Change Initiative complex

LEED certifies 1.5 million square feet of

Its location might seem strange at the

tries. LEED is a certification program for

of concrete surroundings. However, it

guides the design, construction, opera-

devised a criteria for product selection.

ored with an enviable accolade. The es-

tions, social development, safe materi-

maximum 110 for the LEED guidelines,

fill diversion, intelligent design, indoor

is the most widely recognized and used

trade, educational, durable, and biode-

is run by the US Green Building Council.

is located opposite to Wellington School.

building space each day in 135 coun-

first glance – locked in a concentration

buildings, homes, and communities that

certainly softens the area, and being lo-

tions, and maintenance.

Singh, the current CEO. He founded the company with the intention to help

and educate people to make more ecofriendly lifestyle choices. Singh estab-

lished The Change Initiative after realizing the space for a brand that could offer sustainable solutions, a replacement for everything that is unsustainable. He re-

alised the importance and potential de-

mand for his project in the market, and worked hard to make it successful.

CLEAN UP THE WAY YOU LIVE

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18

BUSINESS

THE CHANGE INITIATIVE: ACCORDING TO CARLO DEI DEDESCHI According to Carlo dei Tedeschi from TCI, “The Change Initiative was a brainchild of an insightful man called

Gundeep Singh.” Gundeep envisioned a

place that had a “multi-dimensional functionality.” He not only wanted to create a

retail space, but provide an overall communal establishment – all eco-friendly.

“A distinctive thing to understand about TCI is that it is not just about recycling, but also about the importance of sustain-

ability for people, and making life better for them, thereby creating a fair society.”

Often TCI assists smaller businesses and offers thier offices to help out, which is a key characteristic of how TCI stands

out in the community. Granola is apparently a very popular product at TCI.

“We also sell an amazing collection of

soap bars. TCI strives to provide products that people really want. “People have to understand that you need huge

demand for products in order to supply it.”

In terms of influencing sustainability into

the community, Carlo confirms that peo-

ple are ready for the change. “You’d be

amazed,” he said. Expatriates are living in Dubai for a longer-term, becoming

creasing “depth of knowledge, people are challenging, which is good.”

more considerate of the place. “Peo-

Children have also become a key aspect

to Dubai. I get inspired by the people I

tion of children has been “hugely suc-

making a difference.” There is a sense of

enjoy going to the TCI store to attend

ple want to bring a responsible mindset

to The Change Initiative. The incorpora-

meet here every day, all dedicated to

cessful” according to Carlo. Mothers

sustainability at TCI.

classes with their children. With schools

According to Carlo, it is not difficult to

are growing. “There is plenty for mums to

source suitable products to sell. Naty’s

Eco Nappies are very popular (decomposing nappies), as well as REN, which

is “very pure and clean.” Dermacare

(skin care) from Sweden is another top selling product. Customers seem to be looking at labels more, and have an in-

in close proximity, TCI’s youth customers do – seems to have an appeal to mums,” said Carlo. TCI plans to expand on their

campaigning to attract more young people. “A ton of kids come here to study – we have amazing Wi-Fi – it’s a good space to be in.”

THE FARM HOUSE AT TCI •

The Farm House was established at TCI as a community shelter for farmers

•

In Dubai, farmers cannot sell fresh fruits and vegetables on the road side

•

The Farm House is one of The Change Initiative’s community projects.

•

What is great about the Farm House is that it is giving small business enti-

to sell their produce.

because of the hot climate.

ties a chance to sell their products in the market, without falling into complex and expensive deals with massive corporates.

www.ziwira.com

September Issue 9 2015

www.ziwira.com

20

COVER STORY

BIOF www.ziwira.com

September Issue 9 2015

FUELS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

BIOFUELS Middle East

www.ziwira.com

22

COVER STORY

Mr. Yousif Bin Saeed Al Lootah is currently the

Executive Director of S.S.

Lootah Group and CEO of Lootah Biofuels.

A young and energetic

CEO, Mr. Yousif Lootah overlooks the strategic

direction, expansion and

daily operations of Lootah Biofuels in the UAE and internationally.

YOUSIF SAEED LOOTAH Executive Director, S.S. Lootah Group & CEO, Lootah Biofuels

www.ziwira.com

September Issue 9 2015

COOKING UP A SOLUTION TO A RAPIDLY DECLINING SOURCE OF ENERGY Dubai’s tourism sector is growing, thus increasing the strain on the city’s waste disposal system.

by Imran Khan

T

he potential for biodiesel, generated from used cooking oil,

is substantial in regions such

as the United Arab Emirates (UAE),

weather situations, increased energy and transportation costs, and the great global food demand.

which is focused on driving its hos-

In order to achieve the industry’s vi-

economic diversification. With the

by 2015, additional focus on new raw

Dubai increasing – and set to grow,

tion is needed. New feedstock oppor-

World Expo and beyond – the ability

of potential impact on the market, and

equately is more promising than ever

mercialisation.

pitality and tourism sector as part of

sion of replacing 5% of diesel demand

number of hotels and restaurants in

material sources for biodiesel produc-

especially in the run-up to the 2020

tunities vary significantly both in terms

to source feedstock cheaply and ad-

in terms of volume and timing for com-

before.

A factor that has limited green initia-

As the UAE grapples with one of the

tives in the past is the perception of

world, it is seeking to generate biofuel

able energy. This myth is being shat-

a drive to reduce waste that is eating

all stakeholders in the energy sector.

highest per capita waste figures in the

higher costs associated with renew-

from used cooking oil (UCO) as part of

tered through the concerted efforts of

away land.

Dubai is rapidly becoming one of the

Although the biodiesel industry has experienced

tremendous

growth,

raw material supplies have served as a natural brake and created a strain

on margins for biodiesel producers.

most eco-friendly cities in the world, and forward-thinking clean-tech com-

panies such as Lootah Biofuels, which produces biofuel from UCO, are helping the UAE achieve its green goals.

The surge in commodity prices is a

Following global concerns about the

weak dollar, expanding domestic and

fuels production, there have been in-

low commodity stocks due to global

more diverse range of feedstocks to

result of numerous factors including a

impacts of using food crops for bio-

global biofuel production capacity,

creased measures to encourage a be used in the future.

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24

COVER STORY

WHY USED COOKING OIL? Huge quantities of waste cooking oils and animal fats are available throughout the world, especially in the Middle East which is emerging as a global hospitality hub. Management

of such oils and fats pose significant challenges relating to

disposal and water/land contamination. Even though some of

this waste cooking oil is used for soap production, a large part of it is discharged into the environment. The Energy Information

Administration (EIA) in the US estimates that some 100 million gallons of waste cooking oil a day is produced in the US.

As large amounts of waste cooking oils are illegally dumped into rivers and landfills, the use of waste cooking oil to produce biodiesel

for

petro-diesel

substitution

offers

significant

advantages because of the reduction in environmental

pollution. Diesel fuel consumption significantly contributes to

the formation of greenhouse gases (GHG) and other global pollutant emissions. The petroleum diesel is also a major source

of NOx, SOx, CO, particulate matter, and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Such pollutants not only have

a negative impact on the global environment, but they also severely impact human health due to their persistence in the environment.

The annual global consumption of diesel fuel is approximately

934 million tons. The US alone consumes 178 million tons a

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year. The use of waste cooking oil as a biodiesel source has

the potential to reduce CO2, particulate matter, and other GHG

emissions as the carbon contained in biomass-derived fuel is

largely biogenic and renewable. UCO, which would otherwise

be wasted, is one of the most economical choices for producing biodiesel. Since one of the major concerns in biodiesel

production is the price of feedstock, utilisation of waste cooking oil significantly enhances the industry’s economic viability.

September Issue 9 2015

SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST The unfavourable climatic conditions of the Middle East for growing crop-based feedstock makes used cooking oil (UCO) the most preferred feedstock for biodiesel production. With the Middle East emerging as a global hospitality and logistics hub, the demand for diesel and UCO potential have both increased drastically.

Using UCO as a feedstock reduces biodiesel production costs by about 60-70%, as feedstock constitutes approximately 70-

95% of the overall biodiesel production costs. UCO has the highest carbon saving ratio amongst all available biodiesel

feedstocks. The use of non-edible plant oils, when compared with edible oils, is significant due to the tremendous demand

for edible oils as food. Edible oils are also too expensive to be used as fuel at present.

In order to effectively recycle used cooking oil into biodiesel, Dubai Municipality has authorised certain recycling premises

like Lootah Biofuels and Neutral Fuels to collect UCO from restaurant and food chains. The municipality also takes stern

legal action against restaurants who refuse to provide their UCO to these recycling premises and instead drain it into the sewers or sell it to illegal buyers on higher prices.

ECONOMICS The economics of biodiesel production have taken a new turn with the current surge in crude oil price in the world market.

BBC recently reported that the crude oil price set a fresh new record level at $109 (€99) per barrel. The diesel price in the

US is close to $4 per gallon and even the Middle East is not

spared. As the oil prices increase in the international market,

biodiesel could become a more viable alternate energy source.

Oil feedstock cost accounts for over 70% of the total costs of

biodiesel production. Hence, if the waste vegetable oil is used as biodiesel feedstock, the economics of biodiesel can be

significantly improved. Moreover, the use of waste cooking oil also reduces waste treatment costs.

In many parts of the world, there is no legislation to ban the

disposal of waste cooking oil into the drainage system, which creates several operational and maintenance problems.

The disposed oil can solidify, thereby blocking the drainage systems, and it also pollutes sewage and waterways. The cost of sewage treatment with high lipid content could be high.

Recycling UCO into biodiesel provides a solution to many of

these problems. Restaurants would not need to spend money to transport their waste oil to disposal sites. Municipalities could

spend less money on sewage treatment if the lipid content in

the sewage is low. Hence, recycling of waste cooking oil to produce biodiesel will decrease the cost of waste treatment.

www.ziwira.com

26

FEATURE

CONTROVERSY SURROUNDS CHINA AND THE CONSUMPTION OF DOG MEAT For centuries, dogs have maintained a special bond with humans, unlike any other animal. “Man’s best friend” is a term commonly used as a referral for our furry canine friends. However, in the vast state of Guangxi in Southern China, dogs are facing terrifying cruelty at the hands of humans, surrounding a modern tradition known as the Chinese Yulin Dog Meat Festival.

MAN’S BEST FRIEND – FOR DINNER?

I

n China, an estimated 716 million pigs are slaughtered annually for food, along with 48 million cattle, and about 10

million dogs. It’s an obvious fact that humans have and al-

ways will eat available meat – but the consumption of dog meat has stirred people all around the world. Aside from the fact that for most people the idea of eating dog meat is unfathomable, the real controversy surrounding the Chinese Yulin Dog Meat Festival is the cruelty conducted by the people of Guangxi.

The festival, first initiated in the 1990’s, brings together people from all over China to celebrate the

are sourced. According to a four year inquiry into the dog meat

industry by Animals Asia, it concluded that the majority of the

meat being consumed during the festival comes from dogs that have been stolen. In the report it says, “During the entire investigation, we found no evidence of any large-scale breeding

facilities, where 100-plus dogs were bred and raised. The diffi-

culty of large-scale breeding of dogs for food and the greed for profit give rise to stealing, snatching from the streets and even poisoning of dogs.”

longest day of the year, otherwise known

As dogs were coming into Yulin prior to the

held in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous

International (HSI) saw no evidence of ani-

belief behind eating dog meat (and also

to indicate they had been farmed. “All of

and health, and fend off disease and evil

pets, rural guard dogs and stray dogs and

this year’s festival.

been widespread reports of terrible abuse

The horror that surrounds the festival is

and they are made to suffer in tiny cages

as “solstice” on June 21. The festival is

festival in June, Peter Li of Humane Society

Region bordering Vietnam. The common

mals with quarantine inspection certificates

some cat) is that it will bring good luck

them can be suspected to be stolen urban

spirits. About 10,000 dogs were killed for

cats,” he said. What’s more, there have

not only related to the consumption of

dog meat, but also about where the dogs

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to the dogs, including beating, clubbing, without any room to move, before often being skinned and boiled.

September Issue 9 2015

With a new generation emerging, the controversy surrounding

tion, born in the 1990’s, is not tolerant of animal cruelty,” said

tival. According to Peter Li, there is mounting pressure on Chi-

rights activists intercepted 18 trucks carrying dogs intended for

the event has rallied many Chinese youth to condemn the fes-

nese authorities to take action against the eating of pets - and that society is turning against the idea of eating dog altogether.

There were apparently fewer dogs and cats kidnapped this

year compared to 2014. “The overall attitude is against dog eating. China has 130 million dogs, of which 27 million are urban pets. That’s a big number of pet owners. The younger genera-

RICKY GERVAIS FRONTS HSI CAMPAIGN Humane Society International has been one of the main sources

of hope for dogs and cats that potentially await a horrific fate in

China. Despite officials who deny the festival even takes place, there is significant evidence to suggest that it does. HSI filmed the festival slaughter preparations underway in Yulin in late May.

The organization welcomed the support of actor and comedian Ricky Gervais, who publicly condemned the

practice of dogs and cats being snatched from the streets of China, miserably packed into wire

cages without food or water and driven in trucks

Li. Much of the Chinese population were delighted when animal eating, resulting in the rescue of some 8,000 animals. Li believes that the emergence of animal activism in China began in 2011, which was the first year that more people lived in cities than the countryside. People living in the city seem to regard

dogs and cats more as pets, as opposed to working animals – guard dogs, for example or sources of meat.

HSI named one of the rescued

dogs after Ricky

Gervais, pictured below.

“

My friends at Humane Society International are working tirelessly to end this cruel trade all over Asia, and they desperately need your help. I’ve seen the footage that HSI has captured on video, and it bleeds my heart. I will never forget the look of bewilderment and

for hundreds of miles to be brutally killed for hu-

fear on the faces of these poor

Yulin’s dog and cat slaughterhouses, HSI had

await a horrible fate. No animal

an unexpected opportunity to save the lives of

four terrified animals next in line for killing. In honor of Ricky’s efforts to halt the Yulin festi-

val, and shine a light upon animal abuse, HSI named one of the rescued dogs “Little Ricky”.

“

man consumption. During an undercover trip to

animals – the dogs and cats deserves to be treated like this.

Ricky Gervais www.ziwira.com

28

LIFESTYLE

N

many

brand selling ethically sourced,

women want to be. She

sustainable homeware products,

isha

is

what

has carved out a life for

but has since grown and now

herself in the exuberant city of

has its own store at Times Square

Dubai as a fashion-conscious but

Centre in Dubai. Nisha is careful

at the same time conscientious

to select only brands that share

business woman and mother. Her

her sustainable ethos. We chatted

self-made brand, The Urban Yogi,

to the vibrant and good-spirited

is bringing colour, culture and an

Nisha about the inspiration behind

ethical kind of beauty to the homes

the brand and what it means to be

of many people.

an ‘Urban Yogi’.

Hailing

from

background,

a

digital

Nisha

media

was

well

equipped for her next venture. For some time she had felt a personal longing to create a brand that would do something good. After struggling to find furniture for her own home that had character and stories behind it, she began searching for unique brands made by the hands of people who loved their craft. The Urban Yogi started in 2012 as a small e-commerce

NISHA VARMAN SHETTY CEO of The Urban Yogi

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THE URBAN YOGI An interview with Nisha Varman Shetty, founder and CEO of The Urban Yogi, a sustainable homeware store in Dubai.

by Nasreen Rasool

INTERVIEW

September Issue 9 2015

Q: Can you tell us about where you grew up, your education, and professional background?

I am a 3rd generation Singaporean who grew up in Mumbai in a Bollywood household. I have lived in India, Singapore

and Qatar and I’ve been in Dubai since 2007. For many years, I worked in Out-Of-Home advertising, transitioning into Digital, to finally realize that my true calling was to create a brand that touched people’s hearts and inspired them to live a conscientious and beautiful life.

Q: Where did you get the inspiration for The Urban Yogi?

When we were re-decorating our home in 2011, we visited an incredible amount of stores in Dubai where we found mass-produced, soulless furniture and nothing seemed

to inspire me. There was hardly any story-telling and most home décor stores were (and many still are) all about pushing volumes. I also found that a strong CSR culture was

lacking in the retail landscape. True, there are a handful of emerging brands, such as ‘The One’, which has done some incredible work in this area and I adore the brand, but more brands need to contribute in this space.

Q: How is The Urban Yogi an ethical brand and why is it

They are individuals with a heightened sense of Karma, who

are self-aware and who want to make a difference through their everyday activities. I think, I qualify.

so important to you to sell sustainable products?

Q: Do you have a favourite item in the shop?

The Urban Yogi follows the Fair Trade model and Artisan

I do! Every container is different as we only carry one-of-a-

dominates most urban landscapes, more and more tribal

and doors.

Wellbeing is one of our biggest priorities. As construction artisans in rural villages are giving up their centuries-old craft

to learn to hang drywall and mix cement. Talented hands are having to abandon what they know and love. Thousands

kind products and I have a thing for vintage glass, Almirahs Q: Have you decorated your own home with some of the beautiful The Urban Yogi pieces?

of years of traditions and legacy are about to vanish. The

I have 2 young boys- Arjun (3) and Karn (almost 2) and I am

give them a unique platform to mix age old traditions with

I start bringing all my gorgeous stuff home!

Urban Yogi works with artisans from all over the globe to

waiting for them to get out of their destructive phase before

new contemporary designs in the field of home décor.

Q: Do you believe in living a Green lifestyle?

Q: The corporate world and philanthropic world often

We are definitely mindful. We recycle, reuse wherever

seem to be at odds with each other. How did you manage to turn this love for doing good into a successful business?

The Middle East does very well in Luxury Retail but when it comes to Sustainable Luxury, we’re still lacking a proper support system. So the best approach for us has been to

drive awareness amongst our customers about our brand philosophy and how a simple act of shopping can create such a huge impact on another person’s existence.

Q: Have you always had an eye for creativity and beautiful things?

Yes! I have always had great taste and my hubby gets very worried when I go shopping.

Q: Would you describe yourself as an ‘Urban Yogi’?

The Urban Yogi is someone who seeks comfort in beauty.

possible.

Q: What do you love most about being in Dubai?

Dubai never treated me like an expat and I blended in from Day 1. I feel at home here.

Q: Would you consider introducing some fashion items at some stage?

Absolutely! We are planning a Vintage Kantha range of statement jackets designed by Essawalla.

Q: Is there a particular philosophy that keeps you

grounded and helps you to manage work and family life?

I believe in my vision for The Urban Yogi and I seek comfort

from it during adversity. It also helps that my husband and my mother-in-law are my rock-solid support system, always positive and always there when I need them.

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30

HEALTH

KENYAN’S INNOVATIVE SOLAR LAMP EXPELS THE NEED FOR KEROSENE Kenya may be a small country, but with a population of 44 million, healthy living is imperative to the African nation’s continuation. Evans Wadongo, a young Kenyan engineer, discovered an issue that was affecting not only his health significantly, but of all people throughout Kenya and the rest of Africa. Rather than accepting this health hazard, he did something about it, and changed his community for the better.

CLIMATE WARNING: KEROSENE LAMPS

W

hile policy makers focus on

carbon dioxide emissions when considering efforts

to reduce climate change, a new study,

funded in part by NIEHS (National Institute

of

Environmental

Health

Sciences), suggests that replacing the type of kerosene wick lamps used widely in developing countries would

have a major impact in slowing the

earth’s warming trend. Light produced by

kerosene

lamps

is

extremely

important for the twenty percent of the world’s population that lacks access

to electricity. In fact, previous reports estimate that 77 billion liters of liquid

fuel, mostly kerosene, are used annually

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to light houses without electricity.

However, incomplete combustion of

the lamp fuel often yields black carbon

that absorbs light, thereby heating the atmosphere. The study presents new laboratory and field measurements

showing that 7−9 percent of kerosene

consumed by this type of wick lamp is converted to carbonaceous particulate

matter that is nearly pure black carbon.

In contrast, less than half of 1 percent of emissions from wood combustion

is black carbon. The authors note that 3 percent of global black carbon

emissions come from these inefficient kerosene lamps.

September Issue 9 2015

SOLUTION: MWANGABORA “GOOD LIGHT” Evans is

of

the

Wadongo proud

GreenWize

(age

29)

Co-Founder

Energy

Ltd,

the Executive Director and Founder of SDFA-Kenya, and

one of CNN’s Top Ten Heroes

of 2010. In 2004, Wadongo set up the “Use Solar, Save Lives” initiative, the

after

dangerous

experiencing effects

of

left him with permanent eye

damage. With this in mind, Wadongo was determined to make a difference, and not sit back and watch the same dangerous effects of kerosene harm his fellow Kenyans.

With

a

Electronics

BSc

and

(honors)

in

Computer

kerosene lamps growing up in night when he was studying

designed

was

kerosene

solar lantern which he called

for provoking breathing and

light” in Swahili. Compared to

a western Kenyan village. One

of skills and experience. He

close to an open flame, he

kerosene lamps – a simple,

smoke,

MwangaBora, meaning “good

exposed

which

to

is

notorious

vision defects. The exposure

traditional

alternative

kerosene

environmentally

friendly,

as

well as more favorable to human

health.

According

to Wadongo, “For a family

that earns two dollars a day, kerosene takes about 30-40

Engineering, he was not short an

the solar lamps are far more

to

lamps,

percent of their daily income.

If they’re able to save that, it

really makes a big difference.”

He produced the lamps from locally sourced scrap metal

and fragments of solar panels

that charge a battery-powered

LED light, while a USB port can be built into the base, offering an easy way to charge phones and radios.

NATIONAL HERO Aside from considerably saving his community

from the effects of kerosene, Wadongo has also been praised for promoting sustainability.

Instead of importing solar technology from a mass producing country like China, the work

was given to groups of young people, trained to manufacture the lamps. These are given to women’s groups, who use the money they

save to set up small businesses such as poultry farming or beekeeping.

Evans Wadongo “We still have a lot of work to do in Kenya. By 2018,

“When women have their own income, they

we want to be working in at least five countries

community benefits,” says Wadongo. For his

benefitting from our program. Eventually we want

International Seed Award in 2011, which helped

example.” Financing the project has not come

now more than 50,000 of the solar lamps used

but Wodongo was not fazed by the challenge.

the lamps have taken place in New York and at

training and distribution. The women’s groups

Wadongo was named as one of CNN’s Top Ten

to buy more lamps, creating a micro-finance

he was selected as one of the four torchbearers

to make sure that in every community we get

spend it on their families and the whole

in Sub-Saharan Africa and have a million people

extraordinary achievements, Wadongo won the

to be able to do the same in South America, for

to circulate lamps around the country. There are

without its challenges due to its long-term nature,

in Kenya alone. Fundraising exhibitions featuring

Each lamp costs $25, which covers materials,

the Pavilion of Art and Design in London, and

can use money from their successful businesses

Heroes of 2010. At the 2012 London Olympics,

system. Wadongo selflessly stated, “We want

for Kenya.

into, we leave them not only with lamps, but with

The project has now taken off in Uganda, and

can likely expect many more innovative ideas

Wodongo is positive that the spread will continue.

increased income levels.” It’s safe to say that we from the talented Mr. Wadongo.

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32

INTERVIEW

KEEPING A TAB ON CARBON Ivano Iannelli, CEO of Dubai Carbon talks about their projects, COP21, monetization of carbon dioxide, and more‌ The Dubai Carbon Center for Excellence specializes in the design and incubation of GHG reduction measures, and facilitates the transfer of knowledge to the private and public sectors on how to reduce their carbon footprint and overall environmental impact. The

organization was developed as a partnership between the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) and

United Nations Development Program (UNDP). We spoke to the Italian-born CEO of Dubai Carbon, Mr.

Ivano Iannelli, about CO2 emissions, climate change, and the work that he and his incredible team are doing.

www.ziwira.com

September Issue 9 2015

Q: Some research has pointed out that methane

our work with clients. By identifying opportunities for

on CO2? Shouldn’t we be concerned about all

generating) projects and initiatives, we encourage

is more harmful than carbon. Why so much focus

resource efficiency and structuring related (revenue

GHGs?

investments into efficiency – away from wastage.

CO2 must not be looked upon as an individual gas, but as a unit of measure. Essentially, every

greenhouse gas is given a global warming potential (GWP) compared to CO2, just like a least common

denominator. Methane has a GWP of 25, meaning that if it takes the earth 1 year to metabolize 1 ton of

CO2, it would take 25 years to metabolize 1 ton of

methane. Methane is usually generated from organic

based waste, so strong emphasis has to be placed upon waste avoidance and resource consumption patterns.

Q: How would you respond to climate change deniers?

Q: You recently participated in the World Green Economy Summit, why is this an important event for you and what did you achieve there?

The World Green Economy Summit gave us an

opportunity to cap off one of our primary programs, and that is the Carbon Ambassadors Program

whereby volunteering Emirati students transformed used shipping containers into functional bus stops.

The graduation ceremony of the program took

place at the Summit and its purpose was to open

doors for the future generation of this country to the field of green economy.The event itself is a key

enabler to Sustainable Development. The ability to

Society and individuals do not embrace change

showcase replicable and scalable success stories

and is now part of our culture. For example, decades

and companies to embrace new best practices, thus

their efficiency, today we no longer question such

development.

equally. At many instances change has been gradual

in the “green” space, allows for other governments

ago, people debated the use of seatbelts and

influencing a culture of efficiency and low-carbon

tools. Similarly, we will always have debates across

different topics, but consensus and convergence are building up.

According to a recent survey 98% of the 10000 active scientists affirmed the existence of anthropogenic climate change. Also, a recently released report by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), an

agency with 195 member countries concluded with

95% confidence that the climate is changing due to human activity. Both these reports were based on factual evidence from the experts, so they carry

significant weight as far as credibility. As for climate change deniers, most of their information is cynical

in nature, filled with theories and conspiracy theories with little to no expert research.

Q: Is Dubai Carbon involved in any divestment

projects or initiatives that try to influence

businesses to move away from fossil fuels? This seems to be a growing movement now.

Q:

How

exactly

reductions?

do

you

monetize

carbon

Monetizing carbon reductions is commonly known as

environmental finance or green project finance. It is a

method of funding in which the lender looks primarily to the revenues generated by a single project, both

as the source of repayment and as security for the exposure. The increased governance and the public-

private partnership of sharing liabilities also improve the project risk profile, thus providing better interest rates than conventional financial products. These

transactions play an important role in financing development through the world.

When talking about Environmental or Green Project Finance, we are referring to the financing of projects

that lessen the environmental impact and either include renewable energy, sustainability, improved energy efficiency or have a significant reduction in

emissions. One example is the Clean Development

Well, the very establishment of Dubai Carbon as an

Mechanism. It allows emission reduction projects

of Energy (DSCE) and United Nations Development

reduction credits, each equivalent to one ton of CO2.

Dubai’s economic model towards low-carbon and

industrialized countries to meet part of their emission

organization between the Dubai Supreme Council

in developing countries to earn certified emission

Program (UNDP) is based on the ambition to transition

These credits can then be traded, sold and used by

independence from fossil fuel. This is reflected in

reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol.

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34

INTERVIEW

Q: Which business sectors have shown the most

Force, which is well under way and quite an exciting

interest in reducing their carbon footprint?

partnership!

There has been a lot of movement in the past couple

Q: Will you be sending a representative to

of years in understanding each country’s greenhouse gas emissions. The Federal Government has been

COP21?

communicating the emissions of the UAE in the form

Yes, as a matter of fact, we always send a

on this, Dubai Carbon has been working with the

the UAE delegation. Dubai Carbon has actively

ensure a higher level of accuracy in this calculation

Paris 2015 aims to convene a group of globally

now going into its third cycle. I believe that entities

leaders & other stakeholder that will:

of the National Communications since 2007. Building

representative to the Conference of the Parties with

Ministry of Energy to streamline, harmonize and

been involved in the Road to Paris. The Road to

by conducting the UAE GHG Inventory, which is

influential, progressive and impactful organizations,

both governmental and private are becoming more

Promote green economy based on public and

aware of their activities.

private collaborations

Businesses on the other hand are very determined

to excel in this part of the world. They dont pursue a CO2 reduction strategy merely out of environmental commitment, but also because they wish to be the

best among competitors, hence resource efficiency

plays a pivotal role. These have included telecom operators,

logistics,

transport,

airlines,

event

organizers and developers to name a few.I would say that Government entities across all sectors including electricity, aluminum, waste, construction

and transportation, have been expressing their interest a lot more, given the strong strategic focus

and push from the National Government in the

recent years. Of notable reference is Dubai Police for their commitments.

Q: What has been the response since the Green Jobs program was launched last year? And what other projects are in the pipeline?

I would say that our Green Jobs Program has gathered a lot of interest, and we have been

invited by the media and other entities to share our

preliminary research results. We have also received

interest for collaboration with Kaptain World, under the agreement of which, we will conduct further quantitative and qualitative research. This research form the basis of more comprehensive work that will be conducted in partnership with Masdar.

We have numerous projects in the pipeline, which consist of some very technical emission reduction projects, to initiate

our second class of Carbon

Ambassadors in our youth engagement program.

We have also recently collaborated with Dubai Police to establish the first Zero Carbon Police

www.ziwira.com

Showcase solutions to climate change to the

UNFCCC and to key national and local governments, and

Create the right positive narratives for governments, businesses and financiers.

It aims to be the strongest and most influential voice,

platform and process supporting a global deal in Paris. Participants in the preparation of this initiative

have called for a clear roadmap, realistic and comprehensive targets, and bottom-up initiatives and commitments.

Q: Would you say that Dubai is growing in its awareness of global warming and the need to reduce its carbon footprint?

I would say it’s safe to make such a statement, as

Dubai is currently leading the change in sustainable energy in the region with further ambitions to

compete with developed nations in the field of sustainable energy. Dubai aims to be one of the most sustainable cities in the world by 2021 and

initiatives such as the Green Jobs Program are essential to attaining that goal.

Q: On ground level, what has been done and what more can still be done to educate the youth and general public about carbon emissions?

From our side, we’ve launched several programs which have been specifically aimed to educate the

youth and the population about Carbon Emissions.

However, this requires a collaborative effort from

companies specializing in energy efficiency and the population, as initiatives of this nature must be encouraged in order to reach a broader audience.

September Issue 9 2015

www.ziwira.com

36

AUTO

UAE EMBRACES THE

by Zane Small

LUCRATIVE HYBRID TAXI MARKET

When the first Toyota Prius (hybrid) was released in 1997, the concept was met with a lukewarm welcome. Something about them just didn’t appeal commercially compared to the impressive range of gas-guzzlers available at the time. But today, another hybrid model has taken over by storm, by use of taxis. The Toyota Camry is taking over the UAE taxi industry.

Globally, cumulative Toyota Hybrid vehicle sales have surpassed 7 million, resulting in approximately 49 million fewer tons of CO2 emissions.

A

l-Futtaim Motors is a member of

the Al-Futtaim Group, the leading UAE business conglomer-

ate. It has operated the Toyota franchise in the United Arab Emirates for almost

6 decades. One of the great presences on the UAE streets today, is Toyota tax-

receiving the vehicles in February 2014, Abdulla Sultan Al Sabbagh, CEO of Cars

Taxi Group said, “As an operator of over 4,000 taxis, we feel privileged to be the

UAE’s first private company to own Hybrid cars.”

“

is – but not just ordinary Toyota’s – we

Al-Futtaim Motors had previously sup-

2014, Al-Futtaim Motors partnered with

fleet of 20 Toyota Hybrid Camry, follow-

to further improve the nation’s sustain-

resulting in a 33% improvement in fuel

The Toyota Hybrid Camry has

with Expo 2020’s vision. Under the deal,

emissions. In September 2014, Cars Taxi

over. In the UAE, the car has

Toyota Hybrid Camry vehicles, mak-

to introduce 100 hybrid vehicles across

are talking hybrid models. In February

plied Dubai Taxi Corporation with a

Cars Taxi in an environmental venture

ing a three year trial run on 10 vehicles,

able transportation credentials in line

efficiency and a 33% reduction of CO2

Al-Futtaim Motors supplied a total of 28

announced ideas to expand, with plans

ing Cars Taxi the first private company

the country by the end of the year.

in the UAE to own a hybrid fleet. Upon

proven its credentials the world performed admirably in the field, speeding up the cycle of reaching the Dubai Vision 2021 goals of a more sustainable

“

society, while contributing to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.”

Jon Williams MANAGING DIRECTOR AT AL-FUTTAIM MOTORS

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September Issue 9 2015

RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT In terms of reliability reputation, resale value, roominess, fuel

economy, practicality, and just about every other metric that

mainstream buyers care about, the Camry ranks at or near the top of the charts. It offers fleet operator’s expansive sav-

ings on maintenance costs thanks to even better Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) when compared to traditional fuel-powered

vehicle, Williams mentioned that, “Because it’s emitting less CO2, it’s using less fuel. The other thing that most people don’t

understand with the hybrid vehicles is they have lower cost of

ownership, so lower maintenance. There’s a saving there also for the operator.”

vehicles, with less wear and tear and decreased service re-

An example he mentioned about lower cost of ownership, is the

emissions, recently, Al-Futtaim Motors and Cars Taxi made a

the kinetic energy from breaking is used to top up the battery.

quirements. For this reason, along with significant reduced CO2

way the hybrid system works. “It uses regenerative breaking, so

further announcement in relation to hybrid taxis in the UAE.

So you’re not using your normal discs and pads – they’re not

On June 15, 2015, Al-Futtaim announced the handover of an ad-

generative breaks. The cost of replacing breaks is dramatically

ditional 55 Toyota Hybrid Camry to Cars Taxi, growing the fleet of existing Toyota Camry taxis between Dubai and Abu Dhabi

wearing down in the same way because you’re using your rereduced in a hybrid vehicle.”

to 100 vehicles, in line with the company’s goals of running an environmentally-friendly taxi transportation in the UAE. The announcement was made at a press conference attended by Jon

Williams, Managing Director at Al-Futtaim Motors, Yousuf Al Raeesi, General Manager Government Relations, Mohammed Hassan, Head of Corporate Sales at Al-Futtaim Motors, Abdulla Sultan Al Sabbagh, CEO of Cars Taxi Group, Abdul Razak,

General Manager at Cars Taxi Group, and a number of senior officials from key government institutions.

As Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Motors, Jon Williams was proud to be at the event representing his organization. Accord-

ing to Williams, Toyota has sold more than 7 million hybrids globally. When asked about the benefits of driving a hybrid

www.ziwira.com

38

AUTO

INTERVIEW

ABDULLA SULTAN AL SABBAGH CEO OF CARS TAXI GROUP.

Cars Taxi conducted a study on the first fleet of 29 Toyota Hybrid Camry and saw a substantial 31% reduction in fuel savings per car over a period of 13 months, where the average hybrid vehicle saved around AED 1,200 per month in fuel cost. Over a period of 4 years, the study found that total savings per vehicle would exceed AED 55,000. Abdulla Sultan discussed his company and the recent hybrid fleet announcement with ZIWIRA.

Tell us about Cars Taxi, and where it

dirham using a hybrid car. A regular car

Abdulla Sultan Al Sabbagh CEO OF CARS TAXI GROUP

How have customers reacted to hy-

currently stands?

runs on 3,800! Hybrid vehicles are very

Cars Taxi was first initiated in 1995. We

is very low and more efficient than other

As you know, we are an international

going to make a long-term investment,

ognize Cars Taxi. If you go to India you

four years per car.

us, and in all GCC countries. This is the

Corporation. Today at Cars Taxi we have

Are you planning to increase the fleet?

we have a good connection with our cus-

is increasing, and not only in the UAE.

For now we have achieved 100 hybrid

for customer care. We have professional

international. Today, you see around

7,000 of our taxis to hybrid in the next

planning to expand on that. In the UAE,

and electric, however I believe that hy-

Sharjah, Ajman, Ras-al-Khaimah, and

because downtime for electric cars is

Taxi in the UAE is strong. As the Chair-

cars, because they recharge on the road,

started the company with 3,200 cars.

Initially it was the government running

the taxi business. From the year 2000, the private companies started distribut-

ing taxi cars, but first it was Dubai Taxi 7,000 vehicles with 10,000 drivers. This

cost effective. Maintenance wise, hybrid

cars - a long term investment. If you’re

company, and everywhere people rec-

just look at us, we are saving 55,000 over

will find us, in Indonesia you will find

We expanded outside of UAE, and went

cars, but our overall plan is to change all

20,000 taxis around the UAE, but we are

five years. The future of taxis is hybrid

we also initiated Cars Taxi in Abu Dhabi,

brid is much more efficient than electric,

Fujairah. I think that the future of Cars

higher and less convenient. For hybrid

man, and I can see that it is going well.

there is no need to stop and charge for

How is fuel efficiency (hybrid taxis)

electric cars on the road when I recently

hours (depending on the model). I saw

benefitting Cars Taxi?

visited Hong Kong which is great, but I

I just arrived from Abu Dhabi, and I met

better. For the first 40 kilometers, a hy-

with the Abu Dhabi GM. We had a discussion about how the hybrid taxis are

doing. We are saving more than 10,000 dirham using hybrid vehicles. One driver on a 17,000 income, ran on only 2,000

www.ziwira.com

brid taxis?

personally think that hybrids are much brid will run solely on battery, and after that has run out it will then switch to fuel.

A normal car will make 8 kilometers, and a hybrid will make 11-12.

name that we have built. Because of that,

tomers, and we have an excellent office taxi staff who have related very well to

our customers. We were the first to im-

plement hybrid taxis before RTA. In 2012

I brought two hybrid cars from America, from New York, and brought them here to the UAE. We are very close with Al-

Futtaim Motors, because we are one of the highest customers they have. We have purchased more than 1 billion dir-

hams worth of cars from them. They are

great at training our drivers, and even our staff. We appreciate Al-Futtaim for everything they do. We are saving precious fuel using hybrid - it is the future.

September Issue 9 2015

BMW CLUB EVENT

A CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH THE I8 HYBRID Following our review of the impeccable BMW i8 in our April Issue, BMW invited ZIWIRA to attend the BMW Club Event at the AGMC Showroom. The event offered loyal BMW club members the opportunity to come together to share their passion for the German auto brand and test-drive new models. Read about Zane Small’s experience taking the electric hybrid i8 model for a spin!

A

lthough I’m not a member, I was fortunate enough to

Next I was invited to come along for a test drive. Words cannot

at the stunning AGMC Showroom in Dubai, where the

it stands out as the first hybrid vehicle to truly outshine other

viously reviewed the i8 model, I was immediately drawn to it,

physical appeal. The i8 model that I went in was a white color

for pictures alongside the vehicle with its winged doors spread.

but the winged doors are very entertaining, and a great feature

get a chance to visit the BMW Club Event. It was held

describe how lustrous and impressive the i8 model is. To me,

striking, sleek models on display left me awestruck. Having pre-

regular gas fueled vehicles today, in terms of performance and

along with a majority of the other guests who excitedly posed

with sky blue trimming. I almost feel a bit immature saying this,

The i8 model is an electric plug-in sports car. It sells for about

in my opinion.

600,000 AED in the UAE. A turbocharged three-cylinder engine

During the drive, I spoke to Bellal Abbas, a BMW Sales Execu-

less amount of carbon emissions than gas fueled cars. Kevin

diately felt the power of the vehicle as we took off. The vehicle

welcomed the crowd.

leather interior adds to the grandness of the driving experience,

teams with two electric motors. Electric cars emit a significantly

tive with over ten years’ experience with the company. I imme-

Pather, Vice President of the Official BMW Club UAE, warmly

has sharp, responsive steering, and has excellent brakes. The

“This event was specifically organised for you to enjoy. This

and all controls are accessible and easy to find.

has been in the making for many years, it has been a long and

I asked Bellal about the electric performance of the i8. He told

the number of people who have come to support BMW who are

engine that has an electric motor as a separate unit. At the front,

daunting task to get to where we are today, and it goes to show

me, “Basically, this car is a hybrid which can be defined as an

passionate about it, so thank you everybody for coming.”

two electric motors of 131 horsepower teams with the engine in

During the event, I spoke to Paul, an attendee. I asked him what

the rear of 231 for a combined 362 horsepower.”

brought him to the event. I asked him if he is part of the club.

I said I heard that the i8 model compares pretty well to non-

we were invited along. ”Sharing his thoughts on the i8 model,

0-100 in 4.3 seconds which is quite similar to the current M3,

where they tested the car against the M3. I don’t remember

ence between these cars. Bear in mind that what we have here

“Yeah kind of, I’m part of a forum where BMW is discussed, so

electric cars. “Yeah absolutely,” he said, “it’s got the same

he told me “I actually quite like it, I saw an episode on top gear

M4, and even the M5. We’re talking .1 to .2 seconds of a differ-

which one was selected in the end, but it was a close call, so it

is a 1.35 cylinder engine, and we’re competing with V8’s.”

means that the i8 is definitely a high performance hybrid car.”

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40

ECO TECH

THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE DIGITAL WORLD In the global race for technological advancement, a dirty footprint has been left on the environment.

F

or any media platform or company that is dedicated to the promotion and celebration of technology, it would be

irresponsible to ignore the glaring problem of e-waste

from computers, circuit boards and TVs, to iPods, chargers, earphones, printers and even washing machines.

that is collecting at an alarming rate. One of the most fascinat-

Many are ignorant of the actual process that goes into mak-

new cellphone is already faster and more sophisticated than its

they make our lives easier at the touch of a button. The truth

sion is allowing humans to do things we never before thought

with ethical and environmental concerns. Those include the so-

production and consumption, unfortunately, far surpasses the

times even gold) — as well as rare earth metals that are avail-

tech gadgets.

cycle of obsolescence and replacement of these products also

ing things about technology is its rapid rate of advancement. A

ing these goods, with media glamourizing the ways in which

predecessor of just a few months. The age of digital progres-

is that electronics manufacturers use materials that are fraught

possible. But this is also one of its major downfalls. The rate of

called conflict minerals — tin, tantalum and tungsten (some-

rate at which we are able to safely dispose of our redundant

able almost exclusively from China. At the same time, the rapid

Everyone rushed out to buy the new iPhone 6, but what hap-

produces a lot of garbage.

pened to their old cellphones? Maybe the handful of enviro-con-

According to a United Nations University report, nearly 42 mil-

likelihood is that most of them are probably still lying in e-waste

Only a sixth of this was properly recycled, and the rest was

earth and into the air. The same goes for the copious amounts

world.

scious consumers found a way to reuse or recycle them, but the

lion metric tons of toxic e-waste was discarded in 2014 alone.

dumping sites somewhere, seething harmful chemicals into the

broken down by workers at dumps throughout the developing

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“

Toxic chemicals in electronics can leach into the land.

“

of ‘unwanted’ electronic gadgets discarded by humans daily,

September Issue 9 2015

L E T’S CHAN GE THE NATU RE OF E -WAST E

“

“

E-Waste Need Not Turn Ugly.

TOXIC SPILLOVER According to Greenpeace, “Toxic chemicals in electronic prod-

ucts can leach into the land over time or are released into the atmosphere, impacting nearby communities and the environ-

ment.” Substances such as mercury and arsenic can leak from these items into the groundwater and affect food quality for not only humans, but animals too. In hot countries like the UAE, the

heat can speed up degradation of these electronics. And with people tending to change cell phones as frequently as every

Nigeria and Ghana, have sadly become electronic graveyards

for the US and UK. Several tons of discarded appliances from all over the world, are being dumped there every year. Thousands of broken TVs, personal computers, mobile phones, microwaves as well as refrigerators are illegally exported to West

Africa and dumped in gigantic landfills like Agbogbloshie and Olusosun in Ghana and Nigeria, respectively.

three to four years, and in some countries owning more than

The UK alone contributed 1.5 million tons of e-waste to the stag-

grow unless stiff regulations are put in place soon or we see a

it behind only Germany as the continent’s greatest contributor.

one cellphone at a time, this e-pollution problem is only going to

gering 11.6 million tons generated in Europe last year, putting

global shift in mindset among both consumers and producers.

In stark comparison, the whole of Africa only produced 1.9 mil-

In many European countries, regulations have been introduced

ground for the rest of the world’s defunct products.

to prevent electronic waste being dumped in landfills due to

lion tons. Yet the West African nations have become a dumping

its hazardous content. However, the practice still continues

One way to solve the problem, according to experts, is to in-

that 10-20 percent of discarded computers go to landfills. In

careless enough to toss a perfectly functional mobile phone or

around 250 000 cell phones dumped every year, the problem

trendy. In some countries, where the funds are available, recy-

computers and TV sets.

feature a mobile phone drop-off recycling bin. There are even

The ugly secret behind the expansion of European and Western

safely dispose of e-waste. Endeavors like these are to be com-

in many countries. For example, in Hong Kong it is estimated

crease the products’ lifespan. Many people are just lazy or

India, Delhi’s Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said with

PC in the garbage just because it has become outdated or less

of e-waste management has gone beyond electronic items like

cling is done in contained environments, and many malls now

economies is that the waste is exported to poor countries in Africa, as this is cheaper than recycling locally. In West Africa

particularly, two of the sub-region’s economic powerhouses,

outreach projects that educate school children about how to mended, but the issue is still a serious one, and deserves much more media attention than that given to the expensive glossy adverts for the latest high tech fad.

www.ziwira.com

42

GREEN SPORTS

TOP SCORES FOR GREEN NBA INITIATIVES Sports add entertainment and wellbeing to our lives. It does not always occur to people that there could be a link between sports and sustainability – but there is. Sports stars are up there with movie stars as the most influential people in society. The NBA along with the Green Sports Alliance, have brought positive change by means of environmental initiatives, to kick-off a sustainable future for healthy competition.

GREEN SPORTS ALLIANCE Sport has a unique way of bridging a gap between people

and bringing a purpose to fans that few other disciplines and industries can. Therefore, it is important for the sports community to send the right message to the people who look up to it. US based Green Sports Alliance, founded by Paul

G. Allen’s Vulcan Inc. and the Natural Resources Defense

Council has a membership range of nearly 300 pro and col-

legiate sports teams and venues from 20 different leagues and 14 countries. Since 2010, the Alliance has brought together venue operators, sports team executives and envi-

ronmental scientists to exchange information about better practices and develop solutions to their environmental chal-

lenges that are cost-competitive and innovative. From June 29-July 1, the group held the annual Green Sports Alliance in Chicago, Illinois – the world’s largest and most influential gathering for the sports community to unite around sustain-

ability. The event brings together more than 800 industry stakeholders to learn and share better practices and the latest innovations in greening operations, advancing the supply chain and engaging fans.

www.ziwira.com

September Issue 9 2015

To make a significant impact environmentally, sports leagues need to actively engage their fans

in conserving, reducing, reusing, and recycling.

One such league is the National Basketball Association. Basketball arenas have become one

of the most admirably “green” aspects of the

New York Restoration Project for the third con-

secutive year to give away trees to the Brooklyn community. Former Nets player Albert King and members of the Brooklynettes made a special appearance.

NBA today. 6 NBA team arenas have received

The Portland Trail Blazers have signed a part-

Council. These arenas include: Philips Arena

for Threes”, committing to plant 3 trees for each

Heat), Moda Center (Portland Trail Blazers), Toy-

partnership will result in more than 3,000 trees

(Brooklyn Nets) and Amway Center (Orlando

delta, restoring wildlife to the region. The Miami

LEED certification by the US Green Building

nership with Daimler Trucks to develop “Trees

(Atlanta Hawks), American Airlines Arena (Miami

three pointer scored throughout the season. The

ota Center (Houston Rockets), Barclays Center

planted during spring in Portland’s Sandy River

Magic).

Heat team have pledged their ethical support to

The Brooklyn Nets’ (LEED) Certified Arena is

Miami Heat in partnership with C1 Bank and

admirable in a green sense, but how does that

engage fans? The Nets looked for creative ways

to engage fans in both their team and in doing some good for the planet. The “Trees for Threes” initiative is a smart way to get their fans to root

for them while promising to plant a tree. In April 2015, the Nets teamed up with PwC US and the

the community through the “Re-Heat Program”.

Levy’s Restaurants have facilitated the donation of more than 17.5 tons of food to those in need

throughout the Miami community since 2008. The

program provides a tax rebate for their partner, Levy Restaurants, and more importantly, ensures that food is not wasted.

“

The Nets love to be involved in the community.

Young people know that trees are an essential part of our environment. To be able to plant them and see them grow, 30 years from now those young people

“

NBA

(Brooklyn Nets “Tree Giveaway” event, in partnership with PwC and the New York Restoration Project, April 20).

will come back here and be able to say, I was a part of that.

Albert King FORMER NBA PLAYER

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44

WILDLIFE

Human fascination with the beauty and prowess of these lions may just have been the cause of their extinction.

HOW THE BARBARY LIONS WENT EXTINCT www.ziwira.com

September Issue 9 2015

Barbary Lions

C

haracterized by their dark, majestic manes, the Barbary,

or Atlas lions were one the largest lion sub-species. They were known to roam through the mountains and deserts

of northern Africa, all the way from Morocco to Egypt. The last

wild Barbary lion may have been killed in 1922 by a hunter in

fear into the hearts of any visitor and send a clear message of

control. By the 1920s there were none to be seen and scientists assumed them to be extinct.

According to the BBC report, two skulls of male Barbary lions

Morocco.

were found in the London Tower in 1937. From these skulls, sci-

They were admired so much that they were even desired as pets

malformed and died at an early age. They reported that the hole

by many ancient leaders, particularly the royal families of Morocco and other North African nations, who wanted to show them off as a symbol of power. But it didn’t end there. They were also

revered by the Romans, whose gladiators would battle the lions, and they were often displayed in European zoos. A recent BBC

report suggests that the toll of this exploitation was too much and that it was this human lust for these animals that eventually led to their extinction.

Many of the lions were killed in the Roman gladiator games, and

entists managed to decipher that they had been malnourished,

where the spinal cord enters the skull is usually a “well-formed sub-circular shape”, but in these skulls they were deformed – a

sign that there may have been nutritional deficiency. As the bone grew, this deformity would have put pressure on the spinal cord, eventually leading to paralysis and blindness.

So in the end, it was man’s desire to own the Barbary lions that

saw them being removed from their natural habitats in North Africa, and later exploited and killed for sports.

in the Arab empire that followed, they were forced to live in much

There have been some recent reports that put forward the possi-

pean hunters in the 19th century, who allegedly killed the last of

Algeria and Morocco, hidden from the human eye, possibly even

were kept in cages at the entrance to the London Tower, to put

zoos claim to have hybrid species of the animals in captivity.

smaller territories. This was followed by the emergence of Euro-

bility that some of these lions remained alive in secluded parts of

the remaining Barbary lions. And in Medieval England, the lions

as late as 1965. Though they are now extinct in the wild, some

SO HOW IS THIS RELEVANT TODAY? Scientists believe that there is an important story to be learnt from the extinction of the Barbary lions. Many say it could point

out what needs to be done to protect the rest of the lion spe-

any incentive to keep looking for and conserving that species, as might have been the case with the Barbary lions.

cies that exist today, from their habitats to nutrition to hunting

The story of the Barbary lions is as intriguing as it is tragic, and

servation efforts. In addition, it shows that small, fragmented

extinct, the story remains incomplete. But the sad truth is that

in order to ensure their survival.

was these very qualities in the Barbary lion that tantalized its

Some researchers have also recommended against declaring

very thing it once revered.

and poaching regulations, as well as attempts to step up con-

with so little known about them or the exact time when they went

populations in certain regions may just require special attention

while lions are still seen as symbols of power and courage, it

any species as extinct too quickly. They say this could remove

captors. Somehow the human race has managed to destroy the

Barbary lion (Panthera leo leo), also known as the Atlas lion.

www.ziwira.com

46

GREEN CELEB

ROBERT REDFORD ADDRESSES CLIMATE CHANGE

“

“

Robert Redford is an internationally recognized A-list actor, director, and activist. His laidback Californian charm and brilliant acting abilities have earned him multiple awards including the Academy Award for Best Director for the film “Ordinary People”. But film isn’t the only field that Redford has committed himself to. He is also a fierce advocate for the environment, recently addressing the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Meeting on Climate Change.

Climate Change is in everybody’s backyard.

CLIMATE AMBASSADOR Aside from his considerable success as a Hollywood

actor, Robert Redford has been heavily involved in environmental issues for decades, renowned for his commitment to it and for speaking out on various issues affect-

ing the environment, in addition to serving as a trustee of the Natural Resources Defense Council, a New York

City-based non-profit organization, since 1975. His initial

interest in the environment and climate issues go back to when he grew up in Los Angeles and thoroughly enjoyed the cleanliness of the city. However, he claims that after

World War II, the city atmosphere altered significantly.

Skyscrapers began to emerge, as did highways, and

more pollution. “I saw a city that I really loved sort of dis-

appear under my feet, so I moved away.” Redford spent time in the Sierras

www.ziwira.com

and worked at Yosemite National Park, where he de-

veloped a love of connecting with nature away from the modern smog-ridden city where he grew up. In 1970, at a

conference in Vale, Colorado, Redford witnessed images of renewable resources (including solar, wind, geother-

mal, etc.) - initiatives that were not widely recognized at the time. He understood all of the possibilities that these

resources could bring to a rapidly declining world, and made a commitment to himself to do whatever he could, to raise whatever small voice he had in that direction.

September Issue 9 2015

ADDRESSING THE UNITED NATIONS In late June, the 78-year-old actor/activist was invited to speak at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to address

the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Meeting on Climate

Change, which aimed to energize multilateral cooperation on the issue ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris later this year. In the French capital, countries will discuss an

agreement intended to succeed to the landmark Kyoto Protocol on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Redford addressed

193 countries not as an actor, he said, but as an environmental advocate, father, grandfather, and concerned citizen. He said that the, “time for half measures and climate denial is over,” and added that the world must quickly move away from fossil fuels.

“This is our only planet, our only life source – this may be our late chance.” He urged the leaders seated before him to adopt

a universal climate agreement in Paris in December to take ac-

tion on climate change, adding that it affects every nation on earth. “It is the overwhelming judgement of science that climate

change is real, and the result of human activity,” he said. “Everywhere we look, moderate weather is going extinct.”

Redford with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

In an interview with the UN News Centre, Redford was asked about where climate change stands as an international issue

compared with the likes of current conflict in Syria, Central African Republic, and Yemen. In response, he said that climate

change has always taken a back seat to such issues, but he also feels that, “change is in the air,” because, “you see what happened this week with same-sex marriage.” Redford explained that what sits behind and atop of all of the problems

happening today is the bigger problem that concerns everybody’s health – “every country, every nation, and every person.

They’re all under the umbrella of climate.” Redford believes that if we don’t do something sooner rather than later, we might not have a planet to live on any longer.

He was then asked about what message he would give to the

international community on the importance of fighting climate change. Redford responded by saying, “First of all, pay atten-

tion.” He believes that once it is out there as a topic, others will look around and think for themselves about why it is important.

Redford urges people to open their eyes to what is going on

around them. “All you have to do is open your eyes and pay attention and you’ll look this way or that way, and you’ll see fire, tornadoes, hurricanes, and if that’s the case, you can’t tell me

it’s not going to affect people.” Redford’s final message to peo-

ple was to pay attention to our surroundings and look at how climate change is being evidenced all around us.

Redford was then asked about his views on involving youth in

climate change awareness and about the role that he thinks youth should take. Surprisingly, he started with an apology to

the new generation for what has been left for them to work with – “they don’t have a lot.” He is impressed by how youth today are much more focused on environmental betterment as op-

posed to 15 years ago when, “America’s youth was focused more on other issues, like how to get ahead, how to make mon-

ey, and the environment was not on their minds.” Redford is encouraged by the new generation because they are, “better

informed, they’re more knowledgeable, and the more knowledgeable they are, the more they get concerned, because it’s going to be their future.”

The Yosemite National Park in Sierra is where Robert Redford developed his love for nature.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Ali Mostafa’s new film carries a powerful message about water shortage.

THE WORTHY

ALI MOSTAFA EMIRATI FILM DIRECTOR

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September Issue 9 2015

A movie about a future wasteland where survivors must fight for water.

THE WORTHY

E

mirati film director Ali Mostafa’s latest endeavor is an

for survival, and only one will be chosen as worthy.

shortage. He made the official announcement at the

The film will be financed by Ali’s long-time supporting partner,

action/thriller about a futuristic war fuelled by water

Cannes Film Festival.

Image Nation Abu Dhabi, and will be produced by two Holly-

The film, entitled The Worthy, is quite unlike his previous work,

UAE film veteran, Rami Yasin. This will be the first time that Ali

fort zone. Ali is most popularly

known for his nostalgic debut film, City of Life, which tells the

story of life in Dubai through three intriguing characters. Last

year the Abu Dhabi Film Festival opened with a screening of his

film, From A to B, another critically acclaimed ensemble.

Based on his repertoire, The Worthy is expected to be noth-

ing less than a superb piece of

creative art with a powerful message. Speaking of the film, Ali

said, “It’s different and therefore

more exciting. I feel the need to do these things because it shows that you can be versatile.”

“

This genre has a really strong niche, even here in the region. My goal is to target people who are interested in these kinds of films. There are people who only watch fantasy fiction films.

And cosplay is big here. So that’s the kind of people I’m looking at. Because if they like it, that means I’ve done a good job.

“

and is admittedly out of his com-

wood veterans, Peter Safran and Steven Schneider, along with

The film is set in a future that has been plunged into chaos due

to a chronic water shortage, and follows a group of survivors who seek refuge in the only remaining water source in the area.

When two strangers also discover this source, it becomes a test

Mostafa directs a film that he

has not written. According to the director, it was written with no specific location, so they decided to give it an Arab context.

They ended up changing the characters, their storylines and

the location to give it more local relevance.

In an interview with local me-

dia, he said, “It’s a really interesting look at what would have

happened had something gone

drastically wrong in Arabia in the future. We tried to imagine

it bearing in mind what’s going on currently and the history of the region. Would it go a certain

way, and if so, what happens?

10 years from now how would

the current situation shape the region?”

The UAE has a fairly young film industry, and Mostafa’s films

have often been described as leading the way. With The Worthy, he hopes to tap into a whole new audience.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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September Issue 9 2015

W

hile you’re reading this, I certainly

don’t want to put you off your favorite show. I mean, there’s no need for me

to spoil quality entertainment like Game of Thrones

with serious stuff like Climate Change, CO2 emissions, and the possibility that our world could turn

into a ball of carbon dioxide like Venus! But once

you understand the connection, you will be flab-

bergasted, and most importantly, intrigued. There

is an undeniable link between Game of Thrones and Climate Change that you probably haven’t

even realized (because you were more than likely thoroughly engrossed in the show, because it’s that awesome).

Simply put, the characters in the show represent

us (earthlings), and the White Walkers represent Climate Change, which is continuously heading to-

wards us, and yet we do nothing about it. Instead,

like the noble houses of Lannister, Stark, and Baratheon, we choose to quarrel about other petty is-

sues that seem important at the present, but in the future will prove to look pretty insignificant when our cities are flooded and super storms occur daily. What’s more, some of the so called ‘nobles’ downright deny the existence of the White Walkers, which is oddly familiar to some of our esteemed

politicians and global leaders, as dealing with Cli-

mate Change can seem a little inconvenient compared to war, hunger, and poverty (which in some cases is completely understandable).

Charli Carpenter, a Political Scientist at the Uni-

versity of Massachusetts, calls Game of Thrones a ‘collective action story’. “The story of the Northern Wall and the forces it holds at bay,” she says, “is

GAME OF

CLIMATE CHANGE? HBO’s Game of Thrones is the twisted tale of mighty noble houses all competing for a chance to rule the land of Westeros upon the Iron Throne, all the while ignoring a deadly threat from the ghoulish, zombie-like White Walkers who approach from the north.

by Zane Small

about the mistaken belief that the industrial civilization can stand against the changing forces of nature.”

I know it seems a little heavy to compare our own

industrial civilization to the mythical land of Westeros, but it’s difficult to overlook the similarities when comparing the two. You have to admit that when

you’re watching Game of Thrones, you love to yell and moan about the characters in the show who ignore the zombie threat coming from the north (RIP

Jon Snow, the only character who seemed to genu-

inely care). But in our world, if the White Walkers can be classified as Climate Change, and we’re

not doing nearly enough to prevent catastrophic

global warming, who should you really be annoyed with?

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TRAVEL

SWIMMING WITH

GIANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

TOURIST PERSPECTIVE With such a booming tourist industry

happening in Oslob right now, it’s

hard to imagine a time when there wasn’t a constant influx of people from all around the world coming to

stay. Oslob’s reputation as a prime

whale shark spotting area began when fishermen noticed their presence in the area, and were hired

by dive shops to take tourists out to marvel at the giants.

According to Edgar Mirambel, the

founder of Island Trek Tours, “People first started coming to see whale

sharks in Oslob around three years ago, in 2012.” Before the tourism boom hit the area, Oslob was strug-

gling to rely on farming and fishing until whale shark tourism began to draw people to the sleepy town that is now very much alive and vibrant.

To experience an encounter with

the incredible endangered creatures, from Cebu City, a 3 hour bus ride transports guests southwww.ziwira.com

westward down the eastern coast of Cebu Island to watch and swim

with whale sharks, which the locals call butanding. The companies who

run the whale shark tours hire some of Oslob’s fishermen to feed the

whale sharks everyday by dumping “chum” buckets of krill from the out-

rigger canoe Bangka boats (paddle

boats as opposed to boats with an engine or propeller).

Guests from Cebu City are advised to leave very early in the morning (around 5-5.30am at the latest) so

that they can arrive at Oslob at a good time for the arrival of the whale

sharks, who come in regularly in the mid-morning (8.30-9am), when

they are being fed. After gathering

excitedly on the beach, guests are helped onto tiny catamarans, and

paddle out for a few minutes before cranking the engine, and cruising

for another five until reaching the first cohort of feeders.

September Issue 9 2015

FRIENDLY OR THREATENING? Oslob is a fourth income class municipality in the Cebu Province of the Philippines.

With stunning tropical weather, and a friendly laidback community, Oslob has become a prime spot for tourists from all around the world. But aside from its tropical charm, the main tourist draw to Oslob is the chance to swim with magnificent whale sharks – which in turn has caused no small amount of controversy.

CONTROVERSIAL PERSPECTIVE Opinions about the controversial feeding

of whale sharks in Oslob vary greatly, and while some want to ban the feeding,

others believe this is an amazing alternate income for the town. Steve de Neef is a photojournalist and videographer focusing on documentary, conservation

and underwater stories. He has lived very closely to the whale sharks of Os-

lob and experienced the rapid growth

of tourism. According to Steve, the fish-

ermen have been using uyap (small shrimps) as bait for years. The fisher-

men have seen whale sharks in the area for a long time; and while at times there

weren’t but a handful of sharks left, there

There are growing concerns that feed-

ing sessions leave the whale sharks passive toward humans and more vulnerable, as well as over-dependent on

the handouts. The interaction in Oslob has, however, raised awareness of the endangered fish (whale sharks became a protected species in 2003) across

Asia and beyond. It’s also helping the

local economy. In 2014, whale sharks attracted over 110,000 tourists to Oslob,

according to the Department of Tourism for Central Visayas, the islands of which Oslob is a part of.

The problem with the feeding is that

now seems to be plenty.

these wild animals are migratory and are

According to Steve, many fishermen in

now, the uyap that is used as bait for

the Philippines see the sharks as pests

because when they eat their bait, they scare away the small fish that they hope to catch. One fisherman was quite keen

on the whale sharks and would give

them snacks from time to time, believing they would bring him good fortune.

Soon, local dive shops offered the fishermen money to take them to the sharks.

From then on, the fishermen realized what a great opportunity they had stumbled across, and soon news of the whale

sharks spread quickly, initiating the tourism industry in Oslob.

supposed to move to find food. Right

the whale sharks is gone. This normally

means the whale sharks should migrate.

However, the fishermen are now buying different shrimp from other areas

to keep the business running. Whether or not you feel that feeding the whale

sharks in Oslob is positive and making it

a great spot for wildlife spotting, or that it is wrong and unnatural – at least it is a

far cry better than slaughtering them, as we have witnessed too many times dur-

ing mankind’s turbulent relationship with nature.

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TRAVEL

GREEN HOSPITALITY AMIDST THE ELEGANCE OF

THE PALM JUMEIRAH

Sofitel The Palm Dubai speaks volumes in terms of luxurious, island-style hospitality, all the while remaining ecologically sound. Rohit Salunke, Director of Engineering at the hotel, spoke to ZIWIRA about the initiatives that makes Sofitel The Palm one of the most sustainable hotels in Dubai.

GREEN OPERATIONS – ACCORDING TO

ROHIT SALUNKE

I

n terms of addressing environmental concerns, the hotel industry is a huge player in the creation of adverse environmental impacts. From the first stages of construction, and throughout daily operations, hotels are significantly affecting climate change, and the industry continues to fuel the growth of landfills.

Liquid or wrapped soap? Bottled or filtered water? Incandescent or CFL light bulbs? Eco-friendly hotels make calculated decisions with every item they select to represent their brand. And in doing so, they strive to prove that going green

does not mean forgoing comfort. But just how green is green enough? Talking green is not enough for Sofitel The Palm,

as it stands out to put forward calculated green statistics for being the greenest hotel in Dubai. The resort offers a cozy retreat from Dubai’s urban cityscape, all the while striving to incorporate green and sustainable initiatives into daily tasks and routines. We spoke to Rohit Salunke, Director of Engineering at the hotel, to know more.

Nestled within the tranquil groves of the Palm Jumeirah, with an abundance of stunning organic architecture and

lush vertical gardens, the resort reflects a timeless spirit and tropical allure. The French-Polynesian themed resort

recently earned three awards at the 3rd Dubai Environment Health and Safety Awards, held on the 1st of April, 2015.

In addition, they received Green Globe Certification within just 6 months of resort operations, received ISO14001:2004,

environmental certification; also bagged the blue flag certification for the Beach and Marine Water Quality Management,

the resort also acquired the Gold Level in the ACCOR Hotels Planet 21 Sustainability Programme. These awards are no small achievements. The amiable accolades prove that we live in a changing world – and soon green business

operations will be something that does not need recognition to be implemented. Sofitel The Palm is literally changing the www.ziwira.com

September Issue 9 2015

Rohit Salunke DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING AT THE HOTEL

face of luxury tourism – one that recognizes the importance of the environment.

The Resort won two awards at the Middle East Hotel Awards-2014 for Best use of Innovative Technology and Best Environmental Initiative. The Resort was winner of Best Sustainable Resort Dubai at International Hotel Award ceremony in London in Jan 2015. The resort has recently won Awards at the Trakhees Excellence Award, Dubai 2015 in the category of “Best Environmental Performance” and “Best Green Hotel”. Not only this, the resort also won the Award for the Green Hotel of the Year at The Emirates Green building Council Annual Awards 2015 and was also recognised as the “Middle East Leading Green Hotel” at World Travel Awards held in Dubai on 5th May 2015.

To create a sense of awareness, Sofitel The Palm has done well to associate its brand with community activities and

initiatives related to sustainability. Rohit also recognizes the importance of guest involvement. “We feel that every small

step we take towards sustainability will leave its lasting impact on the environment. Various sustainable activities are

organized within the resort with participation of all the ambassadors, and especially our guests have kept us motivated to always look and create opportunities for continual improvement.”

The hotel has organized activities such as Earth Hour, Global Earth Day, UAE Clean Up Day, Tree Plantation Drive,

Beach Cleaning Drive, and Linen & Towel Reuse programs for guests, to involve them in healthy, fun ways.The program “Soap for Hope” in partnership with chemical supplier Diversey Care, was launched to collect used soap from guest rooms and to be distributed to less fortunate people in rural areas.

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TRAVEL

“Hand washing with soap is considered a ‘do-it-yourself’ vaccination against the spread of various illnesses,” said Rohit.

“Sofitel The Palm collects discarded soaps which are re-used and made into new soap bars in less-privileged parts of the

world. The hotel re-buys these recycled soaps and distributes them for free to households in several communities in Cambodia.

With this initiative we save lives, provide livelihood, and prevent

SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH INNOVATIVE, ENERGY EFFICIENT DESIGN

wastage.”

PLANET-21 PROGRAM As part of the ACCOR Group’s commitment to sustainability, Sofitel The Palm follows the Planet-21 program – a sustainability

development program implemented across the resorts with specific criteria’s to achieve a level of Bronze/ Silver /Gold and Platinum compliance. According to Rohit, “The ethos followed is that sustainability is not only a corporate responsibility, but a

global responsibility of each individual living on this planet. It is important to take every step forward by having the best energy

efficient technology incorporated within the design and whilst

also following the best sustainability practices as part of the daily routine in everyday life.”

As a part of the program, incandescent lamps have been

completely phased out in public areas and guest rooms, and replaced with LED/CFL lamps. 80% of the resorts halogen

Although very effective and admirable, social programs and

Energy and water meters have been installed to identify the high

environmentally friendly. According to Rohit, roofing of the

guest rooms, kitchens and public area taps have been installed

7,000 square meters. “The unique thatching material only grows

water consumption. As if that wasn’t enough, the resort also

Africa,” he said. “The cape reed plant provides one of the most

of paper and cardboard, 50 tons of plastic, and 60,000 liters

a life expectancy of 20-50 years. It allows trapped water and

almost 30% of the resort waste diversion from the landfill which

for the local climate.”

trees, 575610 kwh of energy, 959,350 gallons of water, 8,223

50% of hot water at the resort is generated through 232 solar

lamps in public areas have been replaced with LED lamps.

guest involvement is not the only way that a hotel can be

consumption areas and take timely corrective action, and all

complex is made with cape reed thatching, covering an area of

with low flow water savers which have saved up to 40 % of

on a small strip of land in the southern cap region of South

has an efficient recycling programme in place, where 140 tons

durable natural fibers on earth, making it ideal for thatching with

of used oil have been recycled alone till date which resulted in

heat to escape, making it waterproof and UV-proof, thus ideal

generated a saving to the environment equivalent of 2,330 pounds of air emissions and 166,260 liters of oil.

panels installed on the roof, covering an area of 530 meters, generating 2,200KW of heat per day. Furthermore, the entire

air-conditioning condensation drains are connected to the

irrigation tank which is recycled to be used for the resorts landscaping areas covering 27,000 square meters.

Recycling is high on the agenda, according to Rohit. The entire resort’s waste water is connected to the government sewerage

network which is then recycled at treatment plants and distributed for irrigation. The resort uses 100% recycled waste

water for landscaping areas. “The resort also has a unique design incorporated for the resort landscaping area through

the installation of a weather station for efficient operations of irrigation sprinklers that saves almost 30% of irrigation water,” said Rohit.

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September Issue 9 2015

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BUSINESS

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