Dubai, UAE, 17 August 2016: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) organised the third batch of training sessions for 75 students of the Carbon Ambassadors Programme. The training sessions were conducted by Etihad Energy Service Company (ESCO), to involve the youth in achieving sustainable development objectives, as part of the UAE Vision 2021, to transform the UAE into one of the best countries in the world by 2021.
The training sessions were held at DEWA’s Sustainable Building in Al Quoz from 8-9 August 2016, and featured presentations and discussions regarding concepts, Energy Performance Contracting (EPC), and Super-ESCO. The training sessions also discussed project development, implementation, and ESCO’s approach, with a focus on Monitoring and Verification (M&V), risks, and Dubai’s approach in regard to ESCO’s and Super-ESCO’s. The sessions also included discussions on sustainability assessment in buildings using the LEED rating system.
“DEWA takes priority in training the youth, and developing their abilities to actively contribute towards achieving sustainable development. DEWA encourages creativity by providing the necessary tools and training programmes that contribute to the growth of cognitive and innovative abilities. We provide all the necessary capabilities for the success of the Carbon Ambassadors programme to engage young people in environmental and sustainability issues. This adheres to the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, and supports the Dubai Plan 2021 to make Dubai sustainable with its resources and make its environmental elements clean, healthy, and sustainable,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
The Carbon Ambassadors are the next generation of leaders and experts who will implement ambitious National strategies and plans as well as contribute to innovating new initiatives and programmes, as part of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, to establish Dubai's position as a global hub for clean energy and energy efficiency. Etihad ESCO creates a platform by which DEWA can explore opportunities to find the most efficient means of reducing energy consumption and lowering costs,” added Al Tayer.
“DEWA’s Carbon Ambassadors Programme has doubled the number of enrolled students in the second batch to 75, from 2015-2016. Students of the second batch support the former Ambassadors’ efforts to building a greener and sustainable future, emphasising their commitment to supporting sustainable development in the region, as well as Emirati youth,” said Dr. Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources at DEWA.
DEWA established Etihad ESCO to boost the model of energy performance contracts by providing financial organisations with the opportunity to invest in energy-efficient projects, aside from green tools and technology suppliers. Financial institutions can become active partners in the sustainable development of Dubai, with plans to retrofit 30,000 buildings to make them energy-efficient. The present costs for this strategic project are approximately AED 30 billion, with returns of AED 82 billion and a net present profit of AED 52 billion.