Dubai Chamber showcases its green initiatives at the World Energy Forum

With its commitment to promoting the culture of sustainability within the business community, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry is actively participating in the World Energy Forum 2012 being held in Dubai for the first time outside its UN headquarters in New York.

As a leading sponsor of the high-profile event, running from October 22 to 24 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dubai Chamber make its presence felt through a stand showcasing its energy-saving and sustainability initiatives aimed at spreading the concept of responsible business practices among the private sector organisations. The Chamber is also part of a panel discussion on sustainability.

In light of the important role played by sustainability initiatives in the growth and development of world economies, Dubai Chamber goes beyond its call as a representative of the private sector to inculcate and implement the practice of adopting environmental friendly, waste and water management technologies.

The Chamber also encourage its stakeholders to adhere to the latest standards of health, safety and environment in their businesses by using eco-friendly products and services which together go out to stimulate the investment environment in the emirate.

Dubai Chamber’s participation in WEF 2012 also goes in line with the emirate’s ‘Green Economy for Sustainable Development’ initiative as the non-profit organisation considers this forum as an ideal platform for establishing strategic partnerships with global players in energy conservation as it did with the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce during the Dubai Hamburg Business Forum held in the emirate late last year.

Also, H.E. Hisham Abdullah Al Shirawi, 2nd Vice Chairman, Dubai Chamber, is part of the panel discussion entitled, “Greening Economies – how the private sector can contribute and how the public sector can support them in doing so” which will be held on the last day of the forum.

The panel discussion will focus on green economies and how the public and private sectors can benefit by working jointly to promote the concept of responsible business practices.

Visitors to the event will learn more about Dubai Chamber’s application of the latest methods of enhancing productivity and efficiency by reducing energy and water consumption. Also, the retrofit of its existing building and the ongoing sustainability efforts of saving on maintenance and utility bills will be showcased to the interested parties.

Dubai Chamber’s green building initiatives have reduced its water and energy consumption by approximately 77% and 47% respectively between 1998 and 2008, leading to accumulated savings of around AED 7.1 million.

The organisation uses grey water for landscaping and flushing toilets, as well as light censors and energy saving bulbs to conserve electricity, and has in place an effective recycling programme.

The Chamber implements the latest standards of health and safety procedures by providing a healthy work environment and has set an example for corporates, educational institutions and social organisations to follow suit in the implementation of simple yet inexpensive green initiatives for the betterment of the society and future generations.