EEG Community Lecture tackles 'Road to Zero Carbon'

Dr. Elizabeth Ness, environmentalist and head of the Group Sustainability Team of UK-based Crest Nicholson, pinpointed numerous strategies, practices and approaches to achieve a zero carbon future. Dr. Ness is a Chartered Chemist, Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, member of the Royal Institution of Great Britain (MRI), and a member of the Green Alliance. She is also an honorary lifetime member of EEG. Her Team at Crest Nicholson is focused mainly on seeking innovative practical solutions to contribute to UK government's goal of zero-carbon housing.

Dr. Ness pointed out that various green building practices coupled with alternative energy production could greatly reduce carbon emissions of the construction sector and eventually its impact on the environment and natural resources. The lecture made clear that global warming is a challenge to man's resourcefulness and creativity.

Carbon neutrality is the state where net zero carbon emissions is achieved by balancing a measured amount of carbon released with an equivalent amount sequestered or offset. However best practice for organizations and individuals seeking zero carbon status entails reducing and/or avoiding carbon emissions first so that only unavoidable emissions are offset.

Dr. Ness likewise explained the principles of One Planet Living and how Zero-Carbon one of its goals could be achieved by energy efficiency in buildings and infrastructure while ensuring supply of energy from on-site renewable sources, topped up by new off-site renewable supply where necessary. The One Planet Living program is based on ten guiding principles used as a framework to highlight the sustainability challenge in a given situation and as a mechanism for developing and presenting solutions.

The other principle of OPL focus on achieving zero-waste, sustainable transport and water, local and sustainable materials food, conservation of natural habitats, wildlife and cultural heritage, equity and fair trade and overall health and happiness.

EEG Chairperson Habiba Al Marashi, introduced the topic pointing out the need for greater contribution from the UAE community in reducing its carbon footprint.

She said:

"The economic gains of the country will go to waste if the people will not do their part in reducing their own carbon footprint. I also call on the construction and manufacturing, which contribute to the country's massive footprint to undertake measures to curb their emissions."

The lecture was enthusiastically received by EEG's members, guests and first time attendees. It drew some pointed questions from the audience regarding the specific case of the country which has one of the highest per capita carbon footprint in the world. It was clear though that the situation requires both immediate and long-term solutions from both the public and private sector. However, Dr. Ness pointed out that there is a need to act now.

Dr. Elizabeth Ness who is no stranger to EEG has a long association with EEG. She has participated and contributed to several CSR activities during her association with EEG since 1997.

The lecture is the first lecture of EEG after the summer break and the seventh for the year. The EEG community lecture series is held regularly at the Emarat Atrium with refreshments provided by another EEG corporate member, Abela and Co.