Tecom Investments wins 'Best Environmental Excellence' category at Sixth Annual CSR Summit Awards

The award was received by Mr. Ali bin Towaih at the CSR Summit Awards ceremony that was held under the patronage of Her Excellency Mariam Mohammad Khalfan Al Roumi, UAE Minister of Social Affairs and Chairman of Social Responsibility Fund. The awards seek to recognise and honour companies in the GCC region for outstanding, innovative and world class products, services, projects and programmes implemented during 2008-09.

The four-member jury for the Awards that looked specifically into demonstrable implementation of CSR practices and the benefits they can bring to a company, cited Tecom's key achievements generated through launching sustainable policies and initiatives.

Abdullatif AlMulla, Group CEO of Tecom Investments, said:

"We are delighted with the prestigious region-wide recognition for our commitment to corporate social responsibility. CSR forms the core principle of our business strategy, and we were one of the first in the region to adopt a sustainable development policy in 2006. We have also created the Sustainable Energy and Environment Division (SEED) to develop and implement environment friendly practices across our 11 business parks."

"While we are proud of this award, we intend to aggressively pursue policies that benefit every member of the community. We aim to be a role model for other organizations in demonstrating that being a good corporate citizen is incumbent upon us."

Tecom Investments is credited with launching the Middle East's first Sustainable Development Report, that traces the company's outcomes from endorsing sustainable practices over the last three years. The report illustrates not just the environmental but the economic benefits of CSR as well. In 2008, Tecom successfully reduced energy and water expenses by Dhs7.3m, while mitigating about 13, 930 tonnes of CO2 emissions. In the coming years, Tecom aims to reduce its electricity consumption by 25% and water consumption by 30% from 2006 levels, with a commensurate reduction in carbon footprint.

Ali bin Towaih, Executive Director of SEED and Enpark, added: "SEED has consistently worked with the industry in the implementation of Tecom's Sustainable Development Policy, thereby not only generating savings in utility costs, but also helping to create the cleantech industry in the region. We invite all cleantech companies to join hands with us in executing projects, which not only help reduce utility costs, but positively contribute to the environment and society at the same time."

The Water Savers Programme that Tecom implemented in some of its business parks helped reduce water flow from 7.6 litres to 1.9 litres per minute with return on investment achieved within a remarkable 22 days.

Sougata Nandi, Director of SEED and Enpark, said: "Ever since we made sustainable development a key focus area, every member of Tecom has proactively contributed to ensure the success of our initiatives. This award, consequently, is a testament to their dedication and ceaseless efforts. We have not only established our leadership in sustainable development, but have successfully retained it, through a holistic approach that involves both technology and people."

Tecom Investments has taken a proactive approach through various initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint in the region. The Tecom management office was recently benchmarked by the US Green Building Council as the second LEED Platinum Commercial Interior worldwide outside the US, and the fifth LEED certified project in Dubai and the Middle East.