DEWA rolls out 8th Conservation Award for educational sector

This is led by its vision to become a sustainable world-class utility, and in line with its strategy aimed at preserving natural resources, protecting the environment, and supporting the sustainable development in the Emirate of Dubai.

The award honours the efforts of institutions and individuals in the educational sector to reduce electricity and water consumption, recognising the best practices of individual students, faculty members, teachers, and administrators.

"The launch of the 8th Conservation Award is in line with the 'Green Economy for Sustainable Development' initiative launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, to promote sustainable development in the Emirate of Dubai. Led by our vision to become a sustainable world-class utility, DEWA contributes effectively to the process of social, economic and environmental development in the emirate, by providing uninterrupted and stable electricity and water services in order to achieve the vision of Dubai," said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA.

"The award is part of our efforts and initiatives to educate community members about the importance of rational consumption, and preserving natural resources for generations to come. DEWA continues with the efforts of its staff, and in collaboration with institutions in the public and private sectors, to achieve great success in reducing the consumption of electricity and water by promoting various conservation methods," added Al Tayer.

Al Tayer said the award underlines the leading role of DEWA in enhancing the sustainability of natural resources, and protecting the environment. Last year's award achieved significant results in savings in electricity and water. The award encouraged students and faculty members to save 12% electricity usage and 28% in water consumption. The consumer category encouraged residents to save 10% electricity and 44% water used. With all categories combined, the award helped save 28.14 million KW of electricity, 123.15 million gallons of water, 17,000 tons of carbon emissions, and Dhs17.4m.

"The lack of natural resources is a big challenge for the entire world. Therefore, we focus on spreading awareness on the importance of preserving natural resources and conserving energy among the new generation, educating them about best practices that they can adopt in their daily life to reduce electricity and water consumption. Through this award, Dubai's Knowledge & Human Development Authority and DEWA aim to urge various educational institutions to implement conservation programmes within their organisations," said Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of KHDA.

"We are keen to measure the actual results of the award scientifically and highlight the achievements of educational entities in reducing electricity and water consumption to further promote the social responsibility and accountability," added Al Karam.

The conservation award aims to raise awareness about preserving the environment and conserving electricity and water among educational entities including nurseries, schools, colleges, universities, and special needs centres. Recently, DEWA conducted a series of seminars and lectures about conservation for 17,000 students from various educational entities in Dubai.

DEWA, in collaboration with KHDA organises the award annually to educate community members on the importance of preserving natural resources and conserving electricity and water consumption. The award's categories include: universities, Adult Education Centres, nurseries, kindergartens, primary, preparatory and secondary schools.

The conservation award won the partnership category of the 'Dubai Government Excellence Programme' in 2009, as appreciation for the significant role played by the award in the field of conservation.