Dubai Chamber participates in World Energy Forum 2012

Speaking on the first day of the forum, H.E. Hamad Buamim, Director General, Dubai Chamber said: "Hosting this year's World Energy Forum is a major achievement for Dubai and one that represents the emirate's commitment to conserving energy for future generations.

"This is the first time the conference has been held outside the United Nations in New York and proves that Dubai is fast becoming the capital city of international conferences and events.

"As Dubai's private sector representative Dubai Chamber is committed to enhancing the culture of sustainability among the business community. We understand that it is not only enough to encourage others; we have to act ourselves and lead by example. This is why we have undertaken a number of energy-saving and sustainability initiatives over the years, which have helped us conserve electricity and water and have saved us millions of dirhams in the process.

"Over the course of a decade simple schemes, like switching off lights and air-conditioning after working hours and capturing condensate water to use in our water fountain, has helped us make a 77% water saving and a 47% energy saving, or the cash equivalent of Dhs7.1m ($1.93m).

"Meanwhile, our head office proves that even existing buildings in this part of the world can become more energy-saving. We earned the prestigious LEED Existing Building status from the U.S. Green Building Council back in 2009 and now, following a major retrofit, our building is one of the healthiest and least wasteful work environments in the region and an example of what can be achieved with the will and a little imagination.

"Our expectations for the WEF 2012 are high and we are confident that its outcomes will help bring new innovation to Dubai's and the UAE's energy sectors and help promote Dubai's business opportunities to a global audience.