Dubai contributes to efforts of Carbon emission reductions

The 'Conference of the Parties' (COP18) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is meeting annually to assess progress in dealing with climate change and the way forward.

The United Arab Emirates is one of the first countries that have endorsed the extension of the Kyoto Protocol in 2005, which limits the greenhouse gas emissions of industrialized countries.

It was also the first Gulf nation to sign on to the Copenhagen Accord at COP15 supporting a long-term deal to reign in emissions.

The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy along with the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence will contribute to the UAE's efforts in the Carbon emission reduction.

His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), pointed out, "In line with the initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai 'Green Economy for Sustainable Development', and to be part of 'Dubai's Integrated Energy Strategy 2030', the DSCE foresees a demand management which will contribute in reducing the electricity consumption by 30% in 2030 that will result in a large reduction of carbon emissions. The DSCE furthermore established the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence to assist private and public organizations to map out their emissions and identify opportunities for reduction."

His Excellency, Vice Chairman of the DSCE, further added, "We aim to launch and develop projects and initiatives through the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence to reduce the emissions and provide additional incentive through the carbon credits. The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy is conducting a study to identify the sources of the greenhouse gas emissions at the Dubai level. This study will provide a clear picture to the DSCE on the concentrated areas with the emissions that currently requires the support of the specialized agencies to establish and develop an effective programme to reduce the carbon emissions. The Monitoring, Reporting and Verification process is the tool to monitor the implementation of the emission reduction programme."

The Chairman of the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence, Eng. Waleed Salman appreciates the conference in Doha as an opportunity to correct the misconception of the region's wasteful usage of resources.

"We are making large efforts are being undertaken to maximize Dubai's efficient use of fuel, electricity and water. Many Dubai-based companies started measuring their carbon footprint and develop low-emission strategies and therefore lead the industry today in what will be common business practice in the near future," he added.

The Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence is specialized in the Clean Developing Mechanism along with the best practices in reducing emissions in the Emirate of Dubai. As a strategic initiative by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, it will be the first of its kind in the region and it will enable the government to establish a baseline on present day emission levels and track changes in the years to come.