The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group (ADSG), a public-private partnership to promote transparency and sustainable development, under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy, today hosted their tenth Hiwar discussion in Abu Dhabi on effective energy management and how organisations can deliver better efficiencies that will support the realisation of UAE Vision 2021 and Abu Dhabi Vision 2030.

“We are delighted to hold today’s Hiwar Session under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy and to have the support of all our speakers and delegates. We thank ADNEC, a member of the ADSG, for their commitment and generous hosting of our Hiwar Session.  This truly demonstrates the commitment across the UAE towards energy management in a collaborative spirit.” said Huda Al Houqani, ADSG Director. “Organisations across all sectors need to ensure that they have policies and plans to manage their energy consumption thereby ensuring a reduction in their related carbon emissions to support global and local efforts in reducing human impact on climate change.” she added.

This Hiwar session is part of a series of events focused on economic, social and environmental issues and their implications for Abu Dhabi and the wider region, today’s speakers outlined key developments and trends in effective energy management.

Al Houqani added: “The delegates were very engaged in our topic, and the feedback we received so far clearly highlights that our members and partners view effective energy management as essential for sustainable development in their organisations, as well as at home.”

Following an opening speech by HE Matar Hamed Al Neyadi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Energy and a welcome speech by H.E. Razan Al Mubarak, Secretary General Environment Agency- Abu Dhabi, the delegates were addressed by a panel of experts, including Mr Faisal Rashid, Energy Demand Side Director, Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Mr Ali Al Rahbi, Vice President for Quality Health Safety Environment and Security at Dolphin Energy, Dr Afshin Afshari, Professor of Practice

Masdar Institute, This Hiwar Session was moderated by Mr Tanzeed Alam, Climate & Energy Director at EWS-WWF.  

H.E. Dr. Matar Al Neyadi, the Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Energy said during his opening note: “Ministry of energy is delighted to collaborate with the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group in hosting this important dialogue with our key stakeholders, addressing issues of energy management, challenges and opportunities towards a green economy and global best practice.”

His Excellency added: “Through this platform, we hope that knowledge and best practices in the area of energy management can be shared and discussed to understand their suitability to our national circumstances.” 

Commenting on the event H.E. Razan Al Mubarak said: “With an increasing number of organisations working towards better energy management, events like today help to raise awareness of the critical role organisations have in curbing energy consumption and driving improvement across the board. The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group is clearly taking great strides in promoting the importance of sustainability strategies on a corporate level and the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi is a proud supporter of the great work that they are doing.”

Addressing the session, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Acting Group CEO, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), said: “Adopting the highest environmental sustainability standards and practices is a key priority for ADNEC in its ongoing efforts to preserve the environment for future generations. As a regional success model for the implementation of sustainability standards, ADNEC seeks to minimise the impact of its business on the environment through leveraging innovative technologies.”

Al Dhaheri added: “ADNEC also encourages other organisations in the emirate to follow our example in reducing the carbon footprint, while promoting environmental, social and economic sustainability for the ultimate benefit of stakeholders, shareholders, employees, customers and the wider community.”

Mr Tanzeed Alam, Climate & Energy Director at EWS-WWF, highlighted during the session: ““Effective energy management is crucial in the global fight against climate change as it can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and provide economic benefits. However, UAE based organisations need to be enabled to play a more proactive role in scaling up energy efficiency by ensuring that key barriers are addressed, such as the high cost of energy efficient technologies, limited availability of energy efficient products and the lack of awareness of energy subsidies. “

The session highlighted energy conservation techniques, best practices, shared new information on energy management from the region, thereby making significant inroads into improving understanding of the challenges and opportunities that affect energy management. The ADSG programme of work aims to support its members and partners in realising the Abu Dhabi Government Vision 2030, and the UAE Government’s holistic policy development approach towards sustainability under a common vision, UAE Vision 2021 and the Green Growth strategy.