October 28th, 2014: Representatives from Canadian University Dubai (CUD) were among a select group of delegates invited by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) to a special event celebrating the third annual World Energy Day.
Mr. Koutaiba Ahmed, Senior Manager of Physical Resources and Procurement; and Mr. Ryan Sisson, Lecturer in the School of Environmental and Health Sciences, were among 50 participants in the event that brought together senior stakeholders from key organizations across Dubai.
The Sustainability Workshop facilitated discussions on climate change, the role of organizations in reducing carbon emissions and the development of measurable strategies for efficient energy and water consumption. Hosted in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund, the event was attended by leading officials from organizations including Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority and Dubai Airport Free Zone.
Over recent years CUD has undertaken a number of measures towards reducing its carbon footprint, from water-saving initiatives such as sensor-activated taps, to the installation of more energy efficient lighting. The University’s environmental credentials were recognized earlier this year at the DEWA Conservation Awards, leading to an invitation to participate in the World Energy Day Workshop.
Mr. Ahmed said, “The Workshop provided an important platform to discuss the challenges and solutions associated with energy consumption and preservation. There are so many low-cost, practical methods that most organizations can apply, and having implemented just some of these measures we have witnessed tangible results in both cost saving and reduced energy consumption.
“However, as an organization we are looking to go beyond these measures and pursue a long-term strategy that will hopefully position CUD as an exemplar higher education institution in the field of sustainable development.”
Alongside the corporate measures CUD has adopted to operate more sustainably, the student body has taken a leading role in communicating and acting upon the environmental message, developing a series of videos to promote water and energy savings on campus.
Mr. Sisson, who guides the students in their conservation campaigns as well as their environmental education, said, “The Workshop revealed that the UAE is the world’s 14th largest consumer of power, and that the impacts of our current lifestyles and business operations could bring about some worrying environmental consequences for the country.
“As a University we have a great opportunity to play a leading role in educating people about the positive actions we can take to promote environmental sustainability, as well as building our own capacity as a pacemaker in organizational change and development.”
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