Etihad ESCO and EZW Complete first phase of energy efficiency programme in JAFZA

DUBAI- Etihad Energy Service Company (Etihad ESCO) and Economic Zones World (EZW), parent company of Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), have successfully completed the first phase of the Energy Consumption Reduction Programme for Jebel Ali Free Zone buildings in April.

Following an MOU signed last December, Etihad ESCO conducted the feasibility study that identified opportunities for the reduction of electricity and water use across JAFZA’s commercial, residential and industrial facilities through a cost-effective energy-efficiency programme. This programme is one of the largest of its kind in the Middle East and allows EZW to enhance its operational efficiency and lower the carbon footprint of its operations in its continuous efforts to uphold its standing as one of the leading sustainability-driven free zones in the world.

Discussions are currently underway to initiate the second phase of the programme to implement and finance the energy-efficiency upgrades to the buildings and to monitor the entire performance throughout the duration of the programme against set energy targets.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the first phase of the programme and stated that this initiative supports the UAE’s Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative and the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make the UAE a world leader in green economy and the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, which aims to reduce electricity consumption by 30% and carbon emissions by over 5 million tons by 2030.

“EZW and JAFZA have an outstanding record of achievements in the fields of sustainability and the environment and the strategic partnership with Etihad ESCO furthers drive the collaboration and public-private partnerships that support the vision of making Dubai a leading example of energy efficiency for the region and the world,” said Al Tayer.

“The completion of the first phase by Etihad ESCO marks an important milestone in our strategy to make JAFZA’s buildings greener and more efficient. We are pleased to see that more significant savings can be made and we are looking forward to further collaboration with Etihad ESCO to realise these savings. The strategic partnership with Etihad ESCO will further drive collaboration that enhances Dubai’s leadership and global competitiveness,” said Salma Hareb, CEO of Economic Zones World.

Since 2008, EZW has implemented numerous green initiatives for their old and new facilities. Examples include expanding sewage-treated effluent water network for irrigation, harvesting AC drainage for irrigation, monitoring and controlling of air conditioning with Building Management Systems and Timers, solar LED and LED street lighting in JAFZA South, switching off lights after office hours, occupancy lights sensors, changing existing office lights to more energy-efficient lighting (fluorescent T5 type and LED lights), sustainable interior LED lighting in offices, optimising lighting illuminations in corridors and offices, optimising electrical loads for warehouses, sustainable designs of warehouses and buildings according to Green Regulations and enhancing security controls.