Turner & Townsend, the global professional services company for Cost Management, Project Management, Programme Advisory, and Sustainability and Net Zero services in the built environment, is now a member of the Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC). This collaboration underscores Turner & Townsend’s commitment to advancing sustainable development practices in the UAE and the Middle East region.

EmiratesGBC, a non-government organisation, was formed in 2006 with the goal of advancing green building principles for protecting the environment and ensuring sustainability in the UAE.

The membership-driven organisation promotes sustainable building practices for the construction sector, advocating for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly construction methods. They provide the tools, training, knowledge, and networks to promote green building practices across the country and build a national movement that aims to positively influence the way developments are built.

As a member of EmiratesGBC, Turner & Townsend will actively participate in discussions, workshops, and initiatives aimed at raising awareness about sustainable development and fostering innovation within the industry.

Turner & Townsend’s involvement with EmiratesGBC reflects the company’s commitment to delivering solutions that balance economic, social, and environmental considerations. With a global network of experts and a growing team of sustainability consultants in the region, Turner & Townsend is well-positioned to leverage its expertise and collaborate with EmiratesGBC to drive positive change in sustainable construction practices.

Lindsey Malcolm, Sustainability Lead at Turner & Townsend Middle East said:

“Sustainability is at the core of our purpose of driving performance for a green, inclusive and productive world and joining the Emirates Green Building Council aligns our efforts with a prestigious organisation dedicated to driving sustainable change.

“With the world’s annual climate conference COP28 being hosted in the UAE later this year, this partnership presents an exceptional opportunity to collaborate, share knowledge, and collectively contribute to shaping a more environmentally responsible future together with our industry peers.”

Adam Ralph, Country Manager at Turner & Townsend comments:

“Our decision to join EmiratesGBC is a strategic step towards fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and progress in sustainable construction practices. As a company, we remain committed to advancing our efforts on sustainability across the Real Estate, Infrastructure and Natural Resources segments, while supporting initiatives that contribute positively to the environment and the communities in which we operate.”

The policy committee of the UAE Circular Economy Council held its third meeting for the year 2023, chaired by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the UAE Circular Economy Council. The meeting reviewed progress made in the implementation of the objectives of the UAE Circular Economy Agenda 2031, as well as the means to strengthen circular economy practices within the private sector.

H.E. Bin Touq said: “The UAE is steadily moving towards a new economic model based on knowledge and innovation. The circular economy is one of its key pillars, with economic and development benefits consistent with the country’s strategies aimed at consolidating the UAE’s status as a global economic hub teeming with opportunities for growth and prosperity and doubling the GDP in the light of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.”

The Committee meeting also discussed the acceleration of the implementation of the country’s Circular Economy strategy in four key sectors, which are: manufacturing, food, infrastructure and transport, within the framework of the 22 policies adopted by the UAE Circular Economy Council in 2022.

Also discussed were the UAE’s circular trade strategy and the means to strengthen circular economy practices within the private sector, including SMEs and startups, which is one of the main objectives of the UAE Circular Economy Agenda. This is key to promoting sustainable economic growth and creating more jobs in the local market.

During the meeting, the results of the Roland Berger’s Global Strategic Management Study, supported by Emirates Global Aluminium and the UAE Aluminium Recycling Coalition, were reviewed to assess the status of aluminum cans’ recycling in six Asian countries: the UAE, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. It further explored the means to leverage the study results to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global leader supportive of international efforts in the field of green development and the recycling of aluminum cans.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Committee’s member bodies from federal and local governments, representatives of academic institutions and leading national and international companies specializing in sustainability and circular economy activities. These include H.E. Eng. Aisha Al Abdouli, Acting Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment for the green development and climate change sector and Vice Chairman of the Committee, Fatima Ghanem Al-Hajri, Head of Investment and Talent at the Ministry of Economy; Samah AlHajeri, Director of Cooperatives & Strategic Reserve at the Ministry of Economy; Miranda Schnetger, representative of Ellen MacArthur; and Dr. Ki Wong from the World Resources Institute.

In March 2023, the UAE Cabinet adopted the UAE Circular Economy Agenda 2031, which represents a general framework for the implementation of the country’s agenda in the field of circular economy. The agenda included the development of 22 policies, and the policy committee is the first permanent committee of the UAE Circular Economy Council. It takes on several tasks to support national efforts to implement the circular economy policy, including study and assessment of the challenges to the implementation of the circular economy, and proposes appropriate policies. Furthermore, the committee studies initiatives and projects that contribute to accelerating the shift towards this vital economic model, and submits its recommendations to the UAE Circular Economy Council.

G20 leaders agreed to accelerate efforts to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, aligning with recommendations from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) on how the world can move in line with the Paris Agreement targets. 

In a declaration adopted on Saturday, the Group cites a joint report between IRENA and India’s G20 Presidency, titled Low-Cost Financing for Energy Transitions, which estimates a need for over USD 4 trillion in annual investments by 2030.

According to IRENA’s World Energy Transitions Outlook 2023 released earlier this year in June, the world needs to triple global renewable power capacity to just over 11 000 GW by 2030 to maintain the possibility of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The agreement taken by G20 supports this objective.

“The adoption of a renewable energy target aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement is a significant milestone for the energy transition,” said IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera. “Over the past decade, thanks to rapidly falling costs, renewable energy has emerged as the most cost-effective energy solution for meeting the growing needs of global populations while simultaneously combating climate change.”

“IRENA is proud to have played a role in the G20’s decision to adopt this target. We will maintain close collaboration with our member countries to deliver on this ambition,” he added.

La Camera stressed the importance of building on this political momentum as the world prepares for COP28 emphasising that an ambitious action agenda that is inclusive of both developed and developing countries at COP28 will be essential to addressing the climate challenge.

IRENA’s Low-Cost Financing for Energy Transitions report, developed in close collaboration with India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), provides a toolbox to increase the availability of low-cost capital in G20 countries and beyond. 

Six exceptional individuals will be recognised for their contributions to the energy industry at the 2023 Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah International Energy Awards for Lifetime Achievement in October.

The awards celebrate the legacy of H.E. Al Attiyah, the former Minister of Energy and Industry and Deputy Prime Minister for the State of Qatar, by honouring individuals for lifetime achievements in their fields of work.

ExxonMobil and North Oil Company are the sponsors of this year’s ceremony and gala dinner, that will see over 200 leaders from the energy industry convene at the Sheraton Grand Hotel Resort and Convention Centre.

Since its inception in 2015, the Al Attiyah Foundation has remained unwaveringly committed to providing expert analysis and insights on serious global, regional, and country-specific challenges and opportunities in the areas of energy and sustainable development.

Themes in these areas are explored through its publications including industry leading research papers, current affairs articles, daily news briefings and regular podcast interviews with important personalities.

Global experts are also invited to share their opinions with Foundation members and partners during the quarterly CEO Roundtables and a new interactive Webinar Series. In addition, the Foundation’s Sustainable Development Directorate produces an annual book on a pertinent subject.

The Foundation’s continued growth is only possible due to its esteemed member organisations, who are some of the most important companies in the world. The Foundation’s members are: QatarEnergy, Qatar Electricity and Water Company, Woqod, QNB, Qatargas, Dolphin Energy, Shell Qatar, Qatar Airways, QAPCO, ConocoPhillips, Marubueni, QAFCO, Q-Chem, Gulf Helicopters, Qatar Cool, Excelerate Energy and JTA Holding.

Veolia, the global benchmark for ecological transformation, has rolled out Veolia Cares, a generous package of employee benefits for staff in the Near & Middle East region, focusing on a common base level care that will ensure quality protection and welfare for key life moments of the company’s entire human capital.

The launch of Veolia Cares is in line with the company’s firm belief in investing in a healthy and happy workforce and flows from its vision that Veolia’s employees are its future and its greatest assets. Based on five pillars of Parental Leave, Health Cover, Death Benefits, Support for Carers and Volunteer’s Day, one of the biggest features of Veolia Cares is that it covers all employees, whether limited in time or unlimited – including in those countries where nothing is required by law. It is this universal scope of Veolia Cares that creates the program’s appeal and uniqueness.

Commenting on the launch, Pascal Grante, CEO of Veolia Near & Middle East, said: “Veolia’s decision to roll out Veolia Cares, a common base level of employee benefits for all staff in the Near and Middle East,stems from our firm determination to support and protect all our valued employees at key life moments. At Veolia, we believe that it is the responsibility of a global champion to confront geographical inequalities in social benefits. The personal and professional well-being of our employees is also one of the keys to their on-going engagement and the quality of service that Veolia is renowned for. The roll out of Veolia Cares is in complete alignment with our strategic purpose as the global benchmark of ecological transformation, and I am confident it will add greater momentum to our pursuit of a progressive and prosperous future for all.”

Under the Parental Leave policy of Veolia Cares, the maternity or primary caregiver is entitled to at least 10 weeks of leave at 100% of basic pay, while the paternity or secondary caregiver will receive 1 week at 100% of basic pay. The benefit applies from Day 1 of employment, with no limited amount.

Based on the premise that all Veolia employees should have access to medical and hospital care, the Health Cover policy under Veolia Cares applies to all employees, including those who are part-time, from Day 1 of employment. In countries where the state health insurance system does not provide sufficient cover, a health insurance plan may be implemented under Veolia Cares, and preventive actions will also be encouraged.

In the unfortunate event of an employee’s passing, Veolia Cares will provide a payment equal to 6 months’ basic pay of the employee, whatever the cause of death, to the immediate family. This will be provided in addition to any local statutory benefits. This also applies to all employees – including part-time staff – from Day 1 of employment.

A prime example of Veolia Cares’s focus on social benefits is the Support for Carers policy, which allows employees to take leave if they urgently need to care for their seriously ill relatives. The policy applies to all employees who are giving assistance to a close relative in a situation of dependence or serious illness and makes it easier for them to combine acquired leave entitlements.

Similarly, the Volunteer’s Day policy underscores Veolia’s commitment to encourage employees to actively engage and involve with charities and local organizations and allows them to benefit from one working day to contribute to a cause of their choice.

“Veolia Cares not only sets a new benchmark for employee benefits in the industry, but also strongly supports diversity, which is among our core principles,” said Sebastien Dorne, HR Director of Veolia Near & Middle East. “Many of the benefits under Veolia Cares neither require any seniority condition nor a minimum length of service – employees are eligible right from the first day of their employment. With the launch of Veolia Cares, we are confident that Veolia will become an even more progressive and productive place to work at, attracting and nurturing the best of the region’s human capital.”

Red Sea Global (RSG), the multi-project developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism destinations, Amaala and The Red Sea, has entered into a 25-year concession agreement with the French multinational electric utility company EDF (Électricité de France) and leading clean energy company Masdar on a multi-utilities infrastructure facility to service the Amaala destination.

Like its sister destination, The Red Sea, Amaala will be powered entirely by solar energy, saving the equivalent of nearly half a million tons of CO₂ emissions every year. The new facility consists of an optimized off-grid renewable energy system, which generates energy from photovoltaic technology, and a battery energy storage solution that enables 24/7 power, plus a desalination plant and wastewater treatment plant, both powered by renewables.

“Sustainability is a cornerstone of Amaala, and our new partnership with EDF and Masdar will drive us towards achieving a zero-carbon footprint once fully operational. The project follows the template for success provided by The Red Sea, where we recently completed the build of five solar farms, procuring a destination-wide utility system that enables us to operate with no connection to the national grid,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.

Amaala’s renewable supply system has the capacity to generate up to 410,000 MWh per annum – enough to power 10,000 households for an entire year. The system includes a 700 MWh battery storage facility, which ensures Amaala will be powered by renewables, day and night. There will also be a water desalination plant that uses reverse osmosis technology and has a capacity of 37 million liters of water per day.

The contract was procured in the model of an independent public-private partnership (PPP), covering the design, construction and operation of the systems providing utilities, accompanied by the associated networks and infrastructure.

Béatrice Buffon, Group Executive Vice-President in charge of EDF’s International Division, said: “With more than 90% of its electricity production decarbonized, the EDF group is pursuing its ambition to contribute to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Our objective is to continue to be a key player in the development of innovative, fully resilient and net-zero electrical systems. Together with Masdar, we are thrilled to take part in Red Sea Global’s Amaala project, a large scale off-grid system delivering carbon-free electricity and water 24/7. This project will set new standards of execution and operation for EDF and the Kingdom.”

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said: “For this fully integrated utility project in partnership with Red Sea Global and EDF, we have brought together a suite of innovative solutions and technologies including solar, battery storage and desalination. It is a remarkable, unique project which will help drive sustainable economic development to the beautiful tourism destination of Amaala.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a key strategic market for Masdar and as a leading renewable energy company and longstanding partner, we are committed to playing an important role in supporting the country’s Vision 2030 Strategy as it aims to meet its ambitious targets of delivering 50% of its energy needs from renewables by the end of the decade.”

The utilities concession agreement between RSG, EDF and Masdar has an initial 25-year term with the option to extend and involves the financing, engineering, development, construction, operation, maintenance and transfer of a multi-utilities infrastructure facility.

While this deal helps Amaala reach its net-zero ambitions, the destination will go beyond sustainability to have a regenerative impact on the environment, with the aim of delivering a 30% net conservation benefit to local ecosystems by 2040. This will be achieved by enhancing biologically diverse habitats including mangroves, seagrass, corals and land vegetation that help biodiversity to flourish, while contributing to carbon sequestration efforts too.

Phase One of Amaala is focused on the Triple Bay masterplan and will be ready to welcome first guests in early 2025. Once complete, the destination will be home to more than 3,900 hotel rooms across 29 hotels and 1,200 high-end resident villas, apartments and estate homes, alongside high-end retail establishments, fine dining, wellness and recreational facilities.

It also includes a vibrant community for the more than 15,000 people who will live and work at Amaala when fully complete.

Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC), one of the leading regional multi-line insurance providers for corporates and individuals, has contributed AED 2 million to The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, the Government of Abu Dhabi’s official channel to receive social contributions.

The contribution aligns with ADNIC’s efforts to support societal priorities in areas including Health, Education, Infrastructure and Environment.

Charalampos Mylonas, CEO of ADNIC, said: “We are proud to support causes that are dear and close to our hearts. We believe that everyone has the right to a healthy life, and we are committed to using our resources to make a positive impact on communities across the UAE.  Our partnership with The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an is an important part of our social responsibility work. Ma’an is doing vital work to protect children and improve early childhood care and education in the UAE. We are proud to support their efforts, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the years to come.”

Her Excellency Salama Al Ameemi, the Director General of Ma’an, said: “We will ensure that ADNIC’s contribution is well-placed into addressing social priorities and supporting families across the Emirate. In line with Abu Dhabi’s vision towards building an inclusive and cohesive society, we will use the funds to support projects that reflect ADNIC’s priorities and goals and achieve a long-term social impact.”

“ADNIC’s contribution supports Ma’an empowering Third Sector organisations to deliver projects that address pressing social priorities. Additionally, we present our gratitude to ADNIC for their frequent contributions to Ma’an since 2019, in line with its commitment to addressing various social issues and creating a collaborative community.” Her Excellency added.

The Authority plays a crucial role in delivering programmes which address societal priorities, seeing approximately 136 priority projects with more than 700 people benefiting from them.

The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an provides an unparalleled opportunity for corporates across Abu Dhabi to simplify and achieve their corporate social responsibility (CSR) or Sustainability Development Goals (SDG)s. Making CSR contributions to Ma’an ensures that 100 per cent of funding is directed to dedicated initiatives and causes.

Focused on addressing critical social priorities across sectors including health, education, environment, social sector, and infrastructure, as well as amplifying the impact of the companies’ social investment, Ma’an’s concept serves the evolving needs of the community and promotes social responsibility both among individuals and corporations. Corporates can choose from a range of 30 programmes and initiatives, tailored to benefit a key social priority in Abu Dhabi which they can support through contributions.

Corporations who make contributions to Ma’an receive the Abu Dhabi Social Responsibility Label, a government-recognized label demonstrating the corporates’ commitment to CSR. As the only label for CSR in Abu Dhabi, corporates can maximise communications of their contributions above AED 1 million.

His Excellency (H.E.) Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), showcased the role of nuclear technology in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors during the World Nuclear Symposium 2023, which took place from 6-8 September in London, United Kingdom.

H.E. Al Hammadi along with Dr Angela Wilkinson from the World Energy Council, Todd Noe, Director of Nuclear Technologies Engineering at Microsoft, and Mikal Boe, CEO of Core Power, participated in the discussion session titled ‘Achieving End-users Decarbonization Goals with Nuclear Energy’.

As top nuclear industry leaders, experts and executives gathered at the event, H.E. Al Hammadi highlighted how nuclear can sustainably power energy intensive industries. These include Artificial Intelligence (AI) and datacenters, which are being strengthened by the rapid digital revolution of industries. Data centers alone now utilize 4-5% of total global power supply, and this will only grow as greater digitalization occurs. “The UAE is a success story for harnessing the potential of nuclear energy to create a range of clean products through the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. Today, we are supporting the green industrialization by providing clean electricity and enabling Clean Energy Certificates. They play an important role in decarbonizing businesses and helping unlock global ESG funds, which are valued at $30 trillion and forecast to double by 2030,” he said.

During the panel, H.E. Al Hammadi also discussed how essential nuclear energy is to Net Zero, and how it can supercharge the energy transition. With urgent global collaboration, nuclear energy can be scaled up to meet energy challenges. He also mentioned that through recognizing nuclear energy as a key clean source for decarbonizing and ensuring its prominence in conversations at events such as COP28, the industry can obtain the necessary support to have the impact required to achieve Net Zero.

The development of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the UAE is a catalyst for innovation and R&D in new areas, including Small Modular Reactors which are a key part of ENEC’s future growth, alongside other next-generation technologies. Nuclear energy and the Barakah Plant are bridges to future fuels such as clean hydrogen and other clean molecules.

WNS aims to highlight nuclear for global growth and prosperity. At this year’s event, the topics in discussion included ‘Fueling Our Nuclear Future: The Nuclear Fuel Report 2023,’ ‘People First: Leading the Industry to Success,’ ‘Investing in Nuclear,’ and ‘Optimizing Plant Life Performance (in collaboration with WANO).’