Green building initiatives save Dhs7.1m

The green building initiatives launched by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) have lead to an accumulated savings of around Dhs7.1 million as the Chamber measures resulted into drastic saving in water and energy consumption by 77 and 47 per cent respectively. This was observed at the inaugural Gulf Business Industry Awards 2012 ceremony that took place on Monday and the DCCI was recognised as CSR Company of the Year. The award was given in recognition of the non-profit organisation’s commitment to sustainability and for its efforts to promote CSR amongst Dubai’s business community, which was received by Atiq Juma Nassib, Senior Director, Commercial Services Sector. The organisation uses grey water for landscaping and flushing toilets, as well as light censors and energy saving bulbs to conserve electricity, and has in place an effective recycling programme. Dubai Chamber encourages its stakeholders, including suppliers and contractors, to adhere to the latest standards of health, safety and environment in their businesses by using eco-friendly products and services. The private sector organisation also promotes sustainability amongst its members through fundraising events, blood donation drives and engaging its staff in various community development programmes. Receiving the award, Juma pointed out the work that Dubai Chamber’s Centre for Responsible Business has been doing to spread the concept of responsible business practices amongst the business community. Its initiatives include the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network, Dubai Dialogue forum and CSR Al Youm newsletter. The Centre also organises seminar and workshops highlighting responsible business practices and the latest methods of enhancing productivity and efficiency through sustainable means. In recent years Dubai Chamber has won several awards related to CSR and sustainability, including the Saudi Environment Management Award, H20 Water Award from CPI Industry, and the Big Project and BGreen Award. Dubai Chamber’s head office became the first existing building in the Arab world to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) existing building certification from the US Green Building Council (USGBC) in 2009. The inaugural Gulf Business Industry Awards 2012, organised by Gulf Business magazine, honoured successful UAE businesses in nine categories: banking, real estate, aviation, retail, media, energy, tourism, education and technology. Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a non-profit public entity, whose mission is to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai by creating a favourable business environment, supporting the development of business, and by promoting Dubai as an international business hub. From gulftoday