Measures to reduce emissions and support the UAE’s sustainable transition have seen a 15 per cent decrease in waste generation from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
ADDED’s commitment to environmentally sustainable standards, including waste and pollution reduction, water and energy conservation and adherence to environmental laws and regulations have been reported in ADDED’s inaugural Sustainability Report 2022.
The report stated that ADDED had achieved a 15 per cent reduction in total waste generated in 2022, along with 6.65 tonnes of waste recycled, a 78 per cent increase over the previous year. The report also recorded a 7 per cent decrease in electricity intensity (KWh/employees) and a 2 per cent reduction in overall electricity consumption over 2021. This and other measures led ADDED to be awarded the Green Business Network (GBN) Award for its commitment to sustainability.
In addition, Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Trade and Logistics Platform (ATLP), a single-window platform offering trade services and covering the entire trade ecosystem, demonstrated a 9.3 tonnes/year reduction in CO2 emissions, while also increasing non-oil trade by 15.6 per cent.
His Excellency Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary at Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, said: “We have long been committed to a greener future and our first Sustainability Report reaffirms how we are leading from the front when it comes supporting the UAE’s transition to a net zero world. This report not only showcases what we’ve achieved but more importantly what we will continue to do both within ADDED and with our partners to help government and businesses meet their net zero emissions targets.
“This report demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s commitment to a future where environmental innovation and economic prosperity come together harmoniously to work towards sustainable development in our communities. This commitment to sustainability is based on strong beliefs and a long history of the wise use of resources and has long propelled us to act responsibly towards the planet for current and future generations.”
Covering the period from 1 January until 31 December 2022, the Sustainability Report 2022 outlines ADDED’s operations and contains insights into the departments sustainability strategies and goals.
The report is divided into four main sections, covering ADDED’s approach to Sustainability, Environmental Stewardship, Social Commitment, and Governance.
Based on ADDED’s core business mandates, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Partnerships for the Goals were found to be the UN's Sustainability Development Goals where ADDED could have the greatest impact.
The report is available for download on the ADDED website: added.gov.ae/Reports-and-Study.
