Executive Director of TAQATI Aref Abou Zahr Statement on World Environment Day 2018

Press release

Published June 5th, 2018 - 05:01 GMT

Aref Abou Zahr, Executive Director of TAQATI

“Pollution levels are becoming dangerously high and adoption of measures aimed at ensuring lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources has become our immediate priority.

The significance of awareness programs must not be overlooked in making environmentally responsible behavior a part of our core values. We remain committed to encouraging general members of the community to be responsible for their own environment, through various campaigns.

On the occasion of this year’s World Environment Day, we urge every individual to be environmentally responsible and minimize the use of single-use plastic in their day to day lives, thereby marking the beginning of a movement that is capable of bringing in significant change.”

Background Information

TAQATI

Dubai is committed to the goal of becoming one of the most energy efficient cities in the world and is reinforcing its position as a global center and destination for sustainability development. The target to save 30% electricity and water in 17 years is one of the most aggressive globally.

Given the importance of the DSM target of reducing energy consumption by 30% by 2030 and the different stakeholders involved to make it happen, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE)established TAQATI in January 2016, as the dedicated Program Management Office for the Dubai Demand Side Management Strategy.

TAQATI is set up under Etihad ESCO, a wholly-owned DEWA subsidiary. The institutional setup for TAQATI ensures clear reporting lines to and effective governance from DSCE. It interacts with a wide and diverse range of stakeholders to provide coherent and comprehensive DSM Strategy implementation management.