Home Best Practices and Case Studies Leading by example - The Ministry of Environment and Water

Leading by example - The Ministry of Environment and Water

Motivation

This short video shows the details of a ‘green makeover’of the new headquarters of the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water (MoEW) in Dubai. The makeover was conducted by the Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF (EWS-WWF) and the MoEW, with the help of some technical consultants. The aim is to inspire other government institutions to join the campaign and follow the footsteps of the MoEW in becoming a leading example to other entities and sectors.

Results

Up to 24% carbon footprint reduction and 2.5 year pay-back period

  • An audit of the building predicted that the carbon footprint (associated with energy consumption) can be reduced by up to 24% in one year.
  • This is being done by installing Smart Cool ECO3 energy saving modules on the existing air conditioning units.
  • We predict that these changes will result in annual savings via reduced electricity bills of about AED62000, resulting in a pay-back period of about 2.5 years for the initial investment.

Up to 44% reduction in water consumption and 4 month pay-back period

  • The audit also predicted that up to 44% of the water consumption can be reduced in one year. This saving also has an associated carbon footprint reduction because most of the water consumed in the building is produced in desalination plants that burn fossil fuels.
  • This saving is being realised by installing water saving devices on the tap faucets in toilets and kitchens. These devices reduce the flow of water per minute but by mixing air with water, the feeling remains the same.
  • We predict that the changes will result in annual savings via reduced water bills of about AED34000, resulting in a pay-back period of less than 4 months.

Next steps

  • The energy and water bills of the new premises will be monitored for the next 12 months to determine the extent to which the predicted savings are being realised.
  •  Government employee awareness workshops will also be organised to encourage behavioural change in the offices and complement these technological changes.
  • Other government entities are requested to contact heroes@ewswwf.ae (or on 02 6347117) if they also wish to lead by example and do the same.

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