The Energy and Environment Park (Enpark), a comprehensive eco-friendly community, and Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), both members of Tecom Investments, have installed a pioneering 5kW solar tracker at DIAC premises.

DIAC, the only free zone dedicated to higher education, said the installation of the solar tracker takes forward Tecom Investments’ aggressive sustainability agenda and complements the knowledge cluster’s achievement of obtaining the Leed Silver certification in 2009.

Donated by the founders of Switchpower, a team of renewable energy experts from Sweden, the solar tracker powers 129 lamps, which can save six tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. It can function for 10 hours daily supplying 2.9kW of load connected.

The system is estimated to generate 13,825 KWh of electrical energy annually.

Ali Bin Towaih, executive director of Enpark, said: "As the pioneer in the Middle East for implementing environment-friendly programmes, we are highly conscious of our mission to disseminate knowledge and raise awareness on the various mechanisms available to companies and individuals for reducing their energy consumption even while contributing to the well-being of society."

“The health of our planet is our collective responsibility and we must all do our part to protect it. Our region has a huge potential for utilizing sunlight to serve our energy needs.  This is a precious resource, and companies must be proactive and creative in utilizing this to their advantage,” he noted.

Dr Ayoub Kazim, executive director for DIAC, said: “We went through the process of obtaining LEED certification for our Phase-3 campus last year and have noticed a remarkable difference in the overall atmosphere of working in a energy and water efficient building. That was one way for us to educate the community on the benefits of being environmentally conscious."

“This initiative is a further step in our commitment to the environment and falls in line with the vision of Dubai’s leadership," Dr Kazim added.

Enpark’s latest initiative follows its early success in installing a solar lamp at Dubai Outsource Zone and Dubai Media City, both members of Tecom Investments.-TradeArabia News Service