Jafza, the flagship entity of Economic Zones World (EZW), said it has managed to make Dh3.8 million ($1.03 million) in annual electricity savings by actively managing utility usage in key areas across the free zone.

Announcing this on World Environment Day, Jafza officials said it has been steadily energising its green efforts and actively managing utility usage to ensure minimal impact on the environment.

The free zone had made a saving of 4700KWH by curbing electricity consumption in buildings 14, 15, and 16, it added.

As part of World Environment Day celebrations and its overall strategy to contribute to long-term business and community sustainability, EZW extended its support for the third consecutive year, to an event organised by the Ministry of Environment and Water at Dubai Mall on June 4 and 5.

Jafza promoted environmental awareness by distributing information encouraging people to take daily measures to conserve energy and reduce their carbon footprint at the event.

Dr Hamad Al Hashimi, MD, DIT and SVP, corporate communication, said: “Economic Zones World has continually focused on corporate responsibility with respect to community, environment, marketplace and workplace and this forms an essential part of our operations."

"By participating in World Environment Day celebrations this year again we in Jafza encourage sustainable actions and environmental awareness in the community. Being mindful of one’s carbon footprint, relevant to this region and country in particular, will go a long way in ensuring sustainability."

"We have adopted many measures within the UAE and also in our projects across the globe and we hope to keep improving our carbon management and environmental activities," he added.

"Specific measures undertaken by Jafza to save energy include the installation of timer controlled devices and photocells in parking areas, corridors and other parts of the buildings. Buildings 18 and 19 have been fitted with LED lights that consume less electricity," said Al Hashimi.

Water saving devices have also been installed in office buildings resulting in 23 per cent water savings, he added.

Additionally all sewage water and water drained from air conditioning units is recycled and used for irrigation, said Al Hashimi.

Refrigerants are also recycled and reused to minimise the free zone’s carbon footprint. Paper and aluminium can recycling bins were introduced a few years ago to encourage people to recycle,. the official said.

According to him, the EZW also extends its green strategies to its logistics developments and warehouses.

In 2009, Jafza mandated all facility developments to follow green building standards and ensures its customers adhere strictly to them.

This includes adding energy saving facilities, ensuring there are no 'over design' items like roof Lightning Protection systems, optimising loads and a host of other measures.

Six months ago, EZW subsidiary Gazeley delivered in Jafza its first, state-of-the-art built-to-suit, environmentally efficient logistics facility in the Middle East.

Featuring an array of eco-friendly measures, the 63,000 sq m distribution centre was built for global supply chain management company, Ceva Logistics.

The project incorporates a wide range of sustainable features including solar powered lighting, use of recycled and locally sourced materials and warehouse lighting, complete with motion detectors and dimming controls; a system that uses at least 20 per cent less energy than normal lighting.

The suite of eco-initiatives helped the project achieve a Leed Silver rating.

The free zone operator’s other green initiatives include ‘think green’ campaigns, planting indigenous trees, 800 this year alone, and various other activities for environmental events such as Earth Hour, Earth Day and Clean Up UAE.-TradeArabia News Service