TECOM Investments wins 'Best Environmental Excellence' category at Sixth Annual CSR Summit Awards

TECOM Investments, a developer of knowledge-based business clusters and a member of Dubai Holding, today announced it has won the 'Best Environmental Excellence' Award at the Sixth Annual Corporate Social Responsibility Summit for its leading role in implementing energy saving programmes and sustainable practices
The award was received by Mr. Ali bin Towaih at the CSR Summit Awards ceremony that was held under the patronage of Her Excellency Mariam Mohammad Khalfan Al Roumi, UAE Minister of Social Affairs and Chairman of Social Responsibility Fund. The awards seek to recognise and honour companies in the GCC region for outstanding, innovative and world class products, services, projects and programmes implemented during 2008-09.

The four-member jury for the Awards that looked specifically into demonstrable implementation of CSR practices and the benefits they can bring to a company, cited TECOM's key achievements generated through launching sustainable policies and initiatives.

Abdullatif AlMulla, Group CEO of TECOM Investments, said: "We are delighted with the prestigious region-wide recognition for our commitment to corporate social responsibility. CSR forms the core principle of our business strategy, and we were one of the first in the region to adopt a sustainable development policy in 2006. We have also created the Sustainable Energy and Environment Division (SEED) to develop and implement environment friendly practices across our 11 business parks."
"While we are proud of this award, we intend to aggressively pursue policies that benefit every member of the community. We aim to be a role model for other organizations in demonstrating that being a good corporate citizen is incumbent upon us."

TECOM Investments is credited with launching the Middle East's first Sustainable Development Report, that traces the company's outcomes from endorsing sustainable practices over the last three years. The report illustrates not just the environmental but the economic benefits of CSR as well. In 2008, TECOM successfully reduced energy and water expenses by Dhs7.3m, while mitigating about 13, 930 tonnes of CO2 emissions. In the coming years, TECOM aims to reduce its electricity consumption by 25% and water consumption by 30% from 2006 levels, with a commensurate reduction in carbon footprint.

Ali bin Towaih, Executive Director of SEED and Enpark, added: "SEED has consistently worked with the industry in the implementation of TECOM's Sustainable Development Policy, thereby not only generating savings in utility costs, but also helping to create the cleantech industry in the region. We invite all cleantech companies to join hands with us in executing projects, which not only help reduce utility costs, but positively contribute to the environment and society at the same time."

The Water Savers Programme that TECOM implemented in some of its business parks helped reduce water flow from 7.6 litres to 1.9 litres per minute with return on investment achieved within a remarkable 22 days.

Sougata Nandi, Director of SEED and Enpark, said: "Ever since we made sustainable development a key focus area, every member of TECOM has proactively contributed to ensure the success of our initiatives. This award, consequently, is a testament to their dedication and ceaseless efforts. We have not only established our leadership in sustainable development, but have successfully retained it, through a holistic approach that involves both technology and people."

TECOM Investments has taken a proactive approach through various initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint in the region. The TECOM management office was recently benchmarked by the US Green Building Council as the second LEED Platinum Commercial Interior worldwide outside the US, and the fifth LEED certified project in Dubai and the Middle East.

TECOM Investments Bags a Double at Emirates Energy Award 2008

The Sustainable Energy and Environment Division (SEED) today proudly announced that TECOM Investments has won the prestigious Emirates Energy Award 2008 in the Private Sector category and Jayakumar C M, Sustainable Development Engineer with SEED, has won in the Energy Engineer category.

Between January to November 2008, TECOM’s Energy and Water Conservation Programme has saved us AED 5.957 million in electricity and water costs as well as reduced our carbon emissions by 11,733 Tons. This has been achieved through efficient optimization of our electro-mechanical equipment, aggressive implementation of conservation projects like  installation of water restrictors in all buildings at Site A, DIAC & DOZ and Gradual Halogen Phase out in all buildings and several other projects that require negligible investments. All members of the TECOM family as well as several business partners (like IBM, Microsoft, UOWD, KHDA etc.) have actively participated in this initiative by pro-actively turning equipment OFF when not needed, at their work areas. These measures are jointly implemented by SEED and relevant Campus Managers.

Ali bin Towaih, Executive Director of SEED & Enpark and Chairman of the Emirates Green Building Council, said “this award bears testimony not only to the tremendous hard work put in by SEED team, the Campus Managers and IDAMA’s technicians, but also the fantastic savings achieved. We have, together as a team, proved repeatedly that sustainability makes business sense and benefits the society and the environment at the same time.”

Jayakumar joined SEED in February 2007 and is leading the implementation of Energy & Water conservation programmes. He is a Mechanical Engineer and has been working in Dubai for the last 9 years. While he has been involved with many energy conservation projects, it is at TECOM that he has achieved tremendous success, having achieved the highest amount of savings in such a short time.

Sougata Nandi, Director – Sustainable Development of SEED & Enpark said, “we are proud of our team members for the efforts they are putting in, not only in achieving results, but also in building relationships with all stakeholders. It is critical that we work together as a TECOM team, synergizing our efforts, so that the whole is bigger than the sum of the parts.”

In 2009, SEED targets to achieve even better results in Energy and Water savings through increased efforts and smart execution of select projects.

ENPARK Receives 'Excellence in Environmental Projects and Products – Future Projects' Award at Offshore Arabia 2009

Dubai: 14 January, 2009 - The Energy and Environment Park (ENPARK), a sustainable community model for commercial and residential use and a member of TECOM Investments, was honoured in the ‘Excellence in Environmental Projects and Products – Future Projects’ category at the Offshore Arabia 2009 Environmental Awards.

His Royal Highness Prince Turki Bin Nasser Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, President of Meteorology and Environment Protection of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, presented the award to Ali Bin Towaih, Executive Director of ENPARK, in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, UAE Minister for Environment and Water, on 11 January at a ceremony during the gala dinner. The event at the Grand Hyatt in Dubai was attended by high-ranking officials and industry professionals.

Offshore Arabia 2009 was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, at Madinat Jumeirah. The three-day event concluded on 13 January.

In his keynote address on the second day of the event, Ali Bin Towaih focused on the progression of ENPARK from vision to reality, highlighting its innovative features and the future potential for renewable energy while emphasizing the need for green initiatives.

Offshore Arabia 2009 was organized from 11-13 January by the Regional Clean Sea Organization (RECSO), an environmental body that works to protect the environment in the Gulf region.

Enpark Wins ‘Company of the Year’ Category in Alternative Energy Awards 2008

Award Recognises ENPARK’s Role in Spreading Sustainability Concept Region-wide

The Energy and Environment Park (ENPARK), a sustainable community model for commercial and residential use and a member of TECOM Business Parks, won the ‘Company of the Year’ category at the Alternative Energy Awards 2008 for its significant role in raising awareness about sustainability concept in the region.

Organised by Future Fuels magazine, a specialised publication on global energy market and trends, the awards are presented to individuals, renewable energy companies, developers, scientists and governments whose work further the development and use of sustainable energy sources in the region.

Ali Bin Towaih, Executive Director of ENPARK, received the award at a gala ceremony held at the Hiltonia Beach Club, Abu Dhabi.

Ali Bin Towaih said: “We are honoured to receive the Alternative Energy Awards in the Company of the Year category. The award is a recognition of our relentless effort in spreading the sustainability and environment concept in the region.

“ENPARK has established itself as a pioneer in its drive to promote a carbon-neutral environment in the UAE. Our aim is to create a healthier and more sustainable future for the future generation and the award will motivate us further in achieving our objective.”

Focusing on the positive steps to give credit and encouragement to developments in renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainability, the Alternative Energy Awards given away by Future Fuels magazine aim to promote widespread use of clean, sustainable energy for the environmental, social and economic benefits.

As the master developer, ENPARK is working aggressively to provide an infrastructure that will assist the sustainability ambitions of each facility in the free zone. The infrastructure targets to incorporate adequate recycling centres, waste water treatment plant and network that will provide treated water for landscaping purposes and water closets, district cooling network and other green features. The project aims to utilize solar photo-voltaic powered streetlights and other applications of clean technology.

TECOM Investments wins Best Company at Alternative Energy Awards 2007

As one of the largest green building developer in the world, TECOM has the commitment and the team to respond to the environmental challenge.

Dubai: March, 2007 - TECOM Investments has won the Best Company Award in the Alternative Energy Award ceremony organised by Future Fuels magazine, a specialised publication on the global energy market and trends.

The Alternative Energy Award is designed to recognise companies and individuals who have made a significant contribution with their expertise in alternative energy and endeavoured to widen environmental awareness.

This recognition for TECOM Investments comes in a timely manner, following the approval of the Dubai Environmental Plan by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The plan includes government's commitment to the concept of green building, to be applied to future projects, facilities and governmental buildings and aiming at reducing carbon footprint, cutting down natural resources consumption, reducing operation cost while enhancing performance and creating a healthy living and working environment.

Abdullatif Almulla, CEO of TECOM Investments, said: “The award acknowledges TECOM’s pioneering role in establishing the Sustainable Energy and Environment Division and for initiating the ’Green Building‘ certification programme.”

“The award adds one jewel to TECOM Investments’ crown; we congratulate Ali bin Towaih, Director of Sustainable Energy & Environment Division at TECOM Investments, and his team for their work that brought us this regional recognition”, he added.

TECOM Investments is one of the largest green building developers in the world, with an existing two million built up area and approximately six million square feet in development.

Adulhamid Juma, Deputy Director General of the Dubai Technology and Free Zone Authority added: “We are very proud of being the leader on sustainable development in the Region, which corner stone is our Sustainable Development Policy.”

Ali bin Towaih, Director of Sustainable Energy & Environment Division at TECOM Investments, said: “We have initiated the green building certification programme, which is designed for rating new and existing commercial, institutional, and high-rise residential structures. It evaluates environmental performance from a ’whole building perspective‘ over a property’s life cycle, providing a definitive standard for what constitutes a green building.”

TECOM Investments is evaluating the buildings based on six primary standards including sustainable site, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality and innovation and design process. Points or credits are awarded for the various line items in each of the categories, and buildings are deemed ’green‘ if they earn a certain number of points.
TECOM Investments is actively supporting the Emirates Green Building Council as a Founder Member and assisting in developing a green building rating system for the UAE through its membership on the Technical & Awards Committee of the Council.

Over the last two years, TECOM Investments has gathered a team of experts specialized in sustainable development to add value to TECOM’s projects, not only in UAE but also worldwide.

Ali bin Towaih added: “Our team has developed considerable expertise in implementing sustainable development in this part of the World and we would be happy to share this expertise with interested developers.”

TECOM Investments is also preparing several more sustainable initiatives to be unveiled shortly, with the same objective in mind to support professionals, corporations and leaders to sustain lifestyles within the carrying capacity of the Planet.

ENPARK's Senior Manager - Sustainable Development wins Energy Engineer Award