The State of Energy Report commissioned by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), in partnership United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Dubai Carbon Centre for Excellence (DCCE), was unveiled on World Energy Day 2013 against the backdrop of the Dubai Expo 2020 Theme Symposium.
Speaking at the launch, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Chairman of Dubai Expo 2020, said, "Energy is one of the main components for sustainable development and the foundation for a positive environment that encourages collaboration, partnership, creativity, and innovation. We are pleased to launch the first edition of the State of Energy Report 2014, which describes our way forward to build a green future for generations to come. First and foremost, this report is a reference for all the necessary knowledge and best practices for the energy sector, produced by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, the United Nations Development Programme and in cooperation with the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence." "This report provides the basis for a knowledge economy, which will be one of the main factors for the successful achievement of the vision of our wise leadership to transform Dubai into a Smart City, which imbues the characteristics of creativity and strong partnerships between the public and private sectors through new ideas that accompany the rapid and continuous changes that affect the entire world," As the first report of its kind for the energy sector, the State of Energy Report is a valuable knowledge source, showcasing Dubai's achievements in the field of sustainability and creating a collaborative forum to share best practices, innovation and strategies in environmental and social development across the Arab world.
A dedicated 'mega-events' chapter highlights the important role sustainability has to play in the hosting of events such as World Expos in order to generate long-term benefits for their host cities and countries, for the nations and citizens that take part in them, as well as for the relevant oversight organisations.
Helal Al Marri, Director General of Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre and a member of the Higher Committee for Dubai Expo 2020, said, "Sustainability has informed every aspect of Dubai Expo 2020: from our overarching philosophy to the physical design of the site and infrastructure. We will deploy the most innovative solutions for environmental management and energy generation, as demonstrated by our aim of producing 50% of the Expo's operational energy requirements from renewable sources on site. Our contribution to this State of Energy report reflects our commitment to deliver an Expo that is environmentally sound, inspiring for all visitors, and sets new standards in the planning and execution of mega-events." With a target to generate 50% of the energy requirements from renewable sources on-site, Dubai Expo 2020 will showcase the first large-scale application of Building-Integrated Photo Voltaic and Solar technology setting a new benchmark for future mega-events. Additional sustainability criteria have been set to monitor carbon footprint, achieve neutral water balance and manage material recycling and reuse. For example, 30% of the building materials used for the Expo are to be made from recycled aggregate content.
Importantly, the report also supports the UAE 'Green Economy for Sustainable Development' Initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and the UAE 2021 vision.
Dr. Kishan Khoday, UNDP Regional Practice Leader for Energy '&' Environment, commented, "Sustainable energy has emerged as a major development priority for countries around the world, with a critical role to be played by sub-national and local partners like Dubai. The expansion of sustainable energy in the Arab region can be a vital part of the region's drive to achieve sustainable development. UNDP is pleased to be a partner to partners across the Arab region as they seek to lead innovation in policy and technology, and create the foundations for a sustainable energy future." Dubai is competing against three other candidate cities in its bid to host the World Expo in 2020. The winner will be announced on 27th November 2013 following a vote by the 167 member nations of the BIE.
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