Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) in association with Etihad ESCO, and TAQATI held a workshop for Energy Users, reflecting on the progress and performance of Directive 1 of 2015. The workshop also looked at building-level energy audits, and discussed ways to accelerate project implementation and how to successfully overcome obstacles.

The Directive issued in March 2015 by H.H Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, requires all government entities to conduct energy audits and develop necessary retrofit plans according to a set action plan.

The workshop, held at Meydan Hotel, looked into government entities and how they can be significant contributors to the goals set under Dubai DSM Strategy, while further analysing challenges and solutions involved in the process.

The workshop was launched with a welcoming by His Excellency Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, followed by an introductory speech by Mr. Ali Al Jasim, CEO of Etihad ESCO.

Faisal Ali Rashid, DSM Director at the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy provided an overview of the Strategy and its 9 distinct programs and contributions to Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy (DIES 2030). Aref Abouzahr, Executive Director of TAQATI, highlighted the significance of Building Retrofit Program (DSM Program 2) and summarized key requirements of Directive 1 of 2015, that would further support Etihad ESCO to retrofit 30,000 buildings by 2030 tackling over 9% and 12% of Electricity and Water savings expected from the DSM Strategy.

Attendees to the workshop included representatives from over 40 government entities involved in implementing the DSM Strategy.

Etihad ESCO shared the progress and performance of the Directive to date, while recognising the achievements of several entities including Dubai Airports, RTA, Dubai Petroleum, Department of Economic Development, Awqaf and Minors Foundation, DryDocks World, the Directorate General of Civil Defence, Dubai Healthcare City, and Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities, as well as organisations that moved into retrofit execution such as DEWA, JAFZA and DIFC. Despite the progress made, there is still a great amount of work to be done to achieve the full potential of the Directive.

As pioneers in energy efficiency, JAFZA and Dubai Airports also shared their experience and lessons learned from the energy audit and retrofit journey with the audience.

The workshop was concluded with a panel discussion and Q&A session.