Inspired by global best practices, common criteria launched to promote ‘green economy’

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and its member entities in association with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) organised a workshop marking the roll-out of common criteria for Green Public Procurement, including General Criteria as an overarching framework, and specific criteria for indoor lighting as the first product category being addressed. The workshop held on January 11th, under the patronage of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), was attended by the end-users and procurement teams of DEWA, DM, DPE, DUSUP, EGA, ENOC, Etihad Energy Services and RTA

The launch of the common criteria for Green Public Procurement is a first of its kind in the GCC, and will play a role in achieving the 30% electricity and water savings target by 2030, set under the Dubai Demand Side Management strategy (DSM 2030). In addition, Green Public Procurement policies will contribute to promoting a ‘green economy’, raising awareness and developing the market for environmentally friendly products and services.

The workshop falls in line with HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai’s vision to build a green economy for sustainable development in the UAE. In fact, the new criteria, developed by EGA with the support of TAQATI, aim at optimising energy consumption, while reducing the products life cycle costs. The new policies will undergo a test phase involving DSCE member entities before being rolled out more extensively to other government entities.

Speaking on the occasion, HE Ahmad Butti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of DSCE, said, “This is a positive step towards attaining the UAE’s emission reduction targets and supporting the larger cause of improving energy efficiency in Dubai. We’ve also launched the pilot phase for Indoor Lighting products and we will soon be launching criteria for other product categories as well.”

He added, “It is a collaborative effort of the diverse entities under Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and we are confident that these policies will provide a great opportunity for us to drive the market towards more environmental friendly practices.”

Member entities of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy have been working towards a common vision, including the common criteria, after a joint roadmap was established by Dubai Supreme Council of Energy in 2015 (Guidelines for implementation of Green Public Procurement in the Emirate of Dubai, REF. SCE/Guidelines/DSM/2015 No. 2).