ADDED releases sustainability report, reaffirming commitment to green economy

Measures to reduce emissions and support the UAEs transition to a cleaner, green world have seen a 15% decrease in waste generation from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). 

ADDED’s commitment to environmentally sustainable standards, including waste and pollution reduction, water and energy conservation and adherence to environmental laws and regulations were all highlighted by the ADDED’s inaugural Sustainability Report 2022. 

The report demonstrated a 15% reduction in total waste generated in 2022, along with 6.65 tonnes of waste recycled, a 78% increase over the previous year. The Report also highlighted a 7% decrease in electricity intensity (KWh/employees) and a 2% reduction in overall electricity consumption over 2021. This and other measures led ADDED to be awarded the Green Business Network (GBN) Award for its solid commitment to sustainability. 

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Trade & Logistics Platform (ATLP), a single-window platform offering trade services and covering the entire trade ecosystem, demonstrated a 9.3 ktonnes/year reduction in CO2 emissions, while also increasing non-oil trade by 15.6%.

His Excellency Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of ADDED said: “We have long been committed to a greener future and our first Sustainability Report reaffirms how we are leading from the front when it comes supporting the UAE’s transition to a net-zero world. This report not only showcases what we’ve achieved but more importantly what we will continue to do both within ADDED and with our partners to help government and businesses meet their net-zero emissions targets.”

H.E. Al Blooshi added: “This report demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s commitment to a future where environmental innovation and economic prosperity come together harmoniously to work towards sustainable development in our communities. This commitment to sustainability is based on strong beliefs and a long history of the wise use of resources and has long propelled us to act responsibly towards the planet for current and future generations.” 

Covering the period from 1st January to 31st December 2022, the Sustainability Report 2022 outlines ADDED’s operations and contains valuable insights into the Departments sustainability strategies and goals. 

The report is divided into four main sections, covering ADDED’s approach to Sustainability, Environmental Stewardship, Social Commitment, and Governance.

 Key ESG highlights from the report include: 

• 37% female representation among total workforce 
• 42.8% SME contribution to the Abu Dhabi’s GDP 
• 59 industries registered for Industrial Sustainability Programme and Guidelines (ISG) 
• 99% score for cybersecurity maturity 
• Silver award from The British Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) 

Based on ADDED’s core business mandates, ‘Decent work and Economic growth’, ‘Industry, innovation, and infrastructure’, ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities’, and ‘Partnerships for the Goals’ were found to be the UN's Sustainability Development Goals where ADDED could have the greatest impact.

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