Source: www.rta.ae
H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), has recently opened an exhibition at RTA Head Office under the theme: (Green Technology towards Achieving Sustainable Development) to mark the Arab Environment Day.
The event was attended by RTA Executive Directors, Directors and scores of employees.
Al Tayer and the accompanying officials toured the expo where at the entrance of RTA premises solar-powered and hybrid vehicles were on display together with CNG-powered vehicles and other clean energy-powered motors.
The Expo included several events featuring the participation of a cast of entities and businesses showcasing the latest developments and trends in researches and studies about clean energy through visual presentations, brochures, leaflets and magazines that commanded the attention of visitors and employees.
Events also included several lectures which attracted considerable turnout; the first was delivered by the Ministry of Environment about the UAE Green Economy Strategy, and the second was held by the Dubai Carbon Centre for Excellence (DCCE) about gas emissions related to transportation and the procedures to be taken to minimize such emissions. A third lecture was delivered by the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) about the optimization of energy and water consumption. Meanwhile the Green Economy Committee of the RTA reviewed several environmental aspects interceded by a host questions from the floor.
“The Expo reflects RTA’s keenness on taking part in the Arab Environment Day out of its support to the long-term initiative launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in January last year under the theme: A Green Economy for a Sustainable Environment) aimed at fostering a green economy in the UAE. The Arab Environment Day is an important event through which we demonstrate our commitment to the social responsibility in order to sustain our natural resources which are crucial for the living and welfare of humans,” said Al Tayer.
“The RTA has undertaken a number of projects & initiatives that serve one of its core objectives vis-à-vis controlling the carbon footprint which is threatening the earth planet, and perhaps the UAE is shaping into one of the pioneering countries in the field of clean energy. The RTA took early action towards revamping its strategic plan 2013-2014 where it has inculcated specific objectives about the green economy besides following-up its implementation and measuring its impact in the short run. Therefore the RTA is endeavouring to economize on the energy consumption of its facilities, modes of transport and channels of services rendered to the public,” he continued.
The Chairman of the Board and Executive Director further added: “Since inception in 2005, the RTA has been committed to include the green initiatives in as many projects and public services as possible, such as utilizing electricity to feed Dubai Metro and deploying high-tech diesel buses with low sulfur rates compatible with internationally accepted standards.
Moreover, the RTA is currently monitoring the performance of the biodiesel-powered green buses, and conducting studies about using compressed gas as an alternative fuel.”
“The RTA has recently started to introduce hybrid vehicles in the Dubai Taxi fleet, given that there are currently 20 taxicabs that partially powered by electricity; and if proved efficient, more than 3,500 taxicabs in Dubai will be converted to the hybrid system in the near future, which would significantly reduce carbon emissions rates,” continued Al Tayer.
“In this respect, the RTA’s has launched the Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport (DAST), encompassing all UAE-based entities that own initiatives or practices related to sustainable transport. The RTA is also a key member in the Emirates Green Festival Committee, which will hold activities throughout the UAE from 16 March to 16 April 2014.” He pointed out that the RTA had formed the Green Economy Committee to assume the responsibility of raising the awareness of the environmental conservation, and reducing the level of carbon footprint, as well as launching a campaign targeting employees and public through brochures, posters, workshops, and lectures among others to strengthen our ecosystem drive,” noted RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director.
A number of employees and visitors expressed their delight with the exhibition, which has added to their knowledge about the significance and concept of the green economy, and raised their awareness in this respect, which would protect the planet from threats undermining nature and environment. More info
