UAE | Environment
Pupils take initiative to conserve water and electricity in schools
Schoolchildren ensure lights are switched off in their classrooms
- By Siham Al Najami, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:11 May 6, 2008
Dubai: For 11-year-old Hamad Saleh, conserving water and electricity at schools simply requires switching off the air conditioning unit and closing taps so that they do not drip.
"There is no doubt that we overuse both water and electricity and we should change this by educating ourselves about the different methods to conserve water and electricity but also we should change our attitude," said the UAE national from Al Shaab Public School for primary education.
He was among the ten pupils at his school to assist his teachers in raising awareness about conserving water and electricity saying that in many incidents, pupils and teachers would leave the classroom with the air conditioning on for hours.
Speaking on the sidelines of the third award contest for the "Conservation for a better tomorrow," Kiran Tarek from Shaikh Rashid Pakistan School said that water and electricity consumption at their school went down by about 22.5 per cent in just four months.
"It's a great opportunity to learn about this crucial issue, especially since the UAE is considered one of the largest consumers of electricity and water. However, the country is proposing solutions such as introducing green buildings," said Kiran.
Activities
Among the various environmental activities carried out by Royal Dubai School was appointing "eco-warriors" to ensure all lights are switched off in classes and water taps are properly closed, said Alexander Hecq.
The award ceremony was held by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) to honour winning schools in four award categories, work teams, parents and school workers.
"Dubai Government pursues sustainable development in line with Dubai Strategy 2015, outlined by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai," said Saeed Al Tayer, DEWA managing director.
Environment Award winners
- Kindergarden: Al Shorooq - 1st place; Al Rabee - 2nd
- Preliminary schools: Jumeira Model School - 1st place; Salama Al Ansarya - 2nd; Sultan Al Owais - 3rd
--Intermediate schools: Umm Suqeim School - 1st; Al Dhara Girls - 2nd; Al Razi School - 3rd
--Secondary schools: Sukaina Bint Al Hussain School - 1st; Asma Bint No'man - 2nd; Al Raya School - 3rd
Share this article
More from UAE Environment
More from UAE
Popular in UAE
-
Your pictures
Readers' pictures
A Selection of the best Gulf News reader pictures this week
Latest news
- UAE rejects Israeli colonies
- Teens smoking secretly, unchecked
- Right cut for diabetes respite
- Sweet shops to provide delicious treats
- Eid Al Adha: Duty and sacrifice
- Hospital's diabetes awareness programme extended
- Khalifa receives greetings on Eid
- Court acquits maid of theft charge
- Teenager jailed after having sex with minor
- Transit passenger jailed for drug smuggling
- Transport authority launches 'no to accidents' campaign
- Slew of celebration plans
- No decision on ex-Syrian intelligence officer
- Retailers reap rewards of Eid shopping
- Ex-Syrian intelligence officer won't be extradited
Community Reports
-
Munching on a health hazard
Residents must be careful about consuming snacks and sandwiches prepared along the roadside as they attract dirt and bacteria
-
Faded signage fails to guide visitors
Reader seeks better upkeep of signboards in green areas
-
Noise pollution must be regulated
Residents are finding it difficult to sleep well at night owing to ongoing construction work
-
Protect our children's health
Dust and dirt from a nearby road are causing problems to those frequenting Al Nasseriya park, Sharjah.
