UAE companies are more environmentally conscious

Dubai: Some UAE companies have started taking steps to reduce their carbon footprints and educate staff and clients on environmental issues, a survey has revealed, however most action is yet to be taken in the next two years.

A questionnaire was sent to 82 UAE-based companies heading local branches of multinational companies by EcoVentures, an emissions reduction firm, on their environmental awareness and implementation of actions taken toward reducing their environmental footprint.

Only 32 companies replied. The 22-question survey was carried out either by phone or by email. Companies were given the option of remaining anonymous, which approximately half chose to do.

Only 28 per cent of responding companies report having calculated their carbon footprint. However, 71 per cent of UAE-based companies and 61 per cent of multinational companies report that they will calculate their carbon footprint within two years. Yet the majority of UAE-based companies have attempted to reduce their firms' environmental footprint through conservation in energy usage.

Initiatives from companies willing to be named in the report include Al Futtaim. Barclays will offset emissions from global banking operations by the end of 2009.

Shezan Amiji, managing director of EcoVentures said he was pleased that all UAE companies in the study were willing to measures to reduce their carbon footprint.

Earth Day is another environmental initiative giving residents the gently nudge needed to greatly review their consumption of electricity and water through easily adoptable lifestyle changes

It might start with the car you drive or how high your air-conditioning blows. On April 22, Earth Day 2009 is launching a two year campaign called The Green Generation Campaign which will culminate on the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day in 2010.

It is open to ordinary people who want to create a change in their lives and environments and are actively pursuing that goal. A four-point green manifesto has been drawn up for people who feel concerned to sign, agreeing to be an active citizen, to transform their immediate environment, to stay informed and inform others, and to consume wisely.

According to Earth Day Network, it has a global reach with more than 17,000 partners and organizations in 174 countries. More than 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest secular civic event in the world.

Earth Day: Green generation

Earth Day is another environmental initiative giving residents the gently nudge needed to greatly review their consumption of electricity and water through easily adoptable lifestyle changes. It might start with the car you drive or how high your air-conditioning blows.

Today, Earth Day 2009 is launching a two year campaign called The Green Generation Campaign which will culminate on the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day in 2010. It is open to ordinary people who want to create a change in their lives and environments and are actively pursuing that goal.

A four-point green manifesto has been drawn up for people who feel concerned to sign, agreeing to be an active citizen, to transform their immediate environment, to stay informed and inform others, and to consume wisely.

According to Earth Day Network, it has a global reach with more than 17,000 partners and organisations in 174 countries. More than 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest secular civic event in the world.

10 most fuel-efficient vehicles in 2009

1. Toyota Prius; 2. Honda Civic Hybrid; 3. Nissan Altima Hybrid; 4. Mercury Mariner Hybrid (Tie); 4. Ford Escape Hybrid (Tie); 4. Mazda Tribute Hybrid (Tie); 5. Smart Fortwo; 6. Toyota Camry Hybrid; 7. Volkswagen Jetta (Tie); 7. Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen (Tie); 8. Toyota Yaris; 9. Mini Cooper (Tie); 9. Mini Cooper Clubman (Tie); 10. Honda Fit.

Source: thegreendaily.com

Do you know about Earth Day? How are you participating this Earth Day?