Abu Dhabi's EAD achieves carbon neutrality certification twice, leading UAE's climate efforts

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has achieved a significant international milestone by becoming the first regulatory authority in the UAE to receive carbon neutrality certification twice.

EAD announced that it has obtained carbon neutrality certification for the second time from Applus+, an entity accredited under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This recognition further reinforces the agency’s commitment to combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability in Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, stated:

“Receiving the carbon neutrality certification for the second time reflects our ongoing commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. By neutralizing our carbon emissions from 2020 to 2022, we are setting an example for both public and private sectors to adopt sustainable practices across all operations. This achievement strengthens our leadership in advancing climate action towards net-zero emissions, supporting Abu Dhabi’s global standing as a frontrunner in environmental and climate efforts for a more prosperous future.”

Greenhouse gas emissions for the agency were assessed by GI3S and verified by Applus+. EAD’s comprehensive approach to carbon neutrality includes identifying emission sources such as energy consumption in buildings, chilled water use, waste generation, fuel consumption by vehicles and generators, and implementing targeted emission-reduction measures.

As part of its sustainability goals, EAD is actively working to reduce its energy consumption and environmental footprint through eco-friendly technologies and sustainable practices. This includes transitioning its vehicle fleet to hybrid models, reducing fuel consumption and emissions, replacing all lighting systems with energy-efficient LED fixtures, and installing smart sensors for water and lighting to optimize resource use and minimize waste. The agency has also upgraded all air conditioning units to environmentally friendly models.

Additionally, EAD is integrating solar panels into all new projects, utilizing renewable energy to power its operations, and adhering to sustainable design principles aligned with carbon neutrality standards. These efforts contribute significantly to lowering energy consumption and carbon emissions.

This achievement serves as an inspiring catalyst for broader climate action, encouraging other organizations to integrate carbon management strategies into their operations and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Through SCS' new Certification Standard for Carbon Neutral Entities, Buildings, Products, and Services or the internationally recognized carbon neutral standard, PAS 2060, companies can certify that they have successfully negated their carbon footprint. SCS offers complete service options to achieve carbon neutrality that include establishing your product carbon footprints and guidance on purchasing verified carbon offsets from credible sources that align with your company’s mission. In addition, SCS is an approved assessor under the Carbon Neutral Protocol for those companies looking to become certified under the CARBON NEUTRAL® CERTIFICATION standard.

Carbon neutrality is achieved by calculating a carbon footprint and reducing it to zero through a combination of efficiency measures in-house and supporting external emission reduction projects... The Carbon Neutral Protocol gives businesses a rigorous and transparent framework to deliver carbon neutrality for their business, products and/or activities.

To address environmental challenges and promote sustainable economic growth, the United Arab Emirates is committed to achieving a carbon-neutral and carbon-free society—one that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to nearly zero by 2050.

The goal of reaching net zero means that the amount of greenhouse gases emitted does not exceed the amount removed from the atmosphere. Zero carbon refers to a product or service that generates no carbon emissions whatsoever during energy production—for example, electricity generated by wind turbines.

Achieving a carbon-free society with nearly zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 is not the sole responsibility of national governments and large corporations. It also involves small and medium-sized enterprises, which are expected to face various national challenges in the future.