Key initiatives realise energy savings at DUBAL

　　Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (DUBAL) — the wholly state-owned enterprise that operates a one million metric tonne per annum primary aluminium smelter, one of the world's largest of its kind — endeavours continually to be a responsible corporate citizen.

 

　　Evidencing the company’s ongoing commitment to energy conservation, in particular, DUBAL is a member of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (“SCE”), whose mandate includes, among others, rationalizing the use of energy and ensuring environmental sustainability through demand management initiatives and programmes. In this regard, DUBAL has whole-heartedly adopted the directives issued by H H Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum (President of Dubai Civil Aviation, Chairman of Emirates Airline Group, and Chairman of SCE) to all SCE member companies regarding the measures which the Dubai Government is taking to minimize energy consumption in Dubai, in fulfilment of the Emirate’s 2030 Energy Strategy. The success of DUBAL’s efforts in this area are clear, with 2,263,605 kWh having been saved in the first three months of implementing the directives (i.e. April to June 2011).

 

　　“In terms of the four ‘quick wins’ for energy conservation identified by the SCE, DUBAL has fully implemented the directive to set air-conditioning thermostats to 24°C during working hours and 27°C outside working hours; as well the directive to turn off all non-essential lights after working hours,” says Tayeb Awadhi (Vice President: Power & Desalination). “We are making good progress towards achieving the third directive, namely to change to energy efficient lighting, with 73 per cent of the targeted value changeover already completed. We aim to achieve 78 per cent of the changeover by year-end.”

 

　　Awadhi adds that energy-savings targeted by DUBAL for 2011, as a result of the initiatives relating to the SCE’s directives, is 6,884,147 kWh. “Once the roll-out of energy-efficient lighting is complete, our targeted energy-savings will increase. We’re aiming to a achieve energy-savings of 22,317,240 kWh per year by 2013.”

 

　　Importantly, the SCE directives complement DUBAL’s continual quest to minimize the power consumption of its operations.  The company has implemented several energy-savings projects over the years while others are being considered for implementation in the near-term. Moreover, an energy-conscious culture is encouraged at all times through targeted communications using appropriate channels.

 

　　“Being energy-conscious is not only an operating imperative for DUBAL’s sustainability, but also a vital component of our corporate duty,” concludes Awadhi. “By lowering our power consumption, we can help minimize the rate of resource depletion and reduce the levels of greenhouse and other gases emitted to the atmosphere.”