Emirates Energy Award champions sustainable development

DUBAI // The Supreme Council of Energy has announced that its Emirates Energy Award 2015 will focus on recognising projects, professionals and initiatives that promote sustainable development.

The biennial award honours public and private-sector endeavours across the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region in the areas of energy projects, education and research and development.

Organisers are aiming to offer Dh1 million in prizes and raise awareness on the importance of promoting a green economy and eco-consciousness in the Mena region. And this year, a Young Professional Energy Award will be given to those who have made a contribution to sustainable development in high school, university or in their young professional careers.

Saeed Al Tayer, vice chairman of the council and president of the energy award, said the award, or EEA, “sheds light on the best practices and pioneering activities in the areas of energy efficiency, alternative energy and sustainability”.

“It is a global platform that gathers the winners to recognise their achievements in energy management and conservation,” he said. “It also highlights efforts made in different energy-related fields, successful practices and innovative projects in the UAE and the Mena region.”

The Supreme Council of Energy has formed committees comprising specialists in evaluating and managing the international awards. Applicants will be judged on creativity and innovation, carbon footprint reduction efficiency and ability to implement solar, wind, bio-renewable or cleaner energy sources to reduce general dependence on non-renewable methods.

Potential award candidates will also be evaluated on the behavioural and environmental impact of their projects, and their potential to deliver significant benefits to cutting greenhouse gas emissions and supporting sustainable energy.

Applications will be subject to a two-stage selection process. A technical committee will screen for compliance, category and criteria in the first evaluation. Applicants will then be assessed on the merits of their projects.

Consideration will also be made for projects that present potential for further development and transferability to others and by allowing entities to build a knowledge capacity and corporate social responsibility.

“The EEA has become a platform that honours practical, scientific and research best-practices in the public and private sectors, as well as companies, organisations and individuals in the energy sector,” Mr Al Tayer said.

He invited organisations and individuals to participate and unify their efforts to further develop the energy sector, promoting the use of clean and renewable energy resources.

More than 60 per cent of award winners in 2012 were from the UAE. Organisers said that although the competition is open to anyone in the Mena region, they are also open to international projects in sustainable development.

The deadline for applications is January 30, 2015. Guidelines can be found at the EEA's website.