DUBAI // Fifty representatives of private companies from across the UAE gathered in Dubai last week for a seminar on sustainability reporting.
The event was held at the offices of Dubai Customs and organised by the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG). The seminar was organised in association with the UN Global Compact, an organisation which encourages the private sector to adopt sustainability practices, for which the EEG is the focal point in the region.
A total of 87 companies from the GCC are members of the UN GlobalCompact and of those, 43 are from the UAE, said Habiba Al Marashi, chairperson of the EEG. To be members, companies must take voluntary actions to improve performance in areas such as the environment and employee rights, and must also evaluate and report their performance on an annual basis.
"It is a genuine responsibility and commitment," said Mrs Al Marashi. "It is not something that should be taken lightly."
For companies, participation in the scheme means "you have reached a level of maturity that you want to do more than the law requires you to do", she said.
While the scheme can help companies improve their performance and measure their progress against others, it also gives businesses prestige and credibility, allowing them to stand among the world's most trusted private companies.
Delegates at the seminar heard from representatives of UAE-based water technologies company, Metito, and from Dubai Customs, which released its sustainability report for 2012. Dubai Customs' water and energy consumption for the year cost Dh1.38 million and Dh6.5million respectively. It has taken up recycling and various community initiatives, according to its report.
Among the participants was Sandrine Le Biavant, division manager - consulting at facilities management company, Farnek, who said she and a colleague had found the workshop valuable.
"We wanted to learn more about best practices and how to implement them," she said. "It was very useful...I learned a lot."
vtodorova@thenational.ae
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Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush
Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”
A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.
“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”
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THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.