H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, UAE Minister of Environment and Water, has emphasized that the UAE’s Green Development Strategy, launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has played a major role in transforming the country’s industrial economy to a low-carbon economy under the theme ‘Green Economy for Sustainable Development.’
The announcement was made during an award ceremony held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Bin Fahad at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City to recognize establishments and companies that have been awarded the Environmental Performance Card (EPC) 2013. Dr. Bin Fahad recognized 71 industrial establishments for their commitment to applicable environmental regulations and standards as well as adopting cleaner production technologies. The event was attended by members of the National Committee for Environmental Coordination and representatives of local authorities, municipalities, environmental bodies and free zones.
Dr. Bin Fahad stated that the launch of the UAE’s Green Development Strategy reflects the huge interest of the country’s leadership in adopting the concept of green economy at the national level. The national strategy aims to encourage investments in the economy and to facilitate production, import, export and re-export of green products and technologies, in addition to the development of policies and programs related to reducing carbon emissions from industrial and commercial establishments.
Furthermore, Dr. Bin Fahad commended the significant growth of the UAE industrial sector, which represents a key component of the national economy. He referred to the strong growth of the industrial sector in the context of the wide establishment of industrial areas and launch of new strategic industries that have helped attract investments and capital.
Dr. Bin Fahad said: “The keenness of industrial establishments to take part in the EPC initiative is a reflection of their growing interest in adopting environmental laws and practices, developing and promoting the concept of greener production, and pursuing sustainable development goals.”
While concluding his speech, Dr. Bin Fahad thanked the industrial establishments, managers of competent authorities and stakeholders for their interest in adopting eco-friendly practices that will guarantee a sustainable environment for present and future generations.
During the event, 71 EPCs were awarded to industrial establishments after all registered establishments were evaluated to verify that met the requirements. The requisite criteria include obtaining an environmental permit from the competent authority and the completion of the environmental form, which is related to the industrial activity of the establishment in accordance with Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 regarding the protection and development of the environment, bylaw amendments and regulations. Moreover, an industrial establishment must conduct regular waste analysis, and monitor drainage specifications and pollutants resulting from the project, as well as receive an approved certificate on environmental management and quality.
The EPC is a certificate granted by the MoEW to industrial establishments committed to the UAE environmental laws and regulations. The period of validity is one year from the date of issue. The Ministry started issuing the certificate in 2009 with an aim to measure the extent of the commitment of the UAE industrial establishments to the laws, regulations and environmental requirements of the Federal Law No. (24) of 1999, regarding the protection and development of the environment, bylaw amendments and regulations, as well as implementing sound environmental management.
The MoEW has organized introductory workshops for representatives of the competent authorities, where they were briefed about the EPC, its objectives and the mechanism, conditions and procedures for granting it to industrial establishments. Other workshops were also organized for industrial establishments as they can apply for the card online via the ministry’s website www.moccae.gov.ae. The MoEW received 80 applications in 2013 from different industries in the UAE.