Dubai Silicon Oasis achieves green targets
REDUCES CUMULATIVE ENERGY CONSUMPTION BY 31% BY USING SMART TECHNOLOGY
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) has succeeded in achieving its green targets, becoming the first free zone to do so, it was announced yesterday.
The DSOA has reduced its cumulative energy consumption by 31 per cent through a number of initiatives that aim to reduce the free zone’s carbon footprint well ahead of the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 with a target of 30 per cent.
The free zone was able to achieve these energy savings by using smart systems and available technology that are inherently energy-efficient like the use of LED lights. The DSOA’s switch from traditional lighting to LED reduced its power consumption by 26 megawatts. It further plans to step up efficiency from the current 23 per cent savings to 28 per cent by the end of this year by increasing the number of LED lights to 10,000 bulbs.
In October 2015, DSOA, in collaboration with du, installed smart street lights on its roads that use motion sensors that provide 25 per cent visibility until triggered to full power by approaching vehicles and pedestrians.
Dr Mohammad Al Zarouni, vice-chairman and CEO of DSOA, said DSOA is further developing its smart and environmental-friendly initiatives to reduce operational costs and increase clean energy usage within the Silicon Oasis premises.
“Through effectively contributing to these public initiatives, we demonstrate our commitment to establishing a sustainable model of energy conservation that offers an environment-friendly location for business partners, residents and visitors,” Dr Al Zarouni said.
Reducing emissions
Apart from smart lamp posts, two charging stations for electric vehicles were installed in DSO, while a third station is currently under construction.
DSOA was also able to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 60,000 tonnes. Through the use of electric cars, DSOA aims to further reduce CO2 emissions by an additional 20 per cent.