When the world's leaders, experts and decision-makers gathered in Dubai for the 28e meeting of the Conference of the Parties - COP28 - the key themes are sustainability and the environment.a greener future were not only on the agenda, they were evident among the thousands of participants.
The venue for COP28, Expo City Dubai, is part of the the city's focus on energy transition and the circular economy and is tangible proof of what can be achieved. Built to host the World Expo from October 2021 to April 2022, Expo 2020 welcomed more than 24 million visitors, with the ecological footprint written into its DNA through one of its three sub-themes, represented by the 'Terra' pavilion.
This pavilion is still part of its heritage, continuing to educate new generations and raise awareness of the planet's major challenges. This legacy has been essential throughout the planning, as 80 % of the infrastructure created for Expo 2020 has remained, as part of what is now Expo City Dubai. In total, 121 of these permanent buildings are LEED-certified by the US Green Building Council.
A commitment to clean energy
Another key sustainable development achievement of Expo 2020 Dubai was to meet all the energy needs of the event. fromrenewable energies. In fact, 100 % of the energy required was supplied directly from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum photovoltaic park. No more and no less than the largest photovoltaic park in the worldbased on the model of independent electricity production, with a production capacity expected to reach 5,000 MW by 2030, for a total investment of 13.6 billion dollars.
The photovoltaic park is part of Dubai's ambitious plans to ensure that 100 % of its energy generation capacity comes from renewable sources by 2050, as part of its strategy to decarbonised energy by 2050. This strategy is supported by other projects, including the Dubai Waste Management Centre, the world's largest project to recover energy from industrial and domestic waste.or a hydroelectric power station currently under construction in the mountainous enclave of Hatta.
Professional events focusing on the sustainable and circular economy
The sustainable and circular economy in Dubai is not limited to major infrastructure projects or the mega-events that continue to be awarded to the city. Le Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the largest convention centre in the Middle East, is leading the way in sustainable development, with its offering built on three pillars:
- To serve as a model and respond to growing public demand for companies to play an active role in supporting environmental objectives;
- Maintain seamless alignment with local and federal government vision and strategy;
- Actively seeking a leadership in sustainability benchmarking within the global MICE industry, setting a standard for others to follow.
One of its flagship projects has been the introduction of photovoltaic panels, generating 3.5 megawatts of electricity and clearly demonstrating its commitment to renewable energy sources.
When planning and organising events, the DWTC's "Green Meetings" initiative encourages the following environmentally-friendly practices such as reducing the use of plastic bottles, minimising water consumption during cleaning and promoting paperless event materials.
It also supports the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" principle with recycling bins ideally placed throughout the site. DWTC's Earth Care team works with exhibitors to sort bulk waste, while the convention centre also promotes strategic partnerships with local organisations on recycling campaigns, as well as distributing surplus food to charity.
In recognition of all these efforts, the Dubai World Trade Centre awarded Green Globe certification. In addition, in the business events ecosystem, the forthcoming introduction of a 'sustainable tourism' stamp for Dubai should make it easier for meetings and conventions professionals to identify the extent to which hotels meet environmental standards.
The label will be awarded to hotels that meet the 19 "sustainable development requirements" laid down by the Ministry of the Economy and Tourism, including a three-tier system: Gold, Silver and Bronze. Based around criteria such as energy and water efficiency, waste management programmes and staff training and engagement initiatives, the accreditation process is overseen by a committee of senior industry professionals to ensure integrity and independence.
At the same time, another initiative by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism has sought to significantly reduce the consumption of single-use plastic, specifically targeting water bottles. At the heart of the initiative is the installation of free water stations throughout the cityThis was combined with a major awareness campaign to encourage residents and visitors to use refillable water bottles. Remarkably, since its launch in February 2022, the initiative has reduced the consumption of more than 10 million single-use 500ml plastic water bottles.
From the world's largest photovoltaic park to the smallest changes in individual behaviour, Dubai's journey towards sustainable development has been a long one. a profound impact. Organisers of meetings and conferences are invited to take part.
Dubai Business Events
DET, One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre
Internet : www.dubaibusinessevents.com
E-mail : Askdbe@dubaidet.ae
