RTA saves 8100 tonnes of CO2

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) saved about 8100 tonnes of carbondioxide in 2015, Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said during a ceremony to honour authorities, companies and individuals winning the 3rd Energy and Green Economy Award.

"Over the past 3 years, RTA has accomplished 45 projects, initiatives related to energy and green economy. It has also set the Green Economy Section at RTA’s level. It has introduced green building codes at world-class standards and is planning to obtain LEED certification for Route 2020 Project, which would be on the go fairly soon. RTA is also seeking to convert all street lights to lights using LED technology by 2030, which would reduce the carbon footprint by more than 3,000 tonnes per annum," said Al Tayer.

"In 2015 RTA launched the Electric Bus with a battery chargeable up to 80 per cent within less than 30 minutes. With a fully charged battery, the bus can travel 200 km, and has a speed of 100 km/h. RTA has also engaged in a pilot project for operating a bus powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), and a project for measuring the carbon footprint of vehicles in the emirate of Dubai. It had also successfully launched the trial run of environment-friendly hybrid taxi vehicles in 2008. It intends to increase the fleet of these vehicles to as much as 50 per cent by 2020. These vehicles have carbon emissions rates 30% lower than other vehicles. In keeping with the Dubai Government policy to bring happiness to people, RTA launched services via smart phones, which contributed to environmental conservation efforts. Each transaction performed online or via smart apps saves the customer travelling 28 km, and reduces carbon emissions by 15 kg. In 2015, RTA saved about 8100 tons of carbon dioxide," explained Al Tayer.

Nasser Abu Shehab, acting CEO of RTA’s Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector, and Chair of Energy & Green Economy Committee said: "Over the past few years, RTA has made significant progress in the transition towards sustainability & green economy through adopting numerous plans, solutions and strategies contributing to sustainability. The public transport means, comprising the metro, tram and public buses in Dubai, are environment-friendly (green) modes as they consume fuel considered the cleanest worldwide.

"The green economy is a key tool for building a safe and sustainable future for humanity. The proliferation of this model to all sectors and availing the benefits it offers is closely associated with a string of factors and conditions. The UAE is making a clear effort in this regard in collaboration with the UN Environment Program and several specialized UN Agencies,'' he added.

RTA annually presents these awards to strategic partners in the government sector, clients such as suppliers, contractors and consultants in addition to its sectors, agencies and employees. The award intends to reward owners of the best ideas and practices contributing to the green economy and power-saving concepts.

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