Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) has signed a Technical Services Agreement (TSA) with Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence (DCCE), the governmental organisation that promotes Dubai’s transition to a low-carbon green economy, to effectively manage the carbon footprint of ENOC’s operations and to develop the competencies of ENOC’s staff members in promoting Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects.

This path-breaking unique agreement is aligned with the green vision of Dubai. The TSA will complement the efforts of the ENOC Group Environment, Health, Safety and Quality Compliance (GEHSQ) team in developing a carbon footprint calculator and analysis strategy for the organisation. Dubai Carbon will also extend its expertise to create a screening mechanism for CDM projects and other low-carbon schemes and opportunities, supporting the sustainability goals of ENOC.

Saeed Khoory, Chief Executive Officer, ENOC, said: “Sustainable development is a key pillar of Dubai’s growth approach, underlined in the ‘green vision’ announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The TSA with Dubai Carbon highlights the spirit of partnership that Dubai promotes to achieve goals that add to the welfare of the entire community. ENOC has always been a committed partner in innovating and undertaking sustainable projects. Our partnership with Dubai Carbon will further enable us to explore opportunities for low-carbon projects while minimising the carbon footprint of our operations.”

At a ceremony held at ENOC’s headquarters, Waddah Ghanem, ENOC GEHSQ Compliance Director, signed the agreement with Eng. Waleed Salman,Chairman of Dubai Carbon.

Eng. Waleed Salman said: “We congratulate ENOC on their commitment to undertake low carbon initiatives and to manage the carbon footprint. Adopting scientific practices for sustainability reporting and carbon management is one of the important steps in achieving tangible goals that support sustainable development. Dubai Carbon has the expertise and experience in supporting Clean Development Mechanisms and low carbon protocols. Our partnership with ENOC highlights our commitment to fulfil the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to promote Dubai as a hub for green technologies.”

Waddah Ghanemsaid: “An environment and energy policy that is developed to international standards is integral to all operations of ENOC. Today, with the need to reduce carbon footprint becoming even more imperative, we are taking concerted initiatives to make ENOC a greener organisation. We are thankful to Dubai Carbon for the confident that we can leverage on this TSA, which will not only enable us to establish a carbon footprint strategy but also build the competencies of our team capacity in carbon related knowledge in the energy and resource management teams at ENOC Group.”

As part of the TSA, Dubai Carbon will undertake training sessions and seminars for ENOC’s GEHSQ energy and resource management teams on various aspects related to CDM, carbon management and other carbon footprint related activities including sustainability reporting. The agreement supports ENOC’s initiatives in promoting energy efficiency and environment conservation, with the Dubai Carbon team working with ENOC in reviewing vehicle emissions studies to ascertain carbon dioxide emissions and in conducting joint studies on carbon footprint. Dubai Carbon will also support in producing an annual appraisal report on ENOC’s efforts in reducing carbon footprint, energy saving and sustainability initiatives.

Over the years, ENOC has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability initiatives including the Middle East’s first ‘green service station.’ It uses the latest technology to recover 99 per cent of the vapour from the dispensers and storage tanks, and has solar powered lampposts and LED lights with a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours. It also features sensor-type water taps and two-stage flush systems. Carwash water recycling and waste segregation and recycling are other features of the station which meets all global emission standards.

Emirates Gas (EMGAS), a subsidiary of ENOC, has launched several environment-friendly measures including the Cutting Edge Gas (CEG), a new generation product that provides customers with a convenient, cost-effective fuel gas for cutting applications.

EMGAS is also taking the lead in popularising the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner and greener fuel, which reduces carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide emissions, and practically eliminates sulphur and particulate emissions. The company’s fleet of tankers are more energy efficient, and use remote tank gauging systems for optimising capacity utilisation.

Across ENOC, several green measures have been introduced such as replacing all refrigerators systems with ozone-friendly appliances and usage of LED/solar lights. and halogen-free fire extinguishers. The ENOC staff accommodation has a wastewater treatment plant, while the use of smart devices for water and electricity conservation ensures tangible savings annually. ENOC’s headquarter complex achieved a saving of 48 per cent in water use and 7.8 per cent in energy through these initiatives in 2012 compared to 2010.

ENOC Group was able to reduce water consumption by 1.3%, 15.4% in transportation fuel and 2.5% in power based in 2012 compared to 2010 through efficient conservation measures.