Posted on September, 14 2010

Brightpoint, Aldar and Agility are set to receive a 'Green Makeover' from Emirates Wildlife Society - WWF (EWS-WWF), assisting the companies in their bid to develop and benefit from sustainable business practices. The 'Green Makeover' Competition is sponsored by Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy.

The makeover will see the companies undergo an environmental audit and makeover worth up to AED 100,000. The makeovers will highlight their individual areas of energy and water demand and dependency which can be improved upon, resulting in long term financial savings.

The makeovers are a result of a nationwide competition launched by EWS-WWF in May 2010, under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahad, the UAE Minister of Environment and Water as part of the 'Heroes of the UAE Private Sector' initiative. Designed to educate, offer support and guidance to the business community, the campaign continues to provide corporate entities with simple, easy to adopt tools and tactics that can assist them achieve viable environmentally friendly business practices.

"The private sector plays a vital role in the growth and development of the UAE's economy and is at the same time accountable for 30% of the country's Ecological Footprint. We want this campaign to demonstrate to companies how sustainable business practices can and do affect their bottom line as well as reduce the ecological footprint," stated Ida Tillisch, Acting Director General, EWS-WWF.

"The 'Green Makeover competition' asked companies to submit a proposal and include current efforts and plans for reducing energy and water consumption. The 3 winners, Brightpoint, Aldar and Agility all demonstrated a serious approach to sustainability, and we look forward to helping them build on their quest to become more environmentally sustainable."

"As a global logistics provider it is important for us to realize the extent of our contribution towards carbon emissions and industrial waste. We take our environmental footprint seriously and strive where possible to implement measures that help us reduce our overall negative environmental output. We are extremely pleased to be working with EWS-WWF on the Green Makeover, and look forward to showcasing the results," stated Greg Olsen, CEO, Agility Dubai.

"To tackle the UAE’s Ecological Footprint we need the support of everyone; from school children, the government, all the way through to smaller and larger corporations. It is only when we have the buy-in of the full community that real change can come about, ensuring that the UAE is on course to build a sustainable future for all," summarized Tillisch.

The Green Makeover Competition is sponsored by Emirates Foundation of Philanthropy.

Previous winners of the 'Green Makeover Competition' include the Kanoo Group and One to One hotel, Abu Dhabi. To view the case study videos and for further information on how your company can get involved to reduce its ecological footprint, log on to www.heroesoftheuae.ae