Dubai's push to save water (and energy)

During the hot summer months, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) ran its ‘Lets make the summer green’ program to promote the rational use of water and electricity.

Over the summer period, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) ran its ‘Lets make the summer green’ program to promote the rational use of water and electricity during the sweltering hot months. The program, launched via social media channels as well as other audiovisual media channels, provided customers with tips on how to fix water leaks, install drip irrigation systems as well as encourage the setting of AC systems to 24°C.

Site visits to encourage conservation

In addition, DEWA’s Conservation Team organized lectures and field visits to government organizations and departments, private companies, malls and union centers to raise awareness on the importance of rational use of water and electricity as temperatures soar in the Emirate. Overall, the program is part of ongoing efforts to establish the foundations of environmental sustainability and support the sustainable development of Dubai by using water, electricity and other natural resources sensibly as well as reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Saving water, energy and money

This program follows on DEWA’s successful water and energy conservation campaigns over the past seven years that have managed to save 5.6 billion imperial gallons of water (one imperial gallon is equivalent to approximately 1.2 U.S. liquid gallons) and 1,344 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, saving the Emirate AED 841 million and limiting GHG emissions by over 715,000 tons.

The take-out

Public outreach, both online and offline, is key to encouraging the wise use of resources.

*Robert C. Brears is the author of  Urban Water Security  (Wiley) and founder of Mark and Focus.  Urban Water Security  argues that, with climate change and rapid urbanization, cities need to transition from supply-side to demand-side management to achieve urban water security.

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Taxonomy

• Conservation
• Natural Resource Management
• Urban Water
• Water Security
• Energy Reduction
• Water-Energy Nexus