ENGIE, a global reference group in low-carbon energy and energy efficient solutions, was recognized with a Gold award in the “Environmental Sustainability Program — Large Enterprise” category and a Silver and Bronze award for “Innovation in Sustainable Technologies — Large Enterprise” category at the Gulf Sustainability Awards 2021.
Held on Sept. 20, at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel in Dubai, ENGIE’s “Blue Carbon” project in partnership with the Environmental Agency of Abu Dhabi and Distant Imagery, was commended for its pioneering feat to restore the mangrove habitat in Abu Dhabi. In addition, ENGIE Solutions’ Integrated Center for Engineering and Environment platform also took center stage for its capability to support clients in assessing operational and energy savings of their facilities and assets.
Carbon dioxide is sequestered three to four times faster by mangrove forests than other ecosystems on the planet. The coastline of Abu Dhabi is covered by mangroves, which play a vital role in storing blue carbon and offsetting carbon emissions.
The Blue Carbon project was launched in 2020 by ENGIE and EAD with an aim to ensure the rehabilitation of the region’s natural biodiversity through impactful climate actions. ENGIE’s efforts are supported by its partner, Distant Imagery, specialists in engineering drone solutions based on blue carbon restoration expertise, who use their custom-built drones and innovative technology to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of planting mangrove seeds.
Similarly, with the aim to drive sustainable technology solutions across the business, and support clients in their transition toward becoming carbon neutral, ENGIE Solutions set up an operational control center called the Integrated Center for Engineering and Environment, from where they operate smart IoT platforms that include artificial intelligence and machine learning to automatically identify energy and operational savings and detect issues before they happen.
Florence Fontani, EVP communications and sustainability, ENGIE Africa Middle East and Asia, said: “ENGIE is committed to a carbon-neutral transition, and through natural based solutions we are actively contributing to the sustainable development goals. Blue carbon ecosystems also support local industries like fishing, tourism and agriculture to flourish, which has the potential to contribute toward the UAE’s carbon-neutrality and sustainability agenda.
Projects such as the Blue Carbon are fully aligned with ENGIE’s decarbonization pathway as it uses scientific expertise to provide innovative solutions to offset CO2 emissions.”
The Gulf Sustainability Awards 2021 celebrate conscientious business practices within the region that are leading the way for environmental, social and corporate governance. It aims to inspire businesses to take the road toward sustainability and promote changes in that regard.
