THE UAES RENEWABLE FRESH WATER RESOURCES ARE FAR BELOW THE UNS THRESHOLD FOR WATER SCARCITY (SEE PAGE 3).

The figures in this publication are sourced from Abu Dhabi Environment Vision 2030, the 2012 annual EAD/ADFCA policy brief: Advancing Sustainable Groundwater Management in Abu Dhabi and 2013 Water Resources Management Strategy for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi: A High Level Strategy and Action Plan for the Efficient Management and Conservation of Water Resources. All details are correct at time of going to print.

PROTECTING OUR SHARED RESOURCESUSTAINABLE WATER USE FOR ORGANISATIONS

UN FRESH WATER SCARCITY THRESHOLD PER CAPITA

m3

m3

RENEWABLE FRESH WATER VOLUME

PER CAPITA IN THE UAE (2008)

introductionThis guide to efficient water use for organisations in Abu Dhabi is one of a series created by The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi that explores the key environmental sustainability challenges facing the Emirate.

Securing a safe and sustainable water supply, both now and in the future, presents a profound challenge, which, if left unaddressed, threatens abu Dhabis economic, social and environmental well-being.

a range of essential strategic initiatives are already being implemented by the emirates government and leadership. However, long-term progress towards becoming a more water-efficient nation can only be delivered with the support

of organisations in abu Dhabis private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

this guide offers actionable guidance and signposts to further resources that will help you review your organisations relationship with water, plan a more sustainable approach, and begin to implement the strategic and tactical actions that will deliver benefits to your business and the wider environment.

the scale of the water challenge facing abu Dhabi cannot be overstated. only by embracing our collective responsibilities and working together on sustainable water solutions can we hope to mitigate the burgeoning economic, social and environmental impacts.

water todayWater production and consumption in todays Abu Dhabi takes place at a vastly larger scale.

in 2012, the annual total demand for water in the emirate was estimated to be 3.4 billion cubic metres.

this total demand has long since outstripped the natural recharge rate of abu Dhabis groundwater supplies. groundwater abstraction could potentially be up to 25 times the natural production rate, and that disparity is growing.

if this groundwater abstraction rate continues unabated, then an essential resource that was deposited during the last ice age more than 10,000 years ago could be entirely depleted.

with groundwater reserves diminishing, and demand for water accelerating, the proportion of abu Dhabis water that comes from desalination will increase markedly. However, desalination is far from a sustainable solution, and presents significant economic and environmental challenges.

abu dhabi and water

70.7% AgricUlTUre,

foresT And pArks16.1%

doMesTic secTor8.2%

goVernMenT4.3%

coMMerciAl0.5%

indUsTry0.3%

oThers

AbU dhAbi wATer consUMpTion by secTor (2012)

contentsintroduction 1

abu Dhabi and water 1

the challenge 2

How the government is responding 6

what eaD is doing 7

The business benefits of water efficiency 8

what organisations can do 10

towards a sustainable abu Dhabi, together 16

water and islam 17

the environment agency abu Dhabi (eaD) was established in 1996 as a government entity responsible for protecting the environment by reducing pollution and enhancing our biodiversity. it does this through science, research, policy, regulation, environmental education and awareness.

65%31%4%

wATer sUpply by soUrce, 2011

groUndwATer sUpplies

desAlinATed seAwATer

recycledwATer

I believe the problem lies in the fact that the population of the Arabian Peninsula is incessantly growing, while the region today does not possess a lot of resources.

Today, water can be provided through desalination, but within decades the situation will be different as there are no rivers in the region and no technology at present under our disposal to help meet the regions demand on fresh water.

Therefore, we have to focus our efforts on conducting relevant studies and researches, and on drawing up suitable strategies and solutions, to come up with ways to meet future demand and preserve natural resources for the coming generations.

Water is more important than oil for the UAE. We are preoccupied by this major issue.

h.h. general sheikh MohaMMed bin Zayed al nahyanCrown PrinCe of abu DHabi, DePutySuPreme CommanDer of tHe uae armeD forCeS, anD CHairman of tHe abu DHabi exeCutive CounCil

The TrAdiTionAl jAzrA sysTeM, which Uses

AniMAls To pUll wATer froM deep wells, wAs sTill in Use UnTil A

few decAdes Ago.

www.ead.ae 1

a sustainable water heritageThe development of water resources within the Emirate can be traced back to the Bronze Age.

over the next 3,000 years a series of extraction innovations followed, through the iron age and early islamic period and onwards through pre-oil times to today.

Until about fifty years ago, Abu Dhabis water requirements were met solely from groundwater, using variations on traditional extraction methods that often involved shallow, hand-dug wells and

channels to collect ground, spring and surface water.

these methods of water extraction and delivery were laborious, but they were sustainable, balancing natural supplies with local demands.

given as a response to the lecture the world's freshwater: towards a Sustainable future, held at al bateen Palace, abu Dhabi, December 2011.

2 Protecting our shared resource: Sustainable water use for organisations

Managing suPPly and deMand

Despite its water-scarcity, abu Dhabi has one of the worlds highest per capita water consumption rates. in 2008, daily use was 565-920 litres per person, more than triple the world average of 160-220 litres per person per day, and double the rate of many developed economies.

over recent decades, the expansion of agriculture with a view to creating employment, protecting rural heritage and making abu Dhabi less dependent on imported food, has driven demand for groundwater to unsustainable levels. if we dont collectively address our approach to water use, predicted socio- economic growth means demand for groundwater is expected to increase by 30% from 2009 levels by 2030.

diMinishing groundwater

abu Dhabi has a hyper-arid climate with less than 100mm of annual rainfall. its groundwater recharge rate is less than 4% of the annual water used, and it has an absence of reliable, perennial surface water resources. which means that groundwater in the emirate is effectively a non-renewable resource.

the water table beneath parts of the emirate has dropped by as much as 5m a year. So, where 50 years ago water could be drawn from hand-dug wells only a metre or two deep, accessing groundwater in some areas of abu Dhabi today requires boreholes of 400m or more. also, in some areas the aquifers are becoming more saline, further driving reliance on non-conventional water sources.

we have reached the tipping point, and our current rate of abstraction and use of groundwater is

unsustainable. as a result, abu Dhabi faces a significant challenge that threatens not only its water security, but many native species of plants and animals, and the cultural legacy of agriculture and forestry established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al nahyan.

the true cost of desalination

abu Dhabi has been able to overcome some of the limitations imposed by its scarce renewable water resources by increasing its reliance on non-conventional water sources such as desalinated water and treated sewage water. However, with a population projected to reach four million in the next twenty-five years, there are limitations to current technologies and available energy.

increasing desalination will have economic, environmental and social implications for government, industry, business and consumers. See The costs of business as usual, page 4.

iMPacts on cliMate change

abu Dhabis combined power and water plants generated over 30 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions (Co2 equivalent) in 2010, which is 31% of abu Dhabis total gHg emissions. these gases are influential factors in climate change, especially global warming.

marine discharges of heated brine from desalination processes are also raising seawater temperatures and salinity1, which endangers marine biodiversity and contributes to climate change. the long-term consequences of desalination activities around the gulf are serious, regional in scope, and extremely costly to mitigate or manage.

the challenge

increAse in deMAnd

for wATer in AbU dhAbi by 2030 (froM

2009 leVels).

30%in 2008, per

cApiTA deMAnd for wATer in

AbU dhAbi wAs Three TiMes The world AVerAge.

3X

www.ead.ae 3

of rAinfAll per yeAr

100MM

a water scarcity index provides a measure of a nations per capita volume of renewable fresh water resources. The United Nations defines the scarcity threshold as being below 1,000 m3/capita/year. in 2008, the un water scarcity index for renewable fresh water resources in the uae was 33m3/capita/year, far below the threshold and well below the index of most of its neighbours.

bAhrAin150ksA95

qATAr45

UAe33

Un wATer scArciTy Threshold (1,000m3/cApiTA)

AlgeriA340

AUsTrAliA492

oMAn503

Morocco918

lebAnon1,074

irAq2,512

UsA9,847

finlAnd20,739

renewAble wATer resoUrces in The UAe VersUs oTher coUnTries in m3/cApiTA/yeAr (2008)

1 http://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/bitstream/2123/1897/1/Desalination%20Plants.pdf

4 Protecting our shared resource: Sustainable water use for organisations www.ead.ae 5

the need to act

There really is only one conclusion that can be drawn from the overwhelming weight of evidence and accelerating trends.

If we dont act now, and collectively, to change our fundamental relationship with water, then the future for the economy, environment, wildlife, landscapes and people of Abu Dhabi and the wider Gulf region will be significantly and irrevocably worsened.

Fortunately, there are things we can all do, whatever our roles and in whichever sectors we work. And there are many very compelling benefits to doing so.

the costs of business as usual

environmental: In the absence of groundwater,

agriculture will depend on desalinated water.

The volume of brine and cooling water disposed of into the gulf will more than double, impacting the marine ecosystem and local fisheries.

CO2 emissions from desalination will double, further exacerbating climate change. abu Dhabi's coastal ecosystem could be highly altered and the increases in temperatures, decreases in precipitation and raised sea levels caused by climate change would have critical effects on human well-being, natural ecosystems, water resources and food production.

economic: Increased desalination

capacity will require large capital expenditures.

Tripled fuel consumption for desalination will require large expenditures to import natural gas.

If demand continues increasing at the current pace, subsidies will become a large fiscal burden for the government.

social: Reduced fresh groundwater

will impact agricultural businesses, which represent a source of employment and income, as well as being contributors to the emirates food security.

Marine ecosystem damage from increased brine discharge into the gulf will reduce fish stocks, impacting fisheries as a source of employment and income, and their contribution to the cultural heritage and food security of the country.

The higher volumes of co2 emissions will increase global warming, further raising atmospheric and sea temperatures. this will have cumulative effects on groundwater levels and marine fisheries.

an irresPonsible Practice

there are several contributing factors to the unsustainable use of groundwater in abu dhabi.

Inefficient water use in agriculture and farming Widespread inefficient water-use practices in agriculture and farming are already a significant issue. moving forward, the main challenge is to increase agricultural output, boosting the contribution local farming makes to food self-sufficiency, while significantly reducing water use and protecting the important cultural aspect of agriculture.

illegal drilling of wellseaD is responsible, under law no. 6 of 2006, for regulating access to groundwater by licensing the drilling of groundwater wells. in february 2011, a decree was issued by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed al nahyan, the ruler's representative in the western region of abu Dhabi emirate and eaD Chairman. it stated that the drilling of new wells without a permit would be illegal. Despite these regulations, the practice of illegal drilling continues in abu Dhabi.

illegal sellinga number of farms in abu Dhabi are illegally selling groundwater for personal profit. This jeopardises the groundwater supply in their areas by contributing to depletion and increasing salinity. as well as impacting surrounding farms negatively, this practice is a breach of law no. 6 of 2006 and law no. 16 of 2005.

eaD is working in partnership with other government entities on a comprehensive strategy and action plan to meet these challenges (see What EAD is doing, page 7).

The projecTed AbU dhAbi popUlATion in The neXT 25 yeArs, growing froM 2.1 Million in 2011.

AbU dhAbis coMbined power And wATer plAnTs generATed 30 Million Tonnes of greenhoUse gAs eMissions (co2 eqUiVAlenT) in 2010, AboUT The sAMe eMissions As 6.25M pAssenger Vehicles.2

2 www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html

6 Protecting our shared resource: Sustainable water use for organisations www.ead.ae 7

The Leadership and Government of Abu Dhabi understand that water is a scarce and precious resource, which our current society has been entrusted to safeguard for future generations.

They have invested heavily in developing the Emirates water supply, and continue to take action to ensure that the stresses placed on water resources from a growing population, rising standards of living and a diversifying economy, are sustainably managed.

In 2009, a Permanent Committee for Setting and Implementing Water and Agricultural Strategies in Abu Dhabi (HCWAS) was established. In 2012, this Committee recommended the creation of a Water Council, responsible for strategic planning and development across all water sources and users in Abu Dhabi.

In 2013, the lead entities for policy-setting, regulation, enforcement and operations affecting water in the Emirate (The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD); Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA); Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC); Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) and its subsidiaries; the Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA); the Municipalities of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Western Region; and the Regulation and Supervision Bureau (RSB)) jointly developed a whole-of-government strategy and action plan: Water Resources Management Strategy for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi: A High Level Strategy and Action Plan for the Efficient Management and Conservation of Water Resources. The plans purpose is to accelerate progress towards an efficient management and conservation of Abu Dhabis three water resources (groundwater, desalinated water and recycled water), as envisaged in Abu Dhabi Environment Vision 2030.

This five-year strategy (2014-2018) aims to:

Moderate indoor and outdoor desalinated water consumption,

Maximise the use of recycled water for non-drinking purposes, and

Extend the life of usable groundwater reserves.

Prior to this, the lead entities have undertaken a wide range of initiatives to support the sustainable management of water resources, including:

In 2012, a new billing system for water and electricity was introduced by RSB with the aim of raising awareness about consumption and subsidy levels. Customers were

provided separate bills for water and electricity showing their consumption and the Government subsidy.

In 2011, ADWEA completed a programme to automate the reading process for water meters in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Of ADWEA's 500,000 customers in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, around 80% have been wired up to the smart grid.

In 2009, DMA adopted the International Codes published by the International Codes Council. The codes cover a wide range of best-practice sustainability factors, including reducing the water intensity of existing and new buildings.

In 2010, through a change in subsidy structure, ADFCA reduced production of water intensive crops and associated water use across thousands of farms.

In 2010, a project began to artificially recharge the aquifer of Liwa with desalinated water to create a strategic reserve. ADWEA is responsible for developing the infrastructure and EAD is responsible for managing the aquifer and underground aspects of the project. By 2017, the aquifer will be recharged with enough fresh water to supply Abu Dhabi for 90 days.

In 2008, ADSSC began the creation of the Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Programme (STEP). The system will transport Abu Dhabis wastewater to treatment plants, relieving the existing main collector system and eliminating the need for up to 35 existing pumping stations, which are nearing capacity and require extensive maintenance.

HOW THE GOVERNMENT IS RESPONDING

WHAT EAD IS DOING

The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) is one of the leading government agencies working in partnership to deliver multiple solutions to ensure the sustainable supply and demand of the Emirates water resources.

In 2009, EAD led the development of the Abu Dhabi Water Resources Master Plan to assess the state of water in the Emirate and identify what needs to be done to improve the environment.

In 2010, EAD was commissioned by the Executive Council to develop a long-term vision, Abu Dhabi Environment Vision 2030, to help reduce the stresses placed on water resources by a growing population, rising standards of living and a diversified economy.

EAD spearheaded the creation and delivery of the whole-of-government water strategy, discussed on page 6. As part of this, EAD is also working in close partnership with Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) across a range of strategic initiatives to balance the needs of the agriculture sector with increasing water scarcity.

Also in cooperation with ADFCA, EAD has started publishing annual policy briefs with the purpose of exchanging information and ideas to facilitate sustainable management of groundwater reserves in Abu Dhabi.

The latest policy brief, Advancing Sustainable Groundwater Management in Abu Dhabi, can be downloaded from the publications section at www.ead.ae and www.adfca.ae

EAD has initiated projects investigating the feasibility of using renewable energy to supply future water needs, including the construction of 22 experimental solar desalination plants that use a zero-carbon process to transform brackish saline water into fresh, potable water for vegetation and animals.

On the ground, EAD continues to assess and monitor the status of Abu Dhabis groundwater supplies, and regulate the licensing and drilling of wells. EAD also plays an active role in raising awareness of the issue of water scarcity and efficiency through engagement with business, government, farmers, schools and the general community.

These actions provide a strong start, but if we are to secure a safe, reliable and sustainable future water supply for Abu Dhabi, we need businesses and public and not-for-profit sector bodies to plan and implement their own water strategies. The following sections will show you how to begin.

LOCAL GROWTH

In 2009, under the auspices of ADFCA, the Abu Dhabi Farmers Services Centre (ADFSC) was established with the mandate to support farmers to improve yields, the quality of produce, farm income, and water-use efficiency. The ADFSC is implementing a multipronged strategy including crop choice, integrated arable and livestock farming options, agricultural methods, and marketing to increase the presence of local fruits and vegetables in UAE markets from 15% to 40%, while reducing water consumption by 40% in 2013.

FRESH WATER SUPPLY CAPACITY TO ABU DHABI

(BY 2017) FROM THE RECHARGED LIWA AQUIFER.

DAYS EACH OF ABU DHABIS EXPERIMENTAL SOLAR DESALINATION PLANTS

PRODUCES AN AVERAGE OF 6,600 GALLONS OF CLEAN WATER EVERY DAY.

Demand for water in Abu Dhabi is increasing much faster than can be replenished from natural, treated and desalinated supplies. It is an issue that requires urgent action from all corners of society, but the lead must be taken by the Government and business sectors. To safeguard their future, now is the time for organisations to act to mitigate the impending scarcity of this business-critical resource.

avoid the risks

Using water efficiently is not just about doing the right thing; it makes absolute business sense. Firstly, it alleviates many future risks:

regulatory: governmental regulation in the area of water use is expected to increase.

operational: increasing water shortages in your supply chain or own operations.

reputational: Public image can be damaged if questions arise over an organisations approach to sustainable water use.

financial: the above risks can translate into increased business costs and/or reduced revenues.

lead the way

Organisations that are seen to treat water efficiently will be recognised as the stewards not only of their own sustainable businesses, but also of the needs of wider society. they will be at the vanguard of the essential transition to a green economy model, and key contributors to abu Dhabis sustainable growth and development.

measuring, managing and reducing water use and encouraging better water management across your organisation and supply chain will have a positive impact for your business, for society, for the environment, and for our collective future.

For more on Heroes of the UAE, see page 14.

realise the oPPortunities

Risks can turn into opportunities if your organisation proactively engages with the challenges of water scarcity and efficiency:

financial: As a baseline, just using water more efficiently, reducing consumption and reusing waste water can deliver substantial financial savings with very short payback times (see Case studies, pages 9 and 15).

growth: the good management of resources, including water, can lead to new commercial opportunities and thriving businesses.

competitive advantage: exploring alternatives to current resource-consumption models often uncovers more innovative products and processes. this can give organisations a unique selling point, and one that stakeholders, customers and employees will increasingly connect with.

reputation: Reducing water consumption and maximising efficiency is, alongside carbon footprint reduction, an integral element of any organisations corporate social responsibility.

case study: crowne PlaZa abu dhabi

in 2011, the Crowne Plaza abu Dhabi hotel committed to the Heroes of the uae programme in order to gain recognition for its work to operate more sustainably and to connect with like-minded companies. the pledges motivated its green team to fast track implementation of energy and water saving measures.

Specific actions included:

fitting water savers to guest room taps;

repairing leaks;

reducing water pump usage;

implementing regular maintenance for the air conditioning and fan coil units;

raising air conditioning temperature to 24C during winter as a default;

providing 95% of staff with environmental awareness training;

providing environmental awareness cards in guest rooms; and

providing training for cleaning staff on the efficient use of water.

by the end of its commitment year, the hotel achieved a reduction of 21% in its energy consumption and 31% in its water consumption. this translates to 20% reduction in Co2 emissions. the hotel saved aeD 158,000 in consumption costs, and the payback period was less than two months.

8 Protecting our shared resource: Sustainable water use for organisations www.ead.ae 9

the business benefits of water efficiency

21%

redUcTion in energy

consUMpTion

redUcTion in wATer

consUMpTion

jUn

1,000

0

3,000

2,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

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coMpArison of wATer UsAge (in gAllons per person per yeAr) in bAseline yeAr 2010-11 ( ) AgAinsT iMpleMenTATion yeAr 2011-12 ( )

consUMpTioncosT sAVing

10 Protecting our shared resource: Sustainable water use for organisations www.ead.ae 11

1. cReaTe a waTeR STRaTegy

WHAT ORGANISATIONS CAN DO

DEFINING YOUR WATER FOOTPRINT

An organisations water footprint is the total volume of fresh water it consumes, directly and indirectly, to fulfil its business functions. This includes the embodied water footprint in all of its products and services, and those of its associated supply chain. For the purposes of calculating a footprint, fresh water is considered consumed if it (i) evaporates, (ii) is incorporated into a product, (iii) is contaminated, or (iv) is not returned to the same area from where it was withdrawn.

A water footprint should be geographically and time specific, since the ecological and social impacts of water use depend on the volume of water and on where and when the water is consumed.

A robust water footprint calculation will help your organisation understand which segments of your value chain are the most water-intensive, and where corrective actions from you and your partners are most likely to yield the largest benefits in the shortest payback period.

When considering water reduction and efficiency strategies, organisations have traditionally focused on so-called direct water use in their operations. However, most organisations will discover that their indirect supply-chain water footprint is much larger than their operational consumption, and that it represents significant additional business risks (see Defining your water footprint, below).

IN 2012, UNILEVER ESTIMATED THAT 85% OF THE WATER FOOTPRINT

OF ITS PRODUCTS OCCURRED WITHIN THE CONSUMER USE PHASE.

85%

It is increasingly important for organisations to consider creating a comprehensive water strategy that maps out water use and assesses risks relative to their global operations at every segment of the organisations value

chain, from downstream supply to upstream product use. Water footprint impacts across an indicative product value chain might include:

STRATEGIC BENEFITSA comprehensive water strategy will position your organisation to more readily forecast change and respond to challenges over the longer term. If executed and communicated successfully it can:

reduce future competition for local water resources;

save costs;

encourage employee engagement at all levels;

inspire new product and process development;

position your organisation as a social and environmental steward;

increase efficiency and productivity; and

highlight your organisations commitment to creating a sustainable Abu Dhabi.

Primary inputs to a companys goods and services.

Water impacts of production, transportation, storage

of primary inputs.

Input substitutes that reduce water-related impacts.

Water used in production from sustainable/renewable sources.

Other local users that rely on these same sources.

Water discharges generated during production result in water-quality impacts.

National or regional water discharge standards.

Significant water required to dispose of/recycle products.

Products/components/residuals ending up in surface or ground water

or with potential to contaminate surface or groundwater via leaching.

WATER FOOTPRINT IMPACTS ACROSS AN INDICATIVE PRODUCT

VALUE CHAIN

Water-related impacts associated with various packaging materials.

Potential for spills during product transportation or distribution.

Amount of water needed to use the product/service.

Customer product use affecting water quality.

IN 2009, COCA-COLA IN THE NETHERLANDS CALCULATED THAT 99% OF THE WATER FOOTPRINT OF A 500ML PLASTIC BOTTLE OF COCA-COLA ORIGINATED WITHIN ITS SUPPLY CHAIN.

99%

For further information on creating a water strategy and calculating your water footprint, please visit:

The water Footprint Network www.waterfootprint.org

The Global Environmental Management Initiative www.gemi.org

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development www.wbcsd.org

The Carbon Trust Water Standard www.carbontrust.com/waterstandard

www.ead.ae 1312 Protecting our shared resource: Sustainable water use for organisations

STEPS TO IMPLEMENTING A WATER STRATEGY

There is a range of guidance available to help your organisation begin the process of creating a water strategy. In addition, there are third party consultants that can help you. Most models for developing a water strategy are based on these broad principles:

If your organisation is not yet ready to embark on creating a full water strategy, there are still many simple and effective policies, actions and initiatives that can be implemented across your business to help reduce your water footprint and protect Abu Dhabis water resources for future generations.

2. IMPLEMENT WATER-EFFICIENCY ACTIONS

PROCUREMENT

The inclusion of strategic water considerations into your organisations current or new sustainable procurement policy can have positive impacts on your supply-chain water footprint. For example, your organisation might require supply partners to have more robust water resource efficiency standards, or your organisation could switch to new suppliers whose processes result in less impact on your indirect water footprint.

OPERATIONS

The starting point for reducing operational water use is the creation of a measurable operational water management plan (see typical steps below).

Once a baseline is established, some of the easiest ways for an organisation to save water across its own operations are by reducing and recycling, and to targeting zero water pollution through treatment before disposal. Typical operational initiatives:

installing water efficiency devices, such as low flow toilets and taps, amongst others;

improving maintenance with regular leak repairs, and water pressure regulation; and

implementing water-efficient irrigation practices, such as shorter flow duration timed for cooler parts of the day.

Prioritising cost-effective actions that provide high water savings per dirham invested, and hence have the shortest payback periods, is an important way to facilitate organisational implementation of an operational water strategy.

Sustainable Procurement defined:A process whereby an organisations purchasing decisions contribute to meeting its sustainable development goals; where its needs for goods, services and utilities are met in a way that generates benefits for the organisation while encouraging social progress and economic development, and ensuring environmental protection.

OBTAIN MANAGEMENT

AND STAFF SUPPORT

FIND THE CURRENT COST

OF WATER TO YOUR

ORGANISATION

IDENTIFY YOUR WATER USE/CALCULATE

YOUR OPERATIONAL

BASELINE

IDENTIFY, EVALUATE AND

PRIORITISE YOUR WATER EFFICIENCY

MEASURES, AND WRITE A PLAN

PUT YOUR PLAN INTO

ACTION

MONITOR, EVALUATE

AND REPORT YOUR RESULTS

1 2 3 54 6

(see Communications, overleaf)

PRINCIPLES OF CREATING AN OPERATIONAL WATER STRATEGY:

1ASSESS YOUR

ORGANISATIONS TOTAL WATER FOOTPRINT

ACROSS THE VALUE CHAIN

2IDENTIFY AND EVALUATE YOUR ORGANISATIONS

WATER RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES

3SET YOUR WATER POLICY, STRATEGIC GOALS, AND MANAGEMENT PLANS

4IMPLEMENT

AND INNOVATE BY DEVELOPING NEW PRODUCTS, PROCESSES

AND SOLUTIONS

5MONITOR, EVALUATE

AND REPORT ON PROGRESS TOWARDS

YOUR GOALS

www.ead.ae 15

COMMUNICATIONS

In addition to actual water reductions and efficiencies, your organisation can also take a lead role in communicating Abu Dhabis water challenges and the need for behaviour change to your employees. This will not only help your organisation reach its own water goals and targets, and save money, but it will also help to create an informed, educated and motivated population to safeguard our shared water resources for future generations.

As well as employees becoming water stewards in the office, it is just as important that they are encouraged to continue their resource efficient behaviours in their communities, saving critical water supplies in their homes, gardens, and on bigger properties such as out of town residences and farms.

BECOME A HERO

A number of leading organisations in the UAE (see Crowne Plaza case study on page 9) are members of Corporate Heroes, the business element of the Heroes of UAE programme itself a national campaign focusing on energy and water conservation across all sectors of society. The campaign was launched in 2009 by EWS-WWF in partnership with EAD, to help address the Emirates high per capita ecological footprint.

The Corporate Heroes programme helps organisations develop and implement a measurable strategy to achieve a 10% reduction over 12 continuous months in the carbon dioxide emissions associated with both water and energy consumption. In addition, it provides organisations with a variety of training packs and tools to facilitate their success. Download the Heroes Business Toolkit at: http://business.heroesoftheuae.ae/en

14 Protecting our shared resource: Sustainable water use for organisations

There is a range of existing campaigns on water reduction and efficiency which can empower your employees with water saving and efficiency techniques and tips for home and the workplace. These include:

Heroes of the UAE www.heroesoftheuae.ae

Waterwise www.waterwise.gov.ae/en

CASE STUDY: aRchcoRP, dUbaI

Archcorp provides services in architecture, interior design, master planning and engineering. In 2010, after relocating to a new office, the consultancy joined the Heroes of the UAE programme with the drive to become a carbon neutral company. To achieve this target, Archcorp dedicated itself to making energy savings, reducing water consumption, and increasing materials reuse and waste recycling.

Specific actions included:

installing water-saving fixtures in all washbasins and showers, and in water-using devices in the kitchen;

setting the air conditioning temperature at 24-25C;

installing programmable controls to vary air con speed as per occupancy;

revising the layout duct to introduce fresh air to the office;

replacing halogen bulbs with more efficient CFLs and LEDs; and

repositioning lighting fixtures to ensure the best possible light distribution.

Archcorps efforts were a huge success. The business reduced electricity consumption by 55%, and water consumption by 89%, based on its estimated baseline. Furthermore, the payback period was only 18 months, demonstrating the profitability of investing in retrofits.

Thanks to its commitment, Archcorp saved 43.9 tonnes of CO2 emissions over a year, and achieved US Green Building Council LEED Silver certification.

CASE STUDY: SeRvIce cITy, dUbaI

Service City is part of the Al Bannai Group and provides services in telecommunications, hospitality, security and surveillance. To further its efforts in energy and water conservation in its Dubai office, Service City committed to the Heroes of the UAE programme pledges. It focused on both technical and behavioural changes, with emphasis on staff engagement and senior management leadership.

Behavioural actions included: developing a portal to collect staff ideas on

resource efficiency;

creating a reward and recognition programme for employees efforts in reducing consumption; and

establishing a CSR Champions team to own efficiency programmes.

Technical actions included: installing tap regulators, and fixing water leaks;

placing a plastic bottle inside the flush tanks to limit water flow;

replacing incandescent light bulbs with CFLs and LEDs;

setting the air conditioning thermostat at 25-26C;

adopting passive cooling by tinting office windows; and

signing a new regular maintenance contract for all air con and water equipment.

In the first year of implementation, these collective actions helped Service City reduce its annual water consumption by 28% and its energy consumption by 18%. This equated to a 20% reduction in annual CO2 output of 46.73 tonnes.

REDUCTION IN WATER

CONSUMPTION

89% 55%

REDUCTION IN ENERGY

CONSUMPTION

REDUCTION IN WATER

CONSUMPTION

28%

18%

REDUCTION IN ENERGY

CONSUMPTION

50,000

0

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

350,000

WATER USAGE IN GALLONS

BASELINE YEAR 2006 ( )IMPLEMENTATION YEAR 1 2007 ( )

For more on Heroes of the UAE, see page 14.

IN 2011, THE DOMESTIC SECTORACCOUNTED FOR 16% OF ABU DHABISTOTAL WATER DEMAND, REINFORCING

THE IMPORTANCE OF EMPLOYEES IMPLEMENTING WATER EFFICIENCY

PRACTICES IN THE HOME.

16%

but today, water is a resource under severe and increasing threat. we are extracting groundwater 25 times faster than it can be naturally replenished, and our over-reliance on desalination presents its own significant challenges. If the current, unsustainable approach to water use continues across the emirates, organisations and individuals face stark economic, social and environmental impacts.

the leadership and government of abu Dhabi, including agencies such as the environment agency abu Dhabi, recognise the scale of the challenge and continue to implement strategic initiatives that empower and encourage organisations in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to increase their water efficiency.

we now need organisations across the emirate to work together and embrace the move to a more water-efficient, environmentally sustainable business model.

fortunately, there are simple, guided steps that every organisation in abu Dhabi can take to begin redefining their relationship with water. these include creating and implementing a strategic water plan, calculating a water footprint, and championing change within the procurement, operational and communication activities of the business.

Furthermore, these water efficiency measures make perfect business sense: they reduce risk to your organisation, and provide financial, social, reputational, and environmental benefits often with low initial investment and short payback periods.

a growing number of organisations across abu Dhabi, the uae and the wider world are realising the holistic benefits of taking a water-efficient approach to business. by joining them, your organisation can enjoy the same rewards, while being seen as a sustainability leader on the local and global stage.

whats more, you will be contributing to the continued growth of our economy and society, and the preservation of abu Dhabis beautiful and richly biodiverse environment for future generations.

waterandislaM

Water plays a vital role in Islam, and is an issue mentioned throughout the Quran and Prophetic Sunnah. indeed, islam encourages us to preserve and conserve gods many gifts to mankind, where misuse of His resources could be seen as disrespecting gods creations. also, as related in certain hadith, the Prophet muhammad (PbuH) was very particular about not wasting water.

therefore, conserving water is not only a service to current and future generations of the emirate, but might also be considered an act of worship in itself.

towards a sustainable abU dhabI, together

16 Protecting our shared resource: Sustainable water use for organisations www.ead.ae 17

The future of Abu Dhabi and the wider Gulf region is inextricably linked with fresh water. Its discovery, stewardship and supply have been integral to the foundation, blossoming, and exponential growth of our society over thousands of years.

And We made from water every living thing.qURaN 21:30

And it is He who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and his Throne was upon water.qURaN 11:7

They were able to do so only because they recognised the need to conserve it, to take from it only what they needed to live and to preserve it for succeeding generations.

On land and in the sea our forefathers lived and survived in this environment.

the late sheikh Zayed bin sultan al NahyaN, founder of the uae.