HBMSU receives Conservation Award for a Better Tomorrow 2014-2015

Award given in recognition of its efforts to promote a culture of responsible consumption and for its support of Dubai Plan 2021 vision to build a sustainable city

 Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) recently bagged the ‘Facility Management’ category of the ‘Conservation Award for a Better Tomorrow 2014-2015,’ an award given in recognition of the ongoing efforts to raise environmental awareness and promote the culture of responsible consumption amongst learners, faculty members and administrators and in acknowledgement of its utmost commitment to supporting environmental initiatives worldwide. Organized by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) in cooperation with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the honorary ceremony was held recently at the Grand Hyatt Dubai Hotel to acknowledge the leading efforts in implementing sustainable best practices.

HBMSU came in first place in the ‘Facility Management’ category, which is attributed to the positive results that the University has achieved—driving in a reduction of kWh 53,262 in electricity consumption while also saving IG 445,786 in water consumption, which reflects a decrease of 35 per cent. The University’s other efforts and initiatives in the past period include the launch of ‘Sehati’ in collaboration with DEWA, which was an initiative that aimed at raising environmental awareness, introduction of an advanced sprinkle irrigation system, provision of 24/7 technician services across the campus and encouraging the use of water-friendly car wash services. HBMSU also conducts dedicated workshops for the academic community on water and energy consumption.

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, HBMSU Chancellor, said that winning the ‘Conservation Award 2014-2015’ serves as a great addition to the University’s record in adopting the latest innovative concepts and international best practices which are poised to drive sustainable development and secure a better future for the coming generations, in line with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

“The good governance of energy sources is gaining more importance as a major catalyst to face the emerging environmental challenges in light of the rapidly growing cultural and comprehensive development,” Al Awar added. “In line with this, we strongly urge government authorities, the private sector and the civil community to double their efforts and take effective measures to reduce waste of energy and maintain a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, on a par with the objectives of Dubai Plan 2021 aimed at building a sustainable city.”

Al Awar further commended the initiative organized by DEWA in collaboration with KHDA and Dubai Education Zone to recognize the effective contributions to sustainability. He underlined HBMSU’s commitment to support the ongoing efforts towards achieving the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 aimed at reducing energy consumption by 30% by 2030.

The ‘Conservation Award for a Better Tomorrow’ is a leading initiative aimed at supporting the efforts to instil the culture of responsible consumption among all members of the society. The Award includes three categories: Facility Management, which covers government and private educational institutions and specialised educational establishments; the Residential Consumer, which targets students, faculty members, and administrators; and the Outstanding Conservation Team, which covers nurseries, schools, universities, colleges and special needs centres.