Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Supreme Council of Energy launched today the Emirates Energy Award 2012-13, which will reward best practices and leading initiatives in the areas of energy efficiency, alternative energy, sustainability and environmental protection.

Details of the award and its new logo were presented at a press conference at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Dubai, attended by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice-Chairman of the Supreme Council of Energy and President of the Emirates Energy Award and Nejib Zaafarani, Secretary General and CEO of the Council, along with Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen and members of the three committees of the Award: the executive Committee, the technical committee and the marketing and events committee.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Energy, is the Honorary President of the Emirates Energy Award. The Emirates Energy Award highlights best practices and business leaders in the field of energy efficiency, alternative energy, sustainable energy and environmental protection.

“This Award reflects the UAE 2021 Vision and the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which are aimed at boosting the roles of various sectors and individuals in energy and resource conservation efforts. Energy is the driving force behind sustainable development, which makes the study of cleaner energy an important step in environmental conservation. It is the responsibility of decision makers to implement best solutions in clean energy from a variety of sources, taking environmental factors into consideration,” said Al Tayer.

“The Emirates Energy Award aims to highlight the best practices and pioneering work in energy efficiency, alternative energy, sustainability and protection of the environment and also to recognize the best implemented practices in energy conservation that demonstrate innovative, cost effective and exemplary measures that drive a positive impact,” he added.

Al Tayer emphasized that energy is the vital element that plays a crucial part in socioeconomic development plans of countries around the world and innovative use of energy can be a real energizer of sustainable development.

Al Tayer stressed that the award will reward conservation and demand management efforts, highlighting the Supreme Council of Energy’s instrumental role in fostering a business-friendly environment through significant initiatives that achieve the goals of the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 to fulfill the Dubai’s strategy to ensure a reliable and efficient supply of energy and ensure efficient demand-side management of electricity, water and fuel.

“The Award not only focuses on the UAE as a world platform for sustainable development, but also stresses the importance of sustainability in the Middle East and North Africa. We are confident that energy officials will appreciate the significance of this award and making its goal of achieving sustainable development a global priority as well,” said Al Tayer.

“Delivering a highly-efficient and reliable electricity and water infrastructure has played a key role in Dubai’s success as a global hub for trade, finance and tourism. The growth has spurred us to take essential steps to consistently improve demand management and conservation efforts.”

The new logo is derived from Emirati national identity as the falcon is regarded as a national, historical and cultural symbol, which represents a deep-rooted symbol of Emirati heritage and culture. It is also a symbol of freedom, strength, dignity and pride.

The award’s efforts to promote the successes of the public and private sectors in energy efficiency and projects related to this and encourage education and scientific research in the field of energy are classed as a significant initiative undertaken by the Supreme Council of Energy to make sustainable development a reality and raise awareness about the best uses of energy among employees, to improve society and the economy.

According to the Supreme Council, the Emirates Energy Award is a global platform to highlight a select club of winners and highlight their achievements in demand management, energy management and conservation. The Award highlights their efforts in differing areas of energy and gives them the recognition they deserve.

Applications are now open for any individuals, teams and organizations in the Middle East and Africa. The application process will come to a close in January 2013. Eligible projects should meet several conditions, including being completed by December 2007, and being in operation for a period of at least one year.

The EEA scheme was developed based on specific criteria to ensure a fair process for all entries. This process is supported by detailed terms of reference, selected committees, application guidelines and evaluation processes leading to a publicized Award Ceremony in May 2013 to promote the award and recognize the winners. The award ceremony will be attended by high level government, industry and community officials and delegates.

The award recognizes achievements in six categories: Gold and Silver awards for Energy Conservation in the private and public sectors; Gold and Silver awards for large-scale energy projects; Gold and Silver awards for small-energy projects and Gold and Silver awards for education and research, in addition to a special award for excellence as well as an award for young innovators in energy.

Winners can apply for the next year’s award as well, with the exception of applications in the same category, which will be required to wait for three years before re-applying in the same category.