Etihad ESCO completes phase one and two of JAFZA Retrofit Project
The staff accommodation buildings house almost 40,000 occupants
Etihad Energy Services Company (Etihad ESCO) has completed the first two phases of the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) Retrofit Project. The project is said to have achieved a reduction in annual carbon dioxide emissions of 17,000 tonnes, the equivalent of removing 3,600 cars from roads for a year.
According to a statement, by guaranteeing overall energy savings of 31% in comparison to the initially agreed baseline consumption, the project exceeded target goals by achieving 32.6% energy savings after a one-year measurement and verification period.
The project was financed entirely by Etihad ESCO, the 18-month project saw the replacement of 5,290 window ACs with energy efficient split air conditioners and the retrofitting of 6,308 window ACs. In addition, 85,307 lights were replaced, while 24,321 water aerators and 9,345 water-efficient shower heads were installed.
157 JAFZA staff accommodation buildings including its Old West, New West, South and East Accommodation have been retrofitted under the project, the statement said.
“There is no doubt that this is a significant milestone for Etihad ESCO. In 2015, Phase one and two, billed at $22.9m had most definitely been the Middle East’s most abundant energy retrofit scheme to date. Besides reducing JAFZA’s carbon footprint, the successful implementation of the project has ensured sustainability and operational efficiency,” said Ali Al Jassim, CEO of Etihad ESCO.
Etihad ESCO and JAFZA have now entered into an agreement for phase three of the retrofit project, which aims to enhance energy efficiency in office buildings. Under this phase, Etihad ESCO aims to implement Major Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) by targeting substantial amounts of energy consumed by Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC).
“We are glad to have delivered on the promised energy savings through this project and are currently working with JAFZA on phase three, to further raise their energy efficiency quotient, which is a crucial constituent of energy reduction in Dubai. Subsequently, a Central Command Centre will then monitor and control installed ECMs assisted through smart metering, to ensure retrofit systems deliver the intended savings throughout their lifetime,” added Al Jassim.
Phase three will see the replacement of 15 sets of old chillers with highly efficient chillers and HVAC controls, as well as the replacement of 26,129 conventional lights with LED lights and the installation of 1,270 energy efficient water saving devices.
MohammedAl Muallem, CEO and MD of DP World, UAE Region remarked, “It has been a great pleasure working closely with Etihad ESCO on this project, as we are both companies who value our community and seek to uphold positive impact.
“As a key engine of economic growth and diversification in Dubai, JAFZA has always worked towards serving the government to meet its sustainability targets outlined in the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030 and Dubai Clean Energy Strategy.”
He concluded, “Working closely with Etihad ESCO on this retrofitting project is one of many similar initiatives we have started over the years to promote a cleaner and better Dubai. We will continue to develop innovative solutions and set the example in the UAE private sector on how businesses can pursue success in a sustainable and responsible manner.”
