PROTECTING

OUR SHARED
RESOURCE
SUSTAINABLE WATER USE
FOR ORGANISATIONS

THE UAES RENEWABLE

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

UN FRESH WATER SCARCITY

THRESHOLD PER CAPITA

m3
RENEWABLE FRESH
WATER VOLUME
PER CAPITA IN THE
UAE (2008)

m3

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.

www.ead.ae 1

Contents

introduction

Introduction

Abu Dhabi and water

The challenge

How the Government is responding

What EAD is doing

The business benefits of water efficiency

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.

This 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

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.

a sustainable
water heritage
The 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.

The traditional
jazra system,
which uses
animals to pull
water from deep
wells, was still
in use until a
few decades ago.

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

Water is more important than oil

for the UAE. We are preoccupied by this
major issue.

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

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.

H.H. General Sheikh

Mohammed bin
Zayed Al Nahyan
Crown Prince of
Abu Dhabi, Deputy
Supreme Commander
of the UAE Armed
Forces, and Chairman
of the Abu Dhabi
Executive Council

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.

Given as a response to the

lecture The World's Freshwater:
Towards a Sustainable Future,
held at Al Bateen Palace,
Abu Dhabi, December 2011.

Abu
Dhabi
and
water
water supply
by source, 2011

65%
31%
4%

groundwater
supplies
desalinated
seawater
recycled
water

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
today
Water 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 water

consumption by sector (2012)

70.7%
agriculture,
forest and parks
16.1%
domestic sector
8.2%
government
4.3%
commercial
0.5%
industry
0.3%
others

2 Protecting our shared resource: Sustainable water use for organisations

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the challenge
managing supply
and demand

100

MM

of rainfall
per year

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.

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.

Diminishing
groundwater

Increasing desalination will have

economic, environmental and social
implications for Government, industry,
business and consumers. See The
costs of business as usual, page 4.

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.

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

1

The true cost

of desalination

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 socioeconomic growth means demand for
groundwater is expected to increase
by 30% from 2009 levels by 2030.

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.

We have reached the tipping point,

and our current rate of abstraction
and use of groundwater is

3X

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.

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.

In 2008, per
capita demand
for water in
Abu Dhabi was
three times the
world average.

30%
Increase
in demand
for water in
Abu Dhabi by
2030 (from
2009 levels).

renewable water resources in the uae versus

other countries in m3/capita/year (2008)
un water scarcity threshold (1,000m3/capita)
finland
20,739
usa
9,847
Iraq
2,512
lebanon
1,074
morocco
918
oman
503
australia
492
algeria
340
bahrain
150
ksa
95
qatar
45
uae
33

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.

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an irresponsible practice

the need to act

There are several contributing factors to the unsustainable use of groundwater in Abu Dhabi.

There really is only one conclusion

that can be drawn from the
overwhelming weight of evidence
and accelerating trends.

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 wells

EAD 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 selling
A 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).

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.

The projected Abu Dhabi

population in the next 25 years,
growing from 2.1 million in 2011.

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.

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

The costs of business as usual

Environmental:

Economic:

Social:

In the absence of groundwater,

agriculture will depend
on desalinated water.

Increased desalination
capacity will require large
capital expenditures.

The volume of brine and cooling

water disposed of into the
Gulf will more than double,
impacting the marine
ecosystem and local fisheries.

Tripled fuel consumption

for desalination will require
large expenditures to
import natural gas.

R
 educed fresh groundwater
will impact agricultural
businesses, which represent
a source of employment and
income, as well as being
contributors to the Emirates
food security.

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.

If demand continues increasing

at the current pace, subsidies
will become a large fiscal
burden for the Government.

M
 arine 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.
T
 he 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.

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

6 Protecting our shared resource: Sustainable water use for organisations

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HOW THE
GOVERNMENT
IS RESPONDING

WHAT EAD IS DOING

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Prior to this, the lead entities have undertaken a

wide range of initiatives to support the sustainable
management of water resources, including:

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.

DAYS
FRESH WATER SUPPLY
CAPACITY TO ABU DHABI
(BY 2017) FROM THE
RECHARGED LIWA AQUIFER.

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.

EACH OF ABU DHABIS EXPERIMENTAL

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

8 Protecting our shared resource: Sustainable water use for organisations

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The business benefits

of water efficiency
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.

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:

fi tting water savers to guest
room taps;
repairing leaks;
reducing water pump usage;
implementing regular maintenance
for the air conditioning and fan
coil units;
r aising air conditioning temperature
to 24C during winter as a default;
providing 95% of staff with
environmental awareness training;

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:

comparison of water usage

(in gallons per person per
year) in baseline year 2010-11
( ) against implementation
year 2011-12 ( )

p
 roviding environmental awareness
cards in guest rooms; and
p
 roviding 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.

6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000

Regulatory: Governmental regulation in the area of water use is expected to increase.

2,000

Operational: Increasing water shortages in your supply chain or own operations.

1,000

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.

jun jul aug sep oct nov dec jan feb mar apr may

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.

consumption
cost saving

reduction
in water
consumption

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.

reduction
in energy
consumption

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.

21%

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.

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WHAT ORGANISATIONS
CAN DO

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:

1. cReaTe a waTeR STRaTegy

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).

Water used in production from

sustainable/renewable sources.

99%

85%

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.

IN 2012, UNILEVER
ESTIMATED THAT 85% OF
THE WATER FOOTPRINT
OF ITS PRODUCTS
OCCURRED WITHIN THE
CONSUMER USE PHASE.

Primary inputs to a companys

goods and services.

Other local users that rely

on these same sources.

Water impacts of production,

transportation, storage
of primary inputs.

Water discharges generated

during production result
in water-quality impacts.

Input substitutes that reduce

water-related impacts.

National or regional water

discharge standards.

WATER FOOTPRINT
IMPACTS ACROSS AN
INDICATIVE PRODUCT
VALUE CHAIN

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.

Significant water required to

dispose of/recycle products.

Water-related impacts associated

with various packaging materials.

Products/components/residuals
ending up in surface or ground water
or with potential to contaminate
surface or groundwater via leaching.

Potential for spills during product

transportation or distribution.
Amount of water needed to
use the product/service.
Customer product use
affecting water quality.

STRATEGIC BENEFITS
A 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.

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2. IMPLEMENT WATER-EFFICIENCY ACTIONS

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:

PROCUREMENT

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.

IDENTIFY AND EVALUATE

YOUR ORGANISATIONS
WATER RISKS AND
OPPORTUNITIES

ASSESS YOUR
ORGANISATIONS TOTAL
WATER FOOTPRINT
ACROSS THE VALUE CHAIN

SET YOUR WATER POLICY,

STRATEGIC GOALS, AND
MANAGEMENT PLANS

IMPLEMENT
AND INNOVATE
BY DEVELOPING NEW
PRODUCTS, PROCESSES
AND SOLUTIONS

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

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.

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.

MONITOR, EVALUATE
AND REPORT ON
PROGRESS TOWARDS
YOUR GOALS

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

PRINCIPLES OF CREATING AN
OPERATIONAL WATER STRATEGY:

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

(see Communications,
overleaf)

14 Protecting our shared resource: Sustainable water use for organisations

www.ead.ae 15

COMMUNICATIONS

BECOME A HERO

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.

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.

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.

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

CASE STUDY:
aRchcoRP, dUbaI

CASE STUDY:
SeRvIce cITy, 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.

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.

Specific actions included:

Behavioural actions included:

installing water-saving fixtures in all washbasins and

showers, and in water-using devices in the kitchen;

developing a portal to collect staff ideas on

resource efficiency;

setting the air conditioning temperature at 24-25C;

creating a reward and recognition programme for

employees efforts in reducing consumption; and

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

Technical actions included:

repositioning lighting fixtures to ensure the best

possible light distribution.

placing a plastic bottle inside the flush tanks to limit

water flow;

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.

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

16%

IN 2011, THE DOMESTIC SECTOR

ACCOUNTED FOR 16% OF ABU DHABIS
TOTAL WATER DEMAND, REINFORCING
THE IMPORTANCE OF EMPLOYEES
IMPLEMENTING WATER EFFICIENCY
PRACTICES IN THE HOME.

establishing a CSR Champions team to own

efficiency programmes.

installing tap regulators, and fixing water leaks;

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.

WATER USAGE IN GALLONS

89%

55%

28%

REDUCTION
IN WATER
CONSUMPTION

REDUCTION
IN ENERGY
CONSUMPTION

REDUCTION
IN WATER
CONSUMPTION

BASELINE YEAR 2006 ( )

IMPLEMENTATION YEAR 1 2007 ( )
350,000
300,000
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000

18%
For more on
Heroes of the UAE,
see page 14.

REDUCTION
IN ENERGY
CONSUMPTION

16 Protecting our shared resource: Sustainable water use for organisations

www.ead.ae 17

towards a
sustainable
abu dhabi,
together

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Water
and
islam

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.

On land and in the

sea our forefathers lived and
survived in this environment.
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.

The Late
Sheikh Zayed
bin Sultan
Al Nahyan,
founder of
the uae.