Abu Dhabi's renewable energy goal

 Abu Dhabi has traditionally played a leading role in global energy markets as a significant hydrocarbon producer. It's no secret that oil rich Abu Dhabi sees renewable energy as the theme for the next chapter of its place in history. The country aspires to be an international hub for renewable energy, new energy and sustainable technologies, thereby balancing its already strong hydrocarbon position.
While the country has always been known as a global energy player, it is demonstrating what a responsible oil producer can do to help create a balance between hydrocarbons and renewable energy in addressing both climate change and energy security.
The emirate already has invested billions of dollars to pave the way to this new economy. It has taken stakes in many wind and solar power energy projects, started its own solar panel manufacturing business and put money in other solar panel manufacturers in Europe, United States and Asia. It also has formed partnerships with multinational energy, automotive and information technology giants and begun building a city from scratch to showcase low-carbon technologies.
Abu Dhabi has go on board a two-decade programme to transform its economy from one based on natural resources to one based on knowledge, innovation and the export of cutting-edge technologies. Guiding this transformation is a document called the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which provides a comprehensive plan, including the steps to be taken to transform the emirate's economy over the next two decades.
Key goals include increasing the non-oil share of the economy from approximately 40% to more than 60% and significantly diversifying the scope of economic activity to include priority sectors such as education, banking & finance, tourism, pharmaceuticals, media, aviation & aerospace, transportation & logistics, and manufacturing in areas such as aluminium and petrochemicals. It also puts a strong emphasis on value-added knowledge-based industries, such as renewable energy and sustainable technologies.

Sustainability consultancy
Abu Dhabi's multi-faceted renewable energy initiative Masdar has embarked on a sustainability consultancy business offering advisory services for local and international companies seeking to implement sustainability into their business practices. Masdar is now offering a sustainability consultancy service that allows companies to draw on Masdar's book of knowledge for advice on all areas of sustainability.
Dr. Nawal Al Hosany, associate director, sustainability, Masdar, explained "Sustainability represents a better way to do business. It is critical that the goal of any company should be to integrate sustainability into all business activities, while sustainable thinking and actions should become almost second nature to employees. We have seen a sharp increase in interest in corporate sustainability in recent years and Masdar is pleased to be able to offer companies the necessary guidance and support to achieve their sustainability goals through a well designed, easy to use multifaceted program with proven success in the region."
The sustainability consultancy business offers a wide range of services including building energy efficiency audits, supply chain management, training and workshops, corporate sustainability strategy development, sustainable waste management, carbon data collection and management as well as employee engagement, which consists of rolling out a customised START program to suit the client's requirements.
The START awareness and education program focuses on sustainable water, waste, energy and transport management. It integrates economic, environmental and social considerations into a company's corporate strategy, daily operations and iNike Paul George PG2