Programme offers a way for UAE companies to encourage resource conservation in respective community networks

As the world meets in Copenhagen for this year’s UN Climate Change Conference (COP15), a few organizations in the UAE have taken on the call to action by launching the GO2GREEN initiative on the local level.  The initiative is designed to offer UAE companies a way to encourage resource conservation within their respective communities through a network of like-minded industry leaders.  The December 7th launch event was held in collaboration with the aswaaq, American University Dubai, Dubai Shopping Festival, Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE), and O2 Network.

Building the GO2GREEN initiative was first discussed in private meetings between various companies in the UAE who wanted a way to the use their community presence in support of resource conservation.  Volunteers from participating organizations started to meet on a semi-regular basis at various locations throughout Dubai. Participants reviewed the many ways in which they could use their community presence to inform residents about efficient energy-usage and environment preservation.  Several key themes started to emerge, focusing on basic steps that can be taken in the home, office and public places to reduce environmental waste.   Flyers and outdoor media were prepared, public volunteer teams were organized, and additional UAE organizations were encouraged to contribute what they could.

On December 7th, over 200 individuals volunteered their time to participate in the grassroots launch of the campaign in major metropolitan areas throughout the emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.  The volunteers were gathered in the streets and visited many offices, homes and public places, where they educated people of how to save the planet with simple but high impact tips.

“Whether it’s turning off your lights or unplugging your PC, this initiative will remind audiences at key consumer touch points of how their lifestyle can support a future of sustainability,” says Mr. Mohammed Johmani, Managing Director at O2 Network. “This is just one small way for our companies to give back to the communities in which we operate, and hopefully others in the region will join us in that mission.”

Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE) was another of the early partners in the campaign, recognizing their unique position within the housing and real estate market.  “Sustainable living starts in the home,” comments Mr. Haitham Al Khaja, Manager of Corporate Communications Office. From construction materials to general design layout, Mr. Khaja sees GO2GREEN as an opportunity to help educate home owners on the long-term environmental consequences of their housing choices.

The GO2GREEN initiative will initially focus on encouraging the use of public transportation, reducing material waste in the office, and adopting eco-friendly habits in the home. “Resource conservation isn’t particularly difficult, although it does require us to make the right decisions during our everyday routines,” comments Ms. Hind Al Falasi, Relations Manager at aswaaq. “As one of the largest UAE retail branches to use locally produced products and adopt standards such as HACCP certification, we wanted to join GO2GREEN as a way to align our CSR efforts with larger community campaigns.”

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For more information, please contact:

Maan Dalghan

PR Account Manager

O2 Public Relations

Mobile: +971 0504735351

Phone: +971 43122777

Fax: +971 43122788

Email: maan.d@o2pr.net

About GO2GREEN

GO2GREEN aims to provide people with the tools they need to make a real difference in resource conservation in their own communities. The initiative is the brainchild of Mr. Mohamed Johmani, Managing Director of O2 Network, who was soon joined by a number of partners from both the public and private sector.  As UAE business leaders, these organizations started to discuss ways in which they could work together to raise public awareness about resource conservation and its relevance to local communities.  Contributing their own unique expertise and resources, the GO2GREEN initiative started to gain traction.

GO2GREEN is currently working on a number of awareness campaigns throughout the Middle East.  The initiative welcomes the participation of private individuals, community groups, and all businesses committed to protecting our shared environment.  Additional materials are attached to this press release for further information.