During its participation in the ongoing Arabian Travel Market exhibition until May 9th, the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi unveiled a groundbreaking tool aimed at calculating carbon emissions. This initiative aims to assist hotels across the emirate in measuring and monitoring their carbon emission levels, thereby enabling effective management of their environmental impact. The “Carbon Calculator” also aligns with the UAE’s strategic goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
The newly developed “Carbon Calculator” provides hotel establishments with real-time access to an interactive dashboard, facilitating the monitoring of carbon emission sources, particularly energy and water consumption. This enables hotels to implement targeted measures to reduce their carbon footprint. The methodology and operational framework of the “Carbon Calculator” were developed in collaboration with partners from the hospitality sector, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, and the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy.
His Excellency Saleh Mohammed Al Jaziri, Director General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, emphasized the significance of the carbon emissions calculating tool as a pivotal achievement for the hospitality sector. He highlighted its role in advancing sustainability efforts within the tourism sector, in alignment with the leadership’s vision of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Al Jaziri stressed the importance of fostering environmentally friendly tourism practices to attract more visitors to Abu Dhabi.
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi provided advisory support regarding the methodology and tools for calculating greenhouse gases, reflecting its commitment to promoting sustainability initiatives.
Her Excellency Dr. Sheikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, commended the proactive steps taken by the sector to reduce its carbon footprint. She highlighted the “Carbon Calculator” as a testament to the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi’s commitment to leveraging digital technology for the public good and fostering an environmentally friendly tourism sector.
Engineer Ahmed Juma Al Falasi, Acting Executive Director of the Energy Efficiency Sector at the Department of Energy in Abu Dhabi, emphasized how the “Carbon Calculator” aligns with the Abu Dhabi Strategy for Demand Side Management and Rationalization of Energy Consumption 2030. He underscored its role in enabling informed decision-making to reduce carbon emissions and pave the way for a sustainable future.
Notably, the use of the “Carbon Calculator” is mandatory for all hotels in Abu Dhabi, with monthly reporting requirements on carbon emissions consumption levels. This initiative aims to provide hotels with valuable insights and data to prioritize sustainability efforts effectively.
