Dewa dangles awards for efficient use of utilities

Dubai // The request is simple: use less. The incentive is enticing: money. The ultimate reward may be priceless: resource conservation and a healthier environment. The appeal comes from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) as it begins registering participants in the latest round of its Better Tomorrow awards programme. Participating institutions will have their energy and water use monitored over the winter, and the best performers will receive cash awards at a ceremony in May.

Judging by last winter's results, the bar is high. Schools registered water savings of up to 76 per cent and electricity savings of up to 27 per cent, according to Dewa. They achieved these results through measures such as fixing water leaks, using private water sources to reduce reliance on mains supply and switching to energy-saving light bulbs. By their diligence, schools highlighted the wastage in areas such as government departments and hotels, and Dewa is challenging pupils to raise the bar further and turn their campuses into models of efficiency.

More information on the awards programme is available at the Dewa website, www.dewa.gov.ae. tbrooks@thenational.ae