A picture taken on January 24, 2022 shows Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE which has come again under attack by Yemen's Huthi rebels
IBTimes US

The Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi (DCD), with support from the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority (SSA), and Ma'an, is upgrading appliances in the homes of 150 SSA beneficiaries to reduce electricity and water consumption.

This initiative aims to promote resource conservation, sustainability, and social welfare. Beneficiaries will receive tools and energy-efficient appliances to lower costs while maintaining comfort. Participants can choose from three plans—traditional, modern, or smart—designed to offer the best sustainability solutions for their homes.

The project will also help reduce annual utility expenses. Aligned with DCD's mission, this initiative spreads awareness and improves the quality of life for social support beneficiaries by working with government and private sector partners.

"One of the goals of the DCD is to establish a culture of sustainability among all segments of society and raise awareness about the role each person plays in protecting the environment and its resources," Shaikha Alhosani, Executive Director of the Social Monitoring and Innovation Sector at DCD said, according to WAM.

"To ensure that Abu Dhabi can flourish as a community for generations to come, we must find ways to incorporate eco-friendly practices into our everyday lives, create change on a personal, familial, and societal scale while working together to build a more resilient future," she added.

Alhosani further explained that the launch of the retrofitting project highlights DCD's commitment to Abu Dhabi's sustainable development. It reflects efforts to tackle environmental, social, and economic challenges while contributing to effective solutions.

DCD is also collaborating with key public and private sector partners on this initiative, demonstrating its dedication to finding innovative ways to address these challenges.

Ahmed Jumaa Al Falasi, Acting Executive Director of the Energy Efficiency Sector at the Department of Energy (DoE), stated that the project targets 150 high-energy-consuming households, helping to save up to 3,000 megawatthours of electricity annually—enough to power 150 homes for a year. It will also reduce carbon emissions by approximately 1,300 tons each year.

Qasim Al Hashimi, Executive Director of Beneficiary Affairs at SSA, emphasized the importance of family involvement in sustainability programs to create lasting change.

Simple actions like using energy-efficient bulbs and adopting sustainable practices help conserve resources, reduce expenses, and improve overall quality of life. The initiative aims to raise environmental awareness and promote financial well-being for the community.

Faisal Alhmoudi, Executive Director of the Social Investment Fund at Ma'an, highlighted the organization's role in driving sustainable social development in Abu Dhabi. As the main channel for social contributions, Ma'an focuses on addressing key social priorities.

The retrofitting project is expected to have a lasting impact by promoting sustainability and benefiting both the targeted households and the wider community.