The partnership allows both firms to join forces to bring regional sustainability issues to the forefront
Schneider Electric has signed a partnership agreement with UAE-based green social enterprise, Goumbook, which will see the two organisations work closely to raise awareness of sustainability issues nationwide and provide volunteering opportunities for Gulf-based Schneider employees.
Launched in 2009, Goumbook promotes sustainable living and green practices in the UAE. As part of the deal, it will collaborate with Schneider Electric to implement green initiatives in its Gulf-based office facilities and provide a strong platform for building environmental sustainability.
At the official signing, Goumbook’s founder Tatiana Antonelli Abella commented: “As a social enterprise, Goumbook aims for high-impact change in its community, which is why we are so excited to have a major player like Schneider Electric as agents for real change in the region. Companies like Schneider Electric are leading the way for others to see what ‘being global but acting local’ truly means and this is our main mission as a social enterprise.”
“This partnership will solidify Schneider Electric’s goal of becoming a more sustainable company in the region with the implementation of localised social responsibility projects and green solutions,” revealed Ashraf Abdelkhalek, Schneider’s Gulf Sustainability, Health and Safety Manager. “Moreover, this will bolster our long-term sustainability strategy in the region and support the UAE’s recent drive for more sustainable energy solutions.”
In 2017, the UAE Energy Strategy for 2050 was unveiled, leading to a joint effort between all energy-related authorities and executive councils in the UAE to push for more renewables. It aims to increase the contribution of clean energy in the total energy mix to 50% (44% renewables, 6% nuclear), resulting in estimated savings of $190 billion by 2050.
In a bid to support the UAE’s long-term sustainability goals, Schneider Electric is also committed to becoming a key sustainability educator for the UAE’s youth. Schneider’s Natalja Kissina, Human Resources VP, Gulf – who was also present at the signing – revealed that sustainability topics have been integrated into the company’s recently launched UAE hybrid internship program and the firm’s virtual ‘2021 Sustainability Summer Camp’ for kids, which is currently in session.
For the period from 2018 to first quarter of 2021, Schneider Electric helped its global customers save 276 million tons of CO2 emissions.
This article originally appeared on itp.net