Unilever, a leading fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturer, and Emirates Wildlife Society, in association with WWF (EWS-WWF) have partnered to deliver a workshop to six major retailers in the UAE.

It includes Spinneys, Carrefour, Abu Dhabi Co-operative Society, Emirates Co-operative Society, Aswaaq and K M Trading.

The aim of the workshop is to build the capability of the retailers to assist them in implementing energy and water efficiency measures in their premises to reduce carbon emissions and tackle climate change.

The UAE has one of the highest footprints globally; five times more than world average in terms of emissions per capita and ranking third in terms of water consumption per capita, which is expected to grow by 44 per cent by 2025.

According to EWS-WWF, developing and implementing a measurable strategy to reduce carbon dioxide CO2 emissions associated with energy and water consumption involves tracking and monitoring consumption, developing ambitious efficiency targets, strong implementation on efficiency measures in addition to engaging internal stakeholders across an organisation including supply chain, to secure management and employee buy-in.

Unilever held this workshop in line with the company’s vision of doubling the size of its business while halving its environmental footprint across its value chain, from sourcing to consumption.

Ahmed Kadous, supply chain director, Unilever Gulf, said: “Taking proactive action on climate change is essential to ensuring the sustainable continuity of our business. We will also reap the benefits in innovation, new product development and cost efficiencies.

“As part of Unilever's Sustainable Living Plan, we have set a target to halve the greenhouse gas impact of our products across their lifecycle by 2020. We are making progress towards this commitment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport and manufacturing, reducing water consumption and reducing the waste from our sites.”

Ida Tillisch, director general of EWS-WWF, said: “We are delighted to work collaboratively with Unilever and retailers to create dialogue, share knowledge and provide tools and local insights on maximising energy and water efficiency to reduce the UAE’s high per capita carbon footprint and tackle climate change.

“It is very encouraging to see Unilever’s promotion of sustainable business practices through engagement with its clients and retailers, and shows the power of the private sector in reaching out and driving ambitious targets across its value chain. We welcome this approach and hope to see more retailers adopting strategies to reduce energy and water use in their own supply chains.”

Paul Polman, Unilever Global chief executive officer, said: “The 2014 New Climate Economy Report clearly states that investing in energy efficiency and renewables makes sound business sense.

“If every major company affected by climate change were to address the issue we could together make a significant impact. We hope that other businesses recognise the urgent need to future proof their operations, provide for the long term needs of their consumers, step off the sidelines and move into action.” - TradeArabia News Service