Sustainability Magazine November 2019 | Page 206

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
SHARJAH ELECTRICITY AND WATER AUTHORITY
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“Sustainability is the core of SEWA ’ s Pathway ”

— Afra Alowais , Chief Efficienology Officer , Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority
consumer ’ s facilities . It ’ s very important to walk the talk and show consumers that we are committed to retrofitting our own facilities too . From the consumers side , the programme focuses on the greatest consumers in the city , ‘ The Top 100 ’, which utilise most of the electricity and water in the SEWA ’ s network .”
A vital component of the energy transformation is the Energy Manager Association . Last year , professors from the UK visited SEWA ’ s Academy in the UAE to provide “ intense training on energy ” to the SEWA team , advising on energy management , energy auditing , efficiency , renewables , and behavioural change . “ Last year , our team was chosen as a core participant in this programme , and now , one year on , we are carrying out a review of progress during the past year , and reviewing how best to appeal to SEWA employees .” In addition to this , SEWA hosts an annual meeting for partners to attend to strengthen relationships . This event is open to various market players and includes stakeholders such as suppliers , contractors , customers , government authorities . SEWA makes its partners aware of its strategies , plans , and goals and how it intends to improve its sustainability performance . “ We place our stakeholders ’ needs , expectations , and happiness at the core of our strategy , providing the reliable electricity and water infrastructure required to support Sharjah ’ s economic growth .”
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
As SEWA moves forward with its energy transformation journey , it will continue to support the optimisation of energy and water consumption at customer facilities with a goal of eventually introducing and integrating renewable power to the grid . Alowais believes that society is influenced by being engaged and persuaded to understand the value of energy
NOVEMBER 2019