HCT’s green credentials have been recognized with it hosting the Green World Awards 2022 presentation ceremony at the HCT-Dubai Men’s campus.

It is the first time a UAE-based educational institution has hosted the international awards, established by UK-based, the Green Organisation, with HCT recognized for its impactful environmental contributions and being a winner of the Green World Award 2020 in the sustainability in education and training category.

In addition, HCT has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to applying environmental best practices, evidenced through sustainable education and innovative practices in the areas of sustainability, health, wellbeing and other socio-economic aspects.

The prestigious international awards celebrate institution’s achievements in environmental practices and recycling, as well as supporting sustainability practices. The Awards’ international audience celebrated outstanding achievements and practices in the creation of a sustainable, safe and better environment. A feature of the awards ceremony was HCT being presented with the Green World 2020 Champion of Champions Award, in recognition for its outstanding sustainability oriented actions and achievements.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Professor Abdullatif AlShamsi, HCT President and CEO, Roger Wolens, Founder and CEO of the Green Organisation, Engineer Abdulla Al Mheiri, HCT Vice President for Shared Services, and attended by representatives of the winning international institutions from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Britain, Singapore, South Korea, Chile, Turkey, Spain, Taiwan and Morocco.

Professor Abdullatif AlShamsi, HCT President and CEO, was extremely proud to have HCT as inaugural UAE-based host for the global event, which reflects international actions, initiatives and partnerships in promoting sustainable environmental development. He expressed appreciation to the Green Organisation for its recognition of HCT as host and as a role model for sustainable activities.

Prof. AlShamsi said that sustainability is a key strategic objective and priority for the UAE, noting the 2030 National Agenda focuses on major initiatives, such as improving air quality, preserving water resources, increasing clean energy and implementing green growth plans, while the UAE’s National Climate Change Plan (2017–2050) defines the framework for achieving sustainable development goals.

He stressed that HCT actions are aligned to those national directions and to supporting climate change initiatives, seeking to become a leading educational institution in promoting sustainability in education and research. He noted that in September 2020 HCT signed a pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, and by October 2020 HCT had developed and started implementing its related plans to achieve that goal.

Engineer Abdulla Al Mheiri, HCT Vice President for Shared Services, said the Green World Awards are one of the most prestigious global environment-related awards, noting that HCT’s participation in the awards, and as the 2022 host, reflected its dedication to achieve excellence in sustainability, apply best environmental practices and be recognized as a global leader in this field.

He highlighted that sustainability is imbedded in the HCT culture at all levels, through sustainable education and innovation and technology in sustainability, health and wellbeing, socio-economic aspects, energy and water conservation, renewable energy and other areas.

Eng. Al Mheiri summarized HCT’s projects that promote environmental sustainability by adopting best sustainable practices and technologies. As a result, these contribute to improving energy efficiency and management; reducing energy consumption, carbon emissions, and campus operating costs; and reducing electricity and water consumption by providing sustainable and energy-saving facilities. In turn, these initiatives contributed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and HCT’s carbon footprint.

He added that HCT campuses also implemented training programs for faculty and staff members, as well as offering various academic courses, related to sustainability and the environment. As a result, thousands of HCT students had benefitted from courses, such as sustainable design, renewable energy systems, introduction to sustainability and environmental engineering.

Eng. Al Mheiri congratulated the HCT team for their efforts in facilitating the awards ceremony, as well as HCT’s senior management for their support in ensuring the success of HCT’s environmental sustainability projects.