The Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), flagship operation of Economic Zones World (EZW), showcased its latest energy saving warehouses and sustainable logistics developments at the recently held Warehouse Management Excellence Forum 2009. Jafza supported and participated in the event as a bronze sponsor.
“Businesses in the UAE need to start adopting more green building initiatives in their logistics infrastructure and developments,” said Shehab Mesmar, senior VP of commercial sales, Jafza – UAE region.
“The industry buzzword is sustainability. This is not just a trend but a genuine movement that is now being recognised as the way forward and is particularly relevant today in these financial times. Companies have to explore ways to optimise savings and logistics operations by building smarter, more eco-friendly, energy saving developments. Efficient and well-planned distribution results in improved margins,” said Mesmar.
Economic Zones World has begun to adopt energy saving fittings and renewable sources of energy in addition to using fewer building materials in many of its new warehouses and logistics developments. Design elements include maximising the use of roof lights in warehouses, water saving devices and initiatives, solar photovoltaic panels, solar thermal hot water panels, wind turbines and other eco-friendly devices.
Sustainable initiatives
Speaking specifically about the company’s sustainable initiatives, Mesmar said: “EZW has built and delivered 1.3 million sq m of eco-efficient warehousing to date. This includes projects done by Gazeley Ltd. We are pushing ahead with the construction of new eco-friendly projects that conserve energy, help our clients save and help the environment at the same time. It is a win-win situation all the way through.”
Gazeley Limited, a UK-based, fully owned subsidiary of EZW and global provider of sustainable logistics solutions, has successfully delivered award-winning environmentally –friendly warehouses and centres.
Gazeley’s G Park Blue Planet at Chatterley Valley is one such project. The carbon neutral project houses its own biomass micro power station, efficient systems for further building energy reduction, cutting-edge lighting, under-floor heating and an energy panel wall. All of the development’s energy and heat is supplied by renewable resources. This has helped it exceed the UK Government’s Climate Change Bill targets for both 2020 and 2050 in 2009.
The John Lewis distribution Centre, another Gazeley project, incorporates a wide range of eco measures that provide 39 per cent carbon dioxide reduction, 40 per cent energy usage saving and 61 per cent water usage saving per year.
EZW aims to make a positive difference on the environment by developing and supporting sustainable projects inside and outside the free zone.
