Masdar releases sustainability report

Masdar, Abu Dhabi's renewable energy company, yesterday published its first sustainability report. The report highlights the company's sustainability milestones and provides a benchmark by which to measure future efforts. Masdar developed the report using the internationally recognised sustainability reporting framework from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). In accordance with the latest GRI G3.1 guidelines, Masdar has received an A+ rating - the highest grade possible - for its disclosure of a wide variety of sustainability indicators, ranging from economic and environmental data to labour practices and human rights information. Highlights of Masdar's sustainability performance include: - 860MW of installed capacity of clean energy added to the global energy mix - 100 percent (111,311 cubic metres) of total wastewater recycled - 9,160 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent saved using sustainable materials in Masdar City - 226,657 kilometres travelled using alternative sustainable transport "Masdar's sustainability report highlights our achievements in the past year and offers a transparent overview of the organisation's activities to our stakeholders," said Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar. "Sustainability is vital to the economic development of the UAE, and this report offers a key benchmark to measure our progress." The data for the report was collected in the reporting period from October 2011 to September 2012 and was externally verified by a third-party auditor. The report measures Masdar's sustainability performance across four key areas: economic, environmental, social and governance. "We are proud to release a sustainability report that meets international standards of disclosure," said Dr Nawal Al-Hosany, director of sustainability at Masdar. "Across Masdar's operations, from its projects to its supply chain management at Masdar, our performance reflects our commitment to global best practices." Using a holistic, full-value chain business model - integrating higher education, research, investment and commercialisation - Masdar comprises three integrated business units and an independent, graduate-level research university, all dedicated to advancing renewable energy and sustainable technologies.