A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed today to begin the audit, which is expected to take up to seven weeks. Grundfos will also conduct systems’ certification and maintenance training for Ras Al Khaimah Government’s building managers and supervisors.
“The MOU is aligned with the Municipality’s vision to pioneer sustainable urban development and create healthy and happy communities. The audit will help us explore further ways to reduce energy costs, by working with Grundfos’ expert team on pumping systems, which drive a significant part of our energy consumption”, said His Excellency Munther Mohammed bin Shekar, Director General, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality.
The audit will be overseen by the Municipality’s Energy Efficiency and Renewables Administration (Reem) which is coordinating the implementation of the RAK Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Strategy 2040, established under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. The strategy targets 30% energy savings, 20% water savings and 20% generation from renewable energy sources by 2040 and comprises a program to retrofit approximately 3,000 buildings over the two decades.
Kostas Poulopoulos, Grundfos Area Managing Director, Gulf, Levant and Pakistan said the MOU reflects the coming together of two like-minded organizations. “We are both prominent leaders in our specific industries with a joint vision on sustainability and well-being of the planet,” he said.
The MOU signing follows Grundfos’ recent launch of the free ‘Energy Check’ to organizations in the UAE to help root out inefficient equipment and promote water conservation.
“The UAE has some of the highest water consumption rates in the world,” said Kostas. “On an average, the national per capita water consumption rate in the Emirates, including personal, residential, commercial and agriculture is 550 liters per day as compared to 170-300 liters internationally. One of the biggest challenges is that over 90% of the installed pumps in buildings, manufacturing, and other sectors are operating inefficiently and currently use up to 60% more energy and produce 30% more CO2 pollution than today’s high efficiency alternatives. Much can be done to minimize water consumption by utilizing the latest digital technology to make pumping solutions as efficient as possible and reduce wastage.”