Dubai: For 11-year-old Hamad Saleh, conserving water and electricity at schools simply requires switching off the air conditioning unit and closing taps so that they do not drip.
"There is no doubt that we overuse both water and electricity and we should change this by educating ourselves about the different methods to conserve water and electricity but also we should change our attitude," said the UAE national from Al Shaab Public School for primary education.
He was among the ten pupils at his school to assist his teachers in raising awareness about conserving water and electricity saying that in many incidents, pupils and teachers would leave the classroom with the air conditioning on for hours.
Speaking on the sidelines of the third award contest for the "Conservation for a better tomorrow," Kiran Tarek from Shaikh Rashid Pakistan School said that water and electricity consumption at their school went down by about 22.5 per cent in just four months.
"It's a great opportunity to learn about this crucial issue, especially since the UAE is considered one of the largest consumers of electricity and water. However, the country is proposing solutions such as introducing green buildings," said Kiran.
Activities
Among the various environmental activities carried out by Royal Dubai School was appointing "eco-warriors" to ensure all lights are switched off in classes and water taps are properly closed, said Alexander Hecq.
The award ceremony was held by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) to honour winning schools in four award categories, work teams, parents and school workers.
"Dubai Government pursues sustainable development in line with Dubai Strategy 2015, outlined by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai," said Saeed Al Tayer, DEWA managing director.
Environment Award winners
- Kindergarden: Al Shorooq - 1st place; Al Rabee - 2nd
- Preliminary schools: Jumeira Model School - 1st place; Salama Al Ansarya - 2nd; Sultan Al Owais - 3rd
--Intermediate schools: Umm Suqeim School - 1st; Al Dhara Girls - 2nd; Al Razi School - 3rd
--Secondary schools: Sukaina Bint Al Hussain School - 1st; Asma Bint No'man - 2nd; Al Raya School - 3rd
By Siham Al Najami, Staff Reporter