RTA recognised by Belgian Government for adopting sustainable lighting solutions

DUBAI, 7th April, 2015 (WAM) -- The Roads and Transport Authority, RTA, in Dubai has been honoured by the Belgian Government for implementing sustainable solutions for key road and tunnel lighting projects in the emirate. A high level delegation of Belgium Economic Mission, BEM, led by H.R.H. Princess Astrid of Belgium, met with top officials of the authority at an exclusive ceremony held recently in Dubai. The BEM delegation included Didier Reynders, Federal Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, and Jean-Claude Marcourt, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, SME’s, Foreign Trade and New Technologies for the Walloon Regional Government and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education of the French Community Government. Didier Reynders presented a sustainable project recognition plaque to Abdul Mohsin Ibrahim, CEO for Strategy and Corporate Governance at the RTA, for a green makeover of the Jumeirah Corniche redevelopment project by incorporating sustainable lighting solutions in the new Jogging Track. Belgium-based global lighting solutions provider, Schreder, in association with Bahri and Mazroei Trading Company, BMTC, the regions’ leading provider of solutions for building and infra-development segments, have been providing the RTA with sustainable street lighting and tunnel solutions for various projects. The lighting system installed along the Jumeirah Jogging Track project consumes 50 percent less power than conventional lamps. The system also ensures less carbon dioxide emissions, reduced operational costs and no use of high pressure sodium and CMH lamps. The RTA developed the 14 kilometre-long Jumeirah Jogging Track with a host of environment friendly features. The authority is keen on adopting the latest global best practices in terms of achieving energy efficiency and utilising green procurement for public lighting systems on the roads of the city. This helps the city reduce the eco-footprint and ensure public safety as well. The RTA implements these strategies in line with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, the UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Integrated Strategy 2030. Upon receiving the honour, Abdul Mohsin Ibrahim said, "We are proud and delighted for being honoured by the Belgian delegation, led by H.R.H. Princess Astrid, for incorporating sustainable lighting solutions into the 14-kilometre long Jumeirah Jogging Track project. The RTA has undertaken several innovative street lighting and tunnel projects with sustainable solutions that boosted the global profile of Dubai. The key goals of the RTA for the 2014 – 2018 period included safety, environmental sustainability and asset sustainability which are aimed to realise the strategy of creating a smart and integrated Dubai. The authority is currently undertaking road transportation projects necessary for hosting Expo 2020." "Our aim is to ensure the highest rates of efficiency and streamlined operation of lighting systems in realisation of the RTA’s vision of providing safe and smooth transport for all. The RTA, through Dubai Integrated Strategy 2030, is committed to reducing negative environmental impact, use energy efficiency practices, and utilise green procurement. The RTA has started replacing traffic lights in Dubai with halogen bulbs using LED power saving technology. It comes as part of the RTA’s safety environmental push to enhance the traffic safety level and keep abreast of the green economy," he added. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395278999885.html