ZOFTWARE AND METEORA DEVELOPERS SPEARHEADING SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES FOR COP28

With the highly anticipated COP28 - the next edition of Conference of Parties to United Nations Framework Convention on climate change - coming up companies across sectors are stepping up efforts to contribute to global sustainability goals.

These practices include the adoption of energy-efficient equipment, proper equipment maintenance, effective waste management, incorporation of sustainable materials, efficient project planning, exploring alternative energy sources, green procurement, employee engagement, collaboration and partnerships, and monitoring and measurement of emissions.

While these sustainability initiatives may not require significant financial investment, they demand effort, communication, and commitment from both employees and management.

Dubai-based based companies, tech startup Zoftware and construction company Meteora Developers, are taking the lead in implementing sustainability initiatives.

Real Estate

In the construction sector, there are many ways for stakeholders to play a role in the drive for sustainability. Meteora Developers, a leading property company based out of Dubai, is actively pursuing some options while understanding the significance of minimizing waste generation on construction sites.

Praveen Sharma, Meteora founder and CEO, said, "There are many ways we have envisaged to employ sustainable practices for a greener future. Some are in operation. We use recyclable, locallysourced materials such as plastic, reclaimed wood, and others made of low-VOC (volatile organic compounds).

“In conjunction with Dubai Municipality, there will be solar panels and recycling bins as standard fittings near our upcoming projects East Crest and 7 Park Central as well as use of smart technology. Efficient HVAC systems and better insulation has been adopted which will significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

“Many do not realise that a simple design aspect of cross-ventilation and energy-efficient lightning also can go a long way in our collective effort to reduce our environmental impact but also contribute to the overall well-being of our planet,” Sharma said.

Technology

Zoftware is part of the Data Direct Group, pioneers in recognising the digital transformation wave since inception in 2004, and who provided one of the foremost record management services (RMS) in the UAE.

Zoftware specializes in democratization and customization of computer software according to customers’ needs. “At Zoftware, the challenge and our constant endeavour is to see beyond the interfaces and see what technology goes behind it so we can make it more sustainable as it grows with time,” says Aayushman Dalmia, the founder of Zoftware.

Reducing e-waste is always high on the agenda at Zoftware and Data Direct. While dealing with software companies, there is a conscious effort to look at parameters from eco-friendly packaging, responsible sourcing of materials to end-of-life disposal methods, according to Dalmia.

Besides there is an internal process set up to limit paper usage while recording carbon footprint in office settings as well as those consumed by the staff while commuting to work.

“We encourage employees to email documents instead of printing and circulating hard copies. Files and documents are stored in a centralized digital system or cloud storage, eliminating the need for physical filing cabinets and significant paper waste reduction,” Dalmia added.