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GEMS Education has partnered with decarbonisation specialist Positive Zero in a landmark renewable energy agreement, marking the largest solar energy project in the UAE’s education sector to date. The initiative, covering 23 GEMS schools in Dubai, includes the design, engineering, installation, and maintenance of solar rooftops, carports, and bus parking areas. The project will introduce solar systems with a combined capacity of nearly 12.7 megawatts peak (MWp), expected to generate 21.25 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually—enough to power approximately 2,000 homes for an entire year. The environmental impact is significant, with an estimated reduction of 14,276 metric tonnes of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to taking 3,300 cars off the road. Over its lifespan, the project’s emissions reduction would equate to planting nearly six million trees. Commitment to Sustainability and Climate Literacy Dino Varkey, Group Chief Executive Officer of GEMS Education, emphasized the institution’s role in leading sustainability efforts within the UAE’s education sector. “GEMS Education is proud to lead the way in terms of sustainability within the UAE’s education sector. This landmark agreement with Positive Zero not only underscores our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint but also aligns with our vision of integrating renewable energy at scale,” he stated. “By harnessing solar power, we are contributing to the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy while also instilling a sense of environmental responsibility in our students, the leaders of tomorrow. We have long emphasized the importance of teaching climate literacy in our schools – and today, through this agreement, we take pride in continuing to put our words into action.” The agreement supports the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy by facilitating a transition to sustainable energy solutions. Positive Zero will finance the solar installations through a long-term leasing model, allowing GEMS Education to implement the project without any upfront investment. David Auriau, Chief Executive Officer of Positive Zero, highlighted the shared commitment to sustainability. “At the core of our partnership with GEMS Education is a shared commitment to sustainability. GEMS Education is taking tangible steps in this direction with the decarbonisation of its operations through our solutions, in addition to integrating climate literacy across people development, curricula, and student initiatives,” he said. “This bold and impressive commitment positions GEMS Education as a true leader in sustainability within the UAE’s education sector, and we are proud to be empowering their energy transition.” Advancing GEMS Education’s ESG Goals Harnessing solar energy is a key component of GEMS Education’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its schools and operations. Ovais Chhotani, Chief Financial Officer of GEMS Education, described the agreement as a major milestone in the institution’s long-term sustainability strategy. |
