The Emirates Group strives for environmental excellence in all areas of activity, including operation of its ground fleet - with over 4,400 vehicles in Dubai alone. The largest of these vehicle fleets are operated by the Group’s Central Services department and dnata Airport Operations - including staff buses, passenger chauffeur-drive cars, and a wide range of specialised airside vehicles - from scissor-lift catering trucks to baggage tow tractors. To increase ground transport efficiency, the company has undertaken a number of initiatives, including a trial of hybrid baggage tractors and a crew transport optimisation project. Other projects that have contributed to vehicle emissions reductions by the Group include the opening of the new Metro station at EGHQ and the introduction of priority parking for car poolers at EGHQ.
A recent initiative is the overhaul of the cabin crew transport system, which involves minibus transfer of crew between their accommodation and their briefing centre at EGHQ. Rationalisation and improvements to the transfer scheduling programme have had direct benefits for the Group’s environmental and financial performance. A reduction of 1.296 million kilometres annually has been forecast in the first year of the revised transport scheme, which will reduce carbon emissions by some 872 tonnes over 12 months. This will also result in an associated fuel cost saving of around AED1.5 million per year.
Case study: Metro station
The Gulf region’s first rapid urban rail system opened in September 2009. Known as the “Dubai Metro”, this landmark public infrastructure project was the result of years of planning and engineering works. For the Emirates Group, it also presented a strategic opportunity to provide a reliable and environmentally-preferred option for its sizeable workforce to commute to and from Emirates Group Headquarters.
The Emirates Group worked in cooperation with the Dubai Roads and Traffic Authority to ensure a Metro station was built as an integral component of the Group’s new headquarters building. The Group made a substantial financial contribution to assist with construction of this Metro station, which is used by both Emirates Group staff and the general public.
The Metro Station has been operational since April 2010, with trains arriving and departing every 10 minutes during operating hours. A true asset for the local business and residential community, it has seamlessly integrated with the daily lives of thousands of people.
The Metro Station is also complemented by dedicated Dubai Metro stations at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 buildings. The three Metro stations allow Emirates staff and passengers to commute to and from the Emirates Group Headquarters and the airport using the new Metro system – a direct benefit for the millions of people passing through Dubai Airport annually.