Yas Mall, the leading destination for shopping, dining and entertainment announces its sustainability initiatives for the year,  which comes in line with Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030 to "build a sustainable and diversified, high value-added, high value-added economy”. Yas Mall is a leader in contributing to these standards in the retail space while also playing a central role on the international sustainability stage.

For the past few years, the UAE has intensified its efforts in working towards a more sustainable future. This has included strong implementation and use of eco-friendly and green initiatives all over Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s malls, of which Yas Mall is leading.

To start an ecofriendly 2016, Yas Mall will be the first mall in the region to introduce the first ever electric car charging station; The BMW i Wallbox Pro. Fast, convenient, smart: The BMW i Wallbox Pro is the new home charging station for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.  The BMW i Wallbox Pro offers a faster charging rate than the BMW i Wallbox Pure and even more user-friendly operation, as well as innovative options for vehicle charging with home-generated electricity and smart home integration. The solar carport guarantees the supply of green power and allows for energy self-sufficiency, so that customers remain independent of electricity prices.

Talal Al Dhiyebi, Chief Development Officer at Aldar Properties, said: “Aldar Properties is proud of Yas Mall’s unrivalled commitment to sustainability in the retail space. We look forward to building on the successes of 2015 and continuing to work towards contributing to a sustainable future for the capital. Yas Mall incorporates sustainable practices in its construction, cleaning and waste management, and now offers initiatives that directly impact visitor experience such as the BMW i Wallbox Pro. We want to ensure that not only is Yas Mall an ecological pioneer but that we are also helping to increase environmental awareness and standards amongst local communities and the UAE.”

Another first will be to host the Green Gulf Race in collaboration with the Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS)-WWF, which is planned to be one of the most interactive team building events of the year, also engaging Yas Mall’s retail partners, corporate companies and communities to be part of all the fun. This green ‘treasure hunt’ follows a similar format to the popular competition ‘Amazing Race’ where four different teams race against one another in a series of heats, solving environmentally themed riddles hidden around the mall. The event, taking place end of February, is focused on raising awareness of marine conservation and environmental issues with the local community.

Reflecting back to 2015, Yas Mall implemented a number of eco-friendly and education-led activities which resulted to Yas Mall being named “the most sustainable mall in the region”. Some of the successful ones are highlighted below:

·         Yas Mall engaged 125 school children in a tree planting event held in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Education Council and Aldar Academies, dedicated to educating youth about the importance of recycling and caring for the environment.

·         In support of the global Earth Hour movement, Yas Mall hosted an event in partnership with ADWEA, to raise awareness about the importance of saving energy.

·         Yas Mall partnered with Tadweer and Dulsco to host an event in recognition of World Environment Day, which engaged families and children visiting the mall and educated them about ways of preserving the environment.

·         Yas Mall hosted the Abu Dhabi’s Petroleum Institute Research Center and University (PI) Solar Car. The car, conceived in Japan, but built by students in the capital, made an appearance during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week at the Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge 2015; the first ever solar powered challenge in the Middle East

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