Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Energy & Water Mr. Arthur Nazarian, UNDP and IPT Energy Center (IPTEC) organized the Energy Awareness Awards (EAA) Distribution Ceremony on September 23, 2016 at Le Royal Hotel-Dbayeh as part of IBEF 2016. The event featured reports about the winning projects and distribution of the awards, in the presence of the Minister of Energy & Water Mr. Arthur Nazarian, the UNDP Country Director Mr. Luca Renda, and the president of IPTEC Dr. Toni Issa.
Dr. Issa explained that the private sector has become aware of its responsibility in the process of sustainable development and Corporate Social Responsibility CSR when making business.The development of the CSR concept does not only ensure a positive impact on the society and the environment, but also on the business itself through granting the institution additional opportunities and competitive advantage. Dr. Issa congratulated the winners for their distinguished initiatives and encouraged others to take similar path towards sustainability.
Mr. Renda highlighted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations to end poverty, ensure equality, and protect the planet, pointing out to the 7th goal on renewable energy: “Affordable and Clean Energy”. Mr. Renda revealed that Lebanon's reliance on renewable energy is currently 4%, hoping to reach 20% by 2030.
Minister Nazarian praised the initiative of IPTEC and UNDP, and the diversity of the projects and initiatives in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency, bearing in mind the importance of employing corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a tool to achieve sustainable development goals.
Finally, Minister Nazarian, Mr. Renda and Dr. Issa distributed the awards and trophies to the winners, and Dr. Issa handed Minister Nazarian a trophy for his support to the EAA initiative.
The Winning Projects in the 1st edition of the Energy Awareness Awards (EAA) are as follows:
- Category I- Energy Efficiency & Conservation: 1st prize: Tawlet Ammiq; by Al-Shouf Cedar Society// 2nd prize: Energy Conservation Project; by Pesco Energy.
- Category II- Renewable Energy: 1st prize: Solar Energy Lights; by Madaniyoun For Tripoli// 2nd prize: Solar Pumping System; by Elements Sun & Wind// Recognition Certificate: First Solar/Diesel Hybrid Installation; by IRI.
- Category III- Sustainability Champions: 1st prize: Nageeb Program; by the Green Pact// 2nd prize: Green Schools Certification Program; by e-Ecosolutions// Recognition Certficate: Sustainable Energy Finance; by Fransabank.
- Appreciation Awards 2016- Public Energy Action: Appreciation Award: Green Roof; by Banque Du Liban// Appreciation Award: Beirut River Solar Snake; by MoEW & LCEC.
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