UAE Companies Challenged to Enhance their Environmental Performance as Part of their CSR

CSR Summit 2012 explores best CSR practices Implementing energy and water initiatives saved Dubai Chamber USD 1.93 million in 10 years Dubai - May 10, 2012: United Arab Emirates businesses have been challenged to improve their environmental performance as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. This not only saves businesses money but it also contributes to the vision of the UAEs leaders and provides significant social and environmental benefits according to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The Chamber will be one of the organisations taking part at the 9th CSR Summit 2012, from the 10 to 13 June at the JBR Movenpick Dubai, where the chamber will discuss how it is locking CSR into its core business. Between 1998 and 2008, Dubai Chamber employees used their regular operations and maintenance budget to implement a number of initiatives which reduced water and energy consumption by 77 percent and 47 percent respectively leading to savings of around USD 1.93 million. In 2009 it became the 1st LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified existing building in the Arab world, demonstrating that buildings in this region can be greened without major investments. Since then it has renovated its

offices to the latest green building standards which has led to much further energy and water savings. It has also doubled productivity per square meter and helped increase staff satisfaction from 72% on the old floors to 93% on the new floors. We have been working hard to improve the environmental performance of our head office since 1998. Originally, we were focused on water and energy efficiency but in 2007 we began focusing on waste management and recycling, and in 2008 we decided to extend our efforts to include green transport and purchasing. Since 2009 we have been renovating our building and introduced the latest green building standards. We encourage other organisations to enhance their environmental performance for the benefit of their bottom line and employees as well as the environment and the broader community, says Annelies Hodge, CSR Manager at Dubai Chamber. The summit provides a unique platform for CSR professionals to learn and network alongside key stakeholders to develop and advance CSR in the region. Ms. Hodge will highlight why and how they implemented globally recognised certifications like LEED for green buildings and candidly share the challenges and benefits it has brought Dubai Chamber. Other speakers include Maria Conceicao who will share her inspiring story about the Maria Cristina Foundation. Also presenting will be Rania Tayeh, Branding and CSR officer for Dubai Aluminium Company, Huw Gilbert, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs-Asia MEA for PepsiCo, the events Official CSR Partner. 10 percent of all delegate fees at the event will be donated to the Dubai Autism Centre as part of IIR Middle East, the event organisers CSR initiative. -ENDS-

About CSR The 9th Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Summit is the Middle Easts premier event for all CSR professionals and brings attending delegates face to face with the leading regional and international figures in CSR. The event is an opportunity to learn how CSR can become a strong reputation and risk management tool and a source of greater financial growth. The event will have cutting-edge debates and discussion on key issues affecting the industry which include Why is CSR critical to Business Sustainability, Embedding CSR in the Culture of your organisation, how to develop a CSR Strategy, Developing a CSR model in the GCC. This years summit will have more case studies, discussions, workshops, presentations and networking opportunities. The highlight of the summit is the PepsiCo Youth Forum to be held on the June 10, 2012. The open forum targets youth from the ages of 16 25 and will focus on how best can youth empowerment change situations. Key speakers for the Summit will include Maria Conceicao, founder of the Maria Cristina Foundation, Ibrahim Al Zubi, head of CSR, Majid Al Futtaim, Belinda Scott senior manager of corporate responsibility National Bank of Abu Dhabi, UAE and Ahmed bin Shabib and Rashid bin Shabib founders of The Shelter. For more information, visit www.iirme.com/csrsummit.

Phone +971 (4) 4472501 Email team@tcf-me.com P.O. Box 29764 Dubai, United Arab Emirates Fax +971 (4) 447 2505