Photo: Lootah Biofuels
January 25, 2012
BY Erin Voegele
A fleet of school buses in the United Arab Emirates will soon be fueled by a biodiesel blend. Lootah Biofuels, a fully owned subsidiary of S.S. Lootah Group, and School Transport Services LLC recently signed a cooperation agreement that aims to reduce the carbon footprint of STS’s school bus fleet through the use of biodiesel.
STS currently provides transportation to more than 50,000 students. According to information released by the companies, approximately 1,200 STS buses are monitored by the company’s control room via GPS, video surveillance and electronic attendance. Information published on the Lootah Biofuels website notes that the company was founded in 2010 to address the growing demand for alternative fuels in the Dubai region. “Keeping in line with the UAE’s vision for sustainable development, Lootah Biofuels aims to introduce and innovate sustainable solutions for the long-term energy requirements,” said the company on its website. “By rapidly growing production capacity, strengthening distribution channels, and redefining biodiesel quality, Lootah Biofuels will continue to expand the reach of biofuels that are sustainable and environment-friendly.”
Lootah Biofuels and STS were both awarded the RTA Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport in 2011. Regarding the new partnership, Lootah Biofuels CEO Yousif Bin Saeed Al Lootah noted his company is delighted to promote sustainable transportation in cooperation with STS, adding that both companies share a vision of using sustainable renewable fuels and promoting environmental awareness in the educational sector. “We have been inspired by the great vision of the UAE leadership and recent announcement of the ‘Green Economy Initiative’' to make our country a global hub for green economy; it is a roadmap that guides our contribution to reach the goals set by the leadership and enhance the UAE's competitiveness and sustainable development,” he continued.
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In mid-January, Vice-President, Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the launch of a long-term national initiative to build a green economy in the UAE. According to information published by the UAE government, the initiative aims to make the UAE a world leader in the green economy, as well as a center for the export and re-export of green products and technologies.
"Our goal from this national initiative is clear, that is to build an economy that protects the environment as well as an environment that supports the growth of the economy,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in a statement. “We in the UAE, within the vision 2021, are striving to build a diversified economy based on knowledge and innovation, through which we can provide excellent employment opportunities to our citizens. Through this, we can protect our natural and environmental resources, and strengthen our competitive position in global markets, especially in the areas of renewable energy products and technologies in the green economy.”
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