As part of the IPU’s climate campaign Parliaments for the Planet, we are focusing on good climate practices by parliaments around the world which can be replicated elsewhere. The Federal National Council (FNC) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a good example when it comes to sustainability and greening parliament.
Institutionalizing the greening of parliaments
The commitment to a greener future for the UAE has taken the form of a dedicated committee established in 2022.
The committee's primary goal is to transform the FNC into a sustainability model not only for the UAE but also as an inspiration for parliaments around the world.
One of the innovative features introduced is the “Complaint Acceleration Mechanismˮ which allows citizens to voice their climate concerns through an online complaint system, significantly reducing processing times and costs.
Greening the way parliaments and their members work
The FNC has reduced its energy consumption by transitioning to virtual servers, eliminating the need for on-site servers. This move not only streamlines operations but also cuts carbon emissions. More recently, in July 2023, the FNC also launched a CO2 dashboard.
The new FNC headquarters in Dubai showcase sustainable construction practices, featuring advanced environmental features that promote energy conservation and waste reduction while enhancing indoor air quality.
The FNC is also committed to effective waste management through collaboration with recycling companies, demonstrating responsible waste disposal practices.
Recognizing the importance of conserving water resources, the FNC has implemented modern irrigation systems, water-saving devices and regular water network maintenance. Recycling cooling water further aids in preserving this precious resource.
The Council is also taking significant steps towards a greener commute, embracing a hybrid work system and transitioning its vehicle fleet from high-emission vehicles to electric or hybrid cars, complete with charging infrastructure.
Through digitization, the FNC has gone paperless, streamlined operations, and reduced energy consumption and waste generation.
Leading and fostering a culture of sustainable change
Pre-session meetings for FNC members play a vital role in raising awareness about public issues and drafting laws, with a focus on sustainability-related topics. Seminars, lectures, and educational workshops further equip FNC members with insights into sustainability and climate change.
The Council doesn't stop at internal efforts; it extends its sustainability outreach by distributing informative newsletters and collaborating with programmes like Enable, which promote environmental protection while supporting people with disabilities.
Finally, the FNC collaborates with international partners and participates in field visits to sustainable facilities, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability on both national and international levels.
Quotes
Ms. Meera Al Suwaidi, MP in the FNC and future Rapporteur at the IPU’s Parliamentary Meeting at COP28 said, “An environmentally sustainable society can only be achieved if green practices begin at home. It must touch on all aspects of our daily lives from the way we prepare our meals, to how we raise our children, to how we draft laws in parliament.
In the UAE, introducing greener practices was seemingly easy since it has been deep-rooted in our history. The late founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, was an environmental pioneer and taught his people that we, as humans, coexist with the environment and therefore must preserve it.
With that in mind, the FNC has always placed sustainable and environmental considerations as a priority and fundamental aspect of how we function. More recently, we worked hard on transforming the FNC to a greener parliament. We began by taking small positive steps such as cutting down on plastic waste, limiting paper printing, and introducing carpool commutes to work.”
Find out more about the IPU’s campaign to mobilize parliaments to act on the climate emergency.
