GEMS Education has partnered with decarbonisation specialist Positive Zero in a landmark renewable energy agreement, marking the largest solar energy project in the UAE’s education sector to date. The initiative, covering 23 GEMS schools in Dubai, includes the design, engineering, installation, and maintenance of solar rooftops, carports, and bus parking areas.
The project will introduce solar systems with a combined capacity of nearly 12.7 megawatts peak (MWp), expected to generate 21.25 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually—enough to power approximately 2,000 homes for an entire year. The environmental impact is significant, with an estimated reduction of 14,276 metric tonnes of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to taking 3,300 cars off the road. Over its lifespan, the project’s emissions reduction would equate to planting nearly six million trees.
Dino Varkey, Group Chief Executive Officer of GEMS Education, emphasized the institution’s role in leading sustainability efforts within the UAE’s education sector.
“GEMS Education is proud to lead the way in terms of sustainability within the UAE’s education sector. This landmark agreement with Positive Zero not only underscores our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint but also aligns with our vision of integrating renewable energy at scale,” he stated.
“By harnessing solar power, we are contributing to the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy while also instilling a sense of environmental responsibility in our students, the leaders of tomorrow. We have long emphasized the importance of teaching climate literacy in our schools – and today, through this agreement, we take pride in continuing to put our words into action.”
The agreement supports the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy by facilitating a transition to sustainable energy solutions. Positive Zero will finance the solar installations through a long-term leasing model, allowing GEMS Education to implement the project without any upfront investment.
David Auriau, Chief Executive Officer of Positive Zero, highlighted the shared commitment to sustainability.
“At the core of our partnership with GEMS Education is a shared commitment to sustainability. GEMS Education is taking tangible steps in this direction with the decarbonisation of its operations through our solutions, in addition to integrating climate literacy across people development, curricula, and student initiatives,” he said.
“This bold and impressive commitment positions GEMS Education as a true leader in sustainability within the UAE’s education sector, and we are proud to be empowering their energy transition.”
Harnessing solar energy is a key component of GEMS Education’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its schools and operations.
Ovais Chhotani, Chief Financial Officer of GEMS Education, described the agreement as a major milestone in the institution’s long-term sustainability strategy.
“This milestone is just the beginning of our broader sustainability journey focused on reducing our environmental impact and promoting a greener future for all. It builds on our ongoing initiatives as we continue pushing boundaries to drive meaningful change and create a lasting impact. It stands as a testament to our dedication to a greener, more sustainable future.”
GEMS Education has actively embedded climate literacy into its curriculum, with a mission to have a United Nations-accredited Climate Change Teacher in every classroom. The institution has also implemented various student-led and educator-led sustainability initiatives, including energy efficiency programs, waste management projects, and water conservation efforts.
Yohaan Cama, Senior Manager – ESG at GEMS Education, emphasized the significance of the initiative in setting a benchmark for sustainability in education.
“As the largest school-based solar initiative in the region, this landmark project establishes a new benchmark for sustainability in education. It reflects GEMS Education’s unwavering commitment to sustainability in line with our ESG vision while supporting the UAE’s Net Zero and Energy Strategy 2050, reinforcing the nation’s transition towards clean energy and net-zero goals.”
This agreement builds on GEMS Education’s ongoing collaboration with Positive Zero’s distributed generation business, SirajPower. The company previously provided an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract for a solar project at GEMS Founders School – Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, a net-zero-energy school.
Laurent Longuet, Chief Executive Officer of SirajPower, commended GEMS Education for its leadership in adopting renewable energy.
“Renewable energy will power the industries of the future. We must commend GEMS Education on committing to a more sustainable agenda for their schools and paving the way for the next generation of students and teachers to witness first-hand how distributed solar power can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
“This initiative will not only instil a sense of responsibility but also a sense of pride in everyone who studies or works in a school that cares about them and the environment.”
With the agreement now in place, the 23 schools selected for this renewable energy project will proceed towards commissioning and completion, with the entire initiative expected to be fully operational by early 2026.
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