In line with its commitment to sustainability, community welfare, and a healthier environment for all, Brands For Less Group (BFL Group) – one of the world’s leading off-price retailers of fashion, homeware and toys – has signed a partnership agreement with Emirates Electrical Engineering LLC (EEE), a member of the Al Rostamani Group that specializes in designing and executing turnkey projects in Power Transmission & Distribution (PT&D).
Through this agreement, BFL Group assigns EEE with the design, engineering, installation, and maintenance of a large-scale solar energy system. In total, 2,040 high-efficiency solar panels will be mounted on the rooftops of two of the group’s properties, namely BFL Group’s original warehouses in Jebel Ali Free Zone and the Techno warehouse and facility, both spanning a 10,000 SQM surface. According to the terms of the agreement, EEE will be responsible of the initial on-site inspection to determine, assess, and account for all mechanical and electrical requirements before carrying out the installation of the photovoltaic panels in compliance with the health and safety standards of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and DRRG Connection Guidelines.
Commenting the milestone, Mr. Yasser Beydoun, Managing Partner of BFL Group said: “We are thrilled to be taking our first large-scale step towards a greener, more sustainable business model by starting to rely on renewable energy. EEE is the electrical systems arm of the Al Rostamani Group, one of the largest and oldest business conglomerates in the United Arab Emirates, and we have entrusted them with this project knowing their extensive experience and in-depth knowledge in solar power systems and their mission to harness the sun to build a greener future.”
Ayman Beydoun, Chief Operating Officer of BFL Group added: “Through this 958 KW solar project, our warehouses will have access to over 2,000 kWh/m2 in global irradiation and over 800 kWh/m2 in diffuse irradiation per year. We are expecting to generate around 1,600,000 kWh of solar energy yearly, which reduces our carbon footprint by 700 metric tons. We are looking forward to applying the same model to more of our properties in the near future.”
The energy savings resulting from this project are substantial. By rolling out the new solar power system, BFL Group is avoiding the yearly greenhouse gas emissions of 151 passenger vehicles; 78,767 gallons of gasoline consumption; 771,304 of coil burned; 80 homes’ energy consumption; 119 homes’ electricity consumption; 1,621 barrels of oil consumption; and 89,272,555 of smartphones charged. This is also equivalent to 29,785 trash bags of waste recycled instead of landfilled and 238 tons of waste recycled instead of landfilled.
From his end, Mr. Prabash Manthara, General Manager of EEE said: “We are thrilled to be signing this agreement with BFL Group and to add one of the leading off-price retail concept groups in the region to our portfolio of more than 160 projects handled over the last forty-four years. Through our experienced solar team, our in-house capabilities, and the legacy of Al Rostamani Group, EEE has become a full solar EPC solution provider that delivers high-performance solar systems, adding real value to the local Solar Energy industry locally.” Manthara added: “We hope this agreement will be the start of a long-term partnership with BFL Group, through which we can contribute together to a healthier future for many generations to come.”
Mr. Toufic Kreidieh, CEO of BFL Group concluded: “The entire world is taking sustainable steps towards a greener tomorrow. Over the last two decades, the UAE has been at the forefront of sustainability through iconic projects and initiatives, and we are proud to belong to such an innovative nation that fosters progress in respect of the environment. At BFL Group, our mission is to deliver smiles across the communities we work in, and we believe that being environmentally-responsible helps us deliver on our promise by ensuring our community’s welfare on the mid and long term.”
