Dubai: In conjunction with National Environmental Day, Dubai Municipality kicked off a new initiative that aims to replace the use of traditional diesel with biodiesel in tanks of big trucks.

The initiative is expected to positively impact the environment on all levels and also combat the phenomenon of global warming by cutting an estimated 22,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year “which will have a positive effect on reducing the carbon footprint”, said Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director-General of Dubai Municipality.

“The initiative is the first of its kind in the Middle East and aims to reinforce the status of Dubai as a global role model in the field of sustainability and the preservation of the ecosystem. It also proves Dubai’s commitment to the United Nation’s framework convention on climate change called Kyoto Protocol that hopes to reduce the amount of emissions of air pollutants,” he said.

Lootah also pointed out that the initiative will reduce the rates of fuel use by approximately 10,600 tonnes per year and will reduce the size and amount of future waste that is sent to landfills.

“The biodiesel planned to be used is produced in the emirate through the recycling of food oils using sophisticated manufacturing techniques,” he said.