Photo Credit : WAM
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has announced the activation of Green Certificates for factories under the National Green Certificates Programme during the Make it in the Emirates 2026, marking a major step in the UAE’s push toward sustainable industrial development and low-emission manufacturing.
The programme establishes a national framework to assess and certify industrial facilities based on sustainability standards. It uses artificial intelligence technologies to evaluate energy and water efficiency, along with the quality of industrial processes, helping factories improve operational performance while aligning with international environmental standards.
According to the ministry, the initiative is designed to encourage industrial facilities to adopt advanced sustainability and energy-efficiency practices through a comprehensive evaluation system covering energy consumption, water usage, emissions, and innovation. The framework is expected to accelerate the adoption of clean technologies and create national performance benchmarks that strengthen the competitiveness of UAE industries while supporting the country’s Net Zero 2050 goals.
Factories applying for certification will be assessed against defined sustainability criteria and may benefit from incentives and competitive advantages aimed at supporting their transition to low-emission operations and improving their standing in regional and global markets.
Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said the activation of green certificates for factories represents a strategic move to accelerate the transformation of the industrial sector through improved energy and water efficiency and stronger resource management.
He added that the initiative supports the UAE’s carbon reduction efforts through a system based on clear standards and performance indicators that promote operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Al Olama noted that the National Green Certificates Programme will also help optimise resource consumption, improve industrial environments, and support the development of advanced industrial infrastructure, further reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for sustainable industry.
The initiative aligns with the objectives of We the UAE 2031 and supports the country’s broader ambitions to achieve climate neutrality while strengthening its role as a global centre for sustainability-driven innovation.
The ministry had previously launched a Green Certificates initiative for commercial buildings in mid-2024, aimed at promoting environmentally friendly building practices and balancing economic development with the preservation of natural resources.
