With the introduction of new climate laws in the United Arab Emirates, companies are now facing new reporting obligations and decarbonisation strategies. We spoke with Jessica Scopacasa, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Olive Gaea, Kelmer Group’s technology partner in the ESG transition.
1. Jessica, can you briefly explain what the new climate regulations introduced by the UAE in 2024 entail?
The UAE has introduced two key regulations to establish a national climate governance framework:
• Federal Law No. 11 of 2024: sets the legal framework for climate action in the country, mandating all sectors to contribute to emission reduction.
• Cabinet Resolution No. 67 of 2024: makes it mandatory for companies emitting more than 500,000 tonnes of CO₂e per year to report their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while encouraging voluntary participation from all others.
These laws represent a first step toward a more structured system that could, in the future, include carbon pricing mechanisms and emissions trading markets.
2. What are the concrete obligations for companies emitting more than 500,000 tonnes of CO₂e? And what is recommended for those below the threshold?
Companies exceeding the 0.5 MtCO₂e annual threshold must:
• Measure and report their emissions
• Disclose energy consumption
• Submit mitigation and emission reduction strategies
• Send their data to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE)
Companies below the threshold are not legally required to comply, but are strongly encouraged to participate voluntarily. This proactive approach allows businesses to anticipate future requirements and strengthen their ESG positioning.
3. What impact will these laws have on companies operating in the UAE?
Federal Law No. 11, together with the release of sectoral climate mitigation plans, has introduced binding guidelines for companies. They will need to:
• Adapt their operations accordingly
• Demonstrate progress in emissions reduction
• Comply with the national targets
These guidelines translate national climate policy into concrete actions at both company and sector levels.
4. How can the “Zero” platform by Olive Gaea help companies with emissions reporting?
The Zero platform is an AI-powered SaaS tool designed to:
• Automate emissions calculations
• Develop science-based Net Zero strategies
• Generate audit-ready ESG reports fully aligned with international standards (GRI, TCFD, SBTi, CSRD, GHG Protocol)
• Facilitate supplier engagement across the value chain
Compared to traditional consultancy, Zero is up to:
• 70% more cost-effective
• 7 times faster
• 85% more accurate thanks to machine learning and certified databases
5. Should sustainability be seen only as a regulatory requirement or also as a strategic opportunity for internationally operating companies?
Sustainability should absolutely be seen not just as a regulatory requirement, but as a strategic opportunity. When it’s fully integrated into a company’s operating systems and guides decision-making, it stops being a cost or compliance burden and becomes a real growth enabler. The business case is clear: companies that lead in sustainability don’t just tap into new market opportunities—they build more resilient supply chains, manage risks better, lower their cost of capital, and improve operational efficiency. Simply put, they are positioned for long-term success, while others may remain trapped in short-term thinking.
6. What practical advice would you give to companies that haven’t started this journey yet? Where should they begin?
Beyond compliance, the first step is understanding what matters most—identify the sustainability issues that are most relevant to your business and stakeholders. This is done through a materiality assessment, which helps focus efforts where you can have the greatest impact and manage the biggest risks.
Next, focus on measurement. You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Without reliable data, sustainability efforts remain vague and unaccountable. Start by establishing a clear baseline so you can set targets and track progress meaningfully.