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Dubai sets global benchmarks for sustainable building practices

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Dubai’s emergence in recent decades as a city that has revolutionized the way urban centers are designed, built and operated has been driven by its commitment to excellence and innovation in the construction sector.

With visionary projects that push the boundaries of the possible, the emirate has not only created architectural wonders but has also set new global benchmarks for responsible urban development.

At the center of this journey is the concept of green buildings, a construction practice that prioritizes resource efficiency, environmental protection and human well-being. Green buildings promote minimal resource use, waste reduction, and comprehensive waste recycling in all phases of construction, from initial design to eventual demolition. With its comprehensive green building strategy aimed at ensuring the highest standards of sustainability, Dubai has set a notable example for cities around the world.

Dawood Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, highlighted Dubai’s pioneering initiatives to adopt the concept of green buildings as part of a comprehensive plan to implement world-class sustainability benchmarks across all vital sectors. These initiatives were carried out under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, and the guide His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council. Green building standards and requirements were first introduced in Dubai in 2011 through a decision issued by the Dubai Executive Council approving the Green Building Policy.

Highlighting the importance of the progressive regulatory frameworks established by Dubai to streamline sustainable construction processes in the emirate, Al-Hajri fixed,

“In recent years, Dubai Municipality has issued numerous decisions to advance its green building policy. This includes Al Sa’fat, a green building rating system, which classifies buildings into three categories: ‘Silver Sa’ fa’ (mandatory for all buildings), ‘Gold Sa’fa’ (optional)’ and ‘Platinum Sa’fa’ (optional).’ In addition, the Dubai Executive Council approved the ‘Dubai Building Code’, which incorporates the design prerequisites of the mandatory ‘Silver Sa’fa’ into the mandatory requirements of the code.

“In 2023, Dubai Municipality also issued a circular to all entities introducing the second updated version of the Al Sa’fat system, which aligned the green building regulatory requirements with the stipulations of the ‘Dubai Building Code’. These initiatives “They reflect Dubai’s commitment to promoting sustainable construction in Dubai, ensuring sustainability in all its buildings.”

In an effort to establish a comprehensive sustainable construction system in Dubai, Dubai Municipality has developed a strategic plan to integrate global environmental standards into all construction in the emirate. The organization has also provided a number of incentives for developers who meet green building standards, such as obtaining the ‘Al Sa’fat‘, which accredits the added value, efficiency and adaptation of these buildings to the needs of users, thus increasing their value.

Al-Hajri explained,

“All the criteria and prerequisites outlined in Silver Sa’fa are mandatory for new constructions in Dubai, as they have been integrated into the Dubai Building Code. However, the higher levels of Sa’fat, such as Gold and Platinum, they are still optional requirements.”

“Most green building standards, especially those outlined in Silver Sa’fa, have been made mandatory to ensure that all new buildings in Dubai meet the minimum green building requirements, effectively making them exemplary models in the global context “This marks a pioneering global initiative in the field of sustainable construction,”

he added.

According Dubai Municipality According to statistics, the number of buildings that meet green building specifications in Dubai reached 72,000 in the second quarter of 2023, accounting for 58 percent of all buildings. Al-Hajri pointed out that

“Meeting Al Sa’fat requirements guarantees a saving of 19 percent in energy consumption for Silver Sa’fa, 32 percent for Gold Sa’fa and 35 percent for Platinum Sa’fa. In particular, the Dubai Green Building System has achieved a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of approximately 2.28 million metric tons so far.”

Dubai Municipality is actively advancing its efforts to make existing buildings more environmentally friendly by developing requirements for their modernization and improving energy efficiency. This initiative is aligned with its strategic objective of achieving Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) by 2035. While all new construction complies with current green building laws, existing buildings built before these regulations are subject to the Sa’fat system during rebuild. This comprehensive approach reflects Dubai’s commitment to sustainable urban development and a greener future.

Besides, Dubai Municipality is studying mechanisms to ensure greater use of recycled material in sustainable construction standards, as part of its circular economy initiatives, making existing buildings a source of construction materials in the future.

“These efforts are vital to reinforcing Dubai’s stature as a global destination of choice and a vibrant economic hub, driven by innovation and investment in future technologies.”

Al-Hajri he said, in conclusion.

News source: Emirates News Agency

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