THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, 21 July 2007 -- SmartCity, information technology zones of Dubai's TECOM Investments including one in Kochi, has announced plans to "go green" by adopting environmentally-friendly practices that will make its developments highly energy and resource efficient.

The company will design, construct and carry out developments in each of its knowledge-based industry clusters according to the guidelines of 'Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design' (LEED), the world's premier certification program for sustainable buildings.

All the construction consultants for SmartCity's projects will be directed to incorporate LEED guidelines in the design and construction of their buildings, a statement from the company said here.

SmartCity will partner with TECOM Investments' subsidiary company Sustainable Design Consultants (SDC) to implement sustainable development practices in a range of areas that will enable it to achieve LEED certification.

SmartCity plans to create a large network of industry clusters that will support the growth and development of knowledge-based companies across the world. It recently signed an agreement with the state government to develop SmartCity Kochi, the second after the one in Malta.

"As we embark on creating knowledge-based industry clusters in various parts of the world, sustainable development is an important focus for us," SmartCity's Executive Director Fareed Abdulrahman said in the statement.

"Environmentally sound practices benefit not only our customers but also the communities our projects are part of. 'Going green' also makes sound economic sense and enhances the long-term profitability and productivity of the SmartCity project," he added.

SmartCity's "green" buildings will be highly energy and resource efficient, non-wasteful and nonpolluting as well as flexible and adaptable for long-term functionality. Knowledge workers in each SmartCity will be able to work in a comfortable, productive and healthy environment. In addition, energy and resource efficiency will considerably reduce the "carbon footprint" of the buildings, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the buildings in their daily operations, the statement said.

Batterjee Group to Invest in Kerala
Batterjee Factory for Cosmetics & Baby Care, a subsidiary of the Saudi-based business conglomerate Al-Batterjee Group, plans to set up a manufacturing plant for its Nunu range of baby care products in India.

Addressing a press conference here, Al-Batterjee's Managing Director Sohail Fayyad said the manufacturing facility would be established soon in south India with an estimated investment of $25 million.

Fayyad, however, declined to specify the location for the proposed manufacturing unit. "We are exploring several possibilities," he said.

The Saudi group has already signed a memorandum of understanding with Lloyd Steel India for the manufacturing of various steel products.

The group will sign another MOU with Mumbai-based Unitech Group for logistics operations in Saudi Arabia. The project plans to introduce 200 trucks/tailors initially and then scale up the operations, he added.

The project is expected to have an investment of $50 million. "We are focusing on India as a major outlet for Nunu brand of baby care products and we are confident that the product will be accepted by the discerning customers of the country," he said.

The group expects a Rs.200 million business from the baby care products during the first year of operations in India.

The group having diverse business interests has entered into a strategic tie-up with Kerala-based Valy Group for marketing Nunu brand of baby care products. Nunu, meaning the newborn in Arabic, is now sold in over 37 countries.

Nunu baby care is having the entire spectrum of products including baby shampoo, baby powder, baby soap, baby lotions, baby oil and baby wipes. The products are launched first in Kerala as several thousands of Keralities are aware of the brand, said Jose Valy of Valy Group which brings Nunu to India.

"The tie-up would also provide another opportunity to boost the historical and cultural ties between Kerala and the Arabian peninsula since ancient times," he said.

In addition to the distribution, the Saudi group is also studying possibilities for investments in Kerala in association with the Valy Group.

At present its manufacturing division is supervised by Europharma Limited, UK.

The division also has home care products under the brand name Drop Clean. Drop Clean products include dishwashing liquids, antiseptics, fabric softeners and toilet cleaners.

The group is focusing on India as a major market for their products as well as investments.

© Arab News 2007