Property companies have welcomed the announcement of new green building standards in the UAE despite the potential for increased costs.
Yesterday, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued a resolution requiring all new commercial and residential buildings to meet international environmental benchmarks from 2008.
Rebecca Rees, a spokesperson for Limitless, the global real estate arm of Dubai World, said the initiative was a step in the right direction and her company supported moves towards sustainability and environmental conservation.
"We are working towards meeting the highest interna tional environmental standards, including water recycling and energy efficient glass. We have launched Downtown Jebel Ali project, which will have all the environment standards in order to get Leed Accreditation [the United States Green Building Council's standards for Leadership in Energy and Environment Design]." Rees also rejected the idea that new green standards would mean increased costs for developers. "Obviously a development with a clean environment means less pollution, less maintenance and cuts costs," she said.
The Downtown Jebel Ali project, she added, will incorporate a number of innovative solutions to protect natural resources. For example, a people moving system will be built in addition to metro stations at walking distance of commuters' homes.
Mario Senevirante, secre tary of the board for Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC), said the council will help to provide the rating system to ensure international standards are met. Its experts will also determine the specific targets for energy and water consumption.
"It is a great step that Dubai has taken this initiative and adopted the green building concept," he said.
Asked whether building owners will pass along increased construction expenses through higher rents, Senevirante remained optimistic. "All buildings are alike. Rents should not go up." Obaid Mohammad Al Salami, general manager of Dubai Real Estate Company, said the move went a long way towards protecting the environment. "Our projects are developed with full environmental consideration.We have specialised water and energy conservation systems.
By Eman Al Baik
© Emirates Today 2007
