Dubai: 11 February, 2009 - The Sustainable Energy and Environment Division (SEED) of TECOM Investments, today announced Phase-III of Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), the world's only free zone dedicated to international higher education, has moved closer to obtaining LEED Certification after completing all necessary documentation procedures.

DIAC's Phase-III is a cluster of five buildings that has adopted several green building features. Based on current utility analysis, it is expected to be highly resource efficient and environment-friendly.

The buildings have adopted several energy conservation measures in design including heat recovery wheels, enhanced levels of insulation, optimization of fresh air through variable speed drives on air handling units, recessed windows, and significantly low lighting power densities. These features will make this cluster 21.7 per cent more energy efficient than the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1 - 2004 standards.

DIAC Phase-III will also consume 30 per cent less water than the standards set by US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) as well as 40 per cent less irrigation water. These savings have been achieved by the installation of ultra-low flow water restrictors in wash basins and dual flush tanks in wash rooms, as well as additives in the soil for the landscape areas.

Dr Ayoub Kazim, Executive Director for Dubai International Academic City, said: "We are proud to become the pioneers in implementing TECOM Investments' Sustainable Development Policy, reflecting our profound commitment to be a more environment-friendly organization.

"Dubai Knowledge Village and DIAC are committed to reducing carbon emissions, a fact underpinned by the implementation of a series of initiatives such as the water conservation programme, and the phase out of halogen lamps."

Other green features at DIAC Phase-III include energy metering for various end uses, and significant utilization of locally or regionally made products. In addition, 'gaf', a local native tree that requires little or no irrigation or maintenance is also planted within the premises.

Ali bin Towaih, Executive Director of Sustainable Energy and Environment Division (SEED), TECOM Investments, said: "Through a series of energy and water conservation as well as LEED Certification programmes, TECOM Investments continues to validate its commitment to endorsing green-friendly measures.

"As a knowledge-based corporation with the largest number of existing building projects pursuing LEED™ certification in the region, TECOM Investments has demonstrated relentless commitment towards leading sustainable development in the region. Our objective is to make our developments more energy, water, and resource efficient and attach a certain level of social accountability."

DIAC currently hosts more than 30 reputed international universities of higher learning from diverse regions, including the US, the UK, Belgium, Iran, Russia, Australia, Sri Lanka, France, Pakistan and India, catering to the academic requirements of over 12,000 students.

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About TECOM Investments
TECOM Investments, based in Dubai, is a subsidiary of Dubai Holding, a global company dedicated to knowledge and life-improving industries. A creator of vibrant knowledge industry clusters, TECOM Investments is currently active in buoyant cutting-edge sectors like ICT, Media, Education, Biotechnology and Energy.

A recognized leader in the global knowledge industry, TECOM Investments manages entities like Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Village, Dubai International Academic City, eHosting DataFort, International Media Production Zone, Dubai Outsource Zone, Dubai Studio City, DuBiotech and Enpark.  

TECOM Investments' phenomenal growth also encompasses local and international joint venture interests like Empower, a district cooling service provider established as a joint venture with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Emirates International Telecommunications Limited, a joint venture with Dubai Investment Group and SmartCity, a joint venture formed with SAMA Dubai to develop and manage knowledge industry townships worldwide.

Emirates International Telecommunications Limited holds stakes in Tunisie Telecom and Maltacom, telecommunication carriers in Tunisia and Malta respectively. SmartCity has already laid the foundations of a global network of knowledge driven clusters through agreements to develop SmartCity Malta and SmartCity Kochi.

TECOM Investments also has interests in Axiom, the largest mobile distributor in the Middle East, and Interoute, the operator of Europe's most densely connected voice and data network.

About Dubai International Academic City:
Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) located in the Dubai Academic City is the world's only Free Zone dedicated to higher education. A regional base for premier international higher education institutions, DIAC is the world's first dedicated tertiary cluster development. Spread across an area of 25 million square foot, the DIAC campus provides an environment of vitality and inspiration for students and faculty. DIAC partners also enjoy special privileges like 100% foreign ownership, 100% freedom from taxes, 100% repatriation of profits and effortless visa issuance procedures for students, faculty and staff. There are currently over 20 international universities of higher learning in Dubai Knowledge Village and Dubai International Academic City from diverse regions including the U.S, Australia, India, Pakistan, Iran, France, Russia, Belgium, U.K and Sri Lanka operating out of DIAC, catering to over 10,000 students.  These institutions offer programmes that range in duration from one year to four years. Major academic programmes on offer include; engineering, computer science, finance, media, fashion and design, biotechnology, environmental studies, quality management and business management programmes.  

For further information, please call:
Zeba Ahmad
JiWiN
Tel: +9714 361 3590 (direct)
+9714 361 3333 (switchboard)
+97150 494 2989 (mobile)
Fax:    +9714 388 8001
e-mail: Zeba.Ahmad@jiwin.ae  

Hammam Alyazji
JIWIN
Mob: +971 50 923 2100
Direct: +9714 3755877
e-mail: Hammam.Alyazji@jiwin.ae

 

© Press Release 2009