DUBAI - SmartCity today announced plans to 'go green' by adopting globally-benchmarked environmentally-friendly practices that will make its developments highly energy and resource efficient.
The company will design, construct and operate 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 programme for sustainable buildings. All the construction consultants for SmartCity's projects will be directed to incorporate LEED® guidelines in the design and construction of its buildings.
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, a joint venture between TECOM Investments and Sama Dubai, is seeking to create a large network of industry clusters that will support the growth and development of knowledge-based companies across the world. Last April, it signed its first agreement with the Government of Malta to develop SmartCity Malta. This was closely followed by the signing of another agreement with the Government of the south Indian state of Kerala for setting up SmartCity Kochi.
"As we embark on creating knowledge-based industry clusters in various parts of the world, sustainable development is an important focus for us," said Fareed Abdulrahman, Executive Director of SmartCity. "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 a SmartCity project. Drawing on the expertise of TECOM's Sustainable Design Consultants, we look forward to building a solid foundation for sustainable development," he added.
"We are very happy to partner with SmartCity to assist them in creating a framework for deploying sustainable development practices," said Ali bin Towaih, Director of SDC. "Sustainable development practices could play a critical factor in SmartCity's future development as it expands across the world. The adoption of sustainable development policies is essential to the long-term development of any economic project. The SDC team will work closely with SmartCity in aligning the operations of its projects to global standards of sustainable development."
SmartCity's "green" buildings will be highly energy and resource efficient, non-wasteful and non polluting 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.
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About TECOM Investments
A subsidiary of Dubai Holding, TECOM Investments started with the aim of developing the knowledge-based economy in Dubai. This aim addresses a variety of industry sectors including telecom, media and technology park development. To achieve the ambition of developing the knowledge economy, TECOM Investments successfully initiated a cluster approach in order to tackle each defined component of the knowledge-centric service offering. The clustered approach proved successful not just in the information and communication technology industry but also in media, education, and biotechnology sectors
The TECOM Investments umbrella comprises several business entities including: 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.
Empower, a company which provides energy-efficiency services in Dubai and the region is a joint venture between TECOM Investments and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
TECOM Investments has also tied up with Dubai Investment Group (DIG) its sister company in the Dubai Holding group to make strategic telecom acquisitions through Emirates International Telecommunications, a joint venture initiative. EIT has already successfully acquired a 35 % stake in Tunisie Telecom and 60 % of Maltacom, telecommunication carriers in Tunisia and Malta respectively. It also has a stake in Axiom, the largest mobile distributor in the Middle East, and Interoute, the operator of Europe's most densely connected voice and data network.
TECOM Investments and Sama Dubai (both part of the Dubai Holding) are also in partnership to promote SmartCity, a joint venture company to develop and manage industry townships for knowledge-based companies worldwide. It has signed agreements with the Government of Malta to develop SmartCity Malta and the Government of southern Indian state of Kerala to establish SmartCity Kochi
About Sama Dubai
Sama Dubai is a private company wholly owned by Dubai Holding. The international real estate investment and development company focuses on leveraging synergies across international, regional and local real estate sectors. Its aim is the creation of a world class portfolio of partners, properties and investments which distinguish it as a market leader. Sama Dubai is active across several segments of the real estate development sector including tower buildings (under the 'Dubai Towers' brand), large scale resorts (under the 'Salam' brand), business developments, mega malls and more.
Sama Dubai's existing projects are:
· Dubai Towers - Doha, Qatar
· Dubai Towers - Istanbul, Turkey
· Dubai Towers - Casablanca, Morocco
· Dubai Towers - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
· Amwaj - Rabat, Morocco
· Salam, Beach Resort & Spa - Bahrain
· Salam Mountain Beach Resort & Spa - Yiti, Oman
· Marina de Casablanca, Morocco
· The Lagoons - Dubai, UAE
For further information, please contact:
Rami Adwan
PR Associate Account Manager
JiWiN
The Public Relations arm of Dubai Press Club
Tel +971 4 361 3586
Email: rami.adwan@jiwin.ae
© Press Release 2007
