Takes 'LEED' in Green Building Projects
Dubai: October 28, 2007 - In response to the recent directive to comply with green building standards in Dubai issued by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, TECOM Investments, a subsidiary of Dubai holding today announced their position as the green building developer with the largest number of projects in the region undergoing LEED certification.
TECOM Investments is one of the pioneers and leaders in the region to adopt a Sustainable Development Policy since August 2006 creating the Sustainable Energy and Environment Division (SEED) as one of its key initiatives. The entity has since then implemented sustainable development measures across all brands of TECOM Investments, and assisted in developing the Energy and Environment Park (ENPARK) (www.enpark.ae) as a comprehensive eco-friendly community for both commercial and residential use.
Abdullatif Almlulla, CEO of TECOM Investments says: "The days when green buildings were considered experimental and complimentary are long over. Today, in-depth industry studies have proved that implementing green initiatives result in financial benefits through reduced construction and operating costs.
"We are very proud to showcase our achievement to HH Sheikh Mohammed today and boast our pioneering position in the region. We are proud to be in line with His Highness's vision and put into effect his commitment to address environmental challenges. As part of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, our green building initiatives follow the recognition that timely action was needed to build resources and expertise for sustainable planning for a better future for all."
TECOM Investments has gone a step further by championing the Leadership in Energy and Energy Design (LEED) rating system, a global benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.
Currently, almost 70 buildings in Dubai are designed in accordance with the LEED rating system. Cluster projects like the International Media Production Zone (IMPZ), The Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), Dubai Studio City and going international with SmartCity are some of the initiatives TECOM Investments has launched to highlight a more durable and responsible method of construction.
In effect, research shows that between April and June 2007, TECOM Investments' Energy Conservation Programme has reduced TECOM Investments CO2 emissions by 2,341 Tons or 13% average of its monthly emissions. This has significantly reduced the burden on Dubai's current energy resources.
This has not only reduced the burden on Dubai's current energy resources, but also has contributed to the betterment of the environment by reducing other emissions like SOX, NOX etc.
In its continuous efforts to provide green building solutions based on LEED ratings, TECOM Investments has set up SEED to provide a more appropriate guideline to measure building types and phases of building lifecycles in the region. Over the last two years, the team of experts, specialized in sustainable development has added value to TECOM's projects not only in the UAE but also worldwide.
Ali bin Towaih, ENPARK's Director says: "This is an exceptional opportunity for our green building community to gain such support from one of the greatest philanthropic and environmental leaders," said Ali Bin Towaih.
"This decree will assist in facilitating a series of action plans that ensure a healthy and environmentally-friendly city and inspire individuals to act more responsibly towards its community"
While SEED has a team of LEED accredited professionals experienced in design, development, operation and maintenance, they demonstrate a pro-active approach that is tailored to the region, while standing as innovators to drive other local companies to implement green policies.
"The ENPARK initiative, with its complete offerings, represents Dubai's eco-consciousness that contributes to the vision of Dubai's leadership towards a sustainable future for the region in business practice and as a lifestyle choice."
He added: "We are as keen to comply with international standards across all our green initiatives just as we are astute about a host of differentiating factors that make our green architecture smart and exclusive to the region."
TECOM Investments also plays an active role in supporting the Emirates Green Building Council as a Founding Member and assists in developing a green building rating system for the UAE through its membership on the Technical and Awards Committee.
In addition, their green initiatives have received international recognition. It was recently awarded the Best Company Award in the Alternative Energy Award Category by Future Fuels magazine, a specialized publication on the global energy market and trends and the winner of First Edition of Emirates Energy Award in the Energy Engineer category, September 2007.
TECOM Investments' flagship initiative in the field of sustainable development is a new free zone to be built on 8 million sq. ft. of land that is designed as a sustainable community with only LEED certified green buildings and sustainable infrastructure.
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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 a stake in Tunisie Telecom and a stake in 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.
For more information, please contact:
Rami Adwan
Associate Account Manager
JiWin Public Relations
Tel: + 971 4 361 3586
Email: Rami.Adwan@jiwin.ae
Angelina Wong
Senior Account Executive
JiWin Public Relations
Tel: +971 4 369 2834
Email: Angelina.Wong@jiwin.ae
Press Release 2007
