DWTC builds on commitment to sustainability

DWTC's approach to environmentally sustainable development is in line with the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to prioritise sustainable development, as outlined in the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015.

Launched in 2006, DWTC's major urban development - Dubai Trade Centre District (DTCD) - was among the first in the region to be designed to be built according to the highest LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Standards. DTCD Phase One will offer over 240,000 sq. metres of Grade A office space. The investment value of Phase One offices alone will surpass Dhs2.5bn.

With today's announcement, DWTC will ensure that it is incorporating sustainability principles through the complete development lifecycle of its properties, including design, construction, operation and maintenance.

Buildings within its developments will be environmentally sustainable and will make the best use of naturally-lit spaces alongside landscaped terraces.

Through the UAE Green Building Council, DWTC is also looking to encourage innovative use of energy-saving and carbon neutral technology throughout the construction process, and to ensure that facilities are in place across its developments to minimise the impact on the environment once operational.

'DWTC has been a long-standing proponent of environmentally conscious development and design, to ensure that we are contributing to Dubai's positioning as a healthy and environment-friendly city,' said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre.

'As well as being a core part of our corporate social responsibility, enforcing green building standards makes sound economic sense. In addition to producing energy savings and reduced utility costs, we are also ensuring we can attract some of the world's leading businesses as tenants, since global companies increasingly demand the highest environmentally-sustainable building standards,' he added.

Dubai's decision to prioritise green building standards, which comes into effect from January 2008, reflects Dubai's commitment to address environmental challenges such as climate change and global warming.