SPI achieves 100% carbon neutral status for QR1.2bn Sabban Towers project

The announcement follows the completion of the final phase of SPI's QR3.5m global carbon neutral initiative, which involved wind and solar power projects in India.

The developer has cited its close collaboration with local governments and a global organisation focusing on carbon neutralisation as major factors in achieving this remarkable achievement.

SPI commissioned The Carbon Neutral Company (TCNC) in early 2006 to manage this pioneering carbon neutralization task, as part of the developer's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, which emphasises integrating environmental awareness into everyday business activities.

A thorough assessment of the construction processes for the three towers revealed that the project will emit approximately 88,700 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) upon its completion, without intervention.

SPI were able to reduce a massive 12,800 tonnes of carbon dioxide (14.4%) through value engineering, while the remaining, unavoidable emissions were counterbalanced by supporting global projects designed to absorb or prevent the creation of green house gases.

"We are delighted to be the first developer to achieve full carbon neutral status for our project, which is also a proud first for Qatar," said John Browne MBE, Managing Director, Sabban Property Investments. "The climate crisis is an increasingly urgent issue and we felt it was our responsibility as a conscientious developer to take a radical approach and to show what can be done".

In September 2007, SPI launched the first phase of offset projects, which included projects in Uganda, New Zealand and Jamaica.

The Ugandan forestry venture contributes to habitat restoration and alleviates pressure on native forests, which have a tremendous capacity to absorb CO2 emissions.

The renewable energy plant in New Zealand reduces CO2 emissions by replacing energy from fossil fuels with abundant wind energy in the north island.

The Jamaican project reduces the use of fossil fuels and lessens the carbon footprint by promoting the use of energy-efficient light bulbs.

The second phase of carbon offset initiatives, which was launched in December 2007, involved investing in the construction of a waste heat recovery plant and wind farm facilities in China.

SPI's latest offset declaration supports renewable energy projects in India through wind turbine projects in Karnataka, Rajasthan and Gujarat and also a solar project in Karnataka supplying households, schools and other community buildings.

"Our support for these global projects has proven to be a great learning and rewarding experience. As well as learning new ways to reduce our environmental impact we have, as a consequence, created local employment opportunities and contributed to the sustainability of local communities. None of these projects would have progressed without our support. Being the Middle East's first Carbon Neutral developer is a truly tremendous feat and we are looking forward to taking part in more initiatives that promote environmental awareness among individuals and the business world," concluded Browne.

In addition to its global initiatives, SPI has recently signed United Nations Global Compact, which is a framework for businesses that are committed to responsible corporate practice.

SPI also actively contributes to various environmentally-focused groups in the region, including the Emirates Green Building Council, the Emirates Environmental Group and its CSR network and the Emirates Wildlife Society - World Wildlife Fund (EWS-WWF).