UAE pushes sustainable green buildings (page 2 of 2)

The Dubai Lighthouse is considered even more energy efficient, having attained Platinum LEED status.

Many actions are common sense, says the Atkins spokesman. With a building, 'you need to let the light in but not the heat. For a building's car parks, put them above ground not underground, so that they have natural ventilation.'

Photovoltaic cell use for solar power is also on the rise, and in region that enjoys so much sunshine, an obvious means of providing power. Although these will add an initial upfront cost, if installed correctly (in this region that means 5% off the horizontal because of the sun's position and facing south) they will provide a benefit over the long run.

It is easy to shout about a company's or country's green credentials, but harder to follow words through with actions. In the UAE, developers are teaming up with designers to push through more sustainable buildings, and in a country where new announcements have to be the biggest, longest, tallest, it has the world's eyes on it as it develops 'the greenest'.

See also:
All Cityscape Abu Dhabi news
Green buildings LEED eco-construction
Watch: Lulu Island unveiled at Cityscape Abu Dhabi