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Dubai wins top US green building certification

DUBAI, April 18, 2019

Dubai has become the first city in the Arab world and the Middle East and North Africa to get the Platinum Rating in the Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for cities certification awarded by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), said a top official.

"The Platinum Rating is the highest rating for a city's sustainability performance benchmark. Qualifying cities are measured, within a comprehensive framework, according to 14 metrics relating to the energy and water sector, waste treatment, transportation, human experience, education, prosperity, equality, health, and safety," remarked Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, the managing director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa).

"This award is a tribute to the efforts and vision of Sheikh Mohammed and the diligent and cohesive efforts of governmental entities and authorities in the emirate," he added.

Commending the feat, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, said Dubai's rapid growth in various vital sectors has been guided by the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed’s directives to incorporate sustainable development strategies in plans for the future have led to great progress in the clean energy sector, he noted.

Sheikh Hamdan pointed out that Dubai aims to consolidate its position as a global hub for sustainable development. The city is undertaking a range of sustainable projects including the world's biggest concentrated solar power project and the world’s tallest solar tower, he added.

Abdulla Al Basti, secretary general of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: "This certification reinforces Dubai’s strategic vision for a better future, and is a testament to the dynamic cooperation between all entities in working to achieve it and earn the city this accolade, in line with the balance that Dubai aims to perfect between economic growth and sustainability."

"This milestone serves as further proof that Dubai is on the right track to becoming a smart, sustainable city and to securing a green, safe, and happy living environment for our generation and future generations to come," he added.

Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of board of executive directors of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said this certification stems from the commitment that future generations are entitled to inherit a clean and healthy environment.

"Achieving such an accolade is also a manifestation of the theme "A Green Economy for Sustainable Development", the UAE Vision 2021 and the Dubai Government Carbon Abatement Strategy aimed at making Dubai an example to follow in the efficient consumption of energy and the reduction of carbon emissions," noted Al Tayer.

RTA is supportive of Dubai Government’s efforts aimed at striking a balance between roads and mass transit systems and making them the ideal choice for people mobility in the emirate, given their positive impact on curbing carbon emissions of private vehicles, he stated.

The Authority also embraces the principles of reducing energy consumption and adopting green economy concepts in all projects undertaken and services delivered, he added.

Dawood Al Hajiri, director-general of Dubai Municipality, said it was a unique achievement that underscores Dubai's pioneering position in the world in different areas, in particular, sustainability and the environment.

"In achieving this, Dubai Municipality and all its strategic partners adopted the principles of sustainability and the environment as fundamental concepts in their various projects, services and initiatives, in order to enhance the quality of life in the community and provide customers with the best services to protect the future of coming generations" he remarked.

"All parties are keen to develop and employ innovative ideas that contribute to the overall development witnessed by Dubai and the UAE; to benefit from successful experiences and advanced international expertise; and formulate effective strategies to achieve such extraordinary objectives," added Al Hajri.

Ahmed Buti Al Mehairbi, secretary general of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, said this great achievement emphasises Dubai's success in establishing the foundations of sustainability and underscores the emirate's commitment and great efforts to ensure sustainability.

"It also demonstrates that we are on track to promote the sustainable development of the emirate," he added.

Lauding the achievement, Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of the US Green Building Council, said: "It is clear that through the UAE’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the UAE Vision 2021, the Green Agenda 2030 and promotion of green construction and sustainable design initiative, the country is going above and beyond its responsibilities to tackle climate risk and focus on environmentally-friendly economic development."

"As one of the fastest growing metropolises in the world, Dubai itself has become a model for how a city can transform itself into one of the most sustainable and livable cities in the world," he added.-TradeArabia News Service




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