UAE-based Diamond Developers said work at its five-million-sq-ft ‘The Sustainable City' (TSC) project in Dubai is progressing well and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2016.

Located in Dubailand on Al Qudra Road, TSC is a practical implementation of social, economic and environmental sustainability. With innovative designs and future monitoring to sustain, the city embodies the true meaning of sustainable living, said the company in a statement.

In the first phase, Diamond Developers will see the construction of five residential clusters of 100 villas each, a community mall, a central green spine, an equestrian centre, horse, bicycle, walking and jogging tracks.

The second phase comprises an eco-resort, a country club, a green school, a science museum and the sustainability centre of excellence.

Announcing the progress, Faris Saeed, the CEO of Diamond Developers, said: "In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, we are thrilled to turn the vision of sustainable living in Dubai into a reality."

"The city was launched in 2014 with the support of Dubai Land Department, with a focus on sustainable living through a multitude of social, environmental and economic initiatives," he stated.

TSC, which is spread over 46 hectares, will have a population of 2,700 residents. It is a 20-minute drive to both Al Maktoum International Airport and the Burj Al Arab Hotel.

Wassim Adlouni, the executive director, said: "With a priority to reduce our carbon footprint and minimise negative environmental impacts, TSC addresses seven key environmental elements."

"These are passive and active design strategies and eco-friendly construction building materials; renewable energy on-site production to meet most of the city's needs; 100 per cent wastewater recycling to reuse for productive and non-productive landscapes; cooler and cleaner air for the city; urban farming to produce herbs, fruits and vegetables; waste -sorting at source and recycling programmes and solar-powered transportation systems for internal and external use," he noted.

The development comprises various land uses such as residential, commercial, educational, urban farming, leisure, healthcare and a center of excellence.

Alya Alhamad, the social sustainability manager said the development is in line with Dubai’s Green Economy vision.

"To enhance the quality of life for its residents, TSC encourages a strong sense of community through its design, amenities, and social activities; provides advanced healthcare facilities; and will be a knowledge hub for students, academics and professionals alike," she observed.
 
Emil Samarah, the chief commercial officer, said: "Ccontrary to general opinion, we have validated the fact that the cost of constructing sustainable developments is equivalent or even less than the cost of conventional developments."

"Furthermore, we have introduced a new concept for economic sustainability whereby a NetZero service and maintenance fee scheme are applied as a result of shared revenues from the community mall rentals," he added.-TradeArabia News Service