Sustainable Development Current Buzzword

Country focused on achieving economic goals with minimal impact on the environment

By Yash Shah

(Special to Properties)

Majority of real estate developments up until the past decade were built without much attention on sustainability. But concerns raised on the environment have increased globally, and the UAE’s commitment to sustainability began a slow focus on infrastructure development.

Discussions on the important of sustainable infra-structure development in the cities have gained momentum. Real estate developers across the world have started taking into account the environment impact of projects, and began moving away from the “usual approach” in response to the need for sustainability.

The UAE is now known as having embraced a culture of sustainability in its effort to increase access to natural resources through responsible conservation and effective management. With sustainable urban planning, the UAE is focused on preserving its natural resources and cultural heritage, and achieve its economic objectives with minimal impact on the environment.

The country’s commitment to sustainable development is now aligned with global effort to enhance the sustainability of the Infra - development segment. The UAE became the first country in the region to adopt mandatory building efficiency codes, and mandatory efficiency standards for cooling. Sustainable thinking now central to the UAE’s infra- development sector in order to reduce the country’s carbon footprint.

However, countries all over the world still face sustainability challenges such as resources depletion environmental degradation and loss of resilience in ecosystems, despite a number of policies and regulations in place. The challenges related to sustainable development are quite large.

Overcoming these challenges depends on the availability of practical and positive solutions in achieving sustainability goals. The key to reach the goals is creating behavioral change which can be achieved through constant educational programs across all industry segments, and spreading awareness among the general public.

The writer is property sales & Leasing Manager, SPF Realty

Handy Hints

• Earlier real estate developments were built without a focus on sustainability. 
• Environmental concern had increased globally thereby affecting all countries. 
• UAE’s commitment to sustainable development now aligned with global efforts. 

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INDUSTRY INSIGHT - GN Residential (20 May 2014)