SmartCity yesterday announced plans to “go green” by adopting globally-benchmarked environmentally-friendly practices that will make its developments energy and resource efficient.
The company will design, construct and operate developments in each of its knowledge-based industry clusters according to the guidelines of the world’s premier certification programme for sustainable buildings – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). All the construction consultants for SmartCity’s projects will be directed to incorporate LEED guidelines in the design and construction of its buildings.
SmartCity will partner with TECOM Investments’ subsidiary company Sustainable Design Consultants (SDC) to implement sustainable development practices in a range of areas that will enable it to achieve LEED certification.
SmartCity is seeking to create a large network of industry clusters that will support the growth and development of knowledge-based companies across the world. Last April, it signed its first agreement with the Maltese government to develop SmartCity Malta. This was closely followed by the signing of another agreement with the government of the south Indian state of Kerala for setting up SmartCity Kochi.
“As we embark on creating knowledge-based industry clusters in various parts of the world, sustainable development is an important focus for us,” said SmartCity executive director Fareed Abdulrahman.
“Environmentally-sound practices benefit not only our customers but also the communities our projects are part of. Going green also makes sound economic sense and enhances the long-term profitability and productivity of a SmartCity project,” he added.
SmartCity’s green buildings will be both energy and resource efficient, non-polluting as well as flexible and adaptable for long-term functionality. Knowledge workers in each SmartCity will be able to work in a comfortable, productive and healthy environment. In addition, energy and resource efficiency will considerably reduce the carbon footprint of the buildings.