TECOM Investments, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding, announced their position as the green building developer with the largest number of projects in the region undergoing the Leadership in Energy and Energy Design (LEED) rating system. The LEED certification is a global benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.

The news comes in the wake of a recent directive to comply with green building standards in Dubai issued by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.

Abdullatif Almulla, CEO of TECOM Investments, says: “The days when green buildings were considered experimental and complimentary are long over. Today, in-depth industry studies have proved that implementing green initiatives result in financial benefits through reduced construction and operating costs.”

Currently, almost 70 buildings in Dubai are designed in accordance with the LEED rating system. Cluster projects like the International Media Production Zone (IMPZ), The Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), Dubai Studio City and the international SmartCity are some of the initiatives TECOM Investments has launched to highlight a more durable and responsible method of development.

Research shows that between April and June 2007, TECOM Investments’ Energy Conservation Programme has reduced TECOM Investments CO2 emissions by 2,341 tons, or 13 per cent average of its monthly emissions.

In its continuous efforts to provide green building solutions based on LEED ratings, TECOM Investments has set up the Sustainable Energy and Environment Division (SEED) to provide a more appropriate guideline to measure building types and phases of building lifecycles in the region. Over the last two years, the team of experts, specialised in sustainable development, has added value to TECOM’s projects not only in the UAE but also worldwide.

TECOM Investments’ green initiatives have received international recognition. It was recently awarded the Best Company Award in the Alternative Energy Award Category by Future Fuels magazine, a specialized publication on the global energy market and trends and the winner of First Edition of Emirates Energy Award in the Energy Engineer category, September 2007.