TECOM Investments takes charge of 'green' building development

With commercial and residential buildings in Dubai currently consuming more than 75 per cent of the emirate's electricity and water, TECOM Investments, through its recently launched Renewable Energy Division, is spearheading the development of 'green' buildings to tackle the growing problem of resource waste.

Under the auspices of the company's sustainable development policy, all new TECOM-owned buildings, both locally and internationally, will be designed, constructed and operated to the US Green Building Council's 'Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design' (LEED®) silver guidelines - the world's premier certification programme for sustainable buildings.

In addition, all current structures will be brought up to certification in the next five years, allowing TECOM Investments to reduce its specific energy consumption (kWh/ sq ft) by 25 per cent in the next five years.

The company also believes that, through the adaptation of innovative new technologies, it can ease its present specific water consumption (gallons/person) by 30 per cent in the next three years.

Ali bin Towaih, director for the Renewable Energy Division, said: "We are committed to an aggressive policy to reduce our electricity and water usage by retrofitting, building and operating the most energy and resource efficient buildings throughout our current and future project portfolios. Sustainable development promotes the use of resources to meet our requirements without depriving the needs of future generations."

TECOM Investments, an official member of the US Green Building Council and a founding member of the Emirates Green Building Council, is an established large- scale value added real estate developer with projects such as Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and Knowledge Village in its portfolio.

In addition, the company has launched several new mega initiatives, such as Dubai Studio City, International Media Production Zone, DuBiotech and Dubai Academic City, which will likely double current energy costs in the next three years.

"As TECOM continues to evolve, it is becoming more and more critical that we develop new and improved energy-efficient solutions. High-performance 'green' buildings significantly reduce energy and resource consumption, while also creating healthier and more productive environments. In addition, investments in energy efficient measures provide high return on investments, while optimising Dubai's resource usage and creating more knowledge economy jobs," said bin Towaih.

"Our business partners will also feel the knock-on effects of creating a more ergonomic working atmosphere, leading to increased efficiency, output and, consequently, improved bottom lines."

The development of 'green' buildings is one aspect of TECOM Investments' sustainable development policy - a unique initiative that applies world-class social and environmental standards to the organisation's activities.

The policy has been designed to align all of TECOM's operations to global standards of sustainable development and will be responsible for 'green' buildings, energy and water conservation and management, the procurement of energy efficient office equipment and 'green' power generation.

In alignment with its focus on renewable energy, TECOM Investments will support new technologies with a view of reducing grid-based conventional energy purchases for its facilities in favour of environment-friendly solutions.

"The development and utilisation of renewable energy sources will become a critical factor for TECOM and the wider industry in the years to come. TECOM intends to set an example for other Dubai-based and regional organisations in developing sustainable development practices for the good of tomorrow," said bin Towaih.

TECOM Investments last year initiated green building and energy and water conservation training programmes for all its staff and building operators, to empower TECOM members to actively contribute to its drive towards greater sustainability.