Majid Al-Futtaim is setting sustainability targets for its new flagship Dubai community, Tilal Al-Ghaf, with plans to become the first mixed-use development in the emirate to achieve a “very good” rating under the BREEAM sustainability accreditation program. Energy, water and waste are among key metrics measured to enhance the community’s environmental, social and economic sustainability performance as per BREEAM’s assessment.
Extensive on-site generation of solar power will be a key pillar of Tilal Al-Ghaf’s sustainability strategy. Majid Al-Futtaim aims to produce 20 percent of the community’s energy needs from renewable solar power, transferring surplus electricity to DEWA through the Shams Dubai initiative which went live in 2017. To achieve this, the first offering of upper-luxury villas and bungalows, launched in April 2018, will offer rooftop photovoltaic solar panels as a standard feature, providing 45 percent of energy needs, along with solar hot water heating and top-notch air conditioning systems. In addition, solar panels will be offered as options on other single-family buildings, and installed on public buildings across the community. Public spaces will be lit by solar-powered streetlights and renewable energy will be deployed alongside smart technology to reduce energy consumption.
“Majid Al-Futtaim sets itself apart by not just selling bricks and mortar, but also making a steadfast commitment to the community beyond delivering homes by setting long-term goals to enhance its green footprint,” said CEO of Majid Al-Futtaim Communities, Hawazen Esber. “We are taking an ambitious but practical, viable, and achievable approach to sustainability that will not only have environmental benefits, but in the long-run will also deliver financial savings for residents to create a healthy and balanced community living.”
Other environmental targets include a 55 percent reduction in the project’s carbon footprint, and 25 percent reduction in potable water demand.
All water bodies, such as the fully swimmable Crystal Lagoon, will be topped up using ground water. This will relieve pressure on the water table, which is rising across much of Dubai. Homes will be fitted with water filters to provide pure drinking tap water and reduce consumption of bottled water, potentially saving 200 tons of plastic waste every year. During building, 60 percent of construction waste will be diverted from landfill, and 30 percent of waste will be recycled during operation, with 80 percent of organic waste recycled as compost for the community’s parks and gardens.
