‘The Sustainable City’ to be First Net-zero-energy Community

ABU DHABI: The fourth edition of EcoWASTE 2017, conference and exhibition on sustainable environment, running alongside the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) and the International Water Summit (IWS), has attracted around 38,000 attendees representing 175 countries. 

ADSW from Jan 16 to 19 at Adnec is the Middle East’s largest gathering focused on addressing the interconnected challenges of energy and water security, climate change and sustainable development. A magnificent part of the EcoWaste 2017 exhibition highlights is the display of The Sustainable City (TSC) located in DubaiLand. 

This 46-hectare, 500-villa project is being developed in strict adherence to the core pillars of sustainability. The Sustainable City is not just pioneering within the context of the Emirates – it is the Middle East’s first net-zero-energy community. Faris Saeed, CEO and Co-Founder of Diamond Developers, says that this community is more than a place to live, it represents a way of living.

SUSTAINABILITY

“Aligned with the vision of Dubai to become a green city, with today’s agreement, Sustainable City is entering a new era of sustainable innovations and studies in the region. Our partnership with Emirates Wildlife Society – WWF (EWS-WWF) will help us lead the way by addressing both local and regional sustainability challenges,” he adds. 

Diamond Developers launched The Sustainable City (TSC) in 2013. Phase 1 of The Sustainable City is now complete and Diamond developers are pushing ahead with Phase 2.

A practical application of social economic and environmental sustainability in the built environment, TSC is the first operational net-zero energy development in Dubai and a model for a future carbon-friendly world.

The first phase of TSC comprises five residential clusters, a buffer zone, an urban farm, an equestrian centre and a mixed use development.

Recycling stations in each cluster encourage residents to separate their waste, and the transportation strategy inspires residents to rely less on motorised transport, and more on walking and cycling. Each cluster is a car-free zone, accessible only by foot or electric buggies through narrow “sikkas” (alleyways) that link the City.

The City has ample outdoor space for leisure and recreation. Residents can participate in the City’s urban farming programme and have designated plots inside and outside 11 temperature-controlled bio domes. 

BIO-DOME

An innovative revenue-sharing model of the mixed-use area guarantees net ZERO service and maintenance fees for residents.

The City houses 500 villas grouped into five residential clusters, connected to an urban farm that runs the length of the City. The Sustainable City’s water strategy includes water saving devices, grey water, recycling, and treated sewage effluent reuse in landscape irrigation.

Moreover TSC with its greenbelt of 2,500 trees creates an important ecological habitat and helps to reduce air and noise pollution. 

The trees are organised into three layers, up to 10 metres high. The first (outer) layer of trees is used mainly for noise and dust reduction, and provides shade for the horse track. The second layer provides shade on the cycle track, while the third layer (date palms) is part of the city’s productive landscape.

There are 11 bio-dome greenhouses running the length of the Central Green Spine, with a total capacity of over 3,000 square metres for urban farming. The Sustainable City has begun cultivation and the plan is to diversify and grow as many fruits and vegetables as possible in these domes and throughout the green spine.

The Green Spine is irrigated with 100 per cent recycled greywater – water collected from the villas and treated in a below ground treatment facility on-site. This clean water is then circulated through a series of lakes and streams that flow along the length of the Central Green Spine, and also irrigate the falaj and the flora along the way.

In addition TSC is building an international school, which will rethink teaching and learning environments. The school will set a standard for world-class education that integrates sustainability in all its forms (environmental, social and economic) through high academic standards and innovative teaching practices.
 

The school will utilise the various facilities in the development, such as the bio-domes, Science Museum and Diamond Innovation Centre and will become a focal point within the community. The school is slated for completion in 2017-2018.

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Taxonomy

• Natural Resource Management
• Energy Efficiency
• Sustainable Buildings
• Greenhouse Gases
• Mitigation
• Sustainable Cities
• Sustainable Building