While the world maneuvers out of the pandemic, Dubai has done phenomenally well to handle it and emerge strong with sustainability being one of the sub-themes identified in its success story.
Sustainability is also one of the key themes at the Expo 2020 Dubai, and authorities are providing an engaging platform – through Expo 2020 Dubai – enabling innovators in the real estate space an eco-friendly solution providers to showcase solutions, generate interest and encourage collaboration that helps bring sustainable living, architecture and construction to reality.
This is a clear indication that cleaner and greener construction will be the norm for years to come. Our lifestyle would not be truly sustainable unless greener practices can be embedded across the entirety of our cities through environment-friendly developments, be it homes, offices, hotels, or any other projects.
This is the time for developers to take a cue and change the way we develop projects – curb environmental degradation, reduce carbon emissions and minimise the depletion of natural resources.
Green initiatives and innovations to save water, limiting plastic usage, and switching to renewable sources of energy are not just ways for individuals to reduce their carbon footprints; but can even transform living and corporate spaces, if done right, to make them more sustainable.
The Expo 2020 Dubai’s Sustainability Pavilion, Terra, stationed as the centerpiece of the Sustainability District, has one key focus point i.e. to draw attention to the detrimental impact of our choices on the environment through its immersive journey. Besides Terra, the Sustainability District at the Expo has attracted several country pavilions that are keen on showcasing advanced technologies within the sector and their benefits for the environment and long term sustainability.
Environmental mindfulness is gaining rapid traction among consumers, and exhibits like the ones at Expo 2020 help envision a sustainable technology-driven future that is actually viable. UAE’s recent game changing commitment towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 only goes to state the seriousness of the leaders of our nation in committing to the sustainability mindset to boost long-term economic growth.
Considering that sustainability is emerging as a prominent aspiration for smart city development among consumers, real estate developers need to introspect and consider changes that can actively help build a healthier, more sustainable planet. Right from proactively using cleaner materials that have a reduced impact on the environment and using cleaner sources of energy to water-saving mechanisms and smart home automation to reduce consumption, they have a variety of ways to develop sustainable spaces from scratch.
There is no doubt that sustainable living will gain momentum post the Expo, and not many developers in the region are well prepared to cater to the green needs of the hour.
The government and the leadership of this country have been encouraging everyone with ample opportunities for investment in sustainable projects. Developers need to see that they have an inherent responsibility to help contribute towards creating a low-carbon, sustainable, and green economy. A sustainable and sensitive approach to urban development needs to be adopted by supporting sustainability standards in the region’s construction industry and developing innovative systems that support sustainable development.
While we believe that more than enough has been spoken on the importance of sustainability, the Expo 2020 will be a phenomenal catalyst to put action to words.
Yousuf Fakhruddin, CEO of Fakhruddin Properties International has been at the helm of the organisation, leading it to new heights, for almost two decades now. He is an ardent believer in incorporation of advanced technology across the business and has marked his presence through various ventures in diversified business verticals over the course of his career. Yousuf has not just managed and represented Fakhruddin Properties International as the CEO for 20 years, he has also been a Board member of the homegrown brand of over half a century, Fakhruddin Holdings.