TECOM Investments Is Largest Green Building Developer in Region

Dubai: October 28, 2007 – In response to the recent directive to comply with green building standards in Dubai issued by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, TECOM Investments, a subsidiary of Dubai holding today announced their position as the green building developer with the largest number of projects in the region undergoing LEED certification.

TECOM Investments is one of the pioneers and leaders in the region to have adopted a Sustainable Development Policy since August 2006, creating the Sustainable Energy and Environment Division (SEED) as one of its key initiatives. The entity has since then implemented sustainable development measures across all brands of TECOM Investments, and assisted in developing the Energy and Environment Park (ENPARK) (www.enpark.ae) as a comprehensive eco-friendly community for both commercial and residential use.

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.

“We are very proud to showcase our achievements to HH Sheikh Mohammed today and boast our pioneering position in the region. We are proud to be in line with His Highness’s vision and put into effect his commitment to address environmental challenges. As part of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, our green building initiatives follow the recognition that timely action was needed to build resources and expertise for sustainable planning for a better future for all.”

In effect, results show that between April and June 2007, TECOM Investments’ Energy Conservation Programme has reduced TECOM Investments CO2 emissions by 2,341 Tons, averaging 13% of its monthly consumption of electricity.

This has not only reduced the burden on Dubai’s current energy resources but has also contributed to the betterment of the environment by reducing other emissions like SOX, NOX etc.

TECOM Investments has gone a step further by championing the Leadership in Energy and Energy Design (LEED) rating system, a global benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.

TECOM Investments is proud to announce that 12 buildings are already registered as green building projects under LEED standards with a silver certification and a total of 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 even internationally with SmartCity are some of the initiatives TECOM Investments has launched to highlight a more durable and responsible method of construction.

Sustainable Energy and Environment Division (SEED) was set up to spearhead TECOM Investments’ continuous efforts to provide green building solutions based on LEED ratings and over the last two years, their team of experts, specialized in sustainable development has added value to TECOM’s projects.

Ali bin Towaih, SEED’s Director says: “This is an exceptional opportunity for our green building community to gain such support from HH Sheikh Mohammed, one of the greatest philanthropic and environmental leaders.” .

“This decree will assist in facilitating a series of action plans that ensure a healthy and environmentally-friendly city and inspire individuals to act more responsibly towards their community”

While SEED has a team of LEED accredited professionals experienced in design, development, operation and maintenance, they demonstrate a pro-active approach that is tailored to the region, standing as innovators to drive other local companies to implement green policies.

TECOM Investments, also plays an active role in supporting the Emirates Green Building Council as a Founding Member and assists in developing a green building rating system for the UAE through its membership and chairing one of its technical committee.

In addition, TECOM Investments’ green initiatives through SEED 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. Furthermore, the Senior Sustainable Manager of SEED recently won the First Edition of the Emirates Energy Award in the Energy Engineer category, last September 2007.

As a further step by TECOM Investments and SEED towards sustainability and green building, the ENPARK project, a model sustainable community and Free Zone was announced on World Environment Day.

“The ENPARK initiative, with its complete offerings, represents Dubai’s eco-consciousness that contributes to the vision of Dubai’s leadership towards a sustainable future for the region, both in business practice and as a lifestyle choice” added Ali bin Towaih

“We are as keen to comply with international standards across all our green initiatives just as we are astute about a host of differentiating factors that make our green architecture smart and exclusive to the region: we are attracting cutting edge technologies to Dubai”.

ENPARK, Energy & Environment Park, TECOM Investments’ flagship initiative in the field of sustainable development will be an 8 million sq. ft. Free Zone to be designed and built as a model sustainable community, with only LEED certified green buildings and sustainable infrastructure.
A decisive step from TECOM Investments to bring industry know how to Dubai, fulfilling its commitment towards knowledge based economy, while it is anticipated that both the public and the industry alike can look forward to the unveiling of further developments.