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Stay eco-conscious now to be stronger later, urges Dubai developer
Source: BI-ME , Author: BI-ME staff
Posted: Mon April 20, 2009 11:26 am
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UAE. Sustainability must remain high on the agenda for developers during the global downturn, or they could find themselves lagging behind once markets begin to improve, says Limitless, the Dubai-based global master developer.

When economic survival is at stake, seemingly less important matters such as environmental sustainability are pushed to the back burner, because humans are genetically programmed to deal with short term challenges.  However, environmental vigilance and planning for the long term effects of global climate change are vital, even during times of financial constraint, according to Doug Kelbaugh, Executive Director Design and Planning at Limitless.

“Those who stay eco-conscious now are more likely to emerge stronger than those who don’t, because the new, post-oil-peak economy will expect – and may legally require – more energy efficiency and greater use of renewable energy sources.” he said.

“Every day we learn more about the dangers of ignoring the effects of climate change. Global warming is a long term threat to us all, a multi-generational problem that needs intense public education, regulation and incentives to guide us towards greener living. Developers can play their part with innovative, sustainable projects that incorporate alternative energy, recycling initiatives and environmentally-friendly transport.”

Kelbaugh added that public awareness programmes and real time feedback are key to ensuring that the people who live and work in ‘green’ developments understand their personal role in the fight against global warming. “If it can’t be measured, it may be ignored,” he said.

“A building designed to meet world environmental standards will be far less effective if the businesses or residents who occupy it leave windows open, fail to switch off lights or waste water,” he said.

“Often, the simplest measures can make a huge collective difference, if everyone develops the right habits.”

Limitless is aiming to produce the first LEED-certified building in Jordan with its 200 metre residential twin towers, Sanaya Amman, while in the UAE, its Downtown Jebel Ali project, currently under construction, will feature district cooling and eco-friendly transport alternatives to the car, among other green initiatives.

See also www.limitless.ae

MIDDLE EAST BUSINESS COMMENT & ANALYSIS

date:Posted: February 9, 2010
UAE. Location and quality are driving apartment prices; while average prices decreased, select communities, including Palm Jumeirah and Downtown Burj Dubai, experienced slight increases according to Landmark Advisory's latest quarterly report.
date:Posted: February 8, 2010
INTERNATIONAL. Trying to achieve financial goals by pouring all of one's assets into emerging markets today, telecommunications tomorrow, and Japanese small-cap stocks next week is not a guarantee for achieving a sound financial plan.
date:Posted: February 8, 2010
INTERNATIONAL. The latest survey shows 46% of respondents expect their business travel to increase, marking a rise by 22 points compared with figures of the same period in 2009.