|
(NAPSI)-When people think of Dubai--the Rhode Island-sized desert oasis
that in recent years has become a world leader of business, construction and
recreation--chances are that "green" isn't one of the first
thoughts that comes to mind.
But Dubai
is indeed staking out its place as a leader of the environmental movement.
With a skyline that changes almost daily, the emirate's vertical expansion is
obvious even to the casual observer. Less obvious, but just as comprehensive,
is the expansion of its environmental standards and practices.
After the United States,
the United Arab Emirates
is the country with the most buildings under review for Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, a rating system created by the
U.S. Green Building Council that, according to the council's Web site,
"encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green
building and development practices."
One example of how Dubai
is able to meld its sense of progress with international environmental
standards is a building designed by architect David Fisher. Initially called
"Rotating Tower," the 80-story, 1,300-foot
building will allow for each floor to rotate independently, meaning that the
shape of the building will constantly change. It will also be an energy-independent
building, deriving its power from solar panels and wind generators.
Other buildings in Dubai
feature environmentally friendly measures, including the use of low-energy
LED lighting and specialized glass that will both reduce the use of energy
and make buildings more aesthetically pleasing.
Actor Brad Pitt recently announced his intention to construct an 800-room,
five-star "green" resort hotel in Dubai,
one of a number of environmentally conscious hotels that has opened since the
construction of Dubai's
first green hotel, the Al Maha Desert Resort &
Spa, more than a decade ago.
Other projects within Dubai that have contributed to helping the
environment include the establishment of the Dubai Municipality PC Recycle
Center; the use of hybrid taxis by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority; and
landscaping projects throughout the city that will help to control carbon
dioxide levels and literally create a greener environment.
Finally, Dubai
has hosted several international conferences on sustainable construction,
environmentally sound business practices and ways in which other cities
around the world can emulate its successes with regard to green buildings.
Dubai has
quietly become a world leader in "green" building.
|