Sustainability has taken the spotlight recently, with more people seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint by lowering their energy consumption and individual use of resources. Real estate developments, too, are moving toward a sustainable path by opting for innovative design and construction methods, yet still offering luxury living.
Sustainability in real estate is the need of the hour. According to the International Energy Agency (IAE), building operations account for 30% of global energy consumption and 26% of global energy-related emissions. This is where initiatives taken by developers can make a significant difference. In the UAE, we are seeing several new and upcoming real estate developments that reduce overall energy consumption and lessen carbon footprints. They are also offering residences with green covers, ensuring residents feel closer to nature.
If you’re working with clients who are seeking greener and sustainable residences, our guide to the top eco-friendly developments in the UAE is the perfect starter kit. Read on to ensure your eco real estate knowledge is ready to impress and push you closer to converting valuable leads.
Masdar City, Abu Dhabi
The first development on our list is Masdar City. Masdar City is a sustainable urban community in Abu Dhabi that offers business, residential, and recreational spaces. This community is still under development and plans to be home to approximately 50,000 people and 1,500 companies.
Masdar City strives for sustainability in every aspect, including design, construction, operations and business strategy. The minds behind Masdar City have understood the effects of urbanisation to come up with the concept for this energy and water-efficient community. Using local and recycled materials, these buildings are reliant entirely on solar energy and utilise renewable energy. This innovative city definitely represents a big step towards a greener future.
Sustainable City, Dubai
Developed by the Diamond Developers in 2015, Sustainable City is Dubai’s first ‘net-zero energy city’. This development on Al Qudra Road (D63) offers a fabulous lifestyle, and is constructed in a way that energy is conserved. Sustainable City is home to over 500 villas with top amenities such as swimming pools, dog parks, gardens, domes for organic farming, and more
The presence of solar panels, around 10,000 trees, and car-free zones, along with greenery all around, adds to the unique eco-friendly lifestyle this area offers.
Al Barari
Al Barari is an eco-friendly area in Dubai, with a mix of apartments and large-scale villas.
This gated community spans 18 million sq. feet, with residences and popular recreational spaces like The Farm restaurant, Heart and Soul spa, and Body Language Club.
Al Barari stands out for its greenery, with over 500 plant species. The trees, landscaped gardens and lakes offer a unique vibe, setting it apart from any other area in Dubai. Residents seeking a change from the bustle of Dubai often look towards the tranquility of Al Barari, where there are six sprawling communities to choose from. Properties in Al Barari offer great amenities, too, such as swimming pools, barbecue areas, gyms, steam rooms and jacuzzis. Al Barari in Arabic means ‘the wilderness’, and overall, this area definitely ticks all the boxes as an area close to nature.
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The Opus
Designed by Zaha Hadid, The Opus has been called an architectural marvel for its unique cubic design, and striking blue and black colour scheme. This 21-story building is located in Business Bay and comprises a mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom residences along with commercial spaces, restaurants, a club and a hotel. It is located in the Burj Khalifa district and represents a stunning addition to Dubai’s glittering skyline.
Along with offering a host of amenities, such as a swimming pool, spa and valet, The Opus leverages technology for sustainable living. This is done primarily through smart technologies for energy efficiency. For example, there are various smart home systems in residential units that reduce energy consumption while maintaining the luxurious appeal.
Kensington Waters
Kensington Waters by Ellington is a residential complex in Sobha Hartlands. It is a 12-storey building with one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, offering various amenities and facilities for a comfortable lifestyle. Amenities include a sauna and steam room, swimming pool, barbecue area with outdoor seating, gaming space, fitness studio, and children’s play area.
The Kensington Waters building was constructed using eco-friendly materials and sustainable design materials. Ellington has aimed to meet Dubai’s Green Building requirements by using low maintenance, long-lifespan sustainable finishes, low-flow sanitaryware, and LED lighting. These sustainable innovations are great for residents looking to reduce their carbon footprint whilst maintaining a lifestyle laced with luxury living.
District One, MBR City
District One is a community in Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City that offers luxury, comfort and peace to its residents. There are a range of fabulous villas and apartments available here, each with excellent amenities providing high standards of living.
District One strives to create a space where residents feel closer to nature. The presence of the world’s largest man-made lagoon, surrounded by lush greenery, is a testament to this goal. With 26 million sq. ft. of open and green spaces for parks and water features, residents of District One can truly feel at one with nature.
Apart from the lagoon, many properties in District One, such as District One Villas and Naya, have been constructed with sustainability in mind.
MBR City itself has several developments that offer eco-friendly living, with an abundance of green spaces. Other projects in MBR City, such as Mag Eye at Meydan, Sobha Hartland and Dubai Hills Estate, are all green spaces with energy-efficient residences. In addition, they have utilised solar panels and power-saving systems to ensure a high level of eco-friendliness.
As a real estate agent, knowing the latest developments and trends in the market is key to staying ahead of the competition. Check out our Content Corner on Bayut’s Agent Portal to discover more resources that are sure to empower your real estate career.