According to the United Nations Environment Programme, buildings account for almost 40% of global carbon dioxide emissions annually—and that number does not account for the additional environmental cost of construction and transport.
NO SIMPLE CLIMATE CHANGE SOLUTIONS
There are no simple climate change solutions, but LEED certification is one surefire way to reduce the carbon emissions associated with the built environment.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a set of standards first developed in the year 2000 by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Now internationally recognised, LEED includes a set of ratings covering design, construction, operation, and maintenance with the aim of promoting sustainable buildings and eco-friendly construction. It encourages the construction of long-lasting buildings, and the integration of green technology LEED system is unique in that in covers the planning, design, construction, operation and end-of-life of a building. It considers energy performance, carbon offsets, efficient water use and sustainable locations, as well as reduced landfill use and alternative transportation use. In that sense, it is a more holistic set of standards than others.
DUBAI REAL ESTATE IS PLAYING ITS PART
The Dubai real estate sector is among those already embracing the opportunities of green buildings, ranking third in the world for the number of LEED-certifications. Today, there is a grand total of 2,500 LEED-certified buildings in the Middle East, with the United Arab Emirates leading the pack with 600 projects—followed closely by Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Dubai’s Change Initiative Building was at one point the most sustainable commercial building in the world according to LEED standards. It showcases cutting-edge sustainable construction practices, as well as solar panels, reflective paint, water reuse systems and recycled materials.
Green buildings are not only an essential global warming solution, but also an incredible device for reducing overheads. Energy efficiency, reduced operating costs and a healthier indoor environment quality will allow real estate developers in the MENA region to reap the dividends.
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To know more about LEED Certification, click here