Expo City Dubai Master Plan Secures Prestigious Sustainability Pre-Certifications In LEED And WELL Standards

Expo City Dubai has achieved significant recognition for its commitment to sustainability. It has received two pre-certifications from globally acknowledged systems focused on social and environmental sustainability. These accolades highlight the city's dedication to creating an innovative, people-focused community that maximises social, environmental, and economic impacts while promoting international best practices in the region.

The city has been awarded a Platinum pre-certification in the LEED Cities and Communities standard. This is the highest possible rating, emphasising inclusivity, economic growth, and environmental conservation. LEED is a globally recognised 'green' rating system for real estate and urban environments. Additionally, Expo City Dubai has earned pre-certification for WELL Community standards, which prioritise health and well-being.

Expo City Dubai stands out as the only urban centre in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to achieve this unique combination of pre-certifications. It is also the first in the region to receive WELL Community pre-certification. These accomplishments were announced at the Cities in Action Forum held from 6th to 7th February. They demonstrate the city's commitment to fostering a healthier, more sustainable community for residents and visitors alike.

Located strategically in Dubai South, Expo City Dubai benefits from excellent connectivity. It is near Al Maktoum International Airport, Jebel Ali Port, and Dubai Exhibition Centre. The master plan features five districts designed with an efficient grid system to ensure easy navigation and accessibility. Green spaces such as parks and urban water features are integrated throughout.

Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Officer at Expo City Dubai, stated: "Expo City’s master plan is rooted in the principles of sustainable development, and we are proud to have this commitment globally recognised as we push forward on the master plan’s delivery. Our pre-certification in LEED and WELL community standards shows we are on track to meet our ambitious targets and reinforces our city’s robust position as a new urban centre at the heart of Dubai’s growth corridor."

Commitment to Environmental Goals

The master plan includes specific goals like enhancing biodiversity, reducing energy consumption through clean energy use, minimising water usage by adopting alternative sources, promoting sustainable transport options like walking or cycling, and fostering economic opportunities with quality work environments. These objectives align with Expo City's vision of a vibrant community where people connect harmoniously with nature.

LEED Cities and Communities certification involves assessing various aspects that influence quality of life such as natural systems management or transportation optimisation within cities' designs. Pre-certification was granted based on data related specifically towards achieving these goals outlined within Expo City's comprehensive master plan strategy.

Expo City Dubai already hosts 123 LEED-certified buildings including those within its exhibition centre or village areas; however further plans aim towards ensuring all future constructions meet at least Gold level requirements under this prestigious programme managed by US Green Building Council (USGBC).

Health-Centric Design Standards

The WELL Community standard by IWBI awards pre-certification based on ten key areas: air quality management; water safety measures; nourishment provisions; lighting conditions; movement facilitation; thermal comfort levels; sound control strategies; material choices impacting health positively along mental wellness initiatives alongside fostering strong communal ties among inhabitants living there permanently or temporarily visiting site premises regularly over time periods involved accordingly too!

As part of Dubai's 2040 Urban Master Plan initiative aiming towards becoming central hub supporting key sectors driving forward economic agenda D33 delivery process successfully completed eventually covering total area spanning approximately three-and-a-half square kilometres accommodating around thirty-five thousand residents alongside forty-thousand professionals working together collaboratively across diverse industries represented therein effectively contributing positively overall societal development efforts undertaken collectively moving forward progressively into future years ahead without fail whatsoever!

Expo City Dubai's achievements underscore its role as a leader in sustainable urban development within MENA region while enhancing appeal among investors developers seeking opportunities aligned closely shared values priorities espoused consistently throughout entire project lifecycle phases involved comprehensively addressing needs expectations stakeholders concerned equally importantly so!

With inputs from WAM