‘The Sustainable City – Yas Island’ Secures Highest Sustainable Urban Design Rating In Abu Dhabi

The Sustainable City – Yas Island has earned the "Estidama 5 Pearl" classification for its home designs. This rating, awarded by Abu Dhabi's Urban Planning Council, is the highest under the Pearl Villa Rating System (PVRS). It highlights excellence in sustainable development through energy-efficient designs, water conservation, green spaces, and eco-friendly materials.

Developed by Aldar Properties and SEE Holding, this classification reflects their dedication to social, environmental, and economic sustainability. The homes will utilise solar panels on residential and parking structures, allowing residents to save up to 50 percent on energy bills. The design promotes energy and water efficiency with a central green spine and biodomes for community farming.

Faisal Falaknaz, Aldar's Group Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer, stated, "Supporting Aldar's ambitious 2050 Net Zero target, the development provides a framework for the future of sustainable cities and supports the growing demand and expectation set by our customers for environmentally friendly and socially conscious living destinations."

The community will feature pedestrian-friendly pathways and communal battery-charged buggies and bicycles to enhance walkability. It integrates seamlessly into the wider Yas Island ecosystem, offering proximity to natural spaces, educational institutions, shopping centres, leisure spots, and entertainment venues.

Marwa Nahlawi, General Manager of Diamond Developers under SEE Holding, said, "By developing a live-work-thrive community that reduces emissions and enhances the quality of life, we are setting a new standard for sustainable urban development. This recognition underscores our commitment to innovative design and sustainable practices, aligning perfectly with SEE Holding's mission to spearhead a net zero emissions future."

Future Prospects

Construction of The Sustainable City – Yas Island is currently underway. The first handovers are expected by the end of 2025. This project marks the third development under The Sustainable City brand in the UAE.

The initiative aims to create an environment that fosters both environmental quality and community wellbeing. By integrating advanced energy-efficient building designs with water conservation measures and green spaces, it sets a benchmark for future developments in sustainable urban living.

This achievement not only signifies excellence in sustainable development but also aligns with global efforts towards reducing carbon footprints. The project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when innovative design meets a commitment to sustainability.

With inputs from WAM