Solar power to play major role in new Dubai mega project
Extensive on-site generation of solar power will be a key pillar of Tilal Al Ghaf, says Majid Al Futtaim
Extensive on-site generation of solar power will be a key pillar of Tilal Al Ghaf’s sustainability strategy, the backers of the Dubai mega project has announced.
Majid Al Futtaim said it is setting ambitious sustainability targets for its new flagship community and aims to produce 20 percent of the its energy needs from renewable solar power, transferring surplus electricity to DEWA through the Shams Dubai initiative which went live in 2017.
To achieve this, the first offering of upper-luxury villas and bungalows, launched in April, will offer rooftop photovoltaic solar panels as a standard feature, providing 45 percent of energy needs, along with solar hot water heating and top-notch air conditioning systems.
In addition, solar panels will be offered as options on other single-family buildings, and installed on public buildings across the community.
Majid Al Futtaim added that public spaces will be lit by solar-powered streetlights and renewable energy will be deployed alongside smart technology to reduce energy consumption.
Hawazen Esber, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Communities, said: “We are taking an ambitious but practical, viable, and achievable approach to sustainability that will not only have environmental benefits, but in the long-run will also deliver financial savings for residents to create a healthy and balanced community living.”
Other environmental targets include a 55 percent reduction in the project’s carbon footprint, and 25 percent reduction in potable water demand. All water bodies, such as the fully swimmable Crystal Lagoon, will be topped up using ground water, the company said.
It said this will relieve pressure on the water table, which is rising across much of Dubai. Homes will also be fitted with water filters to provide pure drinking tap water and reduce consumption of bottled water, potentially saving 200 tonnes of plastic waste every year.
During building, 60 percent of construction waste will be diverted from landfill, and 30 percent of waste will be recycled during operation, with 80 percent of organic waste recycled as compost for the community’s parks and gardens.
Extensive plantings of indigenous Ghaf trees will also be provided across the community to encourage a sense of connection to the national natural landscape.
“There is a growing number of consumers who want to make positive change in their world and in their community, and Majid Al Futtaim supports that in our vision for Tilal Al Ghaf,” said Esber.
“Our initial offering of Harmony and Serenity villas and bungalows will provide quality that lasts, and residents see eco-features such as solar power as making an important investment in the future, taking a step beyond merely buying fashionable luxuries for today.”
Spanning three million square metres at the intersection of Hessa Street and Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, near Dubai Sports City, Tilal Al Ghaf is a phased project that will include more than 6,500 freehold homes when complete by 2027, ranging from apartments, townhouses and bungalows, through to substantial luxury villas.
Homes will be set in a series of walkable neighbourhoods connected by pathways, natural open spaces, and neighbourhood parks.
Around 355,000 square metres of landscaped open space will include green spaces and play areas, 18km of walkable trails and 11km of cycling paths provided with bicycle sharing facilities for the residents and visitors to use.
The centrepiece for the landscaping will be Lagoon Al Ghaf, a 70,000 square metre swimmable Crystal Lagoon, complete with 400 metres of beachfront and 1.5km of walkable waterfront, enabling a wide range of water sports.
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