DUBAI: “Practice what you preach” is a motto that Dubai Municipality has taken to heart. Instead of preaching about the merits of “green architecture” they have started applying the Green Roofs project on the roofs of municipality buildings.
The project aims to transform the roofs of all buildings and houses in Dubai into green space using water from AC units to irrigate plants.
Hussain Nasser Lootah, acting director general of Dubai Municipality, said the city has launched the initiative in line with the law on the application of green building specifications in Dubai, which would be officially issued in mid-December under the directives of UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum.
“This project comes as an implementation and follow up of the Green Buildings project. It also caters to the huge urban expansion witnessed by the city of Dubai, which enhances the heat level in the region. Green roofs are considered to be one of the environment-friendly solutions taken up by Dubai Municipality to face project expansions,” said Lootah.
He added that the municipality, having conducted a vast study confirming the project’s success in other countries, decided to take it up to protect the environment, reduce the level of heat and cleanse the air from pollutants.
Lootah said the municipality would soon issue a booklet to show residents how to make their roofs green.
With regard to the Green Buildings law, Lootah said the municipality’s study has defined per capita electricity and water consumption, figures which would be applied as a criterion for the project’s success in Dubai.
It is considered that buildings would not become “green” unless residents are educated on the importance of the economic consumption of electricity and water. The municipality has also directed building consultants working in the emirate to take into consideration these aspects when designing buildings.
The Green Buildings project will be implemented in three short-term (2008), mid-term (2009-2012) and long-term phases.
