The concept of sustainable communities sits well with the progressive, eco-positive approach to life in Dubai. So it’s no surprise that the issue of sustainability is becoming central to developments throughout the Emirates. The conservation of precious resources, alternative methods of powering homes and businesses, and generally lightening our ‘footprint’ on the planet are all powerful motivators for developers creating green communities in the UAE.
The Tilal Al Ghaf approach embraces eco-friendly living in Dubai, building communities that emphasise a more sustainable lifestyle. In fact, the Tilal Al Ghaf masterplan achieved BREEAM Excellent for sustainable placemaking, recognising its commitment to reduced energy and water use, responsible construction, high-performance landscapes and a circular economy model for waste management.
In this article, we will look at the positive impact of living in a sustainable community and discuss why we think they're the future of modern living.
What is a sustainable community?
A sustainable community balances the needs of the environment with a desirable and community-focused lifestyle for the residents. The aim is to achieve a harmonious space where energy-efficient homes, a solid infrastructure and plenty of green spaces come together to create an attractive luxury community. Designed to minimise environmental impact while enhancing the quality of life, it’s an idyllic concept that, thanks to innovative design and planning, is now becoming a reality in Dubai.
At the heart of any sustainable community in Dubai is the amount of open and green spaces that are incorporated into the plan. This doesn’t just mean more parks, but a different way of laying out the development that creates green ‘corridors’ to encourage nature back into the community.
The inclusion of parks and landscaped spaces also has some unexpected benefits in that it can contribute to a cooler microclimate, allowing residents to escape the heat of the city. More biodiversity will naturally follow, especially if the use of harsh weed killers or overly brutal landscaping methods is avoided.
However, in addition to the green spaces, eco-friendly living in Dubai must also consider the needs of both people and the planet. Compromise is inevitable, but for a sustainable community, it doesn’t have to mean sacrificing luxury or a comfortable lifestyle.
Sustainable communities are energy-efficient. Many now target net-zero energy at the building or district level. This can be achieved by using technology such as the latest generation of photovoltaic solar panels, like those used in the Tilal Al Ghaf, the centrepiece of the Tilal Al Ghaf development.
This building showcases how sustainability and design-led elegance can easily coexist, demonstrating the ease with which 21st-century buildings can integrate with their surroundings. The result is a sense of harmony and balance that can be replicated with no compromise on quality and a minimal impact on the environment. This is the very essence of sustainable living in Dubai.
The Benefits of Greener Living in Dubai
The positive impact of living in a sustainable community is undeniable. Reconnecting individuals not just to the community but to the world around them gives them a greater sense of belonging and a pride in their environment. While urban planners have long recognised the importance of incorporating open spaces into a development, recent studies have demonstrated a distinct correlation between the mental and physical well-being of residents and their access to open spaces for recreation and relaxation.
Sustainable communities aren’t just about looking after the planet – they are also designed to make the people who live there happier and more comfortable. Sustainability in the form of eco-friendly communities in Dubai and elsewhere supports this theory, allowing residents to enjoy a lifestyle that’s focused on the outdoors.
Why Sustainable Communities Are the Future of Modern Living
While upfront costs of creating sustainable communities can be slightly higher, the lifetime operating costs are often lower thanks to energy-efficient design and on-site renewables. In fact, in the long term, the cost savings can be substantial, as energy-efficient homes and communal buildings achieve Zero Energy status, making them cheaper to run and easier to maintain.
Smart infrastructure, such as water management systems and energy-efficient street lighting, also contributes to the lower running costs of a community without impacting the quality of life of its residents. Encouraging people to use alternative methods of transport, such as walking and cycling, also cuts down air pollution, creating a cleaner, greener environment.
The benefits of sustainable communities are simple, they are sustainable. They are also scalable, with a successful eco-friendly blueprint that can be easily adapted for another location. They are also increasingly popular with residents, who now expect new urban developments to be eco-focused. This is why the Tilal Al Ghaf model is proving to be one of the most innovative and dynamic examples of sustainable living in Dubai.
To find out more, download our brochure or come and see for yourself how Tilal Al Ghaf is changing the way we think about living in Dubai.
