Our Stories

Growing Our Solar Energy Capacity in the UAE

In our commitment to sustainability and cleaner energy solutions, we’re excited to share some significant strides we’ve made in solar energy across the UAE. Last year, we amped up our total installed solar capacity by a remarkable 21%, with new installations lighting up both the Meadows Souk and Meadow Village. This move isn’t just about innovation; it’s about making tangible contributions to the environment and our communities.

But we’re not stopping there. Our team is actively conducting feasibility studies to explore further integrations of solar energy into our energy mix, paving the way for a greener future. The exciting news continues with the anticipated launch of two new eco-friendly landmarks in 2024: The Valley Retail Centre and the Arabian Ranches III Community Centre. These projects are expected to boast a combined solar capacity of 1,263 KWp. Once operational, they will significantly reduce our carbon footprint, abating over 1,400 MTCO2eq of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

Our Journey to Sustainable Water Use

At Emaar, managing our water resources responsibly is more than a commitment—it’s a core part of our operations. In 2023 alone, our properties utilized over 900 million imperial gallons of water, a reflection of our expanding footprint and thriving communities. But with growth comes responsibility, and we’ve embraced innovative measures to ensure every drop counts.

Through the implementation of sub-metering systems across our properties, we empower tenants to monitor and manage their water usage effectively, helping them save water and cut costs. Additionally, our water efficiency initiatives are making waves. From repurposing backwash water in over 30 communities to harmonizing water flow rates in all Emaar hotels, we’re setting new standards in water stewardship. Our dedication extends to using bio-enzymes to reduce sludge in our lakes and introducing eco-friendly cleaning solutions throughout our communities.

As we continue to expand and welcome more residents and visitors, our commitment to sustainable water management remains unwavering. Join us as we chart a course towards a more sustainable and water-wise future.

Reusing Water for a Greener Tomorrow

At Emaar, our commitment to sustainability shapes every facet of our operations. One of the innovative ways we’re making a difference is through our water reuse initiatives, which are in full swing across several properties, including Dubai Hills Business Park, Acacia, Park Square, Park Heights, Collective 1 & 2, Socio, Golf Suites, and Park Ridge.

In these locations, condensate from air conditioning systems is not wasted. Instead, it’s channeled through dedicated drainpipes directly into a treated sewage effluent (TSE) tank. This repurposed water is then used to irrigate the lush landscapes that surround these properties. The results speak for themselves—approximately 15% of our daily irrigation demand is now satisfied through this condensate recovery system.

This approach not only conserves fresh water but also exemplifies our proactive steps towards building sustainable communities. Join us as we continue to explore and implement solutions that care for the planet while meeting the needs of our residents and businesses.

Emaar’s Waste Reduction Efforts in Hotels

Emaar is committed to pioneering sustainable practices within the hospitality industry, and our latest waste reduction initiatives are a testament to this dedication. At the forefront of these efforts is the groundbreaking move by Address Downtown Dubai, which introduced an in-house water bottling plant. This initiative, now expanded to all our Dubai-based hotels, produces 700 glass bottles daily, effectively eliminating the need for plastic bottles.

In our ongoing quest to reduce waste, we’ve also replaced traditional miniature bath amenities with large, refillable dispensers across our properties. Moreover, we’ve introduced eco-friendly consumables such as compostable take-away coffee cups and biodegradable cutlery, further cutting down on single-use plastics.

Food waste management is another critical area where we’re making significant strides. The Armani Hotel, for instance, boasts a composting machine that converts kitchen waste into valuable agricultural compost and fertilizers. Additionally, our hotels have embraced the spirit of giving by donating a substantial 14,954 kg of excess food to the UAE food bank in 2023 alone.

We’ve also modernized our kitchen operations with digital solutions like the Winnow system, which helps track and reduce food waste. These initiatives not only reflect our commitment to environmental stewardship but also enhance our operational efficiency, making Emaar a leader in sustainable hotel management.

Community-Led Waste Management Initiatives

At Emaar, we understand that effective waste management starts within our communities. That’s why we’ve launched several initiatives aimed at reducing waste and promoting recycling across all Emaar communities.

One of our key strategies has been the implementation of a robust recycling programme. This includes the segregation of waste at the source into categories like general waste, green waste, and mixed recyclable waste, making it easier to manage and recycle efficiently. Residents of community villas now have access to two-bin systems, ensuring that recyclables and green waste are sorted right from their homes.

All collected waste is sent to a material recovery facility where it undergoes further processing, ensuring that as much material as possible is recovered and reused. In addition to recycling, we’re dedicated to reducing our dependency on harmful substances by using biodegradable items and eco-friendly cleaning chemicals in our operations.

Moreover, our commitment to sustainability is evident in our efforts to repair and reuse. We’ve established a dedicated workshop for refurbishing various types of machinery and equipment, significantly extending their life cycle and reducing waste.

Community engagement is also a cornerstone of our approach. Through annual community clean-up events and ongoing educational initiatives, we emphasize the importance of waste segregation and sustainable practices among residents. These efforts not only contribute to cleaner living spaces but also foster a sense of responsibility and community spirit among our residents.

Harnessing AI for Sustainability at Emaar Hospitality

In a visionary move to curb food waste, Emaar Hospitality successfully completed the installation of the Winnow system in five of its premier properties in 2023. This AI-enabled technology has been implemented at Address Downtown, Address Sky View, Address Dubai Mall (formerly Address Fountain Views), Palace Downtown, and Armani Hotel Dubai.

Winnow revolutionises the way our kitchens manage waste by using advanced AI and sensor technology to automatically track and analyze food waste. The system uses cameras to identify and record wasted items, improving data accuracy over time as the machine learns from images captured.

While the initial phase has focused on setting up and training the system, the real impact of Winnow will be evaluated in 2024. We anticipate using the insights gained from this technology to pinpoint areas of excess food production. This strategic information will allow us to adjust our food preparation processes, thereby reducing waste and controlling costs.

Elevating Waste Management Practices at Dubai Mall

In our ongoing commitment to sustainability, Dubai Mall has taken proactive steps to enhance waste management practices among its tenants. Recognizing the critical role of effective segregation in waste reduction, we’ve introduced a tenant identity system specifically designed to monitor and improve waste segregation efforts. This system is supported by comprehensive guidelines that detail the processes for proper segregation and disposal of waste.

To ensure these practices are maintained and optimized, we’ve implemented a robust monthly monitoring and assessment protocol. This includes quantifying both landfill-diverted and recycled waste, allowing us to track progress and identify areas for further improvement.

Emaar Hospitality’s Commitment to Mangrove Conservation

Emaar is deeply committed to environmental stewardship, actively participating in efforts to restore and enhance natural habitats. In collaboration with Goumbook, Emaar Hospitality has made a significant impact at the Al Zorah Reserve in Ajman, marking a key initiative under COP28.

The partnership involved planting 364 Grey mangrove trees, which are vital for carbon sequestration. These mangroves are projected to capture approximately 112,112 kg of CO2 over the next 25 years. This project is part of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment’s National Carbon Sequestration Project, which aims to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030.

Emaar Hospitality’s efforts extend beyond just planting trees; they are integral to fulfilling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 13, 14, and 15, focusing on climate action, life below water, and life on land.

Burj Khalifa Achieves LEED Platinum Certification

Burj Khalifa has achieved a major milestone in sustainability, showcasing Emaar’s commitment to the environment. This impressive structure, which has recently been honoured with the esteemed LEED Platinum certification under the v4.1 Operations and Maintenance: Existing Buildings rating system, not only showcases remarkable architecture but also demonstrates a strong dedication to sustainable practices. This achievement, acknowledged by the United States Green Building Council, highlights the significance of sustainable development in our urban landscapes. The LEED certification goes beyond being a mere symbol of accomplishment. It signifies our commitment to sustainability, in our journey towards a brighter and more eco-friendly future.

Green Evolution: From Plastic to Glass

Emaar’s prestigious hotel guests embarked on a refined, eco-conscious journey beginning in January 2023. By the end of this transformative year, the ornate chambers of Emaar’s havens, particularly the opulent Address & Vida, bid farewell to plastic water bottles in favour of the timeless allure of sustainable glass decanters. This pivotal transition, which began in 2022, was orchestrated by Sprudel, who was a vigilant steward. Reflecting on the staggering monthly tally of 20k plastic bottles per hotel, this transformation not only crystallises an annual savings of AED 16K, but also amplifies Emaar’s resonant pledge to an ever-greener future.

However, Emaar Hospitality’s green initiatives do not end here. Emaar incorporates cutting-edge Winnow Analytical Technology, embracing innovation at its finest. This digital marvel, which started earlier in 2023, aims to reduce food waste within our hotel walls, exemplifying the harmonious dance between tech-driven efficiency and sustainability. As the year progresses, the effects of this initiative, both in fiscal prudence and environmental stewardship, are being watched with much anticipation.

Dubai Hills Park Awarded 2023 Landscape Middle East Sustainability Prize in Parks & Recreation

The Dubai Hills Park seamlessly combines a vibrant community space with innovative stormwater management and sustainable design, showcasing the convergence of aesthetics, functionality and sustainability in a rapidly growing urban environment.

Designed by Insite / KEO, Dubai Hills Park is considered a pioneer of successful open integrated storm retention ponds. It has 2 major open water retention ponds, and a wadi system that stores up to 90,000 m3 of overflow storm retention water to accommodate 50-year flood requirements. This demonstrates an exemplary solution to a critical urban infrastructure challenge. The park cleverly uses its aesthetics and main architectural feature, sweeping hills, to cleverly disguise the stormwater management function.

The commitment to sustainability extends to the material selection, local plant species, and smart irrigation system. The use of advanced irrigation technology showcases an intelligent approach to water conservation, suiting Dubai’s arid climate and the push for eco-conscious design.

Adaptability and inclusivity set Dubai Hills Park apart. Balancing the needs of diverse age groups, with splash parks, skate zones, lawns, and jogging tracks, it carves out spaces for everyone.

The material selection was limited to efficient locally sourced materials. Planting was developed to provide shade and introduce biodiversity. Dubai Hills Park has integrated storm retention ponds, storing up to 90,000m3 of overflow water for flood requirements.
Specialized irrigation software was used to design the watering system and through a careful design process, efficiencies were introduced to ensure water conservation and maximum effect. The design team used software outputs of data on pipe sizes, solenoid valve flow rates, and the system hydraulic critical analysis to achieve the most efficient system possible. The system is monitored by automatic valves and can be shut down with a mobile phone.

Water quantity can be easily monitored through customized reports. The irrigation strategy is designed with dedicated valves for each plantation type, allowing for adjustments in water demands. The landscape irrigation system in Dubai Hills Park showcases new technologies, including design software and mobile phone maintenance.

Emaar Communities Journey Towards Sustainability

Have you noticed the lakes across our communities looking a touch more crystalline lately? That’s no accident. Thanks to our innovative adoption of bio-enzymes, what used to be murky waters now mirror the azure skies, with sludge levels plummeting by up to 80%.
But the transformation doesn’t end at the water’s edge. We took a hard look at our reliance on conventional chemicals and made a game-changing call. Fast forward to now: we’ve dialled down our chemical use by a striking 75%. The results? Healthier ecosystems and safer surroundings for our cherished residents and an average of 50 tons of waste is smartly segregated and rerouted away from landfills on yearly basis.

Every dawn at ECM, as most of the world is still snuggled in bed, we’re quietly working magic on 6K m3 of sewage water. This once-discarded resource now nourishes our verdant expanses. And that sparkle in our carparks? It’s a curtain call for our swimming pool backwash water, finding a renewed purpose.

But innovation is a constant companion on our green odyssey. We’ve revamped our landscapes with tech-savvy irrigation systems, ensuring that every droplet plays its part. And in the hallowed halls of our operations, abrasive chemicals have made way for their greener counterparts.

So, as we pen this chapter of our eco-journey, know that each stride taken is a pledge—an unwavering commitment to weave sustainability into the very fabric of our communities. Join us, as we continue to script this remarkable story.

Promoting Environmental Sustainability Across Our Communities

Emaar is proud to announce that 218 of our buildings have achieved the WELL Health & Safety Rating Certification, ensuring top-tier standards for the health and well-being of our residents. As we look ahead, starting from 2024, we’ve pledged that one building from every Master Community will aim for the renowned Green Building LEED certification. Our commitment to a greener future doesn’t stop there. We’ve initiated the installation of motion sensors across our communities, expecting to offset a staggering 2.5K Tons of CO2 eq. annually. Coupled with our solar PV panel plans for ECM: DHE & GVs (tendered for Oct. 2023), and diligent tracking of Scope 2 Carbon emissions, we’re lighting the way to a sustainable tomorrow.

Tackling Climate Change with Improved Energy Performance

In a ground-breaking move, Emaar has launched an Energy Dashboard that benchmarks energy usage by comparing similar facilities within the UAE market, as advised by the Emirates Green Building Council, against the Emaar portfolio average. Through prestigious partnerships with industry leaders like Honeywell, Engie, Siemens, Johnson Controls, and Taka, Emaar commits to retrofit and control measures, aiming for a 15-20% reduction in both carbon emissions and utility costs. This is a significant stride toward Emaar’s ESG goals, with a projected offset of approximately 14k Tons CO2 eq. every year.

Recyclable Cutlery

Reel Cinemas at Dubai Mall, a part of Emaar Entertainment’s portfolio, implemented a sustainability initiative in 2022 where the plastic cutlery used at the food outlets in cinemas was replaced with wooden cutlery. The initiative has resulted in cutting down 100% of single-use plastic cutleries. It also helped reduce the non-recyclable waste produced at the source.

Disposable wooden utensils used at Reel Cinemas make lesser waste, use fewer resources, and have comparatively very low environmental risks.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Water Recycling

Emaar Entertainment’s Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo has successfully launched a wastewater recycling project in line with its 2022 sustainability objectives. At our aquarium, we prioritise the cleanliness and health of our aquatic animals. As such, the water utilised in our exhibits is regularly replaced to ensure optimal conditions. As a component of our ongoing efforts, we employ a mobile backwash recovery system to recycle wastewater, which is subsequently repurposed within the aquarium.

This sustainable practise has effectively reduced the facility’s environmental impact, eliminated the need for water transportation, as well as the handling and disposal of large quantities of wastewater which has the potential to impact water bodies that are particularly sensitive. As part of our sustainability efforts, we have implemented an initiative that allows us to recycle and reuse over 80% of the water in our aquariums. The projected return on investment (ROI) for the project is estimated to be achieved within 1.6 years.

Maintaining Sustainable Marine Habitats

At Emaar Entertainment’s Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, we care for the safety and well-being of our resident marine animals. Our top priority is to provide enrichment activities for animals that promote physical, mental, and social well-being. To ensure the well-being of animals and reduce illness, an initiative has been launched to provide veterinary health and husbandry care.

We intend to create a suitable environment for animals by recreating their natural habitat, such as by using seawater from Jebel Ali. In order to promote the animals’ health and longevity, we also maintain a proper diet and appropriate nutrition for each species’ needs.

Saving Energy at the Aquarium

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo has recently implemented an energy-saving initiative by replacing the Metal Halide lights in the filtration room with LED fixtures. This strategic move is expected to yield a return on investment of more than one year.

The adoption of LED lighting technology can enhance energy efficiency and reduce utility consumption, resulting in a decrease in carbon emissions. Our retrofit initiative is projected to result in an annual energy savings of more than 55MWh, thereby offsetting an estimated 39 Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) equivalent.

Producing Biofuels from Recycled Cooking Oil

Instead of discarding used cooking oil, Reel Cinemas is giving it away to produce alternative fuel for transportation. Recycled cooking oil is used to create biofuels, which are clean fuels that reduce pollution caused by emissions. It limits greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reduces the consumption of fossil fuels in the transportation sector. One litre of oil recycled into biofuel prevents the emission of three kilogrammes of carbon dioxide, a 92% reduction compared to the use of diesel fuel.

So far, an estimated 11k L of cooking oil will be recycled annually by Reel Cinemas as part of this initiative.

Sustainable Energy Solutions

Utilising Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) for Air Handling Units (AHUs) in our buildings results in energy savings, reduces peak energy demand, enables smooth AHU operation, and reduces power when not required, among other benefits. This initiative is expected to decrease energy consumption by 64%, increase energy efficiency and light lifespan, and reduce energy consumption by 55%. In addition to contributing to energy efficiency and optimisation, equipment downsizing decreases energy consumption.

Renewable Energy Production

In 2022, Emaar Properties has effectively increased the overall Solar Energy Capacity of its community centres from 2.4 MW to 3.2 MW, achieving a remarkable increase in renewable energy consumption. In just one year, from 2021 to 2022, we have witnessed a growth of over two times, with consumption rising from 2142 MWh to an impressive 4510 MWh. Our goal is to increase our total renewable energy capacity to 5.2 MW by the end of 2023.

Recycling Communities Palm Tree Leaves

Emaar Community Management and Emaar Hospitality have partnered with a local startup that meets their biomass requirements with minimal or no operational impact. As part of this initiative, date palm leaves are collected from Emaar communities and recycled into biodegradable cutlery for use in Emaar Hospitality hotels.

The company will produce 650 thousand pieces of cutlery per tonne of date palm leaf waste collected. This initiative by Emaar promotes domestically produced goods and supports local businesses while employing recyclable and biodegradable alternatives to plastic cutlery.

The Community Garden Challenge

Residents of our communities in Emirates Living, Arabian Ranches I & II, Reem, Polo Homes, Dubai Hills Estate, and Emaar South participated in the Community Garden Challenge to promote community spirit and encourage residents to take an active interest in the beautification of their private gardens.

Residents could enter the contest by submitting a video tour and photographs of their garden. Fifty-nine submissions were received, and the finalists were ranked in different categories: small gardens, medium-sized gardens, and large gardens. Interviews with the winners were published in local newsletters.

Recycling Awareness Campaign

At Emaar Communities, we have implemented a recycling awareness campaign that makes residents aware of ways and means of waste reduction, reuse and recycling and encourages them to practice responsible waste management.
Posters and brochures were distributed via email blasts and posted on community bulletin boards and gatehouses as part of the campaign which resulted in green waste generated by households in horizontal communities being collected at no additional cost.

With this campaign, Emaar took another step towards establishing a circular economy.

The WELL Health & Safety Rating

Emaar Community Management has obtained the WELL Health & Safety Rating certificate for 218 buildings in its portfolio to create living spaces that promote residents’ and visitors’ health and well-being.

Pool-water Conservation

Over 2,000 low-volume aerators were installed in the showerheads of swimming pool amenities across all Emaar communities. Water conservation prevents the depletion of natural resources and aids climate action. It also reduces the amount of freshwater extracted from the ecosystem and the energy required for extraction, treatment, and transportation. This sustainability project is estimated to save over 8 million gallons of water annually.

Residents Health and Well-being

As part of the Dubai Fitness Month (Oct-Nov 2022), Emaar Community Management conducted Fitness weekends in The Greens and Views, Dubai Creek Harbour, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Emirates Living communities. Titled ‘Afrofit’, the emphasis was on Afro Fitness, a dance workout that combines toning and cardio dance training. Along with this, residents also got to enjoy a Zumba session, yoga and deep stretching. Over 2,500 people participated in the fitness weekend across the five communities targeting the health and wellness of the residents of the communities.

Green Building Certificate

To improve the sustainability of our buildings and communities, Emaar Community Management is pursuing green building certifications for its properties. A LEED gap analysis and feasibility study was conducted on a Downtown residential building as a prerequisite.
As an added benefit, green building certification will improve the overall perception of a structure and reduce its operating expenses through increased efficiencies and decreased emissions.

Energy Conservation Measures

We are extensively using energy-efficient fixtures to reduce our energy consumption in our different assets and projects.

A good example is the replacement of conventional lighting with LED lighting at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, which is expected to save over 55 MWh of energy annually, the equivalent to 22.22 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide. Similarly, the installation of demand control ventilation at Dubai Creek Residences, which varies supply air fan speeds based on sensor-based monitoring of CO2 levels, has resulted in an overall 22% reduction in energy consumption.

All our new developments will be EV-ready, with adequate charging facilities for electric vehicles. In our existing communities, more than 40 EV chargers have been installed across properties and residential assets.

To identify further Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), we carried out an energy management inspection and audit at one of our communities. Several ECMs were identified with an annual savings potential of 17.60% which are currently being implemented.

Demand Control Ventilation

Demand control ventilation is a technique that ensures the residential units occupants’ comfort by optimising the supply air fan speed using VFDs based on the feedback signals from the CO2 sensors that monitor the indoor air.

The initiative was implemented at the Dubai Creek Residences, which brought about overall energy savings of 22%.

Smart Irrigation Landscaping

Smart irrigation for landscaping has been introduced at a number of our communities using weather data or soil moisture data to determine the irrigation need of plants and avoids unnecessary watering. Further, treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) water from the Dubai Municipality is being used for landscaping purposes.

Currently, such techniques are being used at our Arabian Ranches I, II, Reem, Emirates Living, Dubai Hills Estate, Polo Homes, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Dubai Creek Harbour communities. It is estimated that through this initiative 6% water savings will be achieved.

Communities Energy Conservation Initiative

Emaar Community Management launched an energy conservation initiative among community residents, comparing their energy consumption to the same month the previous year. Residents were asked to upload their current month bills as well as last year’s same month bills to the Emaar One App for comparison. Over 112 entries were received, with some users saving more than 100% of their energy usage compared to the previous year. Prizes were given to the best energy savers.

Such initiatives and incentives will encourage behavioural change and raise awareness among residents about the importance of responsible energy use.