Ras Al Khaimah-based Al Hamra Real Estate Development (AHRED) says it has been awarded the LEED for Homes status by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for the company’s Bayti townhouse community development.
The status recognises projects, developers and homebuilders that have demonstrated outstanding leadership and innovation in residential green building.
The Bayti development, totalling 118 townhouses, was credited with meeting the required design and build to be energy and resource efficient and healthy for occupants, the Northern Emirates’ largest real estate developer said in a statement.
Compared to conventional homes, a green home uses less energy, water and natural resources, creates less waste and also has higher resale value. It is also smartly located and built with as little impact on the land it sits on as possible, AHRED added.
“From actual construction through to the interiors and the use of sustainable technologies, residents have the potential to save money on energy and water bills, reduce their carbon footprint and environmental impact, protect their health and contribute to a higher resale value. These elements combined make Bayti a hugely appealing investment proposition to a wide variety of prospective homeowners and investors,” said Benoy Kurien, general manager, AHRED.
Bayti, which translates from Arabic as ‘my home’, is inspired by Mediterranean architecture, with a focus on high quality design and interiors, with all residences designed and built according to LEED criteria, he added.
“As part of the flagship master planned Al Hamra Village, where 50% of the total area is dedicated to green spaces, we have specifically created a community centred on family living and family values, whether it’s as a primary residence or second home,” said Kurien.
LEED is the foremost programme for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. Nearly 196,500 residential units are currently participating in LEED, with more than 82,000 projects having received LEED for Homes certification. These residential units span the globe, but the largest LEED for Homes footprints are in the US, Canada, and Saudi Arabia.