DMCC launches sustainability projects to decarbonise JLT District
The 20-year agreement signed with Etihad ESCO will make JLT one of the largest district solar car shade installations in the UAE
DMCC, the Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise, and master developer of the JLT District, has announced a range of sustainability projects to accelerate the decarbonisation of the Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) community, in line with the Dubai Clean Energy and Net Zero Carbon Strategy 2050.
In a statement, DMCC said that following the announcement of the project earlier this year, it has signed a 20-year agreement with Etihad ESCO that will see the majority of the JLT Cluster’s car park areas provided with solar car shades.
The project will make JLT the home of one of the largest district solar car shade installations in the UAE. Furthermore, the installation will result in a significant reduction to DEWA tariffs for the district, generating savings each year for property owners – consequently making the community more affordable for residents and tenants, the statement added.
In July 2022, DMCC said that the facade for Uptown Tower had been fully installed.
The solar panels will be installed at OneJLT, the DMCC Tea Centre, the DMCC Coffee Centre and the Jewellery & Gemplex building. Additionally, the JLT District car parks will be fitted with higher efficiency lighting and ventilation solutions to reduce energy usage. DMCC will also expand its work with Etihad ESCO through other projects that target a 30% increase in energy and water efficiency across the entire JLT community.
Feryal Ahmadi, Chief Operating Officer, DMCC, said: “Representing some of the most salient issues that we collectively face today, sustainability and decreasing carbon emissions have never been more important. This core belief is the driving force behind DMCC’s comprehensive sustainability strategy and this full suite of decarbonisation projects that we are announcing today. Through these projects, we look to deliver an increasingly positive impact to the 60,000 people and 21,000 businesses that call JLT home.”
He added that sustainability and other ESG areas are a core focus for DMCC. The statement pointed out that DMCC became the first free zone in the GCC to commit to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), encouraging responsible business practices throughout the entire value chain.
In September 2022, DMCC said that all office space at Uptown Tower had been fully pre-leased.
Dr. Waleed Alnuaimi, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Etihad ESCO concluded, “We are proud to partner with DMCC on such an important project. Installing solar panels across the JLT district fully supports the various sustainable energy strategies championed by the UAE, allowing Dubai to positively tip the scales for climate change globally.”
