In a move that pioneers sustainable development practices in the UAE’s corporate sector, the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) has announced that all its buildings will be built to meet global environmental benchmarks.

The first free zone in the region to adopt such a policy, DuBiotech will develop buildings that meet standards of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the leading rating system for ‘green buildings’.
 “Across the world, corporate organisations are waking up to the need to build more sustainable businesses. It is important that we commit to practices that ensure our infrastructure is environmentally sound. The adoption of such policies is essential to secure our long-term economic development,” says Dr Abdulqader Al Khayat, executive director of DuBiotech.
According to its new ‘green’ policy, the entire DuBiotech complex including its headquarters, laboratory buildings and pre-built units will be constructed according to international guidelines of sustainable development. The buildings will be efficient in the use of energy, water, and materials and have a high-quality indoor environment.
The heating and cooling systems, lighting and appliances in the buildings will be highly energy efficient. Air-conditioning tonnage will be reduced with under floor air-conditioning and solar shading. The buildings will also incorporate water-efficient technology.
DuBiotech buildings will undergo the LEED certification process, which will involve evaluation of diverse criteria including energy and water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, sustainable sites and materials and resources. Once certified, DuBiotech’s 600,000 sq ft headquarter complex will be one of the largest ‘green’ buildings in the world, says Al Khayat.
The adoption of ‘green’ practices will bring considerable cost and operational benefits for DuBiotech. Established under Tecom Investments, DuBiotech’s facilities will be built in phases on a 200-hectare area close to Dubailand. Infrastructure work has begun and is scheduled for completion by mid-2007.