Work commences at Trade Centre District

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced the commencement of construction work at the first phase of the Dubai Trade Centre District, the integrated commercial destination that is coming up at the heart of Dubai's business district on Sheikh Zayed Road.

The District recently received Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold standard pre-certification for its commitment to sustainability.

DWTC's approach to environmentally-sustainable development is in line with the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to prioritise sustainable development, as outlined in the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015.

The largest commercial development in the UAE built to Leed Gold standard, the District will offer more than 450,000 square metres of car parking, creating 7,000 spaces on four underground levels. The commitment to Leed will help ensure energy-efficient use of resources, reduce waste and promote the highest level occupant comfort and material recycling.

"Our excellent working relationships with our partners Dubai Municipality, Dewa and the RTA have played a major role in the seamless progression of the project from the drawing board to its current stage of implementation," said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of DWTC. "By building to a Leed Gold Standard, we are also contributing to Dubai's overall positioning as an environmentally-friendly city."

One of the innovations that have been incorporated into the blueprint is the optimum use of natural light, as well as a significant amount of landscaped terraces and green areas. In addition, working in co-ordination with the Green Building Council, DWTC is deploying carbon neutral technology throughout the construction and occupation process.

With the first phase of the District set to receive tenants in 2010, the group is also looking to build sustainability principles into its world-class facilities management programme.

Statistics from the Green Building Council show that existing offices, high rises, towers and facilities are among the worst offenders when it comes to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, accounting for 39 per cent of CO2 emissions and 71 percent of electricity consumption. However, the new wave of construction and development offers the opportunity to reduce this negative impact on the environment by around 20 per cent.

With the initial excavation work being completed, more than 850,000 cubic metres of concrete is being poured into the foundations, in preparation for 2.3 million square foot of commercial office space, and 135,000sq ft of ground floor retail space that will be offered in the first phase of the development.

Piling work on the project is under way with 3,000 of the 7,000 piles in place, as Phase One of this redevelopment project will transform the entire area.