ETA Star launches Dh1.6bn ‘green’ project

ETA Star Property Developers, the real estate development arm of ETA-Star Group, yesterday launched Verde Residences and Offices, a Dh1.6 billion project in Dubai Maritime City, which will harnesses the power of “green”.

“This is our first building where we aim to achieve a Gold-certified green building. However, all our projects will incorporate green features,” Abid Junaid, executive director of ETA Star, told Emirates Business.

Gold certification means a building meets the United States’ Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or Leed, standard for sustainable site development.

Verde Residences and Offices, designed by Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill, has been designed to maximise the use of natural forces such as wind, natural light and geothermal mass along with optimum use of energy-efficient systems and technologies. Construction work will commence in June, with the project expected to be completed within 36 months.

“The initial capital investment in certainly more, but operational costs tend to be lower over the years,” Junaid said when asked if a green building costs higher than conventional ones.

The project comprises two towers – residential and commercial. The 33-level curtain-glazed Verde Office tower is designed in the shape of trapezoid, with a total built-up area of 820,000 square foot. It will consist of podium offices and a sky garden.

Verde Residence is built in the shape of a boat, which is a 48-storey glass tower, with a total built-up area of 1.35 million square foot. It includes two- and three-bedroom units, three- and four-bedroom penthouses and four-bedroom duplex townhouses on podium liner.

According to Adrain Smith, chief architect of the towers, buildings worldwide contribute about 50 per cent of carbon emissions, but the towers will use sustainable techniques that will save energy equal to planting 600,000 trees or removing 680 cars off the road.

The project will also have a district cooling system using wind turbines, photovoltaic solar hot water, energy efficient lighting equipment and grey water system, he added.

ETA Star has launched projects close to 30 million square foot in various master developments such as Dubai Marina, Jumeriah Lake Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, Business Bay and International Media Production Zone.

The number

50%:  Contribution of buildings to worldwide carbon emissions. The Verde towers will use sustainable techniques that will save energy

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