Azizi Developments, a leading private developer in the UAE, is implementing a multitude of sustainability best practices across its communities to develop smart and sustainable residences that achieve a perfect balance between economic and social development and help preserve the environment, in alignment with UAE Vision 2021. Azizi aims to minimise its environmental impact while lowering residential costs and promoting the health and comfort of its occupants.

Mohammed Ragheb, Executive Director – Engineering Division at Azizi Developments, said: “We strive to create an exemplary, sustainable development model through our projects, from conception to construction. As one of the leading developers in the emirate, it is our duty to ensure that our developments reflect the latest global trends in green buildings. This is a win-win for all stakeholders involved, as developing sustainably not only helps us and our residents save costs, but also preserves the world we live in.”

Azizi Developments’ sustainability efforts are guided by three core pillars, namely environmental, social, and economical. The environmental focus is on ensuring a viable natural environment, as well as the conservation of energy and water in alignment with natural resource availability. In terms of architecture, Azizi develops its projects in line with local guidelines and international practices and regulations, creating designs that are energy-efficient and enduring. As part of this, Azizi develops contemporary building envelope for all outdoor-glazed elements, walls, floors, and roofs, which reflect heat and reduce the load on building cooling systems. Its building façade coatings have a higher light reflective value, and hardscape elements are built with a high Solar Reflective Index (SRI) of more than 78% to reflect sun rays effectively. Azizi also uses recycled, regional materials for its projects, thereby incurring lower costs for its residents and eliminating unnecessary carbon footprints. Through its chute systems, which have a provision for the segregation of recyclable and non-recyclable waste, Azizi also aims to support the city’s recycling initiative.

Moreover, for its mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) designs, Azizi integrates high-efficiency air cooled chillers with variable speed drivers (VSD) and heat recovery systems, used between the fresh and exhaust airstreams in its handling units, helping fine-tune its operational efficiency. Pumps with variable frequency drives (VFD) are also integrated. Additionally, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) pipes and ducts are shielded thoroughly with thermal insulation to minimise energy loss. Through the installation of its home automation systems, as well as LED light fixtures that replace incandescent bulbs and consume up to 90% less power, residential unit energy is made even more efficient.

Azizi Developments also follows strict measures in its interior designs, installing LED lighting fixtures and sanitary ware with flow reducers and sensors that meet and surpass respective regulations. Moreover, in its landscaping, the developer proactively reduces the volume of water used through the efficient distribution and recycling of water sources using low-flow water fixtures, efficient landscape irrigation systems, and air-conditioning water recycling for all landscaping needs. Moreover, to ensure shading and a pleasant microclimate, Azizi uses native and adapted planting. With a focus on green materials, the developer heavily relies on manufacturers who have a stringent environmental ethics.

In addition to its environmental focus, Azizi Developments also pursues several social goals, which entails fostering exceptional community lifestyles and creating equitable, healthy social settings. Its social considerations revolve around promoting human comfort and leisure, as well as aesthetics. This addresses not only thermal comfort, lower noise levels, and an emphasis on fostering a sense of well-being through enhanced indoor and outdoor settings, but also the creation of well-thought-out space connectivity and superb fitness and health provisions that add to residential quality of life, such as gyms, health clubs, outdoor playgrounds and parks. Its mid-rise buildings are built with the human scale in mind, making green communities such as Riviera in MBR City more pleasant and comfortable to visit and live in.

Azizi Developments’ economic pillar emphasises the creation of a sustainable economy that grants residents cost effectiveness and high-quality, long-lasting buildings. Azizi’s residents save on capital costs through reduced construction prices, as a result of the recycled and sustainable materials being used, as well as on operational costs through lessened utility and maintenance charges, resulting from its water conservation and energy efficiency efforts.