Dubai: Misconceptions that sustainable development works best in the West or that it is poorly suited for the arid Middle East environment, are just that: mistaken beliefs.
Several initiatives already in existence for four to five years in Dubai have shown that sustainable development works here and "works very well", according to Sougata Nandi, executive director, Asset Management and Sustainable Division, Tecom Investments
Sustainable development is not reserved for the West and is a "useful tool that also adds immense value to society and the environment", Nandi said.
"Sustainable development is not related to geographical location, nature of business, operations or activity, as many believe. Sustainable development works well at every level of society, operations or commercial activity. So be it offices, residences, retail or commercial complexes, hotels, hospitals, government infrastructure, airports, public transportation — sustainable development works," Nandi added.
Biggest challenge
"The biggest challenge is not the technology, but the self-restricting, preconceived notions all across the board — be it consultants, contractors, architects, or material suppliers — that suggest that the dynamics of this region are hostile to sustainable development, that it is not financially rewarding, or that it is not suited to the mind-set prevalent in this part of the world," he said.
At Tecom, through its sustainable development policy, the company's carbon footprint has been reduced. The Asset Management and Sustainability Division (AMSD) was created by the merger of two divisions — Sustainable Energy and Environment Division (Seed) and Asset Management last year.
Seed focused essentially on sustainable development activities of Tecom Investments such as energy savings and water conservation, as well as green building certification for all new construction projects at Tecom.
Asset Management was a function created by Tecom to manage the fit-out work of all offices that come into Tecom buildings as well as some part of the infrastructure maintenance and management.
"People have welcomed and liked our initiatives, and there is a huge culture shift which we have marked. Admittedly, we faced reluctance and apprehension when we first started off, but now people approach us and ask, ‘What more can we do on the sustainability front?' The idea has caught on," he said.
Empowering individuals
Tecom owns nearly 80 buildings of various sizes.
Socially responsible events like Earth Hour help empower individuals, however corporations should lead the way, he said.
"They have the financial muscle and greater vested interested in sustainable development," he said.
Individuals benefit financially up to a point, and so would the environment and society. However, the beneficiary impacts are far greater when a corporation is involved, Nandi said.
