Green roof plan made optional

Dubai: Dubai Municipality has decided to approve the optional implementation of green roofs in residential villas in Dubai.

The municipality had launched the initiative in line with a law on green buildings to reduce carbon emissions and enhancing indoor environment.

The project aims to transform roofs of all buildings in Dubai into cultivated space.

Engineer Khalid Mohammad Saleh, Director of Building Department at Dubai Municipality, said a Dubai study of green roofs on its main buildings had confirmed the success of this project by using the water from air-conditioners for irrigation of plants, and had convinced the municipality to adopt green roofs in its buildings.

"The initiative will help in reducing temperatures, enhancing the health of Dubai's society and increasing life expectancy of the buildings, as well as protecting the local ecosystem," he said.