Developer DAMAC Properties has recently announced that construction work is progressing at its DAMAC Lagoons development, which has been named the UAE’s first pre-certified LEED Platinum community development under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Cities and Communities Rating System.
Created over 30 years ago by the US Green Building Council, the LEED standard is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. The announcement coincides with the country’s Year of Sustainability initiative and COP28.
The DAMAC Lagoons development will comprise townhouses and villas in a Mediterranean-inspired community surrounded by blue lagoons, white sandy beaches and tropical islands.
Reflecting DAMAC’s commitment to sustainability, DAMAC Lagoons has a human-centric, environment-first design approach alongside its sustainable and socially responsible practices and features.
It is themed around eight key sustainability principles of circular economy, rich biodiversity, low emissions, resource efficiency, sustainable mobility, smart city, diversity and equality, and health and wellbeing. Land optimisation, water and energy efficiency, waste diversion and management, and recycling are also key focusses at the development.
“As a leading force that is invested in shaping the Middle East’s luxury real estate market, we at DAMAC have a responsibility to be at the forefront of sustainability efforts in the industry. In keeping with this, we have nurtured a commitment to embracing sustainability across all aspects of our business and contributing to a better and greener future through our various developments.
“At DAMAC Lagoons, our vision is to enable our valued customers to have a home that is in harmony with the environment, within a community that offers a high-luxury beach lifestyle for those seeking a tropical vacation getaway right at their doorstep. We have paid great attention to the project’s overall environmental footprint and impact to deliver a resource-efficient development that is well-designed, constructed, and operated. We are thrilled that DAMAC Lagoons is the first to have the LEED Platinum pre-certification for communities in the UAE within this Year of Sustainability.”
Mohammed Tahaineh, General Manager of Projects, DAMAC Properties
As a low-carbon community, DAMAC Lagoons features a biophilic design that incorporates eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient solar-powered infrastructure, green and blue communal spaces, biodiversity, aqua farming, restorative spaces, as well as wellness routes, facilities, and activities.
The scheme also includes recycled and treated wastewater networks to achieve 100% water savings, smart waste management systems, and an on-demand e-fleet that connects and transports residents and visitors across the development and the city.
Furthermore, the developments design is guided by whole life-cycle assessments that have resulted in the reduction of CO2 emissions annually across all buildings. In addition, green and blue corridors and other elements have been incorporated into the design to enhance the living experience and reduce heat island effects. DAMAC Lagoons is anticipated to see a reduction in temperature as compared to the wider city.
DAMAC Lagoons comprises of 11 architecturally and lifestyle-inspired Mediterranean clusters: Venice, Morocco, Santorini, Costa Brava, Nice, Malta, Ibiza, Mykonos, Monte Carlo, Marbella and Portofino.
Each cluster contains luxurious and sustainable residential units surrounded by efficient infrastructure and buildings, work office buildings and meeting rooms, agricultural and aquacultural farms, art galleries, fitness and wellness routes and trails, recreational facilities, outdoor cinemas, adventure zones, markets, health clubs and spa, retail and dining, educational VR park, schools and nurseries, hotel, medical centres, library, beaches, pools, shopping mall and many more diverse uses all set around a central fun hub.
