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Dubai properties subject to new 'green' requirements


Building owners, investors and developers in Dubai will be refused permits for new or recently built properties if they fail to meet new minimum environmental standards, according to media reports.

All new buildings as well as those built since a mandatory green building code was introduced in Dubai in 2014 will need to achieve at least a 'bronze' classification under the new 'Al Safat' rating system, according to Gulf News. The requirement applies regardless of whether the buildings are for residential, commercial, industrial or other use, it said.

Gulf News reported that buildings that have already certified as green have to apply again for a new rating certificate. Older buildings can be brought up to standard by retrofitting them with environment-friendly and sustainable materials and equipment for lighting and air-conditioning, the report said.

The Dubai Municipality's new classification system will enable companies to apply for green certifications higher than the minimum 'bronze' level required. It is open to companies to push for silver, gold or platinum classification for their buildings.

Deputy director-general of Dubai Municipality, Essa Al Haj Al Maidour said the new rating system rewards reduced energy and water consumption, use of environment-friendly materials and renewables, as well as the use of alternative energy sources, among other things, according to the news report.

Khalid Mohammad Saleh Al Mullah, director of the Buildings Department, said more than 90% of buildings constructed after 2001 in Dubai already meet the criteria for bronze certification under the new rating system, according to Gulf News.

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