Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced the commencement of major construction work on the first phase of the Dubai Trade Centre District (The District).

The integrated commercial destination is coming up at the heart of Dubai’s business district on Sheikh Zayed Road.

The district has also recently received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold standard pre-certification for its commitment to sustainability, said a statement.

With the initial excavation work now being completed, over 850,000 cu m of concrete is being poured into the foundations, in preparation for 2.3 million sq ft of commercial office space, and 135,000 sq ft of ground floor retail space that will be offered in the first phase of the development.

Piling work on the project is also well under way with 3,000 of the 7,000 piles already in place, as Phase One of this spectacular redevelopment project that will transform the entire area surrounding the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) rapidly takes shape.

Helal Saeed Al Marri, director general, DWTC, said: “The Dubai Trade Centre District is now moving from vision to reality. It is critically important for us as master-developers to build something which will not only have a major impact on business across the Middle East, but will also ensure that sustainability concepts are incorporated into every aspect of construction and development.”

Statistics from the Green Building Council show that existing offices, high rises, towers and facilities are among the worst offenders when it comes to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and resource use, accounting for 39 percent of CO2 emissions and 71 percent of electricity consumption. However, the new wave of construction and development offers the opportunity to reduce this negative impact on the environment by around 20 percent.

DWTC’s approach to environmentally-sustainable development is in line with the directive of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to prioritise sustainable development, as outlined in the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, said the statement.

The largest commercial development in the UAE built to LEED Gold standards, The District will offer more than 450,000 sq m of car parking, creating 7,000 spaces on four underground levels. The commitment to LEED Gold Standards will help ensure energy-efficient use of resources, reduce waste and promote the highest level occupant comfort and material recycling.

One of the innovations that have been incorporated into the blueprint is the optimum use of natural light, as well as a significant amount of landscaped terraces and green areas. In addition, working in coordination with the Green Building Council, DWTC is deploying carbon neutral technology throughout the construction and occupation process. With the first phase of The District set to receive tenants in 2010, the group is also looking to build sustainability principles into its world-class facilities management programme.

“Our excellent working relationships with our partners Dubai Municipality, Dewa and the RTA have played a major role in the seamless progression of the project from the drawing board to its current stage of implementation,” said Al Marri. “By building to a LEED Gold Standard, we are also contributing to Dubai’s overall positioning as an environmentally-friendly city.” –TradeArabia News Service