The Effectiveness of Current Policies and Regulations Aimed at Promoting Sustainable Practices in Residential Neighborhoods in Dubai, UAE

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2023-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The British University in Dubai (BUiD)
Abstract
This dissertation provides a comprehensive assessment of the Sa’fat Dubai Green Building Rating System and its role in advancing sustainability in residential zones. The study seeks to identify and address the shortcomings in existing policies, recommend improvements, and conduct a detailed examination of green building standard practices. Utilizing a methodological framework that integrates a thorough review of literature,extensive surveys, and advanced computer-based simulations, the research evaluates the collaborative dynamics between governmental efforts, the private sector's initiatives, and community participation. The outcomes reveal significant policy voids, with the Sa'fat framework leading to energy savings between 10% and 47% in different cases as assessed by the IES-VE software, underscoring the imperative of tailored sustainability approaches. The financial examination, however, indicates the economic impracticality of certain scenarios, such as the extensive payback period of 51 years for green roofs, versus the 8.5 years for triple-glazing, necessitating a judicious balance of cost-effectiveness in sustainable methodologies.The dissertation's primary recommendations advocate for a more systematic integration of policies, informed by international benchmarks such as BREEAM, and the establishment of more definitive guidelines to differentiate the levels of certification within the Sa'fat system. Emphasizing the critical role of data-driven policymaking and active engagement of all stakeholders, the dissertation proposes strategies to bolster the efficacy of the system. These strategic recommendations are designed to serve as a guide for policymakers and urban planners in fostering sustainable urban development in Dubai and in other rapidly growing cities with similar contexts.
Description
Keywords
sustainability policies, Dubai residential areas, energy consumption, Al Sa’fat GBRS, environmental awareness
Citation
The British University in Dubai Harvard Citation