Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Dubai Land Department are improving sustainability in Dubai’s real estate sector

The Regulatory and Supervisory Bureau (RSB) for Electricity and Water of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), in collaboration with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) of the Dubai Land Department, organized a joint workshop focused on improving the efficiency of energy and water use in buildings. The workshop aimed to support the energy efficiency policy for jointly owned properties, which was recently launched by RERA.

Increasing the investment value of real estate units

The workshop was attended by more than 100 property owners, management companies and service providers to discuss ways to save energy and water consumption, improve their utilization and ensure optimal operation of buildings in the emirate. This supports resource use efficiency and increases the investment value of each real estate unit.

“This strategic partnership aims to enhance sustainability in Dubai, in line with the announcement by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to extend the ‘Year of Sustainability’ until 2024. This also reflects the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aims to make Dubai a role model in laying the foundations for a green economy and its position among the most sustainable cities in the world consolidate the world.

The workshop highlighted the importance of the outcomes of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which was hosted by the UAE at Expo City Dubai late last year. The collaboration between the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and the Dubai Land Department’s RERA reflects the willingness of both parties to implement energy efficiency management policies for jointly owned properties. The policy is designed in line with Dubai’s vision to be the best and happiest city in the world,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.

“We believe in the wise leadership’s vision to make Dubai the best in the world by transforming the energy sector and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This collaboration with Dubai Land Department aims to improve energy and water efficiency in buildings and bring about real change that will help achieve Dubai’s goals of managing energy demand and achieving net zero in 2050,” said HE Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Energy Council.

Roadmap to the sustainability goals

“COP28 has established a scientific method and a roadmap towards sustainability goals in the UAE. Through our partnership with the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, we are pleased to strengthen these efforts aimed at achieving the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), including providing a global standard for sustainability in Dubai. We aim to increase the readiness and sustainability of Dubai’s real estate sector. We will continue to work towards integrating our shared goals in this regard to create a more sustainable future for Dubai,” said HE Eng. Marwan bin Ghalita, Acting Director General of Dubai Land Department.

Mohammed Khalifa bin Hammad, Senior Director of the Real Estate Regulatory Relations Department at RERA, underlined the importance of the Energy Efficiency Management Policy for Jointly Owned Properties launched by RERA, one of the key pillars of the workshop. The policy aims to improve energy efficiency, reduce consumption and improve environmental sustainability. “This policy will drive the transition to a more sustainable future through seven standards. These include adopting a proactive approach to energy management, promoting energy-efficient building practices, continuously guiding the use of energy management systems and providing the necessary tools and materials to monitor, analyze and improve energy consumption,” he added to.

Accreditation system for energy management of buildings

During the workshop, the RSB presented the Buildings Energy Management Accreditation Scheme (BEMAS), which is an enabling factor for achieving operational sustainability in electricity and water consumption. The plan acts as a catalyst for improving energy efficiency in buildings, in line with the Energy Efficiency Management Policy for Jointly Owned Properties and Dubai’s Energy Demand Side Management Strategy. This system also meets the requirements of energy management companies to enable building owners to optimize energy consumption, realizing financial savings and creating added value, while supporting environmental sustainability.

The system has many benefits for many stakeholders. Investors benefit from increasing property values ​​and reducing operating costs, while tenants enjoy greater comfort and lower service costs. The system also offers service providers the opportunity to offer specialized services. BEMAS also benefits the community by contributing to a more sustainable built environment.

Energy efficiency in the built environment

During the workshop, RERA also emphasized the importance of energy efficiency in the built environment. Dubai World Trade Center showcased its experience in implementing energy efficiency initiatives across its real estate portfolio. The Center presented a study on energy efficiency in its One Central project, which includes five buildings that have achieved gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. In addition, ENGIE Solutions demonstrated their experience as a service provider in the field of energy management for buildings.

As Dubai moves towards a more sustainable future, collaboration between the RSB, RERA and private sector stakeholders is paving the way for a more sustainable real estate sector, benefiting the environment, economy and community. Through this collaboration, the RSB for Electricity and Water aims to support the energy demand-side management strategy and strengthen energy efficiency initiatives in Dubai.

RERA plays an integral role in adopting sustainability principles in this vital sector. RERA’s proactive approach to energy efficiency and sustainability highlights the importance of improving the sustainability of the growing real estate market. RERA recently launched the Energy Efficiency Management Policy for Jointly Owned Properties, emphasizing requirements for energy efficiency measures and performance reports. This policy is a guideline for implementing energy and water efficiency initiatives through property and community management companies, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to sustainable practices.