Sustainable City is a residential development that is focussed on reducing its energy consumption and adopting technologies to minimise carbon emissions. It is the first operational net zero energy township in Dubai. The development has taken a three-tier approach to sustainability which includes social, environmental and economic aspects, in order to create an eco-friendly self-sufficient community. The area consists of five residential clusters of 100 villas each. There is a central green spine running along the entire length of the property referred to as “The Farm”. It has been designed as a green park with a water body along its length. The spine acts as a unifying corridor which connects to the clusters. The clusters and roads along “The Farm” are vehicle-free. There is a network of shaded pedestrian streets referred to as “sikkas” in the residential clusters. The clusters are flanked by communal solar car parks, where residents can park their vehicles.

As per the concept of net-zero, Sustainable city balances its energy consumption by generating energy through solar panels. Solar panels have been installed on a large portion of this development in car parks and rooftops. The solar car parks serve dual functions as parking shelters and also contribute 3MW of energy per day. The energy is used to supply electricity for lighting of streets, community facilities and charging of community and personal electric vehicles (EV) free of cost. Within the city, sustainable modes of transportation are encouraged. A system of communal and concierge buggies (electric carts) as well as electric shuttles enable circulation. Bicycle tracks have been provided throughout the township.

The greywater from the residences is treated and let out as small trickling streams along the central spine. Small paths lined with pebbles and bio-filtering plants like papyrus have been carved into the spine for the movement of the treated greywater. The water is further purified through natural processes and makes for an aesthetic landscape along the spine. The water is further supplied to large bio-domes. The bio-domes offer a temperature regulated environment for growing produce. Many plants can be grown inside which can be used by the community. There are 11 bio-domes in “The Farm”. They are cooled using a cooling filter supplied with the recycled water. The streets are lined with fruit-bearing trees such as date palms, figs and pomegranate which are harvested and used by residents. “The Farm” builds upon the idea of a self-sufficient community and was conceptualized as a hub for food-production within the township.

The street furniture is created from construction waste generated during the first phase of development. There are recycling stations provided in each cluster. The orientation of buildings is towards the north, to combat the harsh desert sun. The development has also implemented measures for social and economic sustainability. There is a 15.000 sq.m mixed-use area near the entrance. It consists of retail, F&B, offices and apartments for lease. This mixed-use area attracts visitors from outside and would be used to generate additional income for maintenance and operations of the development. This would cover costs and residents would not be required to pay any service fees for the community amenities they use such as the electric carts. Sustainable City has maintained its vision of abiding by net-zero principles post-occupation as well and showcases the measures that can be implemented to create a sustainable residential township.