Dubai: A World Leader In “Green” Architecture (NAPSA)—Whenpeople think of Dubai—the Rhode Island-sized desert oasis that in recent years has become a world leaderof business, construction and recre- ation—chances are that “green” isn’t one of the first thoughts that comes to mind. But Dubai is indeed staking out its place as a leader of the environmental movement. With a skyline that changes almost daily, the emirate’s vertical expansion is obvious even to the casual observer. Less obvious, but just as comprehensive, is the expansion of its environmental standards and practices. After the United States, the United Arab Emirates is the country with the most buildings under review for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)certification, a rating sys- tem created by the U.S. Green Building Council that, according to the council’s Web site, “encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and developmentpractices.” One example of how Dubaiis able to meld its sense of progress with international environmental standards is a building designed by architect David Fisher. Initially called “Rotating Tower,” the 80-story, 1,300-foot building will allow for each floor to rotate independently, meaning that the shape of the building will constantly change. It will also be an energy-independent building, Dubai has quietly become a world leaderin “green”building. @ deriving its power from solar panels and wind generators. Other buildings in Dubai feature environmentally friendly measures, including the use of low-energy LED lighting and specialized glass that will both reduce the use of energy and make buildings more aesthetically pleasing. Actor Brad Pitt recently announced his intention to construct an 800-room, five-star “green” resort hotel in Dubai, one of a number of environmentally conscious hotels that has opened since the construction of Dubai’s first green hotel, the Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, more than a decade ago. Other projects within Dubai that have contributed to helping the environmentinclude the establishment of the Dubai Municipal- ity PC Recycle Center; the use of hybrid taxis by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority; and landscaping projects throughout the city that will help to control carbon dioxide levels andliterally create a greener environment. Finally, Dubai has hosted several international conferences on sustainable construction, environmentally sound business practices and ways in which other cities around the world can emulate its successes with regard to green buildings.
