Compliance to “Green building codes” can increase the performance of structures by more than 30 percent, according to recent studies, prompting developers to recognize the dynamic role of the physical environment on occupant productivity and life-cycle cost of buildings. In line with this, AAKAR Marjan Island LLC, an emerging leader in luxury community developments in the Middle East, announced that they would be implementing a sustainable design approach for the construction of its AED600 million luxury hotel and residential development located on the Al-Marjan Island project in Ras Al-Khaimah. Top company officials have revealed that the initiative involves the implementation of the appropriate latest International Design & Construction guidelines (LEED NC, ASHRAE 90.1, ASHRAE 55 etc.), while taking serious measures to conserve energy and water resources during the design of its maiden project. The developer is taking huge steps in line with its strong belief in transforming the conventional methods being used within today's real estate industry to take on a more sustainable form. Located in the Al-Marjan Island, the first man-made island community project in Ras Al-Khaimah, the multimillion luxury development is set to offer a five star hotel and a wide selection of freehold apartments. Scheduled for completion in 2010, each of the well-appointed rooms, suites and residential units within the project is set to feature state-of-the-art luxury amenities and will allow for stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. “Amid the booming calls of environmental awareness, it is not surprising that investors and end-users are now more attuned to the benefits of ‘green building codes',” said Yadvinder Singh, CEO/president, AAKAR Marjan Island. “Our effort to implement sustainability is aimed at streamlining our processes to ensure the achievement of our desired results in terms of investor appreciation, while reaping the rewards of managing a high-performance structure. We are proud to be one of the first to adopt this massive environmental directive in Ras Al-Khaimah, and we hope that this will start a trend among other private and public organizations in the emirate.” With a landscape that comprises fertile agricultural plains, the coast, the desert and the mountains, it is essential for developers building within Ras Al- Khaimah to adopt measures that will ensure the protection of the emirate's natural resources. By incorporating excellent practices that result in environmental protection, energy efficiency, water conservation and possible usage of renewable energy, AAKAR Marjan Island aims to introduce a modern luxury residential and commercial development without compromising the water and air quality, and the ecosystems in the emirate. This is expected to reflect on the project's overall design, which blends modernity and luxury with the natural beauty of the emirate's landscape. “Venturing into this massive project within a strategic location is truly an outstanding opportunity for us to attract high profile investors, and at the same time establish our commitment to adhering to industry best practices and benchmarks of a ‘green development'. As a developer, we acknowledge the current challenges with a high sense of responsibility and we pledge our commitment to take part in the resolution of the most pressing environmental concerns.” __
