ZEMCH 2015 - International Conference Proceedings | Page 37

Figure 2: Dubai Plan 2021 elements (TEC Government of Dubai 2014)

Problem Definition
Going back to Dubai’s History, the six emirates of the UAE were united in 1971; Abu Dhabi and Dubai were the richest emirates for having oil reserves (About News 2013), which played a big role in
speeding up the process of building a new developed city, the price of this fast growth was ranking Dubai at the top carbon polluter for consuming the highest percentage of energy (CEEI 2010).
It is predicted that oil reserves will be exhausted in 20 years (Allianz 2014); therefore a new strategy
should be adopted for energy sector to reshape the new source of energy for the UAE that can
be reliable for the long term and help in achieving a clean environment. Smith (2005) highlighted
the contribution of construction materials to the energy requirement of the architecture sector
as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3: Role of Various Materials to the Energy Requirements of the UK construction sector (Smith
2005:14)
In addition to the environmental problems that are caused by the rapid growth of architecture,
it is important to mention that consumers in the wealthiest cities consume three times more
energy than a resident of Bombay (Smith 2005:14). As a result, the life style of Dubai residents contributes a major share of greenhouse gas emission; therefore CO2 emissions enhanced the need

Developing environmental practices from social aspects: a case study of Dubai

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