Aldar, a master developer in Abu Dhabi, has developed a clear three-stage plan for becoming a Net Zero corporation by 2050. Aldar’s plan outlines how it would reach Net Zero in its direct emissions, embedded carbon at all of its developments, supplier chain emissions, and tenant emissions.
Additionally, the developer will collaborate with suppliers to reduce operational and material emissions, as well as foster sustainable asset management with commercial tenants and homeowner groups.
In order to source low-carbon energy as the “grid decarbonizes in line with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative,” Aldar plans to collaborate with utility providers. Additionally, there will be a tight collaboration with governmental organizations in order to create the appropriate rules and ‘foster fair competition for construction partners on decarbonization pathways’.
“Our Net Zero Plan will drive deep and rapid change across all our lines of business and throughout our supply chain. It will transform our approach to design, supply chain management, construction, operations, and asset management,” said Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group CEO of Aldar Properties.
What’s the plan
By 2050, the goal is for the company to have Scope 1[1], Scope 2, and Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions to be Net Zero. The objectives of the Paris Agreement and the UAE’s own Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative would be in line with this.
Additionally, there are “science-aligned” interim goals by 2030 that call for Aldar to achieve Net Zero emissions for Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHGs and to produce a 45% decrease in the intensity of Scope 3 GHG emissions compared to the baseline year of 2021.
“Our plan is comprehensive, ambitious, and based on science – matching leading global real estate industry benchmarks and setting a new standard for the region in its depth and detail,” the CEO added.
The fact that Aldar is both a developer and an asset manager “means Aldar is in a unique position to transform assets across their entire lifecycle,” according to the company. For this reason, it has adopted a whole-building strategy and included Scope 3 tenant-controlled emissions in its commitment.
Eight areas of decarbonization
The company has identified eight decarbonization target areas that cover the asset lifetime.
Low carbon design
To integrate low-carbon active and passive design alternatives, Aldar will develop a “Sustainable Design Standard” that will maximize energy efficiency, building performance, and asset climate resilience.
Low carbon supply chain
Aldar will provide incentives for its supply chain to develop new low-carbon products, materials, and production techniques.
Green construction
The developer will prioritize the use of low-carbon site practices and the purchase of building supplies in its whole lifecycle approach to assets.
Clean energy
Aldar will give the usage of renewable energy—obtained through market-based procedures or tools and grid decarbonization—priority.
Resource efficiency and management
Aldar will upgrade its systems to reduce leakage and improve asset efficiency.
Tenant initiatives
Regarding all leased and managed assets, a tenant engagement programme will be implemented, providing instruction and rewards for more environmentally friendly behavior.
Circular economy
Aldar will work to improve waste management during the design, construction, and usage stages, prioritizing landfill diversion, improving the recycling of greywater, and assisting the regional trash industry.
Sustainable acquisitions
The criteria that formally include sustainability factors in the whole investment decision-making process will serve as the foundation for all new investments and acquisitions.
Tracking progress
Aldar has established short- and long-term GHG emission reduction goals that are in line with the most recent climate science recommendations. Once the Science Based Aims Initiative (SBTi) publishes its advice for the building sector in late 2023, there will also be independent validation of its targets. Aldar will then examine its Net Zero aims to make sure they adhere to the requirements, especially with relation to Scope 3 GHG emissions.