Net zero goals: Here’s how Abu Dhabi’s Aldar aims to decarbonise its business

Aldar Properties has launched its Net Zero Plan to become a net-zero carbon business across its scope 1, scope 2, and scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. This is in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.

The company has also set science-aligned 2030 interim targets, which will see it achieve net zero in its Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions and deliver a 45 per cent reduction in the intensity of its Scope 3 GHG emissions relative to the company’s 2021 baseline.

Talal Al Dhiyebi, group CEO of Aldar Properties, said: “As one of the UAE’s largest real estate developers and managers, and with a growing presence across the wider Middle East, Aldar is committed to not only supporting the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative but also leading climate action in our industry and region.

“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. 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.”

Partnerships and engagements will be fundamental to Aldar’s Net Zero Plan. The company will work extensively with suppliers to decarbonise materials and operational emissions, while working with commercial tenants and owner associations to drive sustainable asset operation. Accessing clean energy is critical, so the company ntends to work with utilities providers to source low-carbon energy as the grid decarbonises in line with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. The company will also work with government entities to develop necessary regulations and foster fair competition for construction partners on decarbonisation pathways.

Here’s how Aldar will deliver its Net Zero Plan

The company has identified eight decarbonisation focus areas that span the whole lifecycle of its assets.

8. Low carbon design: It will create an Aldar Sustainable Design Standard to embed low carbon active and passive design options, maximising energy efficiency, building performance, and asset climate resilience.
9. Low carbon supply chain: It will incentivise its supply chain to innovate around low carbon products, materials, and manufacturing processes.
10. Green construction: It will take a whole lifecycle approach to assets that prioritises low carbon site practices and construction material procurement.
11. Clean energy: It will prioritise the use of clean energy through grid decarbonisation and procuring clean energy through market-based mechanisms or instruments.
12. Resource efficiency and management: It will upgrade its systems to reduce leakage and improve asset efficiency.
13. Tenant initiatives: It will develop a programme of tenant engagement regarding all leased and managed assets, offering guidance and incentives for more sustainable behaviours.
14. Circular economy: It will look to enhance waste management during the design, build, and use phases, prioritising diversion from landfill, increasing greywater recycling and supporting the local waste sector.
15. Sustainable acquisitions: All new investments and acquisitions will be guided by criteria that formally integrate sustainability considerations into the end-to-end investment decision making process.

Reporting and tracking progress

Aldar will seek independent validation of its targets once the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) publishes its guidance for the buildings sector in late 2023, at which point the company will also review its Net Zero targets to ensure they meet the criteria, particularly with regards to Scope 3 GHG emissions. Aldar is already a member of SBTi’s Expert Advisory Group for the buildings sector.

Progress towards targets will be reported each year as part of Aldar’s annual Sustainability Report, while targets will be reviewed for relevance to its business and best practice alignment.

In recent news, Aldar Properties and Diamond Developers announced that sales will open for The Sustainable City project. The companies announced they were forming a joint venture for the development of a fully sustainable community on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island in January last year. The family-friendly development, which will be built along the lines of The Sustainable City – Dubai, is underpinned by three sustainability pillars – social, environmental, and economic.

Read: Aldar, Diamond Developers launch sales for The Sustainable City – Yas Island project