Building Homes for a Warmer Climate

Abu Dhabi's Aldar Group CEO, Talal Al Dhiyebi, emphasizes that climate adaptation is no longer a future concern but a present business necessity for property developers. Climate change is already influencing project planning, financing, and operations, especially in rapidly growing markets like the UAE. New developments must be designed to withstand higher temperatures, extreme weather events, and incorporate climate risk assessments throughout their lifecycle.

The decisions made today are crucial because half of the buildings that will exist globally by 2050 are yet to be built. Planning with resilience now reduces future risks and costs, impacting safety, asset protection, and operational performance. The construction sector accounts for a significant portion of global energy use and carbon emissions, making the transformation of how cities are built and operated essential for meeting climate goals.

Aldar's development pipeline reflects this responsibility, with substantial contracts awarded and a significant increase in homes under development. This growth necessitates a strong focus on sustainability, wellness, and long-term liveability. Homes are being designed to cater to diverse customer needs, with sustainability principles forming the foundation of every community.

Furthermore, the focus is shifting towards affordable lifestyle communities that offer connectivity, essential services, and amenities to enhance everyday living, rather than just providing shelter.