Digital transformation driving UDC’s sustainable development strategy, says official

United Development Company (UDC) is capitalising on its digital transformation strategy to further UDC’s commitment to sustainable development practices, an official has said.UDC attracted scores of visitors to its pavilion Tuesday at Cityscape Qatar 2023, which will run until October 26 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), where the company is utilising virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and other technological advancements to showcase the latest developments at Gewan Island."We are focusing a lot on sustainability...digital transformation, meanwhile, is among UDC’s visions that are aligned with the mandates of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani to achieve Qatar National Vision 2023,” UDC executive director commercial Hussain Akbar al-Baker told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the event.Al-Baker also lauded UDC’s use of technology and innovation, stating that the company’s digital transformation strategy is being used as a benchmark by major stakeholders and players in Qatar’s real estate market.This was reiterated by Abdullatif Ali al-Yafei, executive director, Public Services at UDC, who noted that The Pearl Island and Gewan Island are "way advanced” in implementing measures and initiatives related to sustainability and the environment."To achieve this, we have also to use technology. UDC is utilising state-of-the-art tools that will help us to become more sustainable, such as the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging stations, smart lighting and other similar technologies, as well as devices that protect and clean the environment like UDC’s sea bin cleaners,” al-Yafei explained.According to UDC, Gewan Island places an unwavering emphasis on sustainability, embodying a multitude of eco-conscious initiatives that are reshaping the landscape of modern living. Notable among these initiatives is the implementation of LED street lighting, a transformative measure that significantly bolsters energy efficiency and sustainability. This forward-looking approach has already led to a remarkable reduction in annual lighting energy consumption by a minimum of 20%, with the added benefit of a noteworthy decrease in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.Furthermore, Gewan Island has introduced a centralised district cooling system, a pivotal step that not only curtails GHG emissions but also serves as a beacon of reduced energy consumption across the island. Complementing these advancements is a state-of-the-art pneumatic waste management system that actively promotes waste segregation, fostering heightened community awareness and active participation in waste reduction endeavours.In pursuit of a sustainable future, Gewan Island takes the concept of sustainability to its core by designating an impressive 90% of project parking spaces as sustainable, providing essential shading that minimises the heat island effect.With an astute understanding of environmental concerns, Gewan Island has taken strides to address the urban heat island effect through innovative design choices. These include the implementation of green roofs, thoughtfully selected road and pavement colours, and the strategic integration of lush greenery with buildings and structures, all geared towards mitigating the adverse effects of urban heat.Moreover, Gewan Island’s strategic location plays a pivotal role in supporting water circulation throughout the area, thereby nurturing a thriving biodiverse ecosystem. In line with these principles, the island’s 15 mixed-use buildings are meticulously designed to provide ample shading, significantly reducing cooling requirements.In recognition of these efforts, UDC is set to receive a Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) certification from the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (Gord) for sustainable building design and construction, during its participation in Cityscape Qatar 2023.