DIFC LIGHTHOUSE, DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The Lighthouse Tower is located on plot GB-03 at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a 110-acre free-zone envisaged to be the world’s newest international financial centre serving the vast region between Western Europe and East Asia. The architectural vision for the Lighthouse Tower has evolved from the DIFC’s aspirations for creating a beacon for the Dubai International Financial Centre which accommodates high-end, prestigious offices. The tower has been visualized as a “Lighthouse” that would reflect the energy and kinetics of an international financial centre which is fast becoming a global leader and was inspired by the rectilinear context and simple minimalist lines of the existing DIFC precinct. In setting a new benchmark for Dubai, the design aspires to be a low-carbon commercial building which will target to reduce by up to 40% in energy consumption compared to the ASHRAE / IESNA standard 90.1 – 2004 and 40% saving on water consumption compared to the US Energy Policy Act of 1992. This will be achieved through the use of many design provisions which could include passive solar architecture, many low energy, low water engineering solutions, recovery strategies for both energy and water and building integrated renewables. The 400 metre tower accommodates 64 floors for prestigious offices and visitor’s centre above a 2-storey podium and a leisure deck with health club, swimming pool, executive lounge and cultural spaces. Green Technologies are the LEED Advisory Consultants for the Project, on behalf of WS Atkins providing guidance to the Project Team in addressing LEED requirements.

Sustainable Design Strategies of DIFC Lighthouse

• Construction Activity Pollution Prevention
• Fundamental Commissioning of the Building Energy Systems
• Minimum Energy Performance
• Fundamental Refrigerant Management
• Storage and Collection of Recyclables
• Minimum IAQ Performance
• Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control

In addition to the above prerequisites being complied with, the sustainability targets for this development would be to pursue
the Client’s requirement adopting commercially viable technologies. These have resulted in;

• Energy Performance Optimized by 40% or more
• Onsite Generation of Renewable Energy
• Water, Wastewater and Rainwater Recovery
• Potable Water Savings by 40% or more
• Usage of Non Potable Water for Irrigation & Sewage Conveyance
• Better Environment for Building Occupants in the form of,
  — Maximum Daylight and Views
  — Better Indoor Air Quality
  — Thermal Comfort
  — Controlled Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Sources
  — Visual Comfort
• Use of Environmentally Friendly Housekeeping Agents
• Use of Environmentally Friendly Application Agents such as
  — Paints and Coatings
  — Adhesives and Sealants
  — Carpet Systems
  — Composite Wood and Agri-fiber Products
• Commissioning and Measurement & Verification of Energy Related MEP Systems
• Maximization of Recycled Content in Construction Material
• Construction Waste Recycling in order to Divert from Landfills
• Use of Regional Materials in Construction
• Building Operations Waste Management
• Provision of Sustainable Alternative Transportation
• Maximization of Open Spaces and Protection of Existing Habitats
• Reduction of Heat Island Effect
• Tenant Awareness on Implemented Sustainable Strategies