Zero-Carbon Cities
Abu Dhabi to Create Sustainable City
On May 8, 2007, The Masdar Initiative officially launched the world's first attempt to create a zero-waste, zero-carbon sustainable city in Abu Dhabi, UAE ('Masdar' is the Arabic word for 'Resource'). The project plans are undertaken by Foster and Partners, who indicate that the project is “a new 6 million square meter sustainable development that uses the traditional planning principals of a walled city, together with existing technologies, to achieve a zero carbon and zero waste community.†The initiative has been driven by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company.
Trend Themes
1. Zero-waste Cities - Creating cities that produce zero waste presents opportunities for innovative waste management systems and recycling technologies.
2. Sustainable Development - Designing sustainable cities using existing technologies and traditional planning principles can lead to disruptive innovations in urban planning and construction.
3. Zero-carbon Communities - Developing communities that operate with zero carbon emissions opens up possibilities for advancements in renewable energy sources and energy-efficient infrastructure.
Industry Implications
1. Urban Planning - The urban planning industry can take advantage of the trend by implementing innovative strategies and technologies to create sustainable cities.
2. Waste Management - The waste management industry has an opportunity to develop new solutions and technologies to help cities achieve zero waste goals.
3. Renewable Energy - The renewable energy industry can contribute to zero-carbon communities by developing and promoting clean energy sources and technologies.