UAE ‘LEEDing’ way in green drive

Ritika Sharma / Emirates Business

With ample support and motivation from the leadership, UAE has already earned a global recognition in taking up ‘green initiatives’. Further strengthening the country’s commitment towards a sustainable future and leading by example, Ladybird Early Learning centre is all set to open UAE’s first school that will hold LEED Gold certification.
Ladybird Early Learning Centre, the pre-school aiming to set high standards when it comes to environmental awareness as it strives to become the first dedicated, early years setting in the Middle East to be LEED gold-certified for its impressive ‘green’ building initiatives. Located within Jumeirah Village Circle the nursery is thoughtfully designed and constructed with environmental sustainability and reduction of carbon footprint in clear view.
Talking to Emirates Business during an exclusive preview event, Monica Valrani, CEO of Ladybird Nursery and Early Learning Centre said, “We wanted not to preach, and teach by action. Young pupils are the planet’s future custodians so we want to cultivate a lasting legacy of the importance of being environmentally astute, especially in a water-scarce location such as Dubai where the hot climate requires high air conditioning usage.”
It is notable that throughout the building process 25 percent of the construction material is recycled, with 25 percent of the actual construction material having been imported within an 800 kilometres radius, thereby saving on carbon emissions.
Also present at the preview, Navin Valrani, CEO of The Arcadia Preparatory School, told Emirates Business, “The importance of sustainability – whether it’s recycling, reducing CO2 emissions, using energy-efficient fans and lighting or efficient water usage – it is important to inculcate all these within the young generation. By pursuing the stringent LEED-accreditation process we are committing ourselves not only to positive climate change but to the wellbeing of our children, staff and wider community.”
Interestingly, the nursery makes use of various intelligent energy conservation measures like sensors that switched off the air conditioners automatically upon opening windows or absence of anyone in the rooms. Also, AC drain water is recycled and re-used for irrigation and each of the classrooms incorporates energy-efficient fans and lighting system as well.