A neighborhood in Dubai, known as Sustainable City, has pioneered a successful approach to waste management and sustainable living, achieving the lowest carbon footprint in the UAE. Residents of this community have reduced their carbon emissions by 78 percent compared to the national average, thanks to an efficient recycling and composting system and a commitment to eco-friendly habits.
Embracing Waste Sorting as a Lifestyle
In Sustainable City, recycling has become second nature. One resident, who moved from Arabian Ranches, noted the difference in the recycling infrastructure. "Inside our home, each recycling bin is labeled for paper, cardboard, metal, glass, and plastic, so even the kids know where to put different types of waste," she explained. The community also has green waste disposal systems, with electric trucks collecting organic waste for composting.
For residents, sorting waste isn’t just a chore—it’s a part of daily life. “We have a general waste bin too, but with five different bins in our home, everyone knows where things go. Even my four-year-old helps,” shared the resident. Sustainable City provides designated bins for electronic waste and clothing donations, encouraging residents to recycle or donate items instead of discarding them.
Another resident, Alex Morriss, follows a similar process at home. “In our community, we have designated bins for different materials, and recyclables are collected regularly. The developer provides sorting boxes, so most households have them.” Despite the strong efforts, he highlighted a challenge during the summer, noting that larger bins would be helpful to prevent overflow during peak times.
Active Community Engagement in Sustainability
Sustainable City’s management team goes beyond waste management by hosting workshops and engaging residents through educational programs. These initiatives encourage community members to adopt sustainable practices and lead environmental projects. Marwa Nahlawi, General Manager of Diamond Developers, highlighted the impact of these efforts, noting that 78 percent of residents participate in environmental initiatives. "Our waste management strategy, which includes segregation at source and offering collection points for various waste types, has led to an 87 percent diversion from landfill," she said.
Innovation through the Living Lab Program
In line with Dubai’s sustainability goals, Sustainable City has implemented the "Living Lab" program, designed to test and deploy innovative solutions quickly. The program includes technologies like humidity harvesting, autonomous shuttles, and last-mile delivery robots, all aimed at further reducing emissions and enhancing efficiency. Nahlawi emphasized that these advancements bring Sustainable City closer to achieving net-zero emissions.
A Model for the Future
Sustainable City serves as a model for future eco-friendly communities in the UAE, demonstrating that sustainable living is not only feasible but rewarding. The community’s commitment to waste management, recycling, and innovative technology showcases a blueprint for environmentally conscious living, with residents embracing it as a "way of life."
