“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change” said Charles Darwin, many years ago. However, what does ring true today is the fact that climate change and global warming are realities that we all have to face in today's world, the sooner we accept this and start dealing with it the better it is. As worldwide awareness of climate change grows, developers across the region are changing to reflect consumer's interest in the issue. The Wave, Muscat, a world class, mixed-use community development, spread along 6 kms of natural beach, is one such project taking shape in Oman which lays a significant amount of emphasis on “green” initiatives to its design and development, including energy efficient modules for construction structure, adopting best practice principles in creating green spaces, innovative approaches to landscaping techniques and planning and adopting sustainable techniques for recycling water. “All the initiatives which we have undertaken are not mandatory for the construction but we have considered that “going green” is in fact imperative and an intrinsic part of The Wave, Muscat being recognized as socially responsible sustainable developers. We are looking to apply for accreditation from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) where appropriate. This recognition is especially important to us when one considers that a prime motivator for developers to create a certified sustainable building is to differentiate their project from competition,” said Nick Smith, CEO, The Wave, Muscat. Shedding some light on the green initiatives at The Wave, Muscat, senior projects manager on site Iain Liversage, said: “Sustainable buildings use design techniques, materials and technologies that minimize a buildings impact on the environment in their design, construction and operational systems while adequately servicing and supporting activities within. The Wave, Muscat will boast a slew of green design features, from a water recycling system to energy efficient air conditioning that will incorporate multiple aspects of environmentally friendly designs. The construction of the units at The Wave, Muscat have an enhanced thermal envelope, the walls have cavity insulation with low E glazing which helps reduce heat loss from within the building and reduces solar gain from outside. Green spaces have been created throughout the development to not only enhance the experience for our residents but also create habitats for local bird life. Turning trash into treasures is the philosophy behind the artificial reef we would be creating around the sea bed adjacent to the Kempinski hotel. Studies have shown that artificial reefs have the potential to attract a staggering array of marine life thus supplementing what would naturally occur in this area which could also be a potential diving site in the future. __
