DUBAI – Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), the regulatory body for Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park, has recently announced the implementation of the region's first water saving subsurface irrigation system, in line with its tri-pillar CSR strategy. The initiative launched in collaboration with Rain Bird, the leading manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services, aims to reduce the current irrigation water consumption levels and related operational costs at DSO by almost 40%. In order to monitor water usage at DSO and yield cross-seasonal results, a pilot study was undertaken at the park during Q4 2014 which lasted for 2 months. After the initial tests, the Rain Bird XFS Subsurface Dripline system was installed. While phase 1 of the project, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2015 will cover all common areas within the technology park, phase 2 will include lawns and backyards of private villas. Eng. Khalil Shalan, Vice President – Operations and Facilities at DSOA, said: “Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority aims to articulate the vision of the Government of Dubai in transforming all conventional systems into smart systems. Our primary challenge was to save irrigation water in addition to curbing complaints of excess water being sprayed on the hardscapes of the community. With Rain Bird's expertise, we have been able to successfully implement the subsurface irrigation system that has helped us achieve our goals and further our efforts towards articulating our CSR strategy.” “The XFS Subsurface Dripline proved to reduce operational costs by at least 30 to 40% in comparison with the traditional sprayer irrigation system. By ensuring a consistent flow of water through the soil, in all directions, the system delivers an even wetting pattern, providing the right amount of water to the entire landscape.” Gaetan Pierrefeu, Rain Bird International Business Manager for the Middle East, said: “For over 80 years, we have been committed to the intelligent use of water. Our XFS subsurface dripline with Copper Shield technology has been available for over five years and we have seen wonderful results. The Copper Shield Technology protects the dripline emitter from root intrusion creating a long-lasting, low maintenance sub-surface drip irrigation solution. We are honored to have been chosen by DSOA to be the supplier of this innovative technology and its partner in this important initiative towards achieving sustainability and water efficiency.” In addition to introducing XFS sub surface drip irrigation throughout the project, DSOA has introduced several irrigation water saving devices including: 1800 SAM PRS series spray heads, MPR nozzles, VAN series, 5000 series rotors, ESP-ME and ESP-LXME controllers, PEB/PESB series valves, as well as EFB-CP series valves. The site is managed using a LEED qualified Maxicom Central Control System with a weather station for management using the evapotranspiration rate. The three comprehensive pillars which make up the DSO CSR Strategy are: environment, human capital and community. The ‘environment' component aims to reduce water and energy consumption, promote recycling and eventually contribute to reducing the carbon footprint. The ‘human capital' aspect fosters the creation of a healthy workplace, while the third aspect of the CSR approach - ‘community' – mandates the implementation of engagement programs and interactive initiatives. The Smart Dubai Initiative comprises six key dimensions – Smart Economy, Smart Lifestyle, Smart Transportation, Smart Governance, Smart Environment and Smart Generation – and relies on the three basic principles of communication, integration and cooperation. Through encouraging collaboration between the public and private sectors, the strategy aims to transform Dubai into one of the world's smartest cities over the next three years through the rollout of 100 initiatives and 1,000 smart services that improve the quality of life in the city. A wholly-owned entity of the government of Dubai, DSO operates as a free zone technology park for large enterprises, medium and small companies looking to set up their offices in Dubai. — SG
