UAE - Mubasher: Azizi Developments, a leading private developer in the UAE, on Thursday announced that it will be sponsoring the Solar Decathlon Middle East (SDME) in order to promote a culture of youth innovation and bolster educational initiatives to achieve sustainable development.
SDME has been organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) as part of an international competition launched by the US Department of Energy, according to a press release.
Under the competition, universities from all over the world meet to design, build, and operate a grid-connected, solar-powered house, Azizi Developments noted.
Alexandros Pounentis, Head of Construction Operations at Azizi Developments, said: “As an international competition aimed at promoting research and innovation in the green building sector through effective partnership-building between academia and the industry, SDME promotes a culture of localised innovation in line with the vision of our leadership to promote sustainable development.
Pounentis further added, "Supporting initiatives with such a monumental importance to the youth, education and sustainability allows us to catalyse change and drive a tangible impact.”
“Our support of Team Tawazun, which is participating in the ‘Olympics of Sustainable Buildings,’ underlines our focus on encouraging young talents to innovate and create solutions that add value to our industry and future,” he added
Through SDME’s second edition, Azizi Developments supports the Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai Campus for its Tawazun project in line with Expo 2020’s theme ‘Connecting Minds. Creating the Future’.
Underpinning the three sub-themes of Expo 2020, ‘opportunity, sustainability, and innovation,’ the SDME will showcase innovative projects by young talents, the Emirati developer highlighted.
Along with Team Tawazun, Azizi Developments is currently working to extend the project's technical expertise and industry insights.
“The project proposed by the team is truly a hallmark of innovation and sustainability. It not only involves passive design, unique technologies, and niche materials but also addresses cost and energy efficiency as well as carbon and water scarcity, which is truly commendable,” Pounentis said.
Through Azizi’s sponsorship, SDME plans to empower the youth, promote innovation, boost creativity, and encourage environmental sustainability to guarantee clean, healthy, and safe environments for future generations.
“As part of SDME, more than 225 unique, sustainable homes will be developed with participation from over 38 countries,” Azizi Developments indicated.
