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New ‘green’ practices serve as a model for retail centres world wide with Dubai Marina Mall achieving 25% reduction in electricity use and 30% water conservation compared with 2010. Currently 70% of the mall’s common areas depend on natural daylight when possible; and by 2012, all fluorescent lighting in the common areas will be phased out, replaced with efficient LED lighting.

The mall uses 100% environmentally friendly cleaning products (inclusive of biodegradable packaging) and recycle bins for clothing have also been installed in the car parks, while only grey water is used for irrigation and landscaping.

Setting new trends in green mall management, Dubai Marina Mall has set up a roof garden to reduce heat transmission and improve absorption; and the windows have been tinted to reduce heat transmission, in turn lowering cooling costs.

Dubai Marina Mall is easily accessed by Marina residents by foot, while bicycle paths and parking make access easy for the cyclist. The Roads & Transport Authority has introduced Taxi and Water Ferry services from Dubai Marina Mall station in the Marina Canal, adjacent the mall. Electric taxis operate along the promenade to transport for shoppers around the Marina Canal; however shoppers are encouraged to take green options such as the Dubai Metro.

The mall’s commitment to environmental sustainability is underscored by the day-long exhibition Future Green 2011, in partnership with Goumbook on November 1, 2011.

Featuring 100% biodegradable and recyclable kiosks, Future Green 2011 will host green companies, eco-friendly businesses and environmental organisations showcasing their products and services.

Featuring a range of workshops on recycling, water scarcity and energy efficiency, Future Green will provide a focus for retailers to learn more about profitability through sustainability, including the advantages of shifting to LED lighting. Open for free to the public, Future Green is expected to host exhibitors representing various sectors such as Green Awareness & Education, Beauty & Health, Clothing & Accessories, Organic Food & Green Living, Energy & Water Efficiency, Recycling and more. The participants will sell their products, services and solutions, thus encouraging visitors to become active partners in the green movement.

For the family, children’s art workshops using recycled materials will be hosted during the day, giving a new definition to “green fingers”.

At the event, Dubai Marina Mall will introduce a special green ‘DMM Shopping Bag’, which shoppers can purchase from the Guest Service Desk for AED 20. A portion of the sales proceeds will go to a Marina Conservation charity.

Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Malls Group, said: “Environmental sustainability is one of the key considerations of the government, with Dubai having taken visionary initiatives to promote green practices that help in conserving energy and water resources. We believe that as a popular shopping and entertainment destination, Dubai Marina Mall can make a difference by putting the spotlight on recycling and green best practices.”

He added: “From its design aspects to various new initiatives that are being rolled out in the coming months, the mall is at the forefront of driving environmental awareness. The Future Green 2011 exhibition will further emphasis how the public can effectively partner in a cause that has great importance not only for us but also for our future generations.”