As the climate is changing and the consequences of human activity on the environment are becoming more apparent, a development company based in Dubai called Diamond Developers has made it their mission to make sustainable living a reality. The developers have created what they call the Sustainable City, and it is beginning to flourish as people make themselves at home within the city. The city is made up of 500 houses and villas on 46 acres of land, and is completely car free. The residents’ cars are parked around the perimeter of the city, and to move around within the neighborhood, residents use battery powered buggies. Within the community they have access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are grown in eco friendly and climate controlled bio-domes. They also enjoy a central city square with shops, local businesses and restaurants. 

Due to the 300 days of sun that the region expects to have every year, solar energy acts as a reliable and main source of energy for the community. Homes are strategically situated to be kept cool by avoiding direct sunlight blazing into the interiors, while at the same time they have solar panels to produce energy from the suns rays. Although the price of one of the houses within this community starts at $1 million, many residents claim that they eventually end up saving money through their strict habits of recycling, reusing, and consuming locally grown food. As time goes on and the city attracts ecotourists, the residents will benefit from equity holdings in the development.

 The Sustainable City is designed to one day be Dubai’s first net zero energy development, but reaching that goal is very contingent on the cooperation of the residents of the eco-friendly city. It’s is so important that the people who reside within this neighborhood understand the importance of sustainability and how to truly live an environmentally conscious lifestyle. Because of this, the developers make sure to sell homes to like-minded individuals who are truly passionate about the fact that this style of living is what the future should look like. In addition, the development company plans to create a school within the city to teach future generations about the importance of sustainable living and trying to inspire the rest of the world to join the effort to go green.