Azizi Developments invests in youth, education, and sustainability through its support of SDME

Azizi Developments, one of the leading private developers in the UAE, underlines its commitment to promoting a culture of youth innovation, as well as supporting educational initiatives that drive sustainable development, by sponsoring the Solar Decathlon Middle East (SDME).

An international competition created by the US Department of Energy in which universities from all over the world meet to design, build, and operate a grid-connected, solar-powered house, SDME is organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).

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. 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

For SDME’s second edition, and in line with Expo 2020’s theme ‘Connecting Minds. Creating the Future,’ Azizi Developments supports the Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai Campus for its Tawazun project — a sustainable, adaptable home that synergises between traditional and modern techniques to promote the health and well-being of residents.

Highlighting the pillars of ‘opportunity, sustainability, and innovation,’ the three sub-themes of Expo 2020, SDME will showcase innovative projects by young talents. Azizi Developments is currently working with Team Tawazun on their project to extend its 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,” added Alexandros Pounentis.

Through Azizi’s support, SDME aims to empower the youth, encourage innovation, incubate creativity, and promote environmental sustainability, ensuring clean, healthy, and safe environments for generations to come.

Team Tawazun’s single-family home is purposed to primarily run on solar power and plans to be a net-zero and even energy-positive building that complies with- and surpasses- local and international green building codes. It will also incorporate 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things, in line with Dubai’s focus on driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

As part of SDME, more than 225 unique, sustainable homes will be developed with participation from over 38 countries.