Sharjah Sustainable City, the first sustainable master-planned community in Sharjah, has launched its sustainable community engagement programme with the 'Discover Your Urban Farm' initiative. The initiative aims to introduce residents to urban farming through Agri Pods, where they can grow their own plants and vegetables. The programme will also include workshops on composting using organic waste and growing plants and vegetables suitable for Sharjah's climate. The initiative aims to reduce the city's carbon footprint while creating awareness of the food-energy-water nexus, waste management, and promoting health and well-being.
Yousif Ahmed Al-Mutawa, the CEO of Sharjah Sustainable City, emphasises that creating a green community goes beyond using sustainable materials, renewable energy, and smart home technology. It extends to encourage an entirely sustainable way of life. Through community initiatives, they aim to educate residents on eco-friendly living, including urban farming, landscaping, local wildlife, biodiversity, waste reduction, recycling, and more. They are working towards a Net-Zero community that offers an aspirational lifestyle in harmony with the well-being of future generations.
The 'Discover Your Urban Farm' initiative is the first in an ongoing educational campaign that will take place regularly. It will offer guidance on the most sustainable urban farming and landscaping practices, wellness, green mobility, and special Ramadan sustainability programmes. The initiative aims to bring residents together and promote wellness and sustainability practices. It will also serve as a great platform, especially for children, to learn about the efforts and resources required to grow food and create a sense of appreciation, thus reducing food waste.
Sharjah Sustainable City, which covers an area of 7.2 million square feet in Sharjah's Al Rahmaniya Area, is a leading eco-friendly residential community. With a total of 1,250 sustainable villas, the city is divided into blocks of three-, four- and five-bedroom properties. The city promotes a lifestyle that is compatible with the future, with practical solutions related to food security, water and energy management, and natural resources conservation. The city is equipped with renewable energy produced from rooftop solar panels and built with sustainable materials and passive designs that reduce utility bills and operational costs. As a result, residents can save up to 50 percent on water and electricity bills. The city offers zero service fees for the first five years, as well as complimentary energy-efficient kitchen appliances and smart home features. In 2022, the city's first two phases, including 604 spacious and modern villas, were entirely sold out, and it launched the third phase comprising 324 villas. The Phase 1 handover has been completed, with handovers of Phases 2 and 3 expected to take place in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Source: wam.ae/en