Sustainabiity at Ithra
We are committed to sustainable progress—guided by long-term vision, driven by innovation, and grounded in our communities.
Walking the Talk
As a Corporation, we are committed to leading by example and will proactively manage ICD’s own ESG responsibilities, which are subject to oversight and monitoring by our ESG Management Committee and, at a Board level, by the Audit Committee.
We continue to seek opportunities within our own operations to reduce our impact on the environment and to ensure that we consume responsibly and minimise waste. Towards the end of the 2023, we relocated our headquarters to One Za’abeel which has achieved the LEED® Gold rating from the US Green Building Council.
Environmental Stewardship
-
LEED Gold Certification: One Za’abeel achieved LEED Gold precertification in 2021, underlining our commitment to energy efficiency, water conservation, and healthy indoor environments.
-
Smart Building Management: Advanced building-automation systems optimize HVAC, lighting, and water use in real time, delivering up to 25% energy savings year-over-year.
-
Renewable Energy & Waste Reduction: Rooftop solar arrays and high-efficiency chillers generate clean power, while comprehensive recycling and composting programs divert over 70% of site waste from landfill.
Social Responsibility
-
Community Engagement: Our “One Together” vision brings employees, tenants, and neighbors together through cultural festivals, open-air markets, and wellness workshops—fostering vibrancy across One Za’abeel’s public spaces.
-
Education & Youth: In partnership with local schools and universities, we host site tours, internships, and guest lectures—empowering the next generation of architects, engineers, and hospitality leaders.
-
Inclusive Design: From accessible pathways to gender-neutral facilities, our developments are conceived to welcome people of all abilities, backgrounds, and ages.
Corporate Social Initiatives
-
Dubai Cares & Ramadan Drives: Each year, we collaborate with Dubai Cares and Emirates Red Crescent to organize school supply distributions and food bank collections during Ramadan, benefiting hundreds of families.
-
Green Space Adoption: Through “Adopt-a-Green-Patch,” Ithra volunteers maintain landscaped pockets within the development and the adjacent Waterfront Market, enhancing urban biodiversity and wellbeing.
-
Artisan & SME Support: Our retail leasing strategy prioritizes homegrown brands and artisan food concepts providing mentorship, pop-up spaces, and marketing support to small and medium enterprises.
Innovation in Sustainability
Our progress on ESG issues is supported by the contributions of our stakeholders and the achievements of our diverse workforce. We are committed to maintaining a multi-cultural, diverse, and inclusive working environment. As at 31 December 2023, ICD employs more than 29 nationalities; with a ratio of 65:35 male to female employees. We also actively engage in supporting the development and retention of talent and encouraging staff to regularly engage in physical and mental well-being activities.
Community Responsibility
We continue to support our communities through initiatives that reflect our organisational values; these are aimed at ensuring we are, and remain, a good corporate citizen.
Community Priorities
Our community initiatives focus on education, innovation, and health, contributing to the development of a skilled, healthy, and empowered society that benefits all our stakeholders.
Employee Volunteering
We encourage employees to engage with communities and provide additional paid leave for volunteering. Details of ICD’s 2023 corporate social responsibility initiatives are outlined in the CSR section below.
Corporate Governance
We advocate strong corporate governance that promotes transparency, manages risk, and ensures compliance with regulations, including ESG-related requirements.
Built with community, For the community
Sustainability starts with people. We collaborate closely with local communities to create meaningful, lasting impact.
