Muscat: The Sustainable City – Yiti: A Paradigm Shift in Urban Planning and Environmental Sustainability
The Sustainable City – Yiti stands as a significant milestone in the realm of urban planning, marking a profound advancement in the integration of eco-friendly practices with stringent sustainability standards. This project not only supports Oman's vision for sustainable tourism but also plays a pivotal role in the country's efforts towards environmental conservation and diversification of its economy.
Situated approximately 30 kilometers from the heart of Muscat, The Sustainable City – Yiti is a coastal development that offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Oman. It is a collaborative venture between Diamond Developers, a subsidiary of SEE Holding, and the Oman Tourism Development Company, a division of the Omran Group.
In a distinguished interview with the Times of Oman, Mahmoud Shehada, the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of The Sustainable City – Yiti, elucidates the project's core sustainability initiatives, highlighting its commitment to achieving global net-zero targets. This commitment is in harmony with Oman Vision 2040 and the Sultanate of Oman's pledge to fulfill the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Excerpts from the Interview:
What is the significance of The Sustainable City – Yiti in Oman's pursuit of net-zero emissions and its alignment with Oman Vision 2040?
The Sustainable City – Yiti epitomizes our dedication to supporting Oman's sustainability objectives and our complete alignment with the nation's vision of establishing an emission-neutral city. This vision encompasses a green, energy-efficient, and people-centric environment that residents can live, work, and flourish in.
Oman Vision 2040 outlines a clear strategy for a diversified, inclusive, and sustainable national economy, with the ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Our ambitious goal is to transform The Sustainable City – Yiti into the largest operational sustainable community in the region and the inaugural net-zero emissions city in the region by 2040. We aim to extend the blueprint we have been developing and serve as a living demonstration of the Sustainable City brand.
What are the primary objectives you aim to achieve in the forthcoming years?
The project is scheduled for completion in 2026, with 93% of the infrastructure for The Sustainable City – Yiti already in place. Our ambitious initiative adopts a comprehensive strategy to reduce the per capita emissions footprint of residents by at least 78% when compared to conventional housing in Oman. This includes the reliance on 100% clean energy, 100% water recycling, 100% waste diversion from landfills, and up to 80% self-sufficiency in food energy requirements.
A critical objective is to enhance the economic value of the project by offering net-zero service charges and equipping all residential units with energy-efficient appliances. This measure is designed to minimize resource consumption and associated costs, resulting in residents of The Sustainable City – Yiti experiencing a significant reduction in their utility bills – up to 100% on electricity and 50% on water – when compared to traditional households.
Furthermore, we are committed to fostering community engagement through urban farming, education, and sustainable lifestyle practices. By transforming sustainable living into a way of life, we aim to instigate genuine generational behavioral change, making sustainability the norm and ensuring a lasting positive impact on future generations.
What are the principal characteristics of the clean, renewable energy sources that will be utilized to power The Sustainable City – Yiti? Do you believe that the reduction in energy costs presents a compelling argument for investing in and adopting more sustainable development practices?
To achieve our sustainability objectives, we are committed to reducing emissions across all six dimensions of environmental sustainability: food, energy, water, products, mobility, and waste.
Within the framework of The Sustainable City – Yiti, we plan to leverage renewable energy through two primary methods: the installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and the utilization of biogas plants that transform organic waste into energy. The community will be equipped with advanced smart systems, including electric vehicle charging stations and an EV car-sharing program that is currently in development. These smart systems also enable residents to share energy resources.
Furthermore, the innovative design of our residential units, which are outfitted with energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, low-flow water fixtures, and smart home technology, results in significant reductions in energy consumption and utility expenses, reaching a total of 100% for electricity.
Our residential buildings are designed to minimize exposure to the sun and maximize shading. They are also constructed with highly insulated walls, roofs, and windows that reflect UV light, thereby reducing the need for air conditioning and electrical usage.
Homes within our cities are expected to hold higher resale values in the future, as there is a growing demand for sustainable, energy-efficient living spaces. These spaces not only lower carbon footprints but also result in reduced operational costs, making them an attractive investment option for property and real estate.
What amenities and facilities are included in the comprehensive master plan of The Sustainable City – Yiti, and how do they contribute to the community's sustainability goals?
At the heart of our communities, our residents are of utmost importance to us. Therefore, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of sustainability among them. We are implementing the necessary platforms, infrastructure, and initiatives to support our community's transition to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Our vision for The Sustainable City – Yiti is to create a vibrant community centered around the live-work-thrive philosophy. This includes a wide range of amenities, from retail and dining options to hospitality, leisure, healthcare, education, employment, and services. By offering these services locally, we aim to minimize the need for residents to travel outside the community, thereby reducing the collective emissions further.
Additionally, The Sustainable City – Yiti will provide car-free zones and facilitate alternative modes of transportation, such as shared electric bicycles and electric scooters, for travel within the community's car-free areas. We are confident that these mobility solutions will encourage healthy commuting and promote walkability.
Moreover, The Sustainable City – Yiti will organize a variety of educational, sports, cultural, and environmental community events and initiatives. These activities are designed to foster social connections, spread awareness about environmental culture, and promote sustainable practices in all aspects of life.
