Client story

Athlon by Aldar sets new standards as UAE's first LEED Platinum certified community

JLL’s Project & Development Services team enables Aldar’s residential development to achieve the highest global sustainability standard for community planning and design

Spotlight

Aldar

Location

Dubai, UAE

Industry

Sustainability and wellbeing consultancy

Time

Design 2023-2024

Size

1mil sqm

The challenge

Situated adjacent to Dubai’s Global Village, Athlon is Aldar’s residential development that is designed for active living and sustainable practices.

It will span across 1,194,388 square meters and will offer a variety of villas and townhouses complemented by world-class amenities and a dynamic program of activities exclusively curated by wellness experts. It aims to redefine fitness-focused living, with the objective of promoting long-term well-being and fostering a deep sense of community among all residents.

 The JLL approach

As Aldar's project partner supporting them in increasing their LEED certifications across their portfolio, JLL was enlisted to provide sustainability and wellbeing consultancy services.

Our aim was to ensure that the master plan meet both LEED Cities and Communities and Fitwel Community standards to be certified. As part of our role, we also developed a comprehensive sustainable operational policies and plan for Aldar’s community and facilities management team to uphold sustainable practices and contribute to the long-term success of Athlon.

Bringing it to life

JLL worked closely with the master planner and lead design consultant during the initial design development phase. Our objective was to incorporate sustainability and occupant well-being standards into the project at its core. This included the implementation of energy and water-efficient fixtures, intelligent waste management systems, electric vehicle charging stations, and a thoughtfully designed network of shaded pathways and bicycle lanes to encourage eco-friendly modes of transportation.

Moreover, the construction process will prioritise the use of low-carbon and locally sourced materials, aligning with the UAE's ambitious Net Zero by 2050 initiative and supporting Aldar’s Net Zero goals.

How JLL helped Aldar to SEE A BRIGHTER WAY

Through our collaborative efforts, Athlon has achieved the prestigious LEED Cities and Communities Platinum certification—the first in the UAE and a testament to its human-centric focus and purposeful design, which enhances social cohesion and fosters sustainable living practices.

Athlon has also received a 2-star rating from Fitwel for Communities, the world's leading certification system dedicated to promoting health and well-being for all. This achievement further highlights Athlon's commitment to enhancing the overall health and wellness of its residents.

Together, we are shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for the development and its residents.