The social imperative in sustainable urban development: The case of Masdar City in the United Arab Emirates. Issue 2 (7th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Randeree, Kasim; Ahmed, Nadeem
• Is Part Of: Smart and sustainable built environment. Volume 8:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 138
• Page End: 149
• Publication Date: 2019-05-07
• Subjects: United Arab Emirates -- Sustainability -- Abu Dhabi -- Eco-city -- Urban development -- Masdar City; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; 720.4705
• DOI: 10.1108/SASBE-11-2017-0064
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-6099

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine social sustainability effectiveness of eco-cities through the case of Masdar City's strategy for urban sustainability in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Design/methodology/approach: Using a case study approach, the paper is an exploratory, qualitative analysis, which investigates the social, environmental and economic performance of Masdar City, a purported carbon-neutral, zero-waste urban development. Findings: Though Masdar City substantively contributes to innovation in sustainable urban development within environmental and economic contexts and has been effective in capital circulation in green technology markets, the impetus as a commercially driven enterprise is most evident. Successful sustainable urban development requires greater consideration for the social imperative. Practical implications: Eco-city mega-projects, such as Masdar City, have the potential to fuse achievements in innovation, technology and economic enterprise with the social imperative of functional urban habitats. Originality/value: Eco-cities are of increasing interest given the growing need for sustainable, energy-efficient living. This paper contributes through a novel case study, exploring how the concept of the eco-city has been developed and understood in the Masdar City context and discusses successes and deficits in its strategic implementation.