When Expo 2020 comes around, Dubai aims to become one of the top ten sustainable cities in the world — mainly though implementing the green building regulations.

The civic body Dubai Municipality has already started its efforts towards creating one of the most sustainable cities in the world ? [and] it has recently formed a special committee for sustainability which will study and execute green initiatives.

The municipality is implementing the green building rules in its new projects, and are taking the necessary steps to change the old systems to energy saving systems.

It is being highlighted that solar power is one of the most cost-effective, cleanest, most-affordable forms of renewable energy available. It is free, unlimited and versatile. It can be used for low-power purpose as well as larger ones — from garden lights to water heaters, pumps, buildings and grid-tied generating stations. It requires very little maintenance and lasts for many years.

So while the city focuses on becoming a sustainable city, there continues to be challenges. One of the main challenges, explained director of Environment and Safety at the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, is converting waste into energy. So while the technology exists at the Al Qusais landfill, it cannot be carried out until the next ten years.

There is not enough waste in Dubai to convert it into energy. Dubai Municipality aims to start the process of converting waste into energy within the next few years and sign several memorandums of understanding with other countries in 2014.

While the government continues to execute numerous plans in its bid to become a sustainable city, families also have to play a role in saving energy and teach their children simple steps in saving water and electricity.

People continue to have negative practices and tend to leave their lights on during the day, or use excessive water while cleaning their vehicles. Parents have to do more in teaching their children, as well as their housemaids and gardeners, on ways to save energy. If all of us wake up and be mindful of our energy usage , Dubai can surely fulfill its ambition.