Expo City complements the LEED standards by adding Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in areas specific to the priorities for this region, such as having a higher minimum performance for water and energy efficiency. Passive design strategies support the achievement of these KPIs. Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, an example of sustainable best practice in action, is designed to be net zero for energy and water and is LEED Platinum-certified.

Expo City’s passive design strategies are based on UAE historical precedent and inherited wisdom, and can produce significant environmental and social benefits at a lower cost. For example, water features, shade structures, trees, landscaping and features, and lighter coloured materials help to reduce heat, while condensate capture and greywater recycling used in toilet flushing and cooling systems help to save water.

Expo 2020 Dubai was the first large-scale urban development in the region to register under the WELL Community Standard, which presents a framework for creating communities that prioritise the health and wellbeing of all inhabitants. Expo City carries this forward and is targeting WELL Community Gold certification.

In addition to prioritising pedestrian and micro-mobility pathways for bicycles and e-scooters, Expo City features running and cycling tracks and 45,000sqm of parks and gardens.

Expo City's Sustainable Materials Guidelines aim to reduce the negative environmental, social and economic impacts of all construction materials procured.

Expo City has received international recognition for best practices in green building design, with 123 LEED-certified buildings, including seven LEED Platinum and 105 LEED Gold. It also has eight infrastructure projects rated ‘Excellent’ under BREEAM Infrastructure.

Expo City has set short- and medium- targets - in 2030 and 2040 - to drive action to reduce operational carbon reduction, as part of its pathway to net zero by 2050. As a hub in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and a growing community that recognises the impacts of carbon in city development, Expo City also outlines separate interim and long-term goals to reduce embodied carbon in the built environment, such as in construction materials. The city's decarbonisation roadmap sets a new benchmark for growing urban centres while also contributing to the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and global climate goals.

While Expo City maintains four key objectives, decarbonisation is the common thread that runs through our entire sustainability strategy, culminating in achieving net zero by 2050. To achieve this goal, we are implementing programmes and initiatives that reduce or remove greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout our value chain. We are working with key stakeholders and our community to become a model of sustainable urban living that is designed from the ground-up for the minimisation of GHG emissions.

Expo City Dubai embraces change and aims to inspire. The Seeds of Change platform provides a voluntary solution for individuals and organisations committed to offsetting their carbon footprint.