Abstract

The world’s energy requirements are expected to double in the next 50 years; a fact, which places energy use and conservation at the heart of the world sustainability challenge. This paper presents an overview of the an approach considered to meet this global sustainability challenge by the Redevelopment of Ahmadi Township spread over approximately 5.0 sqkm area, an existing Oil Town in Kuwait developed by the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) in 1940s.Since, the existing Ahmadi Township holds an important place in Kuwaiti society for its history, unique architecture, and green setting in light of the arid desert climate in the region, the approach considered taking the rich heritage further by becoming the flagbearer for a sustainable and smart growth in the region. Fundamental to this approach was redeveloping Ahmadi into a modern oil town, while taking into consideration, and retaining the rich, historical heritage of Ahmadi and Kuwait and include smart sustainable principles that connects the Township occupants and enhances the functioning of all the other services infrastructure across the township.One of the goals is to redevelop the existing township within 10 years. During this period, all the existing facilities to have operations running at all times. The new Ahmadi Township seeks to preserve the rich past while incorporating the latest best practices integrating the sustainable practices and Smart City principles for Utilities, Waste Management, Building/Home Automation, and Infrastructure.This paper illustrates various aspects such as the local context, history, vision and objectives, issues and challenges faced, approaches explored and considered, as well as Company’s commitment to the pillars of sustainability of environmental stewardship, community enhancement and the energy and water savings. The approach illustrates an enhanced corporate social responsibility in the region and uplifting the housing integrity in the surrounding context.