Burj Khalifa: An Iconic Sustainable Mega Tall Tower
摘要
This chapter provides an overview of the sustainable development initiatives implemented during the construction and occupancy phases of the world’s tallest LEED Platinum Certified, the Burj Khalifa building in Dubai, UAE. Creating a sustainable tower that is effective, well-defined, robust, and easy to maintain is essential for ensuring safety, durability, economic viability, and the comfort of residents. To achieve these goals, sustainability dimensions—Social, Environmental, and Economic (SEE)—must be integrated during the conceptual planning, structural design, and construction phases, rather than merely during occupancy. The architectural and construction practices adopted for the Burj Khalifa embody the principle of “doing the right thing, right, first time, every time,” with a strong emphasis on sustainability. This was achieved through the implementation of an approved Project Quality Plan (PQP), Health, Safety, and Environmental Plan (HSE), and Inspection Test Plans (ITPs), all supported by clearly defined method statements and specific factual checklists. A Project Management Information System (PMIS) was excellently utilized to manage daily construction activities, providing advanced information about construction processes (what, when, where, who, how, and with what), maintaining a comprehensive database of drawings and documents, tracking resources, delivering precise information to subcontractors, and monitoring commercial aspects. DOKA autoclimbing formwork was employed for the tower’s cores to facilitate fast tracking, ensure quality, and promote safer construction using environmentally friendly materials.