'Green' buildings to become mandatory in Ajman

Villas in Ajman that require permits ahead of their construction will have to go green, the emirate's Municipality and Planning Department said on Thursday.
The decision is mandatory as of June 1 for all villas that have not yet obtained permits, require maintenance or a change in licence.
Villas under construction or near completion that have already been issued permits prior to this decision are not obligated to conform to the decree.
"The department is keen on implementing sustainability standards in all of the emirate's vital sectors in order to establish for building the future of Ajman," said Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid, Head of Ajman Municipality and Planning Department.
He said the aim is to transform Ajman into one of the world's most sustainable cities.
In its first phase, the decision will be implemented on villas only but will soon become mandatory for all buildings in the emirate.