The global conversation around sustainability is reaching a peak, driven by the mounting challenges of climate change, rapid urbanization, and shifting societal priorities. According to the World Economic Forum, the world is expected to build the equivalent of New York City every month for the next 40 years. This comes as a clear indicator that the future of sustainable living demands an integrated approach, where communities harmonize environmental preservation, social integration, and economic resilience into their ecosystems. This requires a paradigm shift in how we approach placemaking, moving beyond construction to designing holistic environments that prioritize the well-being of people and the planet.
Our Orascom Development Keys of Life 2024 initiative exemplifies this commitment. Conducted in collaboration with YouGov, the research surveyed over 3,600 individuals across MENA, Europe, the UK, and the US, to explore how people define community and what they value in their living environments. The findings highlight the importance of sustainable living, revealing that 85% of respondents emphasize the value of homes incorporating natural elements, and 76% prioritize eco-friendly features. These insights provide a roadmap for the industry to reimagine sustainable living.
At the core of sustainable development is environmental conservation. Access to green spaces and natural surroundings has become a fundamental factor to mental well-being. Our research shows that 88% of people feel better mentally when they have access to parks or green spaces. This aligns with other studies linking proximity to nature with reduced stress and improved quality of life. As developers, we must prioritize biophilic design and green infrastructure, ensuring that communities are both environmentally responsible and aesthetically inspiring.
Master planners must take decisive action, integrating sustainability at every phase to ensure lasting impact. In our integrated town in Switzerland, Andermatt Swiss Alps, we operate on CO₂-neutral electricity, while in Egypt, El Gouna was the first destination in the MENA region to receive the UN-backed Global Green Award. These towns and communities showcase the tangible benefits of integrating environmental stewardship into community planning.
Sustainability is as much about people as it is about the planet. Strong communities are built on meaningful relationships and shared experiences. According to our Keys of Life study, 70% of respondents want more opportunities to engage with neighbours and community groups, highlighting the need for communal spaces that foster social interactions.
Intentional placemaking requires integrating spaces for cultural events, recreational activities, and sports festivals into community designs that help strengthen social bonds. Initiatives across our destination include regular community events like the Ironman Salalah in Oman and El Gouna Film Festival in El Gouna, bringing together hundreds of people with common passions. Celebrating local heritage and identity creates a deeper sense of belonging. Social sustainability ensures that communities remain inclusive and resilient, enriching lives through shared experiences.
A truly sustainable community is also economically self-sufficient. By integrating residential, commercial, healthcare, and educational facilities within a single destination, developers reduce reliance on external resources and support local economies. El Gouna is a great example of this. Carefully curated amenities ensure residents have access to essential services without the need for commuting. This model is increasingly relevant as 81% of respondents in our research cited economic concerns as a key factor in homeownership. Communities designed with flexible living, remote working opportunities, and access to essential services are becoming indispensable.
Building sustainable communities requires collaboration between private developers, governments, and civil society. Public-private partnerships are essential to align planning with policy goals, attract international investments, and boost local economies. These alliances can also drive technological innovation and ensure the scalability of sustainability initiatives.
The industry must also embrace data-driven insights to address the evolving needs of modern homeowners. From the rise of digital nomads to families prioritizing legacy homes, the demand for diverse, future-ready communities is clear. Our research highlights that 78% of respondents view sustainable living as a preferred lifestyle, indicating that this trend will shape community development for years to come.
The future of community development lies in creating harmonious communities that are socially, economically, and environmentally resilient. Developers must continue to evolve by embracing new technologies, integrating feedback from diverse stakeholders, and prioritizing sustainability at every stage of the placemaking process. Across our destinations, we embrace circular economy principles by ensuring responsible disposing of construction waste in government-designated areas, minimizing environmental impact.
Through ongoing research and collaboration, the industry can reimagine what it means to build communities that not only meet today’s needs but also stand the test of time. By focusing on the interplay between people, place, and purpose, we can unlock the full potential of truly sustainable living and build a better future for generations to come.
For more insights into Orascom Development’s sustainable initiatives and Orascom Development Keys of Life research, visit https://www.orascomdh.com/
By: Omar El Hamamsy, Group CEO, Orascom Development