The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and Masdar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the sustainability attributes of selected new and existing UAE embassies around the world. The main goals of the MoU are to ensure that the UAE's global missions reflect the country's sustainability agenda, and to raise public awareness of the need to conserve water and energy.
The MoU was signed by Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Undersecretary for the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Mohamed Al Ramahi, chief operating officer of Masdar.
Under the five-year MoU, Masdar will provide expertise to MoFA, ensuring that the embassy buildings benefit from increased operational efficiency through measures to reduce waste and conserve energy and water.
The goals of the MoU include reducing the operating cost of the embassies by minimizing their energy and water consumption through measures such as installing efficient insulation and water fixtures. Other goals include reducing the waste that goes to landfills by influencing behavior and putting in place measures to encourage recycling. These efforts will in turn reduce each embassy's carbon footprint. The program also seeks to enhance the awareness of embassy staff and the surrounding communities about sustainability issues and practices.
Abu Dhabi's Estidama Pearl rating system and other green building rating systems – such as LEED and BREEAM- will be utilized, where applicable. These third-party certifications encourage energy and water efficiency through features such as insulation, water fixtures, windows, glazing, efficient air conditioning equipment and hot water systems, among other measures.
MoFA has identified 16 embassies in strategic places such as London, Paris, Berlin, China and Canberra where the sustainability measures will be implemented.
"The UAE's embassies are the gateways to our nation, and they should reflect the message of sustainability and environmental conservation that our wise leadership has placed at the forefront of our development initiatives," Sheikh Al Hamed said. "With Masdar's expertise and assistance we plan to integrate sustainability into all of our consulates, including new buildings as well as our existing portfolio of embassies."
Masdar's extensive experience in enhancing the energy and water efficiency of buildings across Abu Dhabi and achievements through Masdar City make it the best choice to enhance the environmental impact and sustainability of UAE embassies.
"Masdar is pleased to work with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs to share our proven expertise in developing sustainable buildings and implementing resource-efficient techniques in projects around the world. This partnership underscores the importance of the UAE's leadership in global sustainability."
The Saudi Gazette
17 July
