As the UAE marches towards its national goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, several buildings across the Emirates are already operating at zero energy.
But the SEE Institute, a hub for sustainable education and research in Dubai's Sustainable City, claims to be the region's first operational net-zero emissions building, producing 300 per cent of its own energy needs.
While the SEE Institute has been operating at zero emissions since day one, and currently produces twice the amount of energy it needs – with the surplus going back into the electricity grid – it won't actually meet its net-zero target until 2030. That is because it is still offsetting the carbon emissions generated during the construction phase.
Bifacial solar panels have been installed on the roof and in the parking areas, which allow it to produce so much of its own energy.
There is also a smart building management system to optimise energy use and the building recycles 100 per cent of its water. It also uses humidity harvesting technology that effectively turns air into drinking water.
In Masdar City, the sustainable business and technology hub in Abu Dhabi, the region's first net-zero energy commercial building was completed in November.
Another major project on the horizon is Forbes International Tower, planned for construction in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, which aims to be the world's first net-zero carbon tower.
Other international green building certifications include the US Green Building Council's LEED rating system, as well as Abu Dhabi's local rating system by Estidama, plus WELL Gold, which emphasises the well-being of building occupants.
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