Masdar City: A proven blueprint for sustainable urban development earns LEED platinum
Masdar City was recognized in the LEED v4.1 Communities Plan & Design category, and it is the first time this certificate has been given to a project in Abu Dhabi. The award acknowledges Masdar City's commitment to exceeding rigorous sustainability standards for its development and buildings. The achievement further reinforces Masdar City's reputation as a world-class, climate-resilient community that is attracting a growing number of tenants drawn to its innovative and collaborative environment.
"The international recognition achieved by Masdar City is evidence of the success of our sustainable development approach and reflects the efforts made toward establishing the community as a sustainability hub,' said Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director Sustainable Development from Masdar City. 'Our vision is to inspire cities to transform into more liveable, resilient, and sustainable places, based on innovation and collaboration while enhancing the quality of life for all residents. Our ambition for 2025, the year of community, is to enhance the experience of our people and our businesses while protecting the natural environment, revolutionising the way cities and communities are planned, developed, and operated.'
'At Masdar City we are constantly striving to push the boundaries of innovation for a more sustainable future, and the awarding of the LEED Platinum Certificate is a recognition of that,' said Gaurish Wagle, Manager, Sustainable Master Planning at Masdar City. 'We are determined to be a world leader in sustainable urban living and are doing so by meeting the highest standards, as this certificate proves.'
Masdar City has established a reputation for setting the standard on sustainable urban development, excelling in master planning and integrating advanced green infrastructure, renewable energy, and low-carbon mobility solutions into its urban design. Phase 1 of the master plan not only met but surpassed LEED's strict performance standards across critical areas such as land use, transportation, energy systems, and community health.
The LEED for Communities rating system, certified by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), evaluates the long-term sustainability and liveability of neighbourhoods and urban developments. The Plan & Design rating system evaluates community-scale master plans before construction, ensuring that critical elements like natural systems and ecology, quality of life, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, air quality, mobility, and community engagement are prioritized.
This new award further builds upon a strong track record of LEED certifications, Masdar City is home to dozens of LEED-rated buildings, including one of the largest clusters of LEED Platinum buildings in the world, as well as several with LEED Operations & Maintenance (O+M) certifications.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
18 hours ago
- Zawya
ALEC achieves LEED Platinum Certification for HQ and Gold for ALEMCO Offices
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Following extensive renovation works, ALEC has been awarded the prestigious LEED Platinum certification for its headquarters in Dubai, while its MEP subsidiary, ALEMCO, has secured a LEED Gold certification for its corporate office and adjoining yard in Dubai Industrial City. These certifications, awarded by the US Green Building Council for Commercial Interiors, reflect the company's deep-rooted commitment to quality, sustainability and employee well-being. LEED for Interior Design and Construction (LEED ID+C), is a green building rating system focused on the design and construction of interior spaces within commercial buildings. The upgrades mark a significant milestone for ALEC as it continues to invest in creating healthier, more efficient workspaces. By achieving the highest level of LEED certification, ALEC demonstrates both its capabilities in delivering world-class green building solutions and its determination to hold its own operations to the highest standards. 'Our priority was to enhance the overall workplace experience for our people, while embedding sustainability at every stage of the renovation,' said Barry Lewis, CEO at ALEC. 'With improvements ranging from low-flow water fittings to LED lighting and advanced energy metering, we've not only reduced our footprint. but reaffirmed our commitment to creating better buildings. These upgrades echo the same principles we bring to client projects, helping them meet and exceed their green building targets.' To earn the LEED certifications, ALEC implemented a wide range of sustainability measures across both facilities. Water consumption has been reduced by 55% from baseline through the use of low-flow fixtures equipped with sensors. Lighting energy was cut by 25% compared to ASHRAE 90.1-2010 standards, thanks to the installation of energy-efficient LED fixtures, occupancy sensors, and enhanced commissioning protocols. Indoor environmental quality was enhanced through the use of low-VOC paints, adhesives, and materials, while design features maximised daylight use and improved acoustics. Significant attention was given to responsible sourcing and material reuse. Structural materials included steel with 25% post-consumer recycled content, 100% bio-based wall boards for phone booths, and high-recycled content in insulation and ceiling components. Similar practices were adopted at ALEMCO's facility, reinforcing the company's circular approach to design and construction. Almost 100% of workstation tables, wooden wall panels, reception desks, joinery, storage units, and various meeting room elements from ALEC HQ offices, were diverted and reused at the company's new design office in Dubai, reducing refurbishment-related waste. This latest achievement extends ALEC's proven track record in helping clients realise their own green building ambitions. Notable successes include LEED Platinum certifications for the Saudi Arabia and UAE Pavilions at EXPO 2020, and LEED Gold ratings for projects such as ADNOC's new headquarters, the Mobility Pavilion at EXPO 2020, City Centre Mirdif, and One Za'abeel. In addition, ALEC has supported several Abu Dhabi-based developments in securing Estidama Pearl Ratings, including Pearl 2 for SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the ADIA Carpark, and Abu Dhabi Airport's Arrivals Hall and Transfer Baggage Facility, as well as Pearl 1 for Yas Waterworld. 'As we continue to drive the sustainability agenda forward across the region, our own renovations stand as proof that you don't need to choose between sustainability and design,' said Lewis. 'With careful planning, extensive reuse and responsible material selection, organisations can elevate their interiors while delivering on environmental performance. We're proud of what we've achieved and look forward to supporting more partners across the region in their own green building journeys.' About ALEC ALEC, part of the Investment Corporate of Dubai (ICD), is a leading construction and related businesses group operating in the UAE and KSA. The company builds and provides construction solutions that set industry benchmarks for quality, safety, functionality, and aesthetics. ALEC offers its clients complete turnkey solutions in construction, MEP, fit-out, marine, oil & gas, modular construction, energy efficiency and solar projects, heavy equipment rental, technology systems and asset maintenance. With these capabilities, the company successfully serves a diverse range of sectors including airports, retail, hotels & resorts, high-rise buildings, and themed projects.
Hi Dubai
19 hours ago
- Hi Dubai
TECOM Group Reports 22% Rise in H1 2025 Net Profit to AED 737 Million on Strong Demand and Strategic Expansion
TECOM Group PJSC has posted a 22% year-on-year increase in net profit for the first half of 2025, reaching AED 737 million, with revenue rising 21% to AED 1.4 billion. The results, announced today, reflect the company's continued expansion, high occupancy rates, and growing appeal as a hub for global business across Dubai's specialised districts. Driven by demand in key sectors and supported by last year's strategic acquisitions, TECOM Group recorded a 24% increase in EBITDA to AED 1.1 billion, maintaining a healthy 80% margin. Commercial and industrial occupancy rose to 95%, while land lease occupancy reached 99%, underpinned by the success of government strategies like Operation 300bn and the D33 agenda. Operational highlights included the regional headquarters opening of PayPal at Dubai Internet City, expansion of global firms such as IMCD, and the launch of key industry initiatives in media, design, and education. TECOM Group also advanced its sustainability agenda, increasing its LEED-certified buildings to 55 and generating 8 GWh in clean solar energy. An interim dividend of AED 400 million was approved for H1 2025. A new dividend policy for H2, including a proposed 10% increase, is subject to shareholder approval. With this performance, TECOM Group reinforces its position as a key player in Dubai's diversified economic growth and a preferred destination for global investment. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Al Etihad
28-07-2025
- Al Etihad
Emerge, Misk City sign landmark solar agreement to power vision for green urban future
28 July 2025 17:17 RIYADH (WAM) Emerge, the energy solutions joint venture between Masdar and EDF power solutions, has signed a long-term solar energy agreement with Misk City to deliver sustainable electricity over the next 20 years, marking a milestone in the City's journey to becoming a model of environmental innovation and green signing ceremony was held in Riyadh at Misk City and attended by David Henry, CEO of Misk City, Omar AlDaweesh, Emerge board member, Michel Abi Saab, General Manager of Emerge, and Samuel Ménard, Economic Counsellor and Anouar Mekkas, Nuclear and Renewable Energy Advisor at the French Embassy in agreement will see the development of a 621-kilowatt peak (kWp) rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) plant atop a dedicated carport structure and other assets within Misk City, located in the northwest of operational, the system is expected to significantly reduce the city's CO₂ footprint, contributing significantly to Misk City's ambition of achieving a higher level of environmental performance through LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and establishing itself as one of the region's most advanced green urban City is the world's first nonprofit city of its kind, a pioneering urban model that reflects the Kingdom's ambition to cultivate knowledge, creativity, and sustainable development in alignment with Vision to integrate innovation, education, and sustainability, Misk City offers a dynamic, human-centered environment that attracts talent and fosters entrepreneurship and serves as a regional hub for education, digital media, culture, and the arts, strategically positioned as a leading platform for both local and international sustainability at its core, Misk City is committed to setting new benchmarks in green urbanism. From renewable energy integration and utilising green schemes, to fostering walkability urban context and smart mobility solutions, the City reflects a holistic approach to an outstanding urban on a framework agreement signed earlier this year, the partnership reflects both entities' shared commitment to decarbonisation, energy innovation, and sustainable urban transformation. Emerge will undertake the full development and delivery of the project, including engineering and design, financing, procurement, construction, operations, and said, 'From the very beginning, Misk City has been envisioned as a forward-looking, sustainable urban community – designed to empower future generations and lead by example in innovation and environmental responsibility. Integrating clean energy into our infrastructure is a natural extension of that vision. This project marks a meaningful step in advancing our sustainability goals, reinforcing our commitment to building a city that thrives in harmony with its environment.'AlDaweesh said, 'This partnership is a testament to the growing momentum for clean energy adoption in the Kingdom. By supporting Misk City's pioneering sustainability goals, Emerge is proud to be contributing to a new urban narrative, one where innovation and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. Emerge's holistic, turnkey model removes complexity and accelerates the transition to clean power for clients across the region.' Alshimmari said, 'At Emerge, every project we deliver is tailored to the unique needs and ambitions of our partner. This agreement with Misk City exemplifies our commitment to supporting clean energy transformation through fully customised energy solutions. By drawing on the global expertise of Masdar and the EDF Group, we ensure world-class quality and innovation at every stage – from design and financing to construction and long-term operations.'
