Dubai‘s “The Shair,” the new headquarters of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has achieved a significant global milestone by obtaining the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in the New Construction category, achieving the prestigious Platinum level. This certification, awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), recognises the building’s exceptional score of 102 out of a possible 110 points, further establishing it as one of the foremost sustainable governmental projects worldwide.
Commitment to Sustainability
His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, the Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, commented, “In line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, we are committed to ensuring that all our projects and facilities contribute to enhancing Dubai’s position as a global model for smart and sustainable cities.”
Supporting Dubai’s Energy Strategy
Al Tayer continued, “The Shair’s achievement of the Platinum level LEED certification reflects our commitment to supporting Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the emirate’s Carbon Neutrality Strategy 2050. This is accomplished through the development of a leading infrastructure that focuses on energy efficiency, sustainability, and smart technologies.”
World’s Largest Positive Energy Government Building
Notably, “The Shair” is touted as the tallest, largest, and smartest positive energy government building globally, producing more clean energy than it consumes annually. This accomplishment solidifies DEWA’s leadership in innovation and sustainability, showcasing a comprehensive model that integrates sustainable design, advanced digital technologies, operational efficiency, and a modern workplace that fosters productivity and innovation.
Innovative Features of “The Shair”
The solar photovoltaic capacity of the building stands at approximately 5 megawatts, incorporating panels installed on the roof and integrated into the facades. To maintain optimal performance, specialised robots have been installed to clean the solar panels, enhancing their operational efficiency. Additionally, the facility is equipped with over a thousand data points monitored and managed in real time through an advanced digital system leveraging artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. This setup significantly improves energy and water consumption efficiency and enhances the performance of building systems.
Promoting Electric Vehicle Use and Water Management
Moreover, “The Shair” features 46 electric vehicle charging points, as well as integrated solutions for water management and reuse. Intelligent systems have been implemented for controlling lighting, air quality, and cooling, which not only enhances operational efficiency but also creates a healthy and sustainable work environment.