Abu Dhabi: Masdar City, a sustainable urban community in Abu Dhabi, has completed the region’s first net-zero energy commercial building, called NZ1.
The building’s simple design demonstrates that net-zero energy is possible for almost any developer, setting a new benchmark for architects and city planners worldwide, as per the statement.
“NZ1 is an incredible milestone for Masdar City and a fitting precursor to COP28. Our vision has always been to accelerate the UAE’s ambitious journey to net-zero, and we’re closer now than ever. NZ1 is just the beginning,” said Mr. Ahmed Baghoum, Masdar City’s CEO.
“Through our distinctive approach to sustainability that prioritizes community needs, financial viability, and environmental protection, we demonstrate that sustainability is not a luxury for the elite—it’s for everyone,” the CEO added.
The NZ1 is intended to use 53 percent less energy than a comparable conventional building. The building will have net-zero energy because of the on-site PV (solar) panels, which will produce 101 percent of its yearly energy requirements. The Abu Dhabi electric grid will receive any extra energy generated.
NZ1 was designed by Masdar City with a focus on passive design, an architectural approach that reduces the need for electric heating and cooling by utilizing the surrounding environment and the physical elements of a building.
Early in November 2023, NZ1 was named the Net-Zero Building Project of the Year winner by the MENA Green Building Awards. It has already been pre-let to a tenant who will strengthen Masdar City’s sustainable tech ecosystem.
Two more net-zero energy projects in Masdar City are currently under construction, including CO-LAB, a shared living and working area inside The Link, a development, and Masdar City Square’s headquarters building, which is scheduled to open in 2024.
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