Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has been honored with the prestigious Green World Award’s Global Gold Winner category by the Green Organization based in the UK for its Route 2020 project.
The award recognizes exceptional achievements in environmental performance, efficient resource utilization, support for sustainable development goals, and carbon footprint reduction.
The Route 2020 project was specifically recognized for its significant contribution to reducing 35,319 tones of carbon emissions and its implementation of best practices aimed at environmental conservation.
RTA secured this award through substantiated evidence provided by its Rail Agency, which had previously received the LEED Gold certificate from the US Green Building Council for the seven stations of Route 2020. This certification, awarded under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, recognizes buildings for exemplary strategies and practices in sustainability.
Moreover, the metro system integrated advanced energy-saving technologies such as the HESOP system, designed to harness electrical energy generated during train braking, and Automatic Train Control (ATC) coasting. RTA has also undertaken various green initiatives focused on energy and water conservation.
The Route 2020 Project spans 15 km from Jabal Ali Station to the Expo 2020 site, comprising 11.8 km of elevated track and 3.2 km underground, and connecting seven stations (five elevated and two underground). It serves densely populated areas including the Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai Investment Park, and the Expo site, benefiting approximately 270,000 residents.
Environmental sustainability is the key pillar of the Route 2020 project, underscored by its energy-efficient infrastructure and award-winning station designs, which have also received the Prix Versailles Architecture and Design Awards 2022.
The Green World Award is renowned as one of the most prestigious environmental awards globally, honoring governments, ministries, and individuals for their significant contributions to environmental improvement and sustainability. It features three categories- Gold, Silver, and Bronze, to enhance the environmental reputation and standing of its recipients.