The UAE?s minister of infrastructure development, Abdullah bin Mohammed Balheif Al Nuaimi, saw the signing of cooperation between the Ministry and Masdar supporting best sustainability practices
Under this agreement, Masdar aims to provide technical advice in implementing a sustainable system in projects, as well as ways to develop and implement a strategy aimed at strengthening the current sustainability standards of the Ministry.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said, ?This agreement builds on our existing relationship with the Ministry and other governmental entities, which has seen us collaborate on a number of highly successful energy efficiency projects in the UAE.?
Hassan Mohammed Juma Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, welcomed the cooperation with Masdar, highlighting its role in supporting the UAE's approach to sustainability and environmental conservation, and in achieving the UAE Vision 2021 and the UAE Centennial 2071 Plan.
He pointed out that the Ministry seeks to look at the future of sustainability by launching initiatives that are closely related to the sustainability system and focusing on innovative ideas in the same field.
?This agreement builds on our existing relationship with the Ministry and other governmental entities, which has seen us collaborate on a number of highly successful energy efficiency projects in the UAE,? Al Ramahi added.
?These have included a comprehensive energy audit of more than 70 buildings within Abu Dhabi island on behalf of Abu Dhabi Municipality; corporate level energy audits on behalf of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; the installation of solar panels at Ras Al Khaimah Hospital, also for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs; and an ongoing project with the Zayed Housing Programme to build sustainable and affordable private homes based on our Eco-Villa prototype at Masdar City.?
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development is responsible for developing urban infrastructure plans, proposing policies and strategies to support the development of the housing sector and associated facilities. They also work with federal authorities to oversee the allocation of housing, control and maintenance of public facilities, and the development and management of the federal road network in the United Arab Emirates, as well as the implementation of government buildings and facilities in various emirates of UAE.
The Ministry has taken the initiative to include leading sustainability standards in its projects, including the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges, housing delivery, education and health projects. Masdar?s experience will assist in assessing the most appropriate sustainability practices and internationally recognized certification systems.
For its part, Masdar, through its Energy Services Department, provides integrated solutions in energy management, both on the supply and demand side. These include contracting for energy performance projects, improving and modernising buildings, replacing and improving heating, ventilation and air conditioning and improving utility lighting. Masdar has previously conducted energy audits in the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the UAE Embassy in Washington DC.
