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Masdar City To Break Ground, Regions First Net-Zero Energy Facility | |
| Sumita Pawar |
Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s flagship sustainable urban community, broke ground today on The Link, an innovative, 30,000-square-meter development featuring the region’s first net-zero energy shared working and living facility, according to reported media.
In addition to the net-zero energy co-lab building that will house both office and residential space, The Link will facilitate a new way of living and working.
According to the report, the Link will feature four other low-carbon buildings that will include event space, outdoor plazas, shaded courtyards, recreational and fitness facilities, and retail. The project is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs in the UAE.
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Masdar has signed an agreement to export green hydrogen from Abu Dhabi to Europe.
Ahmed Baghoum, the acting CEO of Masdar City, said, "The Link will model a new kind of sustainable community by connecting shared working and living space with other elements of a thriving neighbourhood, including places to shop, play, and relax, and local transportation."
"It is a key component of Masdar City’s "green print" for sustainable urban development and a wonderful way to honour this Year of Sustainability as the UAE prepares to host COP 28."
Dutco was announced as the contractor for the project at the ground-breaking event.
Zayed Baker, the executive director of the Dutco Construction Group, said, "Masdar City’s rich legacy of sustainable construction and innovation make them an ideal partner for us." We’re honoured to be bringing this historic development to life.
As the report stated, Dutco was selected in large part due to their high in-country value (ICV) certification score, which represents the value they will add to the UAE economy.
Talking about priorities, Martin Baerschmidt, MD of EDGE, which designed The Link, commented, "Our priority was integrating the international sustainability principles that Masdar City is known for with world-class living, working, and recreational space to create a truly iconic architectural landmark and community experience."
The Link will be constructed to LEED Platinum, WELL Gold, 4 Pearl PBRS Estidama, and LEED SmartPark Silver standards, with a planned annual energy reduction of up to 117%.
It will use energy-efficient structures as well as sustainability features including high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and cooling, energy monitoring, and A-star rated appliances.
It will be powered by renewable energy.
The Link’s sustainable residences will be available in two-, three-, and four-bedroom units across nearly 6,000 square meters, said the report.
Residents will have access to a courtyard with shaded play areas, a climbing wall, sensory play equipment, a trampoline, a wellness zone, and more.
Dedicated office and commercial space spans 15,000 square metres across four floors, including 500 square metres of retail space at the ground and plaza levels.
A multi-use hall and visitor center, spanning 3,300 square metres, will host conferences, exhibitions, and live performances, and will have a retail precinct on the ground floor as well as a restaurant with balcony views on the first level.
The flexible auditorium will seat 300 and feature state-of-the-art technology and equipment.
The Link will connect all areas of Masdar City through transportation networks.
According to the report, it will create a transition route between the upcoming light-rail transit and group rapid transit networks and offer bicycle tracks, bus connectivity, electric charging ports, car sharing facilities, and parking for 1,255 vehicles.