MoFA, Masdar sign embassy sustainability deal

UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and Masdar, Abu Dhabi's renewable energy company, signed a deal to enhance the sustainability attributes of its embassies around the world.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) seeks to ensure that the UAE’s global missions reflect the country’s sustainability agenda, and to raise public awareness of the need to conserve water and energy, said a statement.
The five-year MoU was signed by the ministry's Undersecretary Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed and Mohamed Al Ramahi, the chief operating officer of Masdar.
Under the deal, Masdar will provide expertise to MoFA, ensuring that the embassy buildings benefit from increased operational efficiency through measures to reduce waste and conserve energy and water, said the statement.
Abu Dhabi’s Estidama Pearl rating system and other green building rating systems – such as Leed and Breeam – will be utilised, where applicable. These third-party certifications encourage energy and water efficiency through features such as insulation, water fixtures, windows,glazing, efficient air conditioning equipment and hot water systems, among other measures, it said.
“The UAE’s embassies are the gateways to our nation, and they should reflect the message of sustainability and environmental conservation that our wise leadership has placed at the forefront of our development initiatives,” Sheikh Al Hamed said. - TradeArabia News Service