UAE-based renewable energy firm Masdar has announced the successful completion of the new global headquarters of International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena), a 31,983-sq-m multi-use complex located in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The Irena global headquarters complex, which comprises three connected buildings, is almost fully leased and will be the permanent home of the Irena as well as other commercial tenants, said a senior Masdar official on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2015.

Located in Masdar City, the low-carbon, sustainable urban development in Abu Dhabi - Irena will officially move in by the end of the first quarter of 2015, said a senior Masdar official on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2015.

The Irena global headquarters is the first office building in Abu Dhabi to be awarded a 4 Pearl Estidama Construction Rating Certificate by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC).

The Estidama Pearl-Rating System, created and managed by the UPC, is the Arab world’s first sustainability rating system designed to assess the sustainability performance of buildings, communities and villas. 

Announcing the project completion, Masdar CEO Dr Ahmad Belhoul said it was a significant milestone in the development of Masdar City. "Its timely delivery underscores Masdar City’s leadership as a model of sustainable design and urban development within the UAE and globally," he noted.

"The four-Pearl rating sets a new benchmark for sustainable design and showcases how high-performance buildings can reduce energy and water consumption, while remaining cost competitive," added Dr Belhoul.

The building complex, which is united by a common atrium and a single rooftop, conserves energy and water and creates shared space. The atrium connects offices to open spaces where people will be able to shop, to dine and experience the modern, sustainable lifestyle exemplified by Masdar City, explained the company chief.

Falah Al Ahbabi, the director general of UPC, said: "From its conception through to construction, the complex strictly adhered to Estidama’s four pillars of sustainability - social, environmental, economic and cultural."

"The UPC’s Estidama department has put in a  considerable amount of effort with Masdar and the construction team to ensure their commitment to optimizing sustainability and performance, and as a result, the multi-use building creates a unique environment that nurtures community and promotes resource efficiency. This project is a positive example of public-private sector collaboration," he added.

Unveiling the details, Dr Belhoul said the Irena headquarters complex includes 1,000 sq m of rooftop photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, while solar-thermal water heaters supply 75 per cent of the estimated total annual hot water usage.

Sustainable design strategies are anticipated to reduce the building’s energy consumption by more than 40 per cent and water by 53 per cent, compared to a non-Estidama baseline building, he added.

Fitted with sun-shielding fins, the outer skin of the buildings reduces solar heat gain without obstructing the view from inside. High-performance tinted glass and high-efficiency insulation are also used to optimise energy savings. Materials used during construction include locally sourced, low-carbon cement as well as recycled steel, he noted.

"The city’s momentum - its rate of growth over the last year - is undeniable. The strategic hub offers both business advantages and social opportunity, and companies and organisations of all sizes are moving in," said the Masdar chief.

In October 2013, the UAE formally ratified the agreement granting permanent headquarters status to Irena.-TradeArabia News Service