Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (Adib) has been awarded the Leed pre-certification for gold rating from the US Green Building Council for its proposed new headquarters on Airport Road in Abu Dhabi.

The building, which is under construction, will be ready for occupancy in 2013 and will be one of the first to have received such a certification in the UAE, a statement from the bank said.

The new building has applied best practice design principles. It has concentrated on minimising energy and water intake and waste output, maximising recycling and environmental quality.

Energy efficiency measures have resulted in cost savings of almost 23.1 per cent and it uses 47.4 per cent less water than a conventional building. Its atrium air conditioning saves 50 per cent energy by utilising displacement ventilation. The waste recycling strategy plan will provide an estimated saving of 50 per cent yearly on Abu Dhabi municipality charges.

Tirad Mahmoud, CEO of ADIB, said: “We are mindful of the UAE government’s target of a 20 per cent reduction in carbon footprint by 2015. We are looking to further reduce the consumption of the bank’s energy, water and consumables as we contribute to the development of an eco-friendly UAE.”

Leed certification is the recognised standard for measuring building sustainability. Developed and administered by the US Green Building Council to promote design and construction practices, it increases profitability while reducing negative environmental impacts. – TradeArabia News Service