Masdar, the leading renewable energy company in Abu Dhabi, has awarded the contract for the design and construction of its new 32,000 sq m headquarters complex to Sydney-based Brookfield Multiplex.

A renowned 50-year-old global company, Brookfield Multiplex has several projects to its credit including the Emirates Towers in Dubai, London’s new Wembley Stadium and the Central Park tower in Western Australia.

The upcoming Masdar HQ will be one of the most advanced and sustainable energy-efficient buildings in the UAE which will also house the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena).

It will be the cornerstone of Masdar City – the special economic zone, clean-technology cluster and low-carbon city in Abu Dhabi. The project is due for completion in summer of 2014.

The Masdar and Irena headquarters aims for a four-pearl certification under the Estidama Pearl Building Rating System, one of the strictest energy efficiency and sustainability standards in the world.

It will be fitted with 1,000 sq m of rooftop photovoltaic solar panels – supplying renewable electricity to its tenants – and reduce water usage by more than 50 per cent compared to a typical Abu Dhabi building.

The headquarters will be a three-building complex with all the buildings sharing a community courtyard, connecting offices to spaces to shop, dine, walk, and experience the modern, sustainable lifestyle exemplified by Masdar City.

Announcing the project, Masdar CEO and managing director Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said, “The award of this contract marks a major milestone in the development of Masdar City.”

"The buildings integrate cutting-edge technologies in energy efficiency, green building and water conservation. We remain committed to the growth of Masdar City as a technology cluster, enabling companies to set up Middle East operations to support the achievement of regional renewable energy targets and the development of clean technologies," he stated.  
 
"Higher education and research are at the core of Masdar City, enabling companies to partner with the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology to accelerate the development of technologies," said Al Jaber.

"Organizations, such as Boeing, Siemens, Global Green Growth Institute and Irena are already working with us and capitalising on the opportunities offered by the technology hub, he added.

Irena, currently situated in Khalidiya in Abu Dhabi, advised on the design of its custom headquarters to meet its organizational requirements, said its top official.
 
“It’s only fitting that the headquarters of Irena - dedicated to the sustainable use of renewable energy - be located in one of the most sustainable buildings in the world,” remarked Adnan Amin, the director-general of Irena.

“The building is a shining example of how we can meet our energy needs today while preserving the earth’s resources for tomorrow,” he added.

On winning the contract, Ashley Muldoon, the CEO of Brookfield Multiplex, said, “We are thrilled to be selected, and even more honoured to begin construction of one of the most sustainable developments in the world.”

“Our innovative strategies and holistic approach will significantly reduce the buildings’ potable water consumption, energy demand, waste to landfill and embodied carbon emissions from materials,” he added.

The headquarters adheres to updates from the 2011 redesign, which was made to meet market demand and allow for the integration of newer technologies. The HQ complex concept was designed by architectural firm Woods Bagot.

For the construction of the complex, materials will be sourced from Abu Dhabi’s sustainable supply chain. It will use green materials, including low-carbon cement, high-recycled-content aluminium, recycled steel and sustainably-sourced timber, among others.

Ross Donaldson, group managing director of Woods Bagot said, “The project presented an irresistible challenge to create a highly efficient, yet aspirational workplace environment, embodying Masdar’s vision for sustainability, delivered in a commercially viable way.”

The HQ complex will be located alongside other key developments in Masdar City. These include the expansion of Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, construction of  first commercial building and final stages of construction of Middle East HQ of Siemens.-TradeArabia News Service