Masdar has appointed CH2M Hill as the programme manager for the first phase of development.

The appointement follows a multi-stage competition involving 13 international programme management firms.

Masdar Initiative is a global cooperative platform for open engagement in the search for solutions to some of mankind's most pressing issues: energy security, climate change and truly sustainable human development.

A creation of the Masdar Initiative is the Masdar City Development, the world's first zero-carbon, zero-waste 'green community'. Nestled in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the six square kilometer alternative energy city will open late in 2009 and will establish a world-class standard for implementing integrated sustainable technologies.

Six companies were short-listed after the first stage of evaluation, which included a prequalification based on specific expertise in sustainable developments. Four companies made it to the second stage which consisted of team interviews and the submission of an implementation strategy, said a company official.

The final stage included two companies and consisted of a comprehensive analysis of their proposed tools to achieve the ambitious environmental goals of the Masdar Development.

CH2M HILL was appointed because of its corporate alignment with Masdar's vision and its leadership in programme management. The firm gives Masdar access to the very best programme management processes and tools the industry has to offer.

'Masdar recognised that integrated solutions are needed to address the sustainability of energy, water, air and infrastructure on a world-wide level. We selected CH2M HILL because it is an industry leader in these areas and because of its commitment to sharing its knowledge and resources to build a legacy of sustainability with Masdar,' said Masdar CEO Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber.

CH2M HILL will be responsible for technology integration and for aligning the efforts of the designers, contractors, and third parties to programmes goals and standards.

'Masdar is inspiring for its vision, boldness and leadership,' said CH2M HILL chairman and CEO Ralph R Peterson.

'It promises to showcase and accelerate the development and adoption of technologies in renewable energy, energy efficiency, carbon management, waste management and water usage.  As innovations and applications created by the Masdar initiative take hold, cities around the world will surely benefit, making a great idea a truly transformative idea,' he added.- TradeArabia News Service