As Zero Emissions Day approaches (September 21) and aligned with the UAE’s goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050, SEE Institute in Dubai - claimed to be the region’s first and only operational net-zero building - is setting a new benchmark for sustainable architecture in the region, said its developer SEE Holding.

Located in The Sustainable City - Dubai, this 5,000-sq-m state-of-the-art facility seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technologies that harness solar energy, optimise energy efficiency, and minimise waste to achieve drastic emissions reduction.

From the ground up, every element of the SEE Institute building has been meticulously developed to reach its net-zero goals. The building generates 300 of its energy needs, enabling it to offset both embodied and operational emissions, setting it on track to hit its net-zero target by 2030, said a statement from the developer.

Prior to its construction, a full life cycle assessment was conducted to minimise the overall emissions footprint.  The design team optimised the structural layout to lower energy demand and minimised material use, creating a sustainable blueprint from the foundation up. The building incorporates locally sourced, prefabricated structural elements, low-emitting concrete, and recycled steel, significantly reducing the emissions associated with material production and transportation, it added.

Bi-facial solar panels installed on the rooftop and the parking areas, produce renewable energy that powers the entire facility. Complementing this is a smart cladding system that reduces energy consumption through enhanced thermal performance, while generating additional solar power.

The building’s energy-efficient cooling systems, combined with superior insulation and advanced acoustics, maximise operational efficiency, further reducing energy use. Inside, a smart building management system integrates various technologies, connecting lighting, HVAC, security, and energy management into a seamless, real-time network. This system not only automates key functions but also allows for precise monitoring and control, providing valuable insights through data analytics, according to SEE Holding.

In addition to energy savings, SEE Institute prioritises water conservation. The building is equipped with a wastewater treatment system that ensures 100 per cent water recycling. Innovations such as a combined water tap and hand dryer reduce water use and energy, while an Atmospheric Water Generator produces pure drinking water directly from the air, capable of harvesting up to 500 litres daily from the UAE’s abundant humidity, it stated.

SEE Institute has partnered with Tadweer to install a biogas plant that recycles organic waste—including food and landscaping debris—into renewable energy.  

The institute operates as a hub for sustainability education, research, and incubation. It offers over 60 specialised courses in social, environmental, and economic sustainability, helping organisations and individuals work toward achieving their own net-zero targets.

To date, SEE Institute has trained over 15,000 professionals, equipping them to address complex challenges within the food, energy, water, product, mobility, and waste ecosystems.

SEE Institute building offers a blueprint for the future of sustainable construction, serving as an inspiration to the region and the world to accelerate the transition toward a net zero emissions future, said SEE Holding.-TradeArabia News Service.