Masdar City has released its 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, highlighting notable achievements in sustainable real estate, energy and water conservation, and waste management. This reflects the company’s dedication to propelling the UAE towards its Net Zero goal by 2050, WAM reported.
The report outlines continuous year-on-year advancements across essential environmental metrics. With over 1,000 businesses operating within its borders, Masdar City achieved a 30.6 percent decrease in energy use intensity in 2023 compared to the ASHRAE baseline. This reduction is equivalent to eliminating 3,392.6 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, or the impact of removing 807 gasoline-powered vehicles from the roads for an entire year. The decrease in energy use intensity can be attributed to effective passive design strategies and enhanced energy performance management.
Water conservation success
In terms of water conservation, the city recorded an 18.3 percent reduction in potable water consumption against the Estidama PBRS baseline, saving 42,901 cubic metres of water—enough to fill 17.2 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Furthermore, this achievement stemmed from optimized water usage in operations and the use of treated wastewater for landscaping.
Waste management innovations
On the waste management front, Masdar City achieved a 57 percent diversion rate of operational waste from landfills through composting and recycling efforts, which helped mitigate 92.4 tons of carbon emissions. Additionally, construction waste reduction was enhanced through prefabrication and modular design techniques during both design and construction phases.
Commitment to sustainability
Ahmed Baghoum, CEO of Masdar City, expressed pride in the release of the 2023 ESG report, highlighting the city’s steadfast commitment to sustainable urban development and innovation. He further noted that this year marked significant milestones, including a 30 percent reduction in energy use intensity and the completion of the UAE’s first net-zero energy office building. Baghoum emphasized that these achievements reflect the city’s dedication to pioneering sustainable practices that align with the UAE’s strategy for achieving net-zero by 2050 and the vision to lead globally in climate action and sustainable urban living.
Future sustainability goals
Moreover, looking to the future, Masdar City remains devoted to promoting sustainability and social initiatives. By 2025, the city aims for a 45 percent reduction in energy use and increased water efficiency. Plans are also in place to expand renewable energy capacity, including the development of a 7MW photovoltaic plant for Khazna Data Centres. Furthermore, Masdar City will continue to engage key stakeholders, facilitate B2B networking events, and contribute to the local community through various social programs.
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