The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) announced that its headquarters has obtained international LEED Zero Energy and LEED Zero Carbon certifications from the U.S. Green Building Council. DIEZ is the first entity in the Middle East to attain this qualitative achievement.
Commitment to the best standards
DIEZ, including economic zones like Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai CommerCity are committed to sustainable development. To achieve that goal, they are investing in renewable energy infrastructure and raising energy efficiency.
This falls under the UAE’s strategic goals that aim to apply the best environment and sustainability international standards. The authority aims to be part of achieving the strategic initiative for climate neutrality UAE Net Zero 2050.
DIEZ received the two certificates from Gopala Krishnan, managing director of Southeast Asia, and Middle East; and Deepthi KP, regional director of Middle East at Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI).
This achievement coincides with the UAE’s declaration of 2023 as the “Year of Sustainability” and the country’s hosting of COP28 this month.
Dubai’s portfolio of integrated economic zones and LEED-certified buildings has reached 31 platinum-rated buildings.
Providing top-notch services to business partners
Engineer Muammar Khaled Al Kathiri, executive director of the Engineering and Sustainability Sector at DIEZ expressed his pride in obtaining these two prestigious certificates. “This achievement embodies our firm commitment, at DIEZ and its affiliated economic zones, to adopt and apply international standards in various fields. This ensures the provision of the best level of services to business partners” he stated.
He stressed, “DIEZ has become a global role model in adopting a culture of sustainability and adopting the best responsible environmental practices.”
The LEED Zero Energy certification is awarded to buildings that generate energy from renewable sources such as the sun and wind. The amount generated must be equal to their average consumption throughout the year. Meanwhile, the LEED Zero Carbon certificate celebrates the facilities’ success in reducing or compensating for carbon emissions throughout the year. The two certificates reflect DIEZ ’s commitment to implementing building management strategies equipped with the best technical or sustainable solutions. Such strategies provide the highest levels of quality within a sustainable and healthy environment.
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Achieving record results
Notably, DIEZ had previously achieved record results in its commitment to sustainability standards and reducing carbon emissions in 2022. It adopted responsible practices that met the “ISO 50001” international standards for optimal and sustainable use of energy. Moreover, it adopted the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.
Some of these achievements included reducing carbon emissions by 24 percent. It also improved the performance of smart waste management systems by 46 percent in 2022 compared to 2021.
Furthermore, DIEZ has relied on several responsible environmental initiatives and practices and smart technologies. This has significantly contributed to reducing energy consumption, effective management of cooling, irrigation, and waste recycling systems.
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