IRENA Opens Doors on New Permanent Headquarters in Masdar City
Newsletter
VIPs from around the world gathered in Masdar City on 3 June to celebrate the official inauguration of the permanent headquarters of IRENA. The event celebrated the history and achievements of the agency since its foundation in 2009, while recognizing the move as the latest milestone in the global clean energy movement. During the inaugural programme, UAE leaders and IRENA head Adnan Z. Admin talked about what the opening of the headquarters meant for the UAE and IRENA.
“The new IRENA HQ is the culmination of a vision of sustainable design and development and a fitting home for an organisation dedicated to increasing the global deployment of renewable energy for a cleaner, safer and more sustainable tomorrow for all of us. It embodies the positive and exciting future that renewables offer for our economies and energy systems worldwide.” – Adnan Z. Amin, IRENA Director-General
"The inauguration of the IRENA Headquarters today in Masdar City marks an important milestone on the UAE's successful journey to host the intergovernmental organization, which began with our bid submission seven years ago. Hosting IRENA in Abu Dhabi is a reflection of the UAE's commitment to expanding access to sustainable, clean energy both domestically and internationally. We look forward to partnering closely with IRENA and countries around the world to support the further development of renewable energy and clean technologies."- H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs
Watch what other UAE leaders had to say about our building inauguration:
The IRENA Headquarters building is the first in the UAE to achieve a four-pearl Estidama construction rating – a UAE-certification system stressing energy, water and carbon efficiency. Located at the geographic centre of sustainable Masdar City, the 32,000 square meter complex consists of three interconnected buildings, which work together to conserve energy and water, and create shared space.
The new IRENA Headquarters enables IRENA to lead by example in operating from a building that is a symbol of sustainable design and development.
Building facts:
- Due to passive design and smart energy management systems, the building demands 42% less energy than global energy-efficiency standards.
- Solar water heaters supply 75% of the building’s hot water demand.
- The building demands approximately 50% less water than similar conventional office buildings in Abu Dhabi.
- The 1,000 m2 PV rooftop system will produce 305,000 kWh of electricity annually. In addition, the solar hot water system will be equivalent to 27,850 kWh. Altogether, the renewable energy systems output of the building will cover more than 10% of the building energy demand.
- The building is twice as airtight as Estidama requires, reducing the site’s overall energy consumption.
- The building’s air conditioning system recovers 75% of the energy released as exhaust air, and then harnesses it to cool incoming fresh air.
IRENA Director-General Adnan Z. Amin speaking at the inaugural event
A view from the balcony during the inaugural event
External view of the IRENA Headquarters
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