THE UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and Masdar have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance the sustainability attributes of selected new and existing UAE embassies around the world.

A joint statement said the main goals are to ensure that the country’s global missions reflect its sustainability agenda and raise public awareness of the need to conserve water and energy.

The MoU was signed by Shiekh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mohamed Al Ramahi, chief operating officer of Masdar.

Under the five-year MoU, Masdar will provide expertise to MoFA, ensuring that the embassy buildings benefit from increased operational efficiency through measures to reduce waste and conserve energy and water. Abu Dhabi’s Estidama Pearl rating system and other green building rating systems – such as Leed and Breeam – will be utilised, where applicable. These third-party certifications encourage energy and water efficiency through features such as insulation, water fixtures, windows, glazing, efficient air conditioning equipment and hot water systems, among other measures.

MoFA has identified 16 embassies in strategic places such as London, Paris, Berlin, China and Canberra where sustainability measures will be implemented.

“The UAE’s embassies are the gateways to our nation, and they should reflect the message of sustainability and environmental conservation that our wise leadership has placed at the forefront of our development initiatives,” Shiekh Abdullah said. “With Masdar’s expertise and assistance we plan to integrate sustainability into all of our consulates, including new buildings as well as our existing portfolio of embassies.”

Masdar’s extensive experience in enhancing the energy and water efficiency of buildings across Abu Dhabi and achievements through Masdar City make it the best choice to enhance the environmental impact and sustainability of UAE embassies, the statement said.

“Masdar is pleased to work with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs to share our proven expertise in developing sustainable buildings and implementing resource-efficient techniques in projects around the world. This partnership underscores the importance of the UAE’s leadership in global sustainability.”

The goals of the MoU include reducing operating costs of the embassies by minimising their energy and water consumption through measures such as installing efficient insulation and water fixtures. Other goals include reducing waste that goes to landfills by influencing behaviour and putting in place measures to encourage recycling. These efforts will in turn reduce each embassy’s carbon footprint. The programme also seeks to enhance the awareness of embassy staff and the surrounding communities about sustainability issues and practices.

Masdar is Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company advancing the development, commercialisation and deployment of clean energy technologies and solutions. The company serves as a link between today’s fossil fuel economy and the energy economy of the future. Backed by the Mubadala Development Company, the strategic investment firm of the Government of Abu Dhabi, Masdar is dedicated to the emirate’s long-term vision for the future of energy.