Green Light for Development

Sustainability is a key imperative in any development undertaken to further Abu Dhabi's Plan 2030 objectives and Estidama, the UPC's program of sustainability. Mubadala and its development partner, John Buck International, lay down strict guidelines on energy efficiency as well as other aspects of planning, design, construction and completion. The integration of sustainability principles into the Sowwah Square buildings has been one of the driving factors throughout the design phase and has resulted in the prestigious accreditation by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): LEED Core and Shell Gold Pre-certification by the US Green Building Council.

Key sustainability initiatives incorporated into the buildings include ventilated, double-skin facades to insulate the buildings against extreme temperatures, active and passive sun shading to control light and heat gain, large areas of open space, reduced energy demand, use of recycled and low toxicity material and designs that create high levels of natural daylight. In the development as a whole, the extensive mass transit, pedestrian and cycle access will reduce reliance on car transport and cut harmful emissions.