The Dubai government’s first green building that can significantly cut down energy consumption and generate 600kW of electricity using solar power is fast taking shape on Shaikh Zayed Road in Al Quoz.

The construction of the new green building, which is dedicated for the water and civil division of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), will be completed shortly, Dewa said on Sunday.

The building with a total space of around 340,000 square feet is Dubai’s first government building built according to the highest green building standards.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, CEO and MD of Dewa who inspected the construction of the building, said the building is constructed in accordance with the highest green building standards and features in the emirate in line with the Green Economy for Sustainable Development Initiative announced by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai.

“This step is part of Dewa’s commitment towards sustainability and conserving natural resources, and it is also a part of Dubai’s strategic plan,” said Al Tayer who was accompanied by Abdullah Obaidullah, Executive Vice-President, Water and Civil Division, Dewa; and Mohammed Al Shamsi, Senior Manager, Civil Engineering Projects; during his visit.

He said that the new building would be operated through the building management programme, which can manage HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) units in the facility in a way that allows electricity savings and automated control operations.

“The building also follows the standards of saving electricity and water, and has the ability to generate 600kW of electricity using solar power. The facility is also equipped with high efficiency insulatives and smart building systems. It also uses LED technology in lighting, which allows saving 50 per cent of the energy used in order to protect environment as part of our commitment and responsibility towards society,” said Al Tayer.

The building was constructed on a location that enables an excellent use of existing infrastructure. It consists of a basement, ground floor and two floors. It also features a state-of-the-art water testing laboratory and a parking lot for 350 vehicles.

It is situated near First Gulf Bank Metro station and enjoys high connectivity. The building offers bicycle parking places enough for half of the building users and five per cent of its parking places are designated for environmentally-friendly vehicles.