Construction begins on Masdar, IRENA headquarters

Masdar announced the awarding of the design and construction contract for its new headquarters complex, which will also house the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The headquarters will be one of the most advanced, sustainable multi-use complexes in the UAE. It will be the cornerstone of Masdar City - the special economic zone, clean-technology cluster and low-carbon city in Abu Dhabi. Completion is set for summer of 2014. The Masdar and IRENA headquarters aims for a four-pearl certification under the Estidama Pearl Building Rating System, one of the strictest energy efficiency and sustainability standards in the world. It will be fitted with 1,000 square-metres of rooftop photovoltaic solar panels - supplying renewable electricity to its tenants - and reduce water usage by more than 50% compared to a typical Abu Dhabi building. The headquarters will be a three building, 32,000 square-metre complex.