DEWA to build the tallest zero energy building

DEWA to build the tallest zero energy building

by Jochebed Menon on Jan 2, 2017 

The utilities authority unveiled its new HQ in Al Jadaf, when it welcomed a delegation from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) headed by Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors of RTA.

During the meeting, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA highlighted the features of the new HQ named Al-Sheraa, which means sail in Arabic.

The Al-Sheraa building will have more than 9.3ha, over 1.85ha of land. It is being built in the heart of the Cultural Village in Al Jadaf.

DEWA’s Al Tayer said: “By building Al-Sheraa, we establish a role model in Dubai and the world to achieve a balance between development and the environment to protect the right of future generations to live in a clean, healthy and safe environment.

“The total built-up area of Al-Sheraa will be over 13.93ha. The building will have [more than 1.65ha] of photovoltaic solar panels to produce over 3,500 kilowatt.

“There will be more than 2,000m2 of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV).

“Total renewable energy generated by the building will be over 5,400 megawatt hours (MW/h) annually.

“The building will have an energy utilization intensity (EUI) of 60 kW/m2 per year. The building will be completed and inaugurated by the end of 2019.”

RTA’s Al Tayer was impressed with the technical and architectural design of DEWA’s new headquarters, which will be a smart eco-friendly building that uses solar energy to meet the electricity needs of the building.

Al-Sheraa’s design was inspired by the traditional houses in the UAE, where enclosed spaces overlook an open courtyard.

The courtyard will be the focal point and most prominent feature of the building. To reduce heat in the open courtyard, a sail design is used to provide shaded areas.

Natural light during the day will stream through specific openings in the sail, giving sufficient light without the associated heat.

The building will use the latest technologies including Internet of Things (IoT), big and open data, and artificial intelligence (AI). Robots will be used for cleaning and to provide security services.

The total energy used in the building during a year is equal to or less than the energy produced on site during that year.

DEWA’s new headquarters is targeted to receive platinum rating by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), where platinum is the highest certification. The building is targeted to use 50% less water than regular buildings.

The green spaces will be almost 50% of the building’s area. DEWA’s new headquarters will be directly linked to Al Jadaf metro station by a bridge.

http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-42413-dewa-to-build-the-tallest-zero-energy-building

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