Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, UAE - Zero Emissions Living

(Abu Dhabi, UAE) - Following the vision of the late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi has initiated an ambitious project to build a close to zero emissions development called Masdar City. The construction of Masdar City has already begun and by the fall of 2009 the Masdar Institute of Science will locate itself in the development with 100 students and faculty. The Masdar Institute's new building has been designed by the architects Foster and Partners, and incorporates the 100% utilisation of PV solar panels for electricity generation, and all of the latest technology in energy efficiency building construction.

Phase One of Masdar City is underway, and the city is being designed to be an international centre for the development of sustainable energy and sustainable living technology. Masdar City will incorporate the highest available proven technology in zero emissions energy production, conservation, and waste management. Solar Photo Voltaic and Solar Thermal energy will provide the majority of the city's energy self-sufficiency. Masdar City will house 1500 international sustainable concept companies in a tax-free, zero import tariff, zero restriction of capital movement region. The core driver for Masdar City is to help drive and inspire an accelerated development of Planet saving advanced technologies and living behaviours through real life deployment within the city.

Masdar City will also incorporate Abu Dhabi's Estidama Integrative Design Process, which is part of "Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision" and involves building design and living space processes that are sustainable for the future. Some of these areas are the cascade and recycling of water, the creation of cool neighbourhoods using natural vegetation cover, establishing healthy communities that encourage walking, life cycle environmental impact of building materials, and wide use of renewable energy. The intent is to both inspire Abu Dhabi residents, and inspire other global communities to see the original vision.