This week, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) launched the National Green Certificates Programme.
According to WAM, the programme aims to promote environmentally friendly building practices and sets specific standards for building classification across:
- Energy efficiency,
- Water management,
- Indoor air quality, and
- The use of sustainable building materials.
WAM noted that participating businesses will be offered technical support and consultations.
In association with the launch, the Ministry signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), one with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the second with Aldar Properties, the third with Pact Carbon, and the fourth with Meagle Energy.
The MoU with FAB will see the two explore potential collaborations in green finance solutions for the UAE’s built environment sector.
The MoU with Aldar Properties, it was shared, is to implement green finance solutions “specifically tailored to enhance the built environment sector in the UAE.”
The fourth MoU with Meagle Energy will establish a framework of cooperation between the parties to provide energy auditing and Measurement and Verification (M&V) services to the Ministry for the National Green Certificates Programme.
Meagle Energy will conduct energy audits in accordance with the standards and guidelines set forth by MoEI, it was shared.
The built environment contributes roughly 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and this is on course to double by 2050 without action. Construction is also incredibly resource-intensive, with around half of all extracted raw materials already funnelled into it.
Commenting on the programme, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said: “The Program is a framework for classifications and requirements for enhancing sustainability and cutting down the carbon footprint of commercial buildings through identifying unified basics that ensure the latest world-class criteria for sustainable buildings. are applied.
“We at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure are committed to advancing sustainable, environment-friendly practices across the board. The Program is another step in our journey to drive a green economy and sustainable development.”