Masdar city (United Arab Emirates)

Masdar city, which is being built in Abu Dhabi, aims to obtain 100% of its energy from renewable sources, including photovoltaics, concentrating solar power (C.S.P.), wind, waste to energy. The city is being designed to reduce the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning. All buildings are being designed to the highest energy efficiency standards, and will use traditional Arabian architecture to integrate local values, and innovative technologies, such as retractable screens to provide shade, and folding solar umbrellas to reflect the heat.

When completed it requires about 250MW of green power, far less than is needed to power a similar-sized conventional city. ITC systems will monitor electricity use and waste. Dish washers and washing machines will be connected directly to a central hot water system powered by geo-thermal energy. Businesses and homes will be able to connect to green data centres which use low power servers.

In 2009 Masdar inaugurated an on-site 10MW power plant, the largest solar photovoltaic array in the Middle East to power its temporary offices as well as tools used in the construction process. The array has used recycled materials in order to reduce embodied carbon. Masdar is also implementing zero waste, sustainable transport, materials, food, water and biodiversity strategies. It has developed ethical codes of conduct with its suppliers and is improving performance in labour standards and working conditions for its employees.