Dubai is set to hit headlines again – this time for a record-setting net-zero energy building.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has started construction of a new headquarters, which will be the tallest, largest, and smartest net-zero energy building (NZEB) in the world.

Named Al Sheraa (Arabic for sail), it is being built in the heart of the Cultural Village in Al Jadaf, Dubai, UAE. The building, which will have a total built-up area of over 1.5 million sq ft and feature parking, engineering facilities, and green spaces, is designed to accommodate 5,000 employees, in addition to customers and visitors. 

It will have over 16,500 sq m of photovoltaic solar panels to produce over 3,500 kilowatt hours (kW/h).

There will be about 10,000 sq m of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panels, producing over 1,100 kWh. Total renewable energy generated by the building will be over 7,000 megawatt hours (MW/h) annually. The building will have an energy utilisation intensity (EUI) of 70 kW/sq m per year.

Al Sheraa’s design was inspired by the UAE’s traditional houses, where enclosed spaces overlook an open courtyard that 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 courtyard features trees, planted areas, and birds within a sustainable environment and will give occupants and visitors an outdoor feeling in an indoor setting.

The building will use the latest technologies including Internet of Things (IoT), big data and open data, and artificial intelligence (AI). Robots will be used for cleaning and to provide security services. A smart app will alert the employees about the time they should leave their homes based on the traffic. The same app can be used to book parking spaces and meeting rooms. It can be also used by visitors to easily reach the building and meeting rooms.

Al Sheraa is planned to be a zero energy building (ZEB), where 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 per cent less water than regular buildings.

The green spaces will be almost 50 per cent of the building’s area. To be ZEB, employees will manage their energy consumption using a smart app that informs them of the amount of energy they use to assist them in improving energy budget management. Al Sheraa will use state-of-the-art building management tools. It will feature a control centre which will allow essential systems to operate and will shut down non-essential systems, including air-conditioning and lighting.

Dewa’s new headquarters will be directly linked to Dubai Metro by a 150-m covered bridge, which will promote the use of public transportation thus reducing traffic and carbon footprint.

“The building will be completed and inaugurated in 2019. Al Sheraa will include a state-of-the-art fitness centre. Dewa will also include a shaded outdoor jogging track for use by Dewa staff and the community,” says Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of Dewa.

The building will feature a 700-seat auditorium, allowing Dewa to host its events and activities in the same building. The parking facility accommodates up to 1,500 cars, which will be parked automatically.