- The seven-station extension to the Dubai metro is the largest transport project in the world to be built to the highest sustainability standards in construction.
ACCIONA has obtained the highest global qualification for sustainability in construction for the Dubai Metro “Route 2020”, making the new extension of the Dubai transit system the largest Gold LEED certified transport project in the world.
All seven stations of the Dubai Metro “Route 2020” have now received the Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) v4 Building Design and Construction certification – the top award for sustainable construction.
ACCIONA’s commitment to sustainability means it is constantly seeking to reduce the environmental and carbon footprints of its construction projects. LEED is the most widely used environmental standard in construction, providing up-to-date guidelines on best practices for how to build healthy, energy-efficient and climate-resilient infrastructure.
To increase the energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of the Dubai Metro Route 2020, ACCIONA optimized cooling systems, installed solar panels for energy, and used insulating material for the external walls and roof claddings, among other initiatives.
Carlos Bacaicoa, ACCIONA Stations Manager at the Dubai Metro “Route 2020”, said: “We selected high-efficiency materials and systems for each of the seven stations along the route, taking into account the harsh climate conditions, fragile environment and existing resources at the location. This allowed us to build smart, eco-efficient and more sustainable stations that will save considerable energy and water throughout their lifespans. The construction methodology used by ACCIONA and Gulermak CWJV, our partners in the civil works joint venture, has been as respectful as possible to the environment.”
José Luis Oliván, ACCIONA’s Project Director of the Dubai Metro “Route 2020”, said: “LEED certification recognizes ACCIONA’s commitment to building Route 2020 to the highest standards of sustainability and construction excellence. It demonstrates our leadership in transforming the building industry. We are proud to contribute to the most sustainable World Expo in history.”
Dubai Metro’s 15km “Route 2020” includes 11.8km of elevated viaduct and a 3.2km tunnel, branching off the existing Red Line at the Nakheel Harbour & Tower Station. It has seven stations, including an interchange at Nakheel Harbour and an iconic metro station to welcome visitors to the World Expo site. The Route 2020 extension partially opened in January, with services along four stations. The entire route is expected to be open to the public in time for the opening of Expo2020 in October.
ACCIONA is building the sustainable cities of the future by pioneering LEED certified, bioclimatic zero-emission building projects such as the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Canada, the Centro Tecnológico Campinas in Brazil, and the BBVA Bank headquarters, Campus Iberdrola Phase II, and Castellana 77 building in Spain.