A senior official said that Masdar City, an innovative centre and sustainable urban community in Abu Dhabi, will soon house the first net-zero energy mosque in the area. Masdar City is planning three more sustainable projects in addition to the construction of a net-zero energy mosque, which is scheduled to begin construction next year.
With 1,590 square metres of on-site photovoltaic panels, the 2,349 square metre building—which can accommodate 1,300 worshipers—will be able to generate all of the energy required for the building in a year or less.
Masdar City aims to establish a new benchmark for houses of worship in the area by utilising a creative design that combines preservation of the environment with cultural heritage and community development.
The mosque used passive design, an architectural strategy that adapts to climatic circumstances, to lower its overall energy needs by 35% when compared to international baselines.
The mosque's primary structure will be mostly constructed of rammed earth, and the inside will be lighted with cascading natural light patterns thanks to a number of tiered windows on the roof. As worshippers make their way from the outside to the hallowed inside, exterior colonnades will provide shelter from the sun.
Like other projects, this one will employ locally sourced and recycled materials whenever feasible to save costs and its carbon impact. At least 70% of construction trash will be removed from landfills. Water usage may be cut by 55% by using recycled water for irrigation, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and drought-tolerant vegetation.
The building design aims to achieve not only a zero-energy rating from the International Living Future Institute but also the highest international green building certification, the US Green Building Council's Leed Platinum rating, and the UAE's highest green building certification, Estidama 4-Pearl. The well-being of the occupants will be given priority in design in order to get a Well Gold grade.
Masdar City has many net-zero energy initiatives, of which the new mosque is only one. The first net-zero energy commercial building in the nation, NZ1, was unveiled in December. Two more net-zero energy commercial and residential buildings are currently under construction: The Link's Co-Lab building, a net-zero energy shared working and living space, will be completed in 2025, and Masdar City Square's HQ building will be finished next year.
