Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multifaceted renewable energy company, and the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) today announced they have signed a framework agreement to collaborate in enhancing sustainability in Abu Dhabi schools.

In line with the terms of this agreement, Masdar will support ADEC in improving the energy efficiency of their facilities and in their efforts to reduce the consumption of energy and save water across all new ADEC schools within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. There is a long term vision to this agreement which includes Masdar collaboration with ADEC in constantly improving the sustainability features of all school buildings, specific studies on design specifications, and an innovative engagement program that aims to educate young people about the importance of sustainability within their daily lives.

The agreement was initialed by His Excellency Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, Director-General, ADEC, and Dr. Sultan Al-Jaber, Chief Executive Officer.

Announcing the key features of the agreement, Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili said: “We see school facilities as a wonderful opportunity for students to see with their own eyes and experiment first hand, simple but powerful notions of sustainability. ADEC new school designs are meant to be a “teaching tool” itself, that will help expand the awareness of sustainability in the whole community where the school is located. ADEC commitment to sustainable design is contained in our Educational Facilities Design Manual, published for the first time in 2010.”

“ADEC is building new environment friendly schools as part of “Future Schools Project”. A total of 21 schools, at a cost of approximately AED1.5 billion, will be inaugurated in preparation for the new school year in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Gharbia,” added Dr. Al Khaili.

Dr. Sultan Al-Jaber, said: “Education is critical to bringing about the changes the world needs to address the challenges of global warming and achieving sustainability goals. Masdar is delighted to take part in this process of raising awareness and engaging the next generation about the importance of sustainability and renewable energy generation. We are also pleased to offer our expertise in sustainable urban planning and design to ADEC for use in their schools.”

Through this collaboration, ADEC will utilise Masdar’s sustainability awareness program “START” to educate students and staff on sustainability through a series of workshops starting this year. The workshops will highlight sustainable water usage, waste, energy and transport management measures which have been implemented at ADEC’s newly opened schools.
 

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