DUBAI, UAE, 24 July 2023: The Za’abeel District Cooling Plant, owned by Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower), has received Gold certification from the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Making the announcement through a Press release, Empower said the recognition is a result of Za’abeel’s successful adherence to the rigorous Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, set by the USGBC. By achieving the certification, Za’abeel reaffirms its commitment to environmental protection and to reducing carbon footprint, and demonstrates its dedication to innovation and sustainability, Empower said, adding that the accomplishment further enhances Za’abeel’s impressive portfolio of assets that have previously received similar accolades.

H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower, said the company boasts a rich track record of accomplishments in swiftly transforming its extensive asset portfolio to align with the most stringent green building standards. “Empower has remained steadfast in establishing a sustainable model to conserve energy and preserve the environment and its resources,” Bin Shafar said. “Through close collaboration with various government entities, the company is diligently working towards achieving the ambitious objective of carbon reduction outlined in the strategy.”

Empower said the Za’abeel District Cooling plant, part of a new generation of advanced facilities, uses state-of-the-art smart and innovative technologies it has developed. The plant has garnered worldwide acclaim, particularly in the field of Thermal Energy Storage (TES), which significantly contributes to conserving a substantial amount of electrical energy, Empower said. Moreover, the plant integrates Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) technology into its operations, making a significant contribution to reducing freshwater consumption and conserving precious natural resources, Empower further said.

In 2020, Empower initiated the construction of the Za’abeel District Cooling Plant, and the project was successfully completed in 2022, boasting a total capacity of 50,000 tons of refrigeration.