Acciona wins Leed certification for 3 Dubai Metro Route 2020 stations


Spanish infrastructure major Acciona has obtained Gold Leed - the highest qualification for sustainability in construction - for three stations on Dubai Metro Route 2020 extension. Certification is expected soon for the remaining four along the route.

Spanish infrastructure major Acciona said its civil work joint venture with Gulermak, a leader in rail system projects, infrastructure projects and industrial projects, has obtained the Gold Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for three stations on Dubai Metro Route 2020 extension. 
 
This highest global qualification for sustainability in construction is expected soon for the remaining four stations along the route, which will make the Dubai Metro extension the largest Gold Leed certified transit project in the world, it stated. 
 
The three stations - Al Furjan (R-72), Discovery Gardens (R-71) and The Gardens (R-70) - won the Gold Leed v4 Building Design and Construction certification. 
 
Leed is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. It was created to set environmental standards in construction and provide a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green infrastructure. 
 
To increase the energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of the metro stations, Acciona said it had optimized cooling systems, installed solar panels for energy, and used insulating material for the external walls and roof claddings, among other initiatives.
 
Acciona's commitment to sustainability means it is constantly seeking to reduce the environmental and carbon footprints of its construction projects, it added. 
 
Carlos Bacaicoa, Acciona Stations Manager at the Dubai Metro Route 2020, said: "This project contemplates a high efficiency criteria in the selection of materials and systems in each of the buildings, taking into account its location in harsh climate conditions, its delicate environment and the existing resources. The results in smart, eco-efficient and more sustainable stations, which will save considerable energy and water throughout their lifespan."
 
The construction methodology used by Accion and Gulermak JV had been as respectful as possible to the environment, he added. 
 
José Luis Oliván, Acciona’s Project Director of Dubai Metro Route 2020 project, said: "Leed certification confirms Route 2020´s stations as examples of sustainability and excellence. It demonstrates our leadership in transforming the building industry. We are proud to contribute to the most sustainable World Expo in history."
 
The 15-km Route 2020 network includes 11.8 km of elevated viaduct and a 3.2-km underground tunnel, branching off the existing Red Line at the Nakheel Harbour and 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 new line began operating on January 1st, with four stations open to the public.
 
"This achievement is part of a commitment of the Acciona-Gulermak civil works JV to ensure that the Dubai Expo 2020’s programme-wide sustainability strategy integrates world-class processes and methodologies, from planning and design to construction and operations," he added.-TradeArabia News Service