Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) eco-friendly zone warehouses have received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certification after fulfilling all the requirements prescribed within the LEED rating system as created and maintained by the U.S. Green Building Council. The LEED certification program is administered by the Green Business Certification INC.
The criteria for achieving the LEED certification requirements are based on several key factors such as the overall energy consumed, construction methods, and the material and elements used. Receiving this certification represents a significant achievement for AFZ as an organization that regards sustainability as a key priority.
H.E. Eng. Ali AlSuwaidi, Director General, AFZ, said: “We are immensely proud to have secured the LEED gold certification. This achievement is more than just implementing sustainable practices. As part of our sustainable development strategy, we use advanced state-of-the-art tools at our warehouses which are specially designed to reduce electricity consumption, minimize carbon emission, and allow the implementation of the best sustainable practices to provide better working environment for the people and improved air quality.”
He added: “As an industry leader, it represents our commitment to making the world a better place and inspiring others to do more. The UAE has always viewed climate protection as a topic of extraordinary importance and our sustainable development goals are tailored to complement UAE climate change strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.”
“At Ajman Free Zone, we are committed to making a positive impact at the local, regional, and global levels. In this regard, we strive to maintain a sustainable approach towards all our operations and services. We are confident that this will enhance our cooperation with partners and stakeholders and advance the sustainable development framework. This project has not only helped expand the free zone’s capacity to support commercial and industrial activities, but it also increases its competitiveness in a world that is steadily marching towards a sustainable future,” he concluded.
Till date, the AFZ eco-friendly zone warehouses have been able to make fast strides in the sustainable development mission. It has achieved more than 33 per cent reduction in annual energy costs, 100 per cent reduction in total irrigation water consumption, and more than 40 per cent reduction in annual water usage through efficient water fixtures.
Besides utilizing eco-friendly materials for construction - over 20 per cent of total materials used have recycled content, and more than 20 percent of the total material has also been procured regionally. Additionally, Solar PV panels have been installed on the roof of all buildings for onsite energy generation and to reduce dependency on the grid. Through smart technology and efficient mechanical systems, the buildings also provide an improved Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ). Further, the warehouses have strategically utilized albedo materials for roofing, pavements, and car parking shades, to reduce the heat island effect.