The Masdar Initiative: World's First Totally Green Community to Open in 2009

The Goal: Zero-Carbon, Zero-Waste City with Best of Science and Technology Solutions

In an October 17 press release, CH2M HILL announced that Masdar Initiative officials in Abu Dhabi have appointed CH2M HILL as the program manager for the first phase of development of the Masdar City Development project. The Masdar Green City will take up a six square kilometer area in the heart of Abu Dhabi and is scheduled to open in late 2009. Masdar City will set a world-class standard for technologies used to create clean energy, reduce the world's carbon footprint, create alternative energies, and sustain vital natural resources. The Masdar City Development project of The Masdar Initiative will provide the world's first zero-carbon, zero-waste green city.

Masdar means "the source" in the Arabic language. The government of Abu Dhabi is committed to being the world's premiere source of sustainability solutions for energy, climate change, security, natural resources, and human development. In 2006, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi announced The Masdar Initiative being developed by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (ADFEC). ADFEC is a private joint stock company, wholly owned by Mubadala Development Company, Mubadala is owned by the government of Abu Dhabi.

Masdar City will include the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, being established in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The Masdar Institute is a graduate-level scientific engineering facility that will mirror the research and education standards of MIT to meet the ambitious sustainability goals in Abu Dhabi. The Masdar Institute plans to become an international showcase of science and engineering research experts through its Masdar Research Network.

Masdar City will also include Masdar's headquarters, residential space for employees, a science museum, and edutainment facilities. The Innovation and Investment Unit of the Masdar Initiative will drive the future success of Masdar City. The unit will focus on three strategic global programs: