Masdar City: Where sustainability is written in the sand

GHD is significantly contributing to Masdar City’s sustainability initiatives, particularly through the design of the NZ1 office building. This 4,800-square-metre project exemplifies net-zero-carbon operations, generating 100 per cent of its energy needs on-site, reducing potable-water consumption by 50 per cent, and achieving certifications including LEED Platinum, LEED Zero Energy, and WELL Gold. By addressing environmental, social and economic priorities, GHD demonstrates how practical solutions can deliver meaningful impact. 

GHD’s efforts also align with Masdar City’s commitment to reduce embodied carbon in construction to 400 kilograms CO2 e/m2 for new buildings and retrofit older structures to meet modern sustainability standards. Through projects like NZ1, GHD contributes to Masdar’s role as a test bed for sustainable urban development, offering valuable lessons for cities globally as they navigate climate challenges.

About GHD

GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture, environmental and construction solutions to public and private sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its people, GHD’s network of 12,000+ professionals is connected across 160 offices located on five continents.