Expo 2020 Sets the Sustainability Bar for Energy-Conscious Events

The upcoming Dubai Expo 2020 is set to take place this October, as a mega event for business and cultural exchange. What I feel makes it truly stand out, is its status as one of the most sustainable events the region has ever seen.

With 190 nations participating, each country was given a set of guidelines that would ensure their respective pavilion is built on the sub-themes of sustainability, mobility, and opportunity.

I believe some key points to note here is that the project features renewable energy systems with a combined total capacity of 5.5 megawatts, and the permanent buildings are integrated with photo-voltaic panels. Adding to its unique build, the Expo 2020 is set to receive LEED certification, where 95 buildings are aiming for LEED Gold and four targeting LEED Platinum. Achieving this global green building certification is yet another indicator of its commitment to energy and environmental design.

As Expo 2020 explores the potential of smart, self-sustaining buildings, besides other technologies, and innovations to address the issues of sustainability now and in the future, I believe that the event has already laid the foundation for a sustainable legacy for the world to look up to.

The Sustainability Pavilion

We cannot discuss the Expo without a keen look at the Sustainability Pavilion. This pavilion explores the human relationship with nature, which encourages us to rethink how we can alter our everyday choices to reduce our carbon footprint and environmental impact. It also explores the potential of buildings being self-sustaining.

The solar–panel-covered canopy at the pavilion, use of grey water recycling innovations and the ability to create water from the air around, demonstrates how it is possible to supply power from renewable resources and the ability to use natural resources sustainably.

Campus Germany

I am happy to see that the Germany Pavilion at the Expo 2020 is re-enacting campus life while focusing on energy supply solutions for the future.

Germany is a world leader in sustainability and has pioneered a strategy known as “Energiewende”, which is a transition to a low-carbon, environmentally friendly, reliable, and affordable energy supply. With the sustainability concept being the highlight of Campus Germany, the pavilion itself has been designed to deliver comfort achieved with as little energy as possible. It features three labs that largely illustrate the importance of collaboration. As a German, I am excited to see this pavilion in action.

Powering Expo 2020

The eco-friendly aspect of Expo 2020 will further continue after the event concludes. This is expected to be in the form of District 2020, a mini city designed to reduce the cost of energy provision, transport, and other services lessening the impact on the environment, while attracting visitors from all over the globe.

Siemens, which is serving as the Expo 2020’s premier infrastructure digitalization partner, will play a key role in transitioning from Expo 2020 to District 2020.

Siemens will monitor and control building functions across 137 buildings at the Expo with considerable interest on improving energy efficiency, security, and sustainability, by support of MindSphere, a cloud-based app.

Thereafter, Siemens plans to turn most of the structures on site to smart buildings reducing the use of energy and reshaping the future of living by creating a model for smart cities.

Together, we can do more

Aligned with the sustainable efforts of the UAE and the Expo 2020, Al Masaood Power Division has established time-tested partnerships with MTU, Leroy Somer and Volvo Penta for customized clean energy solutions across the marine propulsion and generator industry.

We are excited to be part of a journey as the region prepares to move into a decarbonized economy. We are not only looking at renewable energy resources, but its distribution as well. At Al Masaood Power Division, we integrate micro grids for sustainable energy production, which is part of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. Unlike solar and wind energy that fluctuate with the weather, micro grids use software, which makes it easier to control production and distribution of electricity.

I am keen to see the direction we take in regard to sustainable power and energy solutions during and after Expo 2020.