50% of Expo 2020 Dubai’s energy to come from renewable sources
Starting Oct. 1, 2021, the world’s 191 countries will gather in one place, driven by the common objective to connect minds and create our future. Without immediate collective action, however, our future remains largely undecided. As the world grows hotter and climate change is no longer a far reality, Expo 2020 Dubai hopes its platform will provide a foundation for a collaborative, people-centred strategy to help heal the planet. And the best way to do this is through the sustainable allocation of resources — something Expo 2020 knows a thing or two about.
Vision in line with UAE and international drivers
All efforts are in line with green initiatives outlined by national drivers: the UAE Centennial 2071 Plan, which is a five-decade strategy to invest in generations to come; the UAE
Vision 2021, a vision comprised of six national priorities that also coincides with the nation’s Golden Jubilee; the Dubai Plan 2021, launched to develop a holistic future for the city; and Dubai Clean Energy Strategy, where 75 per cent of Dubai’s energy will derive from clean sources by year 2050.
A snapshot of a sustainable Expo
An expected 25 million visits are expected at the World’s Greatest Show, and what better time to inspire the global audience to commit to a sustainable lifestyle than the six-month period of gathering, especially in a world newly emerging from the pandemic.
50 per cent of Expo 2020 Dubai’s energy will come from renewable energy sources, as all of the permanent buildings are fitted with solar panels and other clean energy systems. 25 per cent reduction in potable water use in buildings, with all water for irrigation and cooling to be recycled water. 85 per cent of all waste to be segregated, treated and diverted from landfill.
90 per cent of building materials used in permanent construction will be retained for the smart city — Expo 2020 Dubai’s physical legacy District 2020. 90 per cent of materials used have been procured with respect to Sustainable Materials Guidelines. 50 per cent of landscape plants will be native to preserve the local environment.
All efforts are in line with green initiatives outlined by national drivers: the UAE Centennial 2071 Plan, with an aim to invest in future generations.
Trees that face the sun
When the pavilion was open to the public briefly from January to April this year, visitors roamed in the shade of the 130-metrewide canopy at the heart of Terra, surrounded by other 18 Energy Trees. Using their 4,912 solar panels, the trees can produce four Gigawatt hours of alternative energy per year. To absorb plenty of sunshine during the day, the Energy Trees will always face the sun.
Harvesting water from air
Potable water for the pavilion is generated by filtering condensation, sometimes naturally through reed beds, gathered from the air handling unit. There is even a Water Tree on the pavilion premises that harvests water from humid air, powered by solar energy.
Supporting global innovators
Expo 2020s motto of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ will manifest in a number of initiatives aimed at funding and empowering actionable solutions for people and the planet.