Airline launches complex which comprises 500 apartments in 11 buildings at Masdar City
Etihad Airways has officially opened its Etihad Eco Residence, Abu Dhabi’s first purpose-built, sustainable cabin crew accommodation project.
The accommodation is the result of a partnership between the UAE’s national airline and the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, better known as Masdar.
The complex, which comprises 500 apartments in 11 buildings at the Masdar City development, offers one and two-bedroom apartments which include furniture and white goods provided by Etihad Airways, a statement said.
It added that an enhanced microclimate has been created around each of the buildings using sustainable landscaping methods and massing the shape and size of the buildings, which captures the breeze for natural ventilation while offering protection from wind and dust. These features complement the urban environment and contribute to overall energy saving.
Each of the Etihad Eco Residence’s buildings has been designed using low environmental impact construction materials, which aid the reduction of strong sunlight yet maximise available natural daylight.
Solar hot water systems provide 76 percent of the community’s water demand and the buildings’ design encourages greater water efficiency and the reduction of potable water usage, as well as smart waste management.
Mana Mohamed Saeed Al Mulla, Etihad Aviation Group chief group support services officer, said: “The opening of the landmark Etihad Eco Residence underscores not only the importance we place on providing superior housing to our valued cabin crew, but also our responsibility, as part of the greater Abu Dhabi vision, to play a part in transforming the capital into a global leader in smart urban planning, clean energy and sustainability.”
The use of local suppliers helped to reduce transport-related carbon emissions on the project, with at least 20 percent of materials were either sourced or manufactured within 800 kilometres of the project.
Etihad Airways employs over 5,800 Abu Dhabi-based cabin crew.
Masdar said it is collaborating with local stakeholders to pioneer a ‘greenprint’ for sustainable urban development at Masdar City using a holistic approach focused on integrating sustainable transportation initiatives, optimising waste management, reducing energy use, water consumption and carbon emissions, and accommodating rapid urbanisation.
0 comments