Aldar to use hydrogen-based steel bars to build first net zero carbon mosque in Abu Dhabi
20 May 2025 20:25
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)In a regional first, Aldar has announced that hydrogen-based steel bars supplied by EMSTEEL will be used in the construction of Abu Dhabi's first net zero carbon mosque. The landmark project, located in Sustainable City on Yas Island, marks a major step forward in green building practices and sets a new benchmark for sustainable religious architecture in the region.The announcement was made at Make it in the Emirates 2025.The mosque, which will span a floor area of 1,595 square metres and accommodate over 850 worshippers, aims to achieve LEED Zero Carbon certification—a first for any religious building in the emirate. By integrating low-emissions materials such as hydrogen-based rebar, alongside clean energy systems, the mosque will reach net zero carbon emissions in both its construction and energy use.The hydrogen-based steel is manufactured by EMSTEEL Group using low-emissions processes and has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 95% compared to conventional steel. Given that steel accounts for nearly 20% of a building's embodied carbon, the use of green steel is critical to lowering the overall carbon footprint of modern infrastructure.Salwa Al Maflahi, Executive Director of Sustainability and Community Outreach at Aldar, said:'The low emissions hydrogen-based rebar is more than a material innovation — it's a catalyst for reshaping our industry. As we transition to low-carbon construction, green steel enables us to reduce embodied carbon at scale, without compromising structural integrity or design ambition.'The partnership was formalised in the presence of Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group CEO of Aldar, and Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of EMSTEEL, both of whom underscored the role of industrial collaboration in achieving the UAE's climate goals.Michael Rion, Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates Steel, part of EMSTEEL Group, added:'Our collaboration with Aldar represents a significant advancement in the use of green steel. Through such partnerships, we aim to decarbonise the value chain of the construction industry.'
Aldar, a leading developer and investor, has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 through sustainable design, green construction, clean energy adoption, and circular economy principles.
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