Siemens Smart Infrastructure has signed a contract with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a decarbonization program which will see 60 government buildings retrofitted with technology focused on energy efficiency and user comfort.

The program, which forms part of the UAE’s strategy to achieve its net zero 2050 targets, is intended to save up to 27 percent baseline energy and water consumption annually. The energy saving goal is equivalent to a CO2 reduction of 15,400 metric tons. The program follows a comprehensive study in which Siemens successfully implemented retrofits in a representative sample of seven of the ministry’s buildings, creating a baseline of energy consumption and an analysis of anomalies to inform the selection of buildings for the retrofit program.

“This program with Siemens is a testament to our commitment to setting a global standard for sustainability and efficiency in the built environment,” said His Excellency, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, minister of energy and infrastructure for the UAE. “The UAE is dedicated to leading by example, and this retrofitting initiative is a crucial step in our journey towards achieving our long-term environmental goals. The Ministry’s strategy, stemming from the broader UAE strategy to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, encompasses a holistic approach to the sustainable development of key industries like energy, infrastructure, real estate, and transportation. This program, which is initially targeting healthcare and education facilities, marks a vital step in our country's rapid journey to decarbonize all sectors of the economy.”

“We’re delighted to partner with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure on this pioneering decarbonization program,” said Matthias Rebellius, managing board member of Siemens AG and CEO of Smart Infrastructure. “To accelerate decarbonization, we will deploy innovative and scalable solutions such as this program, which will serve as a blueprint for decarbonizing buildings. Together with the Ministry, we will not only boost the energy efficiency of buildings, but also significantly contribute to the UAE’s sustainability and energy efficiency goals.”

Siemens will deploy technology to upgrade heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, integrate movement and lighting sensors, and install building management systems to centralize energy management. Implementing these measures are expected to result in substantial reductions in carbon emissions, and improvements in operational efficiency. Solutions will include technology from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio. The open digital business platform enables customers to accelerate their digital transformation easier, faster and at scale.