The Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, the regulatory body for Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), has achieved some incredible goals using LEED. In 2019, the integrated free zone technology park achieved LEED v4.1 Platinum certification in the Operations and Maintenance category for its High Bay Building in DSO – the first LEED v4.1 Platinum certified project in the United Arab Emirates.  

DSOA’s groundbreaking certification underscores its commitment to implementing international standards that make the free zone a competitive, sustainable, and efficient space. If you’re in the area, you may notice that DSOA hosts two additional LEED Platinum certified buildings: The Techno Point Building and their own DSOA Headquarters. These achievements encourage other companies and free zones in the UAE, and the wider region, to follow suit and adopt sustainable solutions, which can impact a significant number of individuals. 

In order to complement Dubai’s LEED for Cities certification, DSOA implemented a number of simple and effective strategies. For example, they replaced 2,000 traditional light bulbs from streets, roads, and public buildings at the hi-tech park with energy-saving LED lights. The result is an astonishing 50% reduction in energy consumption. This reduction in consumption is not only cost effective, but also has the potential to reduce pollution caused by energy production, making it healthier for the local environment and people who live there. 

Having already surpassed energy targets for 2030, they’ve now set their sights on several key initiatives under the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and cutting down on operational costs. A LEED Earth recipient, their incredible commitment to sustainability also earned them a 2021 USGBC Leadership Award.