Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is in the process of obtaining LEED certification for Route 2020, a 15km extension of Dubai Metro’s Red Line, a senior RTA official said.
The tender for the Dh10.6 billion project was awarded in June this year and the trial runs are expected by the end of 2019.
Nasser Hamad Bu Shehab, CEO of RTA’s Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector, made the announcement ahead of WETEX 2016, where RTA is showcasing its green initiatives.
“RTA assigns paramount importance to energy, water, environment, health and safety. It contributes to fostering a green and sustainable environment conforming to the plans of the UAE and Dubai as well as the highest international standards,” said Bu Shehab, who is also the chairman of RTA’s Energy and Green Economy Committee.
He added that RTA has adopted the world’s best standards in green buildings and is planning to obtain LEED certification for the Route 2020 project, work on which will start soon.
As part of its green initiatives, RTA also seeks to replace traditional street lighting with LED lights by 2030.
Highlighting RTA’s recent green projects he said: “In 2015, RTA launched the electric buses powered by rechargeable battery; trialled CNG-fuelled buses, and successfully launched its vehicles’ carbon footprint-measuring project.”
He also said that RTA plans to replace the city’s taxi fleet with hybrid vehicles by 2020.
RTA has also introduced electric-powered abras known as Blue Abra, as well as gas-powered abras.
He said that RTA is currently testing a solar-powered boat in cooperation with a leading global company.
Organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, the three-day Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) 2016 begins tomorrow (Tuesday) at Dubai World Trade Centre.
