Ras Al Khaimah to get its first green building

The Ras Al Khaimah Municipality recently launched the first green building in the emirate.

Munther bin Shekar Al Zaabi, director-general of the RAK Municipality, said the innovative building is designed to cut power consumption by 30 per cent, reduce water consumption by 20 per cent, and boost renewable energy use by 20 per cent.

The municipality's 'Green Building', to be completed soon, has been planned in line with the emirate's 2040 strategy mapped out by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

"The new premises, being constructed by the department of projects, include a spacious ground floor that will be used as a customer happiness centre, with a full capacity of 332 seats to be served by 53 counters," Al Zaabi said.

These are added on top of the 48 seats at the internal and external cafeteria, mainly for the customers at the ground floor, he explained.

"The building also includes eight rooms with 60 seats for sales transactions, apart from the special halls allocated for meetings with staff engineers at the ground floor."

The contemporary look and feel of the green building will be complemented with best-in-class services. Al Zaabi said the municipality would make sure that when customers enter the building, they would be received by well-trained, hospitable staff members at the counters.

Self-service platforms, ATM machines and free WiFi will also be set up for the public's convenience, he added.

A total of 190 parking spaces will be constructed and special slots will be designated for people of determination, senior citizens and women.

"The echo problem reported by undercover shoppers and the customers' feedbacks, remarks and complaints have been taken into account so that the sound, heat and lighting are to be well isolated as per the eco standards of the green building," Al Zaabi said.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com