3 June 2015: The official inauguration of the permanent headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City, United Arab Emirates (UAE), celebrated IRENA’s history and achievements since its foundation in 2009, recognizing the move as the latest milestone in the global clean energy movement.

The IRENA building is the first in the UAE to achieve a four-pearl Estidama construction rating – a UAE certification system focusing on energy, water and carbon efficiency. Located in sustainable Masdar City, the 32,000 square meter complex consists of three interconnected buildings, which work together to conserve energy and water, and create shared space.

Adnan Amin, IRENA Director-General, lauded the new IRENA headquarters building as “a paragon of sustainability throughout the region” and “a nerve center for renewable energy action and knowledge for the future.” Describing Masdar City as an “ecosystem of innovation,” Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and Chairman of Masdar, called the new building “the perfect setting for IRENA’s mission to advance the deployment of renewable energy worldwide.” [IRENA Press Release]