Spanish infrastructure company Acciona said on Sunday that it has obtained the highest global qualification for sustainability in construction for the Dubai Metro ‘Route 2020,’ making the new extension the largest Gold LEED certified transport project in the world. 

Route 2020 extends the Red Line of Dubai Metro to the Expo 2020 site. 

The company said all seven stations of the Route 2020 have received the Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) v4 Building Design and Construction certification, the top award for sustainable construction. 

The 15km extension includes 11.8km of elevated viaduct and a 3.2km tunnel, branching off the existing Red Line at the Nakheel Harbour and Tower Station. 

To increase the energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact, stations have optimised cooling systems, solar panels for energy, and insulating material for the external walls and roof claddings, among other initiatives, Acciona's press statement said. 

Carlos Bacaicoa, Acciona Stations Manager at the Dubai Metro Route 2020, said: “We selected high-efficiency materials and systems for each of the seven stations along the route, taking into account the harsh climate conditions, fragile environment and existing resources at the location. This allowed us to build smart, eco-efficient and more sustainable stations that will save considerable energy and water throughout their lifespans.” 

Construction was undertaken by CWJV, Acciona’s civil works joint venture with Turkey’s Gulermak.  

José Luis Oliván, Acciona’s Project Director of the Dubai Metro Route 2020, added: “LEED certification recognises Acciona’s commitment to building Route 2020 to the highest standards of sustainability and construction excellence. We are proud to contribute to the most sustainable World Expo in history.” 

The Route 2020 extension partially opened in January, with services along four stations. The entire route is expected to be open to the public in time for the opening of Expo 2020 in October. 

The Alstom-led Expolink consortium, which included Acciona and Gulermak was awarded the €2.6 billion design and build contract for the extension of Dubai Metro Red Line and upgrade of existing line in October 2016. 

Last week, Acciona Middle East’s managing director Jesús Sancho had told Zawya that the company’s rail, desalination and renewable energy projects in the Gulf contributed to its ESG achievements. 

(Writing by Anoop Menon; Editing by Seban Scaria) 

(anoop.menon@refinitiv.com

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