Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has won the Green World Award – Global Gold Winner category from the UK-based The Green Organisation, for the Route 2020 project.
This prestigious award recognises outstanding achievements in environmental performance, effective resource use, support of sustainable development goals, and carbon reduction. Route 2020 project was honoured for its contribution in reducing 35,319 tonnes of carbon emissions and implementing best practices for conserving the environment.
RTA earned the award through tangible evidence provided by the Rail Agency, notably, RTA had already obtained the LEED Gold certificate for the seven stations of Route 2020 from the US Green Building Council under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) programme, which awards certificates to best-in-class buildings based on the strategies and practices applied. In addition, the metro incorporated energy saving technologies including the use of the HESOP system, which aims to utilise the electrical energy generated during the braking of trains, and Automatic Train Control (ATC) coasting. RTA has also undertaken green initiatives and energy and water-saving measures.
Route 2020 Project spans from Jabal Ali Station to Expo 2020 site, covering a total length of 15 km (11.8 km elevated and 3.2 km underground), connecting 7 stations (5 elevated and 2 underground). The project serves densely populated areas such as the Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai Investment Park, and the Expo site, serving a population of about 270,000 people.
Environmental sustainability is a key pillar of Route 2020 project, exemplified by the energy-efficient infrastructure of Route 2020’s award-winning architecture and design stations, including the prestigious Prix Versailles Architecture and Design Awards 2022.
The Green World Award is one of the world’s most prestigious environmental awards. It recognises the efforts of governments, ministries, and individuals who have a significant impact on the environment and improve sustainability. The award has three categories: Gold, Silver, and Bronze, and serves to highlight the green credentials of the winners, enhancing their environmental reputation and standing.