Expo 2020’s ‘excellent’ sustainability credentials recognised

Expo 2020 Dubai’s sustainability has received glowing recognition from CEEQUAL, becoming the first project in the Middle East to score ‘Excellent’ ratings from the world’s first assessment, rating and certification scheme for sustainability in infrastructure projects.

Eight projects across the Expo 2020 site received CEEQUAL certification, with each one achieving the top ‘Excellent’ rating. All certificates far exceeded the highest threshold, highlighting how Expo 2020 has incorporated sustainable design principles across its buildings, infrastructure and landscaping. 

Expo 2020’s top score, 93.6 per cent, was received for the trellis and steelwork of the 130-metre by 67.5-metre Al Wasl dome, which encircles Al Wasl Plaza, creating the largest 360-degree projection surface in the world. Extensive design revisions reduced the amount of steel needed to create this impressive structure, saving more than 41,000 kilograms of embodied carbon.

The eight CEEQUAL ‘Excellent’ awards span Expo’s Public Realm, Al Wasl Plaza, parks, shading and other infrastructure across the 4.38 sqkm site. 

CEEQUAL ratings range from a ‘Pass’ at 30 per cent to ‘Excellent’ at 75 per cent, with assessments based on a range of sustainability issues, including land use, ecology, transport, resilience and pollution.

Launched in 2004, and with more than 820 projects registered globally, the CEEQUAL awards are the highest industry recognition for sustainable civil engineering, representing a major milestone in Expo 2020’s goal of becoming one of the most sustainable World Expos ever.