- The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has adopted updated ASHRAE standards to improve indoor air quality in government buildings and infrastructure projects.
- The new standards, tested in the Daba Fujairah Court project, aim to reduce airborne infectious agents, enhance air quality, and cut energy use for ventilation by 35%.
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) has announced adopting updated technical specifications based on the latest standards from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). This move aims to significantly improve indoor air quality in the nation’s infrastructure projects, particularly government buildings.
The new standards are internationally recognised for their effectiveness in controlling airborne infectious agents and enhancing air quality in enclosed spaces. By implementing these protocols, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the highest public health and environmental quality levels as it modernises its infrastructure.
MoEI emphasised that these updated guidelines will safeguard indoor environments, making government buildings safer, healthier, and more resilient to airborne pollutants. As part of this initiative, the ministry recently completed the Daba Fujairah Court and Prosecution project, the first national pilot project to implement ASHRAE Standards 241 and 62.1-2022. These standards provide comprehensive recommendations for reducing the transmission of airborne infectious agents, which is especially important in the context of global health challenges.
In addition to improving public health safety, the new standards offer procedures for evaluating and improving indoor air quality, leading to better occupant comfort and air safety. Preliminary results show a significant impact, with air quality improving and energy consumption for mechanical ventilation systems reduced by 35%.
MoEI has committed to implementing these ASHRAE standards across all new and existing government buildings in the UAE, positioning the country as a leader in public health and sustainable infrastructure. This adoption highlights the UAE’s ongoing efforts to prioritise the well-being of its citizens and ensure the development of resilient, high-quality infrastructure.