GEMS Education is adding to its growing network of schools in the UAE with the September 2024 opening of GEMS Founders School – Masdar City (GFA), a groundbreaking net-zero energy campus that has sustainability at its core.
Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City, the world’s first zero-carbon, zero-waste, car-free city, GFA is a purpose-built school that utilizes cutting-edge materials and technology to minimize its environmental impact. The school’s architectural design incorporates intelligent elements to lower its carbon footprint, conserve resources, and minimize waste.
Initially offering the British Curriculum to students from FS1 to Year 8, GFA is GEMS’ third Founders school and its first in Abu Dhabi. The school will bring the total number of GEMS schools in the UAE to 43.
Sustainability at the heart of GFA’s design
GFA is designed to be a net-zero energy school, generating as much energy as it consumes. This is achieved through a variety of eco-friendly features, including an extensive solar panel system that will generate 3.1 million kWh of energy annually. The solar panels also serve a dual purpose, providing shade to the building’s roof areas, car park, and walkways, enhancing energy efficiency and lowering temperatures.
Other sustainability measures at GFA include:
- Enhanced thermal insulation
- Optimized building orientation
- Water conservation measures
- Waste management strategies
- Electric vehicle charging points
- A transformative approach to education
GFA will pioneer a transformative approach to education by establishing an innovative model for environmental responsibility. Sustainability and commitment to ecological stewardship will play a central role in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow and contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.
School for the future
As the GEMS Founders family of schools evolves and expands, it remains a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. GEMS is proud to bring the Founders brand to Abu Dhabi in such a sustainable form, in line with the green vision of both the UAE and Masdar City.
GFA is a groundbreaking school that is setting a new standard for sustainability in education. The school will provide students with an exceptional learning environment that is also environmentally friendly. GFA is a school for the future that will help to nurture the leaders of tomorrow.
