The Building Retrofits Initiative under the Sustainable Communities programme targets the main energy and water consuming systems of existing buildings in a comprehensive manner. Major building systems targeted in retrofit projects include cooling, ventilation, lighting, building envelope, control systems, and water fittings.
The initiative was launched in October 2018, with a target of 3,000 buildings to be retrofitted by 2040. This target has now been extended to 5,000 buildings by 2050 under the RIS Strategy. The government continues to lead by example, with the issuance of Resolution No. 18 of 2024 by HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. The new resolutionmandates government entities to pursue higher standards than those outlined in Resolution No.15 of 2018, aiming for 30% energy savings, 20% water savings and 20% fuel savings.
The Energy Efficiency and Renewables Office (Reem) of the Municipality, as the lead entity, plays the role of a facilitator to support adoption of retrofit projects, primarily in the government, commercial and industrial sectors.
An ESCO accreditation scheme has been established, ensuring that the ESCOs selected for projects are qualified and capable, from both a technical and a financial standpoint. All companies that fit this profile are encouraged to seek accreditation from the Municipality. Additionally, incentives have been introduced to promote the establishment of capable ESCOs and energy auditors in Ras Al Khaimah. Guidelines on availing these incentives are downloadable through the link provided in the related documents section below.
There are two levels of requirements in Barjeel, namely the fundamental and the comprehensive regulations. The fundamental regulations comprise few and simple requirements which are applicable for small buildings. The comprehensive regulations, on the other hand, comprise additional requirements for larger and more complex buildings.
5,000 buildings to be retrofitted by the end of 2050
