Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi demonstrates focus on environmental sustainability

One of Abu Dhabi’s most recognisable buildings is leading the charge for environmentally sustainable buildings in the country. 

Owned and developed by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), Capital Gate measures 160 metres (524 feet) tall and leans westward a staggering 18 degrees – four times as far as the Leaning Tower of Pisa and further than any other tower in the world.  Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, which occupies floors 18 to 33 of Capital Gate, is the signature hotel of ADNEC and Capital Centre developments. It is a stunning 189-room, five-star hotel that is expected to become a landmark destination in its own right. 

The upper half of the building was constructed using a double glazed façade, contributing to a five per cent reduction in heat and consequently, reduced energy bills and carbon footprint. The special glass, used for the first time in the UAE, minimises the intense summer glare through the use of anti-glare elements in two silver coatings, eliminating the need for thick blinds in the building. 

“The unique double façade creates an insulating buffer between the hot air outside and the cool air inside, so cool air is re-used inside the room rather than exhausted and replaced with external air,” said Ashwini Kumar, General Manager of Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi.

“Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi is invested in continued environmental sustainability, echoing the call from Hyatt globally to positively impact the communities in which we operate. As well as collaborating with ADNEC to ensure the right design and construction materials were used to facilitate this goal, we are also employing sustainable strategies within the hotel to achieve ISO 14001 certification, which assists us in continually improving our environmental performance,” Kumar added. 

Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi has established ‘Green Team Initiatives’ in order to achieve ISO 14001 compliance within the first three months of opening. 

“The Green Team was created out of a central and shared belief that we are responsible for caring for our environments and our communities. We have many approaches to implementing sustainable practices that minimise our impact and empower our employees to be a catalyst for change,” said Kumar. 

Waste and emission management involves significant recycling of waste, by-products and batteries, as well as many other items.  It also means introducing biodegradable products such as garbage bags and bathroom amenity containers, and environmentally friendly cleaning chemicals. 

Training and development of all employees occurs within their first six months of joining Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi to ensure they complete modules of the ‘Hyatt Earth’ programme, designed to help employees leverage innovative strategies reflecting the unique environment of Hyatt properties around the world. 

“Green Team activities will occur throughout the year,” continued Kumar, “in order to contribute to a greener community.” 

“Environmental sustainability doesn’t stop at building design and construction, we are committed to continuing to make a difference in every way we can,” he said. 

Capital Gate’s most visible sustainable feature is the ‘splash’ that twists around the building towards the south, to shield Capital Gate as much as possible from direct sunlight. The metal mesh eliminates 30 per cent of the sun’s heat before it reaches the building, reducing the air conditioning load on these floors.  

The splash concept, inspired by the unique Abu Dhabi landscape and the fluid natural rhythms of wind and water, climbs the east face of the building to create a suspended lounge and restaurant with swimming pool and relaxation area for Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi. 

With a sleek, contemporary design, guests at this unique five-star Hyatt property will be awe-inspired by panoramic views of the city, and the hotel’s environmental commitment.