MEDHEALTH Medical Centre, the first green building amongst hospitals and medical centres in Dubai and the first Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified gold rated green building of its kind in the emirate, has been launched.

The centre, which was inaugurated by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and chairman of Dubai World, is located in Jafza South, and is a joint partnership between MedHealth and Belhoul Life Care.

“This centre is in tune with the directive of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued in 2008 on the implementation of green building specifications and standards in the emirate of Dubai,” said Salma Hareb, chief executive officer of Economic Zones World and Jafza.

“It is a matter of pride that this world-class green building is located in Jafza and we are optimistic about its role especially since this is the first phase of a world-class hospital,” she added.

Commenting on the extra costs involved, Ahmed Hussain, chief executive officer, MedHealth Medical Centre said the additional cost of adopting green criteria was more than 30 per cent. However, he said he expected to recover it from the conservation of the energy in the long run.

The new centre will save more than 50 per cent of normal consumption of water in ordinary buildings through innovative technologies of collecting air-conditioning water as well as rainwater and the use of recycled water for irrigation. Also, the taps at the centre prevent water loss and the building itself will reduce carbon dioxide emission remarkably through the special chilling systems installed.

The new building has been “green” since the first days of shoring right through to construction and finishing and includes a smoking-free environment as well as a filtration of any polluted air entering the building. The glass used has good thermal properties and reduces the usage of lighting.

This centre is approved by Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services to conduct first aid training and accredited by UK’s First Aid International. It offers a wide range of healthcare services and a VIP clinic as well as physiotherapy department, digital X-ray, dental panoramic X-ray, 4D colour ultra-sound and full laboratory services.