Awareness of the importance of adopting green technology and saving energy and the country's environment has been increasing in Saudi Arabia. After Princess Noura University in the education sector, the 21-story Waseel Tower, set to open soon, will be the first green office building in the capital. It plans to deploy a complete suite of energy-efficient KNX smart building solutions from ABB Saudi Arabia, a leading power and automation technology group. ABB Saudi Arabia has won the order to implement KNX smart building technology that will substantially reduce energy costs. “The ability to control energy-intensive functions, such as air-conditioning and lighting in each room, will reduce power consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by more than 40 percent in Waseel Tower,” said Ali Nazzal, senior sales and operations manager, Smart Home and Intelligent Building Controls, ABB Saudi Arabia. Located at King Fahd Road, Waseel Tower has a built-up area of more than 63,000 sq. meters and a height of 163 meters. “KNX smart building technology will enable tenants to lower their energy costs while automating many office functions with the touch of a button, saving up to 30 percent on energy and operating costs. We've taken a decision for our office buildings to be energy-efficient and we hope that other building owners in Riyadh will follow suit,” he said. Waseel Tower's amenities include car parking lots on four levels, a spa and fitness center, several restaurants, and international conference and business centers.
