A rendering of the entrance to the planned net-zero mosque in Abu Dhabi. Arup

Ancient rammed-earth construction techniques and cutting-edge solar technology might seem an unlikely pairing.

But it’s at the core of what’s described as the “world’s first net-zero energy mosque,” in Abu Dhabi, which is planned to open in October and is designed to operate with no carbon emissions.

Commissioned by Masdar City — a sustainable urban development around 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from downtown Abu Dhabi — and designed by British multinational construction firm Arup, the mosque will generate 100% of its energy needs on-site through solar panels, and employ passive cooling and circular design techniques to reduce operational energy use by a third and water consumption by more than half.

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