Next up in the UAE: Eco-friendly mosques

Hot on the heels of our recent story about the world's first "smart mosques" comes word that the world's first eco-friendly mosque is opening soon in Dubai. Although they are rooted in tradition, ecclesiastical buildings are often on the forefront of modern design. That said, "green" mosques have been absent until now. Built to accommodate over 3,500 worshippers, the mosque is aiming for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver certification, meaning that it conforms with sustainability requirements set by the Green Building Council. Eco-minded design elements including devices for reducing water consumption, recycled water for plant irrigation, energy-saving LED lighting, windows that minimize solar radiation, and solar paneling that will power various elements of the building.