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building

LHS Becomes Emirates Green Building Council Corporate Member

by Madaline Dunn 8 months ago

written by Madaline Dunn

Leading Hospitality Services (LHS) has become a corporate member of the Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC).

Established in 2006, the EmiratesGBC is an independent, non-profit organisation focused on advancing green building practices in the UAE.

It works with government agencies, businesses, and non-governmental organisations to promote environmentally responsible construction and the sustainable operation of buildings.

According to the two parties, the collaboration aims to foster innovation and facilitate knowledge exchange among industry leaders, policymakers, and green technology developers.

Atul Kapil, Group General Manager of Leading Hospitality Services, commented: “We are thrilled to join forces with organizations that share our vision for a greener, more sustainable future for the UAE. Our membership in EmiratesGBC is a key moment for us, as it aligns perfectly with our commitment to driving sustainable change across all our initiatives.”

According to EmiratesGBC, it currently has around 150 members, representing thousands of individuals interested and involved in green building in the UAE and the region.

It is also part of WorldGBC, a global network of green building councils which has a presence in over 70 countries.

8 months ago 0 comments

EmiratesGBC Launches Sustainability Lounge

by Madaline Dunn 9 months ago

written by Madaline Dunn

Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), a non-government organisation that promotes sustainability within the built environment, has launched a new co-working space for members located within its Dubai office. Dubbed the Sustainability Lounge, EmiratesGBC said the space aims to “advance sustainable building practices” and will serve as a central meeting point for EmiratesGBC members to network.

The space itself was made with what EmiratesGBC called “responsibly sourced sustainable materials.”

It features ultra-low VOC decorative paint with anti-mould properties, ultra-low iron content glass to maximise natural illumination, flooring with Re-Use series porcelain tiles made of 100 per cent pre-consumer recycled materials, furniture crafted from recycled plastic sources from post-industrial waste, and products made using eco-friendly Palm Strand Boards (PSB).

The Green Walls of the Lounge have also been designed with a fabric pocket structure that allows plants to absorb air and return excess water to the circulation tank.

The wood materials are formaldehyde-free board from upcycled palm waste, while its curtains are made of industrial hemp.

“Emirates Green Building Council’s commitment to driving change to ensure a greener, more resilient built environment for the future of the planet and its people finds a new avenue through the Sustainability Lounge,” commented Khaled Bushnaq, Chairman of EmiratesGBC.

“Thoughtfully designed for optimum performance, the fully sustainable site aims to be a landmark networking space to further Emirates Green Building Council’s green agenda. We invite all innovative creatives to collaborate to push the boundaries on sustainability for the greater good of our community.”

9 months ago 0 comments

Developing Energy Environment

SBTi Launches Framework for Net-Zero Building Sector

by Madaline Dunn 10 months ago

written by Madaline Dunn

This week, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) launched its decarbonisation framework for a net-zero building sector.

The criteria takes a “whole building approach” and calls for an end to fossil fuel installations, a reduction in in-use operational emissions and upfront embodied emissions, and the retrofitting of inefficient buildings.

Indeed, the built environment is resource-, energy- and emissions-intensive, already responsible for over a quarter of energy-related emissions, 40 per cent of materials use and 39 per cent of global emissions.

But looking ahead, global floor area is set to grow further, by around 15 per cent by 2030, with nearly 80 per cent of that growth in developing countries.

Against this backdrop, the SBTi says decarbonisation efforts must now ramp up.

Emissions Must Fall Dramatically

Indeed, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), emissions must fall by 9 per cent on average each year until 2030, more than halving by the end of the decade to get the world on track with the NZE scenario.

“Decarbonizing both old and new buildings is paramount to tackling climate change. We call on these businesses to lead the net-zero transformation,” said Alberto Carrillo Pineda, Chief Technical Officer of the SBTi, in a statement this week.

The framework—which was developed in consultation with an independent Expert Advisory Group (EAG) of companies, financial institutions, and non-profit and multilateral organisations—outlines that companies must set a target to reduce their upfront embodied emissions derived from raw materials, manufacturing, transportation of materials and the like.

Meanwhile, for in-use operational emissions—those related to building energy consumption—it collaborated with the Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM) to develop region-specific pathways that reflect local variations in power grids and building usage, included in the Buildings Target-Setting Tool.

Companies Must Halt New Fossil Fuel-Based Installation

The SBTi also outlines that, from 2030 at the latest, companies should make a public commitment to halting the installation of new fossil fuel-based installations, from heating and cooking, to power generation and hot water equipment.

Moreover, with 80 per cent of current building stock set to remain standing until 2050, the framework underlines the importance of retrofitting inefficient buildings, with companies committing to implementing energy efficiency improvements.

Estimates put the average energy retrofit rates in buildings at less than 1 per cent in most major markets.

Here, the SBTi spotlights the IEA’s Net Zero by 2050 Scenario, which shows that retrofitting needs to more than double by 2030.

Actioning the Framework

Peter Heymann Andersen, COO at Ramboll said the the guidance “demystifies” ‘Paris-aligned’ for the sector.

SBTi worked in collaboration with the global engineering, architecture and consultancy company to develop the 1.5°C global embodied emissions decarbonisation pathways.

“[It] also fortifies our discourse with partners and clients, steering us toward a sustainable future in unison,” added Andersen.

Patrick Ho, Head of Sustainable Development at Swire Properties, echoed this, arguing that the “whole building approach” employed within the framework “enhances accountability” for emissions reduction and encourages collaboration between landlords and tenants in decarbonisation efforts.

However, while progress is being made within the building sector, experts warn that this progress is not happening fast enough.

Indeed, as outlined by UNEP’s recent global status report on buildings and construction, while energy intensity must drop 37 per cent from 2015 levels by 2030, in 2022, it remained 15 per cent above the target trajectory.

Finance isn’t accelerating at the speed required, either. The UNEP report outlined that recent investment in decarbonising buildings has fallen short of the net-zero targets for 2030 and 2050 and likely declined in 2023.

More broadly, CO2 emissions from building operations and construction reached new highs in 2022.

In a statement on the report earlier this year, Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director, noted that half of the buildings that will exist by 2050 have not yet been built, calling this a “major opportunity” for the sector to “reimagine the buildings of the future.” These buildings, Andersen said, must prioritise resilience, renovation and reuse, renewable energy generation and low-carbon construction, “all while addressing social inequalities.”

“There is no credible path to address climate change without a fundamental shift in the building and construction sector,” UNEP’s Andersen noted.

Commenting on the launch of the framework this week, the SBTi’s Chief Technical Officer said: “This sector now has the tools to build towards net-zero – companies and financial institutions must take immediate action.”

The organisation noted it will be hosting two global webinars in October, during which SBTi’s experts will explain the criteria further and answer questions from stakeholders.

By Madaline Dunn, Editor, ESG Mena.

10 months ago 0 comments

Environment Latest News

Enova UAE Office Awarded Platinum LEED Certification

by Madaline Dunn 10 months ago

written by Madaline Dunn

This week, Enova, a regional integrated energy and facilities management service, announced that it has secured Platinum LEED Certification for its UAE head office in Dubai.

Platinum is the highest certification awarded in the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a rating framework for sustainable buildings.

The LEED certification evaluates buildings across five criteria: energy, water, waste, transportation, and human experience. Those awarded Platinum must secure 80 points or above.

Renaud Capris, CEO of Enova, a joint venture between Majid Al Futtaim and Veolia, commented: “Enova has long pioneered and elevated sustainable building services in the MENAT region.

“This platinum LEED certification is important as it demonstrates our expertise and is a testament to our commitment to advancing green building solutions. Our first-hand experience with LEED certification positions us to provide expert consultation and support to companies of all sizes across various industries.”

10 months ago 0 comments

Energy Latest News

Magnom Properties’ Tower Registers for ILFI Zero Carbon Certification

by Madaline Dunn 11 months ago

written by Madaline Dunn

Magnom Properties’ upcoming Forbes International Tower in Cairo, Egypt, has registered for the International Living Future Institute’s (ILFI) Zero Carbon Certification. According to the company, it is the first tower in the world to officially do so.

ILFI’s Zero Carbon Certification is a third-party verified standard which verifies the operational and embodied carbon emissions of a built project.

To meet ILFI’s Zero Carbon requirements, the Forbes International Tower is incorporating “advanced building design, construction, and operation technologies,” developers said.

The tower’s power generation will be derived from “100% clean resources.” This will reportedly comprise of 75 per cent “clean hydrogen,” with solar energy delivering around 25 per cent of the required energy to operate the building.

According to developers, there has also been a focus on more responsible materials sourcing and the use of sustainable alternatives in construction.

Water recycling and treatment will account for 75 per cent of water usage while grey water will be reused for non-potable uses, it was shared.

To reduce overall freshwater demand, the tower will utilise low flush, low flow, and highly efficient sanitary fixtures and systems.

The collection of rainwater and smart monitoring technologies will also be deployed to control the responsible usage of water.

11 months ago 0 comments

Energy Environment Latest News

‘National Green Certificates Programme’ Launched in UAE

by Madaline Dunn 12 months ago

written by Madaline Dunn

This week, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) launched the National Green Certificates Programme.

According to WAM, the programme aims to promote environmentally friendly building practices and sets specific standards for building classification across:

Energy efficiency,
Water management,
Indoor air quality, and
The use of sustainable building materials.

WAM noted that participating businesses will be offered technical support and consultations.

In association with the launch, the Ministry signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), one with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the second with Aldar Properties, the third with Pact Carbon, and the fourth with Meagle Energy.

The MoU with FAB will see the two explore potential collaborations in green finance solutions for the UAE’s built environment sector.

The MoU with Aldar Properties, it was shared, is to implement green finance solutions “specifically tailored to enhance the built environment sector in the UAE.”

The fourth MoU with Meagle Energy will establish a framework of cooperation between the parties to provide energy auditing and Measurement and Verification (M&V) services to the Ministry for the National Green Certificates Programme.

Meagle Energy will conduct energy audits in accordance with the standards and guidelines set forth by MoEI, it was shared.

The built environment contributes roughly 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and this is on course to double by 2050 without action. Construction is also incredibly resource-intensive, with around half of all extracted raw materials already funnelled into it.

Commenting on the programme, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said: “The Program is a framework for classifications and requirements for enhancing sustainability and cutting down the carbon footprint of commercial buildings through identifying unified basics that ensure the latest world-class criteria for sustainable buildings. are applied.

“We at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure are committed to advancing sustainable, environment-friendly practices across the board. The Program is another step in our journey to drive a green economy and sustainable development.”

12 months ago 0 comments

Environment Latest News

Al Mulla Engineering Secures Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Impact Award

by Madaline Dunn 1 year ago

written by Madaline Dunn

Schneider Electric has announced Bader Al Mulla & Bros. Co. (Al Mulla Engineering) as a winner of the Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Award.

Al Mulla Engineering, a member of Al Mulla Group and the largest Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) construction services contractor, received the Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Award for efforts made to support its customers in achieving their decarbonisation goals.

This included implementing “energy-efficient designs” to improve HVAC system efficiency without compromising building operations.

According to Schneider Electric, the deployed solutions reduced cooling water consumption by 7 per cent in 2022 compared to the baseline in 2019 and reduced energy consumption by 9 per cent in 2022 compared to the baseline in 2019.

Amel Chadli, Gulf Countries President, commented: “I congratulate Al Mulla Engineering for its outstanding efforts to empower its customers to reach their sustainability goals. Businesses need to look beyond their own operations and consider who they are indirectly responsible for across their value chain and, crucially, who they can assist along the way. Reaching net zero is a collective goal, and we need to work together to share the best sustainable practices and support customers to decarbonize.”

Eng. Anfal N. Al Mulla, Managing Director of Al Mulla Engineering, added: “We are delighted to have been recognized for the work we have done to minimize the environmental impact on the planet and supporting to improve the performance of the building by providing the technologies to address the environmental social goals of our customers. We are acutely aware that expectations on businesses like ours to demonstrate how we are decarbonizing our own operations and those of our customers, are only going to intensify as we draw closer to 2050. We wanted to get ahead and play our part in the journey to net zero and are proud to be recognized for this by receiving this award.”

1 year ago 0 comments

Environment Opinion Policy & Finance

Decoding safety: Demystifying the UAE and KSA building codes for developers and architects

by Madaline Dunn 1 year ago

written by Madaline Dunn

With the infrastructure of the UAE and Saudi Arabia growing at a rapid rate, so is the need for the construction industry to focus on safe, secure, and sustainable practices.

Building codes are one of the primary defence mechanisms in relation to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures, addressing critical safety aspects such as indoor air quality, disposal systems, system efficiency, and building envelopes.

But what factors should developers and architects prioritize in 2024 when it comes to meeting evolving regulations?

Sustainability practices

Building codes and standards are constantly evolving and the implementation of modern codes is crucial. Recent market activity shows more regulations emerging that support clean energy infrastructure, new methods of construction and the importance of a circular economy. In Saudi Arabia, for example, several ambitious projects such as the Red Sea Development Project and NEOM are pushing the boundaries that look towards the performance provisions of the ICC’s model codes which advocate for energy efficiency, water conservation, and green construction in terms of the building materials used.

One of the most important initiatives from the International Code Council (ICC) revolves around collaborating with other Standards Development Organizations (SDOs) to develop an international standard to support quantification of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across a building’s lifecycle, from design to construction to operations, bringing together operational and embodied impacts. In addition, working on initiatives to establish industry standards for the adoption of eco-friendly cement in construction, driving advancements towards carbon-neutral cement production.

Capacity building is also particularly critical in today’s global construction landscape that requires quality assurance across the sector of building safety.

Installing energy-efficient systems like smart lighting and HVAC systems allows for the optimised use of resources and promotes adoption of renewable energy sources leading to the reduction of overall energy consumption and operational costs.

Furthermore, the adoption of sustainable water management solutions such as solar-powered desalination, and greywater reuse for non-potable purposes, alongside the implementation of water-saving technologies like low-flow faucets and showerheads, is becoming increasingly crucial.

Safety and compliance

A focus on building safety has become an integral part and a national priority for fostering sustainable infrastructure growth in both the UAE and KSA.

The UAE has enforced advanced building codes and standards, reflecting its commitment to ensuring the safe integration of emerging technologies and contributing to the establishment of an advanced building safety system.

In a parallel context, KSA has strategically implemented regulations and annexes related to building and construction, focussing on public safety and health. The Saudi Building Code framework is a testament to this strategic approach, ensuring the safety of all facilities and their inhabitants by defining fundamental principles applicable throughout the country.

Updating codes to address emerging challenges

The I-Codes encompass aspects like indoor air quality, building materials safety, structural design and more. The I-Codes also promote accessibility and inclusivity, fostering the well-being of occupants, and ensuring buildings are designed to accommodate everyone, including those with disabilities.

The International Plumbing Code (IPC) and International Private Sewage Disposal Code (IPSDC) play a crucial role in prioritising the safety and health of building occupants and the public. Similarly, the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and International Green Construction Code (IgCC) contribute to energy-efficient standards and the creation of high-performance buildings.

Within ICC-ES, the product certification arm of ICC, Evaluation Service Reports (ESRs) provide manufacturers with pathways to introduce new and innovative products to the market, ensuring compliance with specific acceptance criteria for safety.

Innovative technologies utilised to enhance safety and efficiency

Two emerging construction processes that are quickly gaining popularity around the world, particularly in the MENA region, are 3D printing of concrete structures and offsite construction.

Such methodologies significantly contribute to reduction in material waste, enhanced construction quality, more controlled and more accessible work environments, and optimized project timelines. These practices contribute to more efficient and eco-friendly construction.

The region is witnessing exponential growth and interest from Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), manufacturers and consultants in embracing those technologies for wider and safer use.

By Mohamed Amer, Regional Director of Operations, International Code Council MENA

1 year ago 0 comments