A year has passed since COP28 in Dubai, where the historic UAE Consensus united nations in a call to double energy efficiency by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. As we celebrate the first anniversary of this landmark achievement, now is the perfect time to reflect on the construction industry’s pivotal role in advancing sustainability and to explore how we can drive the transition to a greener built environment.
The Climate Challenge Facing the Global Construction Industry
The construction industry plays a crucial role in driving global economic growth, serving as a catalyst for many other critical sectors such as transportation, manufacturing, and energy. However, the sheer scale of the industry and its extensive reach come with significant environmental challenges.
Current estimates show that the construction sector is responsible for approximately 38% of global CO2 emissions, with 28% from building operations and 10% from the construction industry itself. Concrete and steel, primarily used in foundation slabs, contribute the most to these emissions. Additionally, buildings – through heating, cooling, and maintenance – account for 40% of energy-related carbon emissions worldwide. This makes our sector one of the largest contributors to climate change.
To align with global climate goals outlined in the UAE Consensus, we must reduce our built environment’s carbon footprint by at least 45%. Achieving this ambitious goal demands not just commitment but also bold, innovative solutions to reimagine how we design, construct, and maintain our spaces.
Natural Stone as the Sustainable Building Material of the Future
For those of us in the construction industry, the choice of building materials is a critical area where innovation can drive sustainability. To meet ambitious climate goals, we need materials that are abundant, low-carbon, versatile for modern use, comfortable for inhabitants, and aesthetically aligned with contemporary tastes.
Stone is one such natural choice. Having served as a primary building material for millennia, it’s gaining renewed attention in recent years – and for good reasons.
First, natural stone is known for its aesthetics and modern appeal. Prized for its durability, versatility, and timeless beauty, it is becoming a go-to material for designs that balance the preservation of tradition with modern architectural needs. Its adaptability ensures it fits perfectly into projects that honor cultural identity while embracing contemporary innovation.
Second, natural stone boasts a low-carbon footprint compared to other construction materials. For example, concrete and steel requires energy-intensive steps such as extracting additives, high-heat treatments, and moulding, whereas stone can be locally sourced and minimally processed. The steps – quarrying, cutting, transporting, and installing – generate only one-eighth of the carbon emissions when producing the same amount of concrete.
Finally, natural stone’s cooling properties make it an excellent material for sustainable buildings in hot climates. Its high thermal capacity allows it to absorb and store significant amounts of heat without a noticeable rise in temperature, making interiors cooler during the hottest parts of the day. Additionally, stone buildings typically feature thicker walls compared to those made with concrete or glass, which slows heat transfer indoors. In regions like the Gulf, where peak summer temperatures drive up air conditioning usage, stone buildings can significantly reduce energy consumption and lower emissions.
We are already seeing a growing embrace of natural stone across the region. In Diriyah, Saudi Arabia’s flagship cultural district, over 700,000 square meters of Riyadh Yellow Limestone – a highly durable stone native to Arabia and known for its natural warmth and subtle variations in color – are being used in its foundations, from public spaces to architectural assets. Similarly, Abu Dhabi’s Abrahamic Family House, a 6,500-square-meter multi-faith complex, features a mix of marble and limestone in its construction.
Facilitating this regional transition towards sustainability is at the core of our mission at Versatile International. As the Middle East’s first stone project management consultancy, we’ve been working with Diriyah on more than 50 assets within its $63 billion cultural district. Our collaboration with Diriyah and other landmark projects in the region reflects our commitment to supporting the construction industry’s sustainable transformation.
This work carries a deep sense of purpose. As we reflect on the anniversary of COP28 and the conclusion of COP29, it’s a moment to consider the broader role our industry plays in shaping the region’s future. Construction is not only about building structures but also creating spaces that improve how people live, work, and connect. It is a responsibility we share as partners in the growth of our region, and we are proud to contribute to this vital mission and build a greener and more sustainable future.
By Wajdi Marroun.
Wajdi Marroun is the Managing Director of Versatile International, the Middle East’s first end-to-end stone project management consultancy.
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