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UAE to become leader in green buildings initiative as standards come into action.
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| 17 Feb 2008 |
The UAE is poised to become a world leader in setting standards for “green” building and sustainability as major development continues across the country, an industry conservation expert has said.
Dr. Sadek Owainati, founder and chairman of the Emirates Green Building Council, says government initiatives coupled with its proposed new rating system will help place a huge emphasis on green buildings, sustainability and energy saving solutions in future developments.
The internationally recognised LEED (Leadership of Energy and Environmental Design) rating system has already begun influencing many developers, adding momentum to the green movement.
This follows a directive laid down last month by H.H.Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that all new buildings must meet green standards.
Pacific Controls awarded 'Best Intelligent Building in the World 2007'.
“The UAE will soon be a leading country in green building and sustainability,” said Dr. Owainati, who will co-chair the ‘Property and Facilities Management’ Conference at FM Expo, the important industry event taking place in Dubai from 8-10 June.
“We have three buildings with high LEED ratings, including Pacific Control Headquarters’ platinum certification and now 70 more buildings in the design and construction phase will meet green standards when completed”.
Organised by Streamline Marketing Group and held at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, FM Expo provides a platform for the Emirates Green Buildings Council to showcase the lead role the UAE is taking in green building and sustainability.
The Council has launched a pilot programme to adopt LEED certification and is currently in negotiations with the US Green Council, to be concluded within a year. Dr. Owainati said: “The UAE is gaining international recognition. The economic growth and the significant developments here have put us on the map, and we have the opportunity, with the help of FM Expo, to show how a country can grow quickly and in a sustainable manner.”
FM Expo will provide an arena for industry leaders, from developers and designers to construction planners, to learn about the latest green possibilities and their long-term affects on both the environment and the bottom line. Dr. Owainati said: “Even the simplest measures in reducing energy can save 20 per cent in bills a month, and with smart planning more than 50 per cent of the electricity can be reduced. This is beneficial for both the developer and the consumer.”
Agata Pawlik, Project Manager of FM Expo said, “This can make a phenomenal difference when the total cost of a building during its life cycle is taken into account. The construction stage accounts for only 20 per cent, with the remaining 80 per cent taken up by the operation, maintenance and management of the facilities.
“The ‘Property and Facilities Management’ Conference will enable industry leaders to learn how going green can be cost effective.”
The exhibition will bring together the latest in FM technology and solutions including the areas of health and safety, environment and energy, IT, maintenance, property services and security.
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