How will the December 09 UN climate change talks in Copenhagen impact sustainability in the UAE? |
When the 192 heads of state met in Copenhagen for the UN climate change talks, the global approach to reducing the impact of nations on the environment was discussed. The meeting was just as significant as the Koyoto Protocol when nations agreed to reduce their green house emissions. The resolutions will shape environmental legislation for years to come.
Moving into 2010 the challenge is for heads of state to implement strategic initiatives, incentives and regulation that enable strategic targets to be achieved, while balancing the need to encourage commercial growth and to preserve the rights of private individuals.
The Middle East is not a region famous for its sustainable achievement. In fact, the per capita usage of resources is higher than almost anywhere on the planet! This can be attributed to the regional environment, culture and geography and in the rapid growth that the region has experienced in recent years.
The UAE is, however, an innovative leader for sustainable projects and cutting edge technology in the region. Masdar City in Abu Dhabi is the world’s first carbon neutral city, leading the way with both strategic initiatives and facilities management.
Implementation of sustainable design and construction principles in the region was always inhibited by the lack of time and resources available to developers, contractors and consultants due to excessive project workloads. The economic slowdown has provided the opportunity for consolidation of existing practices to ensure that sustainability and cost efficiency objectives are achieved.
Masdar City in Abu Dhabi is the world's first carbon neutral city, leading the way with both strategic initiatives and facilities management.
In order for construction initiatives to be implemented they must provide return on investment that can be clearly demonstrated across the project life cycle. The myth that sustainable projects are more expensive is being dispelled across the region as more and more lean, green and sustainable projects are developed and implemented.
In addition to the flagship Masdar City project, other UAE sustainable construction projects include Ferrari World Yas Island, Xeritown, Al Mafraq Hospital, Dubai Mall, Al Naseem Project and Tameer Towers. Each project adopts a cost effective sustainable initiative from the design, construction or management perspective.
The Cost Effective Sustainable Design and Construction Summit, organized by IQPC, will provide a platform for benchmarking regional sustainable project best practice. In addition to each of the UAE projects mentioned, the Bahrain World Trade Center and Municipal Buildings in Yemen will also be featured. This outstanding four-day event will provide what many other ‘green’ and sustainable events do not deliver: Immediate sustainable design and construction strategies for improved financial results!
The Cost Effective Sustainable Design and Construction Summit, held on 7-10 March 2010 in Dubai, is the fourth in the series of sustainable construction events that focus on providing a platform for regional and international excellence.
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