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'Go green' with artificial grass.
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| 17 Nov 2009 |
Companies and individuals seeking ways of reducing spiraling water bills as well as contributing to the environment are being urged to “go green” by landscaping with artificial grass.
“Amazing as it may seem, the cost of laying out a garden or terrace with today’s natural looking artificial grasses can be recouped in less than two years in water savings alone,” said Markus Oberlin, General Manager of Farnek Avireal, a leading United Arab Emirates company advising building owners on how to dramatically cut their utility bills.
According to the United Nations, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are among the world's highest per capita water users and UAE residents top the table by consuming the equivalent of an average of 550 litres a day each, virtually all of which is produced by expensive desalination.
With water a scarce and increasingly expensive commodity in the Arabian Gulf and UAE Minister of Energy Mohammed Bin Dha’en Al Hameli recently called on governments, private organisations and individuals to do all they could to conserve water.
“We have analysed UAE water consumption rates for irrigating natural grass and found that between 130 and 180 litres are needed for every square metre per year – which is around AED75 a square metre,” Oberlin added. “Using artificial grass not only saves water but money too.
“Modern, low maintenance, natural looking artificial grasses are in widespread use in Europe and North America but are surprisingly rare in the Middle East where maintaining natural grass is much more costly and environmentally unfriendly. However, all that is changing.
“With building regulations under review to include a compulsory percentage of green space or landscaping, the costs and limitations of natural grass are becoming increasingly apparent,” he said. “For example, a major private school in Dubai has laid out its large football, rugby and hockey pitches with the latest simulated turf.
“Another great money saving use for artificial grass is in pubic urban landscaped areas such as road verges, traffic islands and interchanges.”
Water and cost savings are not the only reasons for switching to artificial grass, Oberlin added. “Natural grass can harbour insect colonies, especially mosquitoes which are a major health hazard. Artificial grass doesn’t need to be sprayed with the chemical pesticides that can be harmful to children and animals.”
Farnek Avireal have been appointed preferred agent for a range of natural-looking and recyclable artificial grasses produced by Netherlands company Fivestargrass.
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