Green building initiatives launched at The Big 5

The variety of building and construction products currently on display at the ‘Big 5 2010 Conference’ testifies to an innovative and ecologically-friendly trend in the region, as the battle against climate change goes a notch higher.

According to the UN, countries in the GCC region are major contributors to the carbon emissions due to the booming construction and oil activities in the region. Four out of the top five carbon emitters per capita in the world are in the GCC and include Qatar, UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait.

On the third day of the global construction event in Dubai dubbed The Big 5, organisers dedicated the entire day to discussing issues regarding ‘Green Building’, on the premise that ‘changing construction dynamics require new approach to innovative design and production.’

Andrew Schoefield, Vice President, Building Engineering Middle East (AECOM), while presenting a paper titled: “Is Making an Existing Building Breen Really Worth It?” said; “There’s no doubt that regional governments are facing challenges in the implementation of green buildings, but in the long term, these programmes would be key to environmental demands placed on sustainability, in the face of rapid urbanisation.”

Market leader in construction materials, Danube, is showcasing its certified whitewood and hardwood timber products at the exhibition. An official at the company’s booth said the move was is in line with the firm’s commitment to sustainability, while promoting 'Green Building Code' that was recently introduced in the country. The code, which came into effect last year in Dubai, and early this year in Abu Dhabi, is intended to make sustainability compulsory in all buildings and major retro-fits. It addresses energy efficiency, water use and the wider environmental impact of construction.

Show goers get lessons on green living

Also showcasing innovative sustainable construction solutions is Bayer MaterialScience, one of the world’s largest polymer companies. The company launched a thermal insulation based on rigid polyurethane foam, a material that is used to insulate buildings, warehouses and pipe networks.

A stand featuring speakers and industry experts has also been set up to educate show-goers about environmental-related issues facing the construction industry. The professionals are also demonstrating eco-innovations with new green products that are being used to design, build and operate green buildings.

One particular company is Apcor from Portugal. The firm is developing and promoting the use of wood cork in flooring, wall coverings and insulation processes. Cork is normally harvested from the bark of a tree.

“The appeal of as a construction material is on the rise and is moving away from its reputation as a material only used in bottle stoppers,” one of the firm’s pamphlets states.

“Many people don’t realise, but when considering green buildings materials, cork is the only truly sustainable resource offering all the essential environmentally friendly qualities required for a less polluted modern society.”

Earlier, Cynthia Corby, the audit partner and construction industry leader at Deloitte told reporters; “This year’s event particularly explores the key issues affecting the construction industry and tackles a plethora of imminent topics, including green building.”

Deloitte has released a report that shows green building regulations are coming into force across the region.

“Whilst it is estimated that a green building costs 20 per cent more to design, build and maintain, a sustainable building will reduce electricity consumption and conserve water at a time of soaring power demand and limited water resources in the GCC,” the report states.

Qatar introduced the Sustainable Assessment System (QSAS) that was devised in April 2009. The QSAS defines compulsory standards to be incorporated into the country’s building code.

In Saudi Arabia, the Green Building Council has been formed to promote sustainability in construction, Deloitte’s report states.

Event organisers buy credits to offset carbon footprint

At the same time, organisers of the event have demonstrated their commitment to reduction of negative carbon impact on the environment, by offsetting the carbon footprint brought about by putting up the show of such magnitude.

“Of course organising such a big event comes at the expense of a considerable carbon footprint, and therefore we’re purchasing certified carbon credits to neutralise its impact on the environment,” the event’s director Andy White told Alrroya.com, while revealing that it’s their second consecutive year to apply the carbon offset rule.

A number of initiatives have also been implemented to help reduce the show’s carbon footprint. These include educating delegates, exhibitors and contractors attending the show, on how to raise awareness about green practices.

Encouraging the use of the metro, instead of taking a taxi or driving to the exhibition grounds is also being emphasised in order to urge visitors to reduce their own individual carbon footprint. Other initiatives include offering online tips and informational placards on recycling and ways on minimising waste production.

“We have partnered with Dubai World Trade Centre, Trashco and Union Paper Mills in an effort to reduce 50 per cent of the show’s waste that will be sent to the landfill,” White said.