Green Building Trends in the Middle East Construction Sector :
Several environmental and socio-economic problems have affected the Middle East region, including water scarcity, harsh weather conditions, ecological deterioration, etc. Reports have also shown that the region’s commercial and residential areas consume more energy than other parts of the world due to strong dependence on air conditioning and constant use of glass exteriors.
The past few years have shown how the Middle East construction industry embraces green building initiatives by adopting eco-friendly architecture and traditional and sustainable construction trends. This article will provide significant insights into the Middle East’s progress in green tech construction. Keep reading to find out green building trends to look out for in the industry.
Green Building Momentum Rises in the Middle East
With annual spending on construction-related goods and services of almost $10 trillion, the building and construction industry is among the largest in the global economy. It’s also one of the most energy-intensive and polluting sectors of the global economy, making it disproportionately damaging.
To shape the building industry in the Middle East, sustainability is becoming increasingly significant. Several causes, including growing concern over climate change, rising energy prices, and rising public knowledge of the advantages of sustainable design, are fueling this movement.
Recent statistics reported that the world’s construction industry continues to be responsible for 23 percent of air pollution, 38 percent of CO2 emissions, 40 percent of water pollution, 21 percent of depletion of natural resources, 50 percent of landfill waste, and 40 percent of energy use.
Hani Abel Razeq, assistant director and team lead at Saudi Arabia construction firm AESG sa It took some work from industry executives to get everyone to realize the implications of recent significant real estate development in the Gulf region. The advancement we have seen is mainly due to the sector’s carbon footprint being acknowledged.
But things are shifting in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region as more green building regulations are adopted to increase profitability. In 2010, the UAE announced its green building initiatives for the country. Abu Dhabi also implemented mandatory efficiency standards for new structures through its Estidama grading system that same year.
In 2018, Ajman declared that only buildings that comply with green building requirements would be granted construction licenses. Regional nations like Qatar and the UAE have developed their building sustainability standards and construction legislation to incorporate socio-economic, environmental, and cultural factors in contemporary design. In addition, the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) of Qatar, the Pearl Rating System (Estidama) of Abu Dhabi, and the Green Construction Regulations of Dubai have quickly established themselves as leaders in the green building industry.
These regulations have led to using solar energy in residential developments like The Signature Livings in Jumeirah Village and the construction of Abu Dhabi’s first net-zero energy office skyscraper in Masdar City by 2024. Additionally, with 3.1 million square meters, the UAE boasts the fourth-largest portfolio of LEED-certified buildings outside the US. UAE also holds the distinction of having the fourth-highest global LEED accreditation rate for construction professionals.
Ultimately, green building technologies can help safeguard the environment and benefit both building users and residents. In conclusion, green building technologies may ensure energy security, mitigate climate change, and offer new business and employment prospects. It can also be an accelerator for smart urbanization in the Middle East.
