Dubai: From solar parks and nuclear energy programmes to green building codes and conservation schemes, UAE is making right moves to achieve all round sustainable development, the second annual Emirates Green Building Conference heard.
A far cry from last decade, when UAE had the unwanted record of the world’s highest ecological footprint, the country’s leadership has taken significant steps to mark a quick turn around.
Saeed Al Abbar, vice chairman of the Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC), who organised the two day conference said that there is still a long way to go, but the authorities have set ambitious targets and launched appropriate programmes to achieve those in time.
Among the most anticipated green initiatives is Dubai’s green building codes which will go live from the beginning of 2014.
“There is a clear shift in policy at all levels of government. Sustained efforts are being taken and projects have been launched to educate the people, regulations are being put in place to bind the industry and I think it is right time to begin building a sustainable future,” said Al Abbar.
He added that the emirate’s green drive is a well thought out plan and has gradually built in tempo.
“The initiatives started at the start of the new millennium and it built on from there in 2006 we had green building regulations in Jafza, then the codes were applied to all government buildings while projects were launched to use alternative energy for power and now we have the launch early next year of Dubai Green Building codes, which will transform the way buildings are made in the emirate,” stated Al Abbar, who is Leed-certified green building consultant.
The green building codes will make use of sustainable features and material mandatory in all new buildings from next year. The code covers a range of green features like building vitality as well as energy, water and waste efficiency.
The code will also require building to have LEEd certifications.
The conference brought together various stake holders in the green campaign including academics, activists, government officials as well as industry players.
“The idea is to create a consensus and push the envelop for a better future,” Al Abbar explained.
