Bridging the gap

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From developer to FM, everyone involved in the design of a green building has to think green. facilities management Middle East speaks to the contributing factors.

The developer
Name: Nicola Clarke
Job title: Environmental advisor
Company: Sabban Property Investments (SPI)

Being green in this region is largely to do with choice and property developers make lots of choices.

We choose the project, the land, the building type, architects, consultants, contractors, systems, finished interiors and more. We make decisions every day that probably have more of an impact than we realise. Notably, some developers decide whether or not to go beyond legal requirements to minimise our environmental impact. That is to say, we choose our policies and in doing so lay the right foundations.

It is our responsibility to develop projects that are as environmentally friendly as possible, whilst still being able to provide affordable investments for our clients and make a profit. It is also our duty to inform residents on how to use the facilities we install efficiently, so they can minimise their own environmental impact.

The region's property industry is currently in an environmental transition. Sustainable financial self interest means investing in the environment.Companies who do not, will compete in the future.

It's great that many architects and consultants are pushing for green building in the region, but ultimately it is the developer which has the final decision. That final decision often comes down to cost and it's a farsighted developer that incorporates the environmental cost into the current decision making processes.

We believe it's our duty to instigate environmental initiatives now rather than wait until green guidelines inevitably become mandatory.

One company cannot progress unaided, it is important that property developers actively select business partners who have similar environmental ethics and policies to enable them to actively practice what they preach.

If the people developers choose to work with offer them environmentally friendly alternatives, their role in being green is made much easier.

If the ‘business as usual' scenario continues, the consequences will be severe. We are currently looking at a future where water is more scarce, electricity more expensive and where space is increasingly limited.

Choice is power. If we have the power of choice we also have the power to change.

SPI is the first carbon neutral developer in the region and is one of the founding members of the Emirates Green Building Council (Emirates GBC). By setting our own high standards and expectations, we have created a mindset and a more environmentally and socially responsible business culture for everyone who works for and with us.

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