A green gulf

When it comes to landmark projects, big may be good, but environmentally sound is even better. An increasing number of developers, architects and clients in the Gulf are discovering that ‘green projects' can have significant economic benefits as well as environmental advantages.

Recently, Dubai declared its intention to become the first Middle East city to ensure buildings comply with a set of global environmental standards. The declaration is in line with the massive international shift towards sustainability in construction and follows Dubai's Strategic Plan 2015.

According to a resolution issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, from January next year (2008) all new buildings must meet strict international guidelines for construction.

Although the new standards will mean changes in practice for some developers, for others it will be business as usual. Energy Management Services (EMS) has bases in Jordan and the UAE, but operates throughout the Middle East. Founded in 1991, it specialises in cost effective energy.

According to Samuel Keehn, environment and sustainability manager at EMS, the new legislation is revolutionary. "To introduce such a mandate in Dubai really is huge. To be honest even a few months ago, I'm not sure that I would have believed that it could happen. This doesn't just make it one of the leading initiatives in the Middle East, but on a global scale.

Within the region, we've done a couple of projects in Saudi Arabia and there are two initiatives in Beirut, but absolutely nothing on the scale of what's taking place here. The others are far more geared towards energy efficiency than totally green buildings."

Getting the green light

So what constitutes green building? The international benchmark is the LEED standard rating system (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). It began life as an American initiative back in 1994 - since then it has evolved through a wide consensus process, guided by architects, engineers, developers and builders.

A building is rated on six criteria - sustainability of the site, energy and atmosphere considerations, materials and resources, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality and innovation/design. The overall rating can also be varied depending on the type of project - residential, commercial, retail, new or existing buildings etc.

Once the assessment is complete, a building can be classified as certified, silver, gold or the ultimate green credential - platinum. The first Middle East building to achieve this accolade was the Pacific Control Systems building in Dubai.

Its key green features include soil erosion measures, water efficient equipment, solar-thermal air conditioning, high-efficiency chillers, solar lighting, the use of materials with high recycled content, variable speed drives for centrifugal fans and pumps, CO₂ monitoring for indoor air quality, low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in carpets, adhesives, sealants and paints and use of eco-friendly house-keeping chemicals.

It is estimated that the combined measures will result in a 35% energy saving compared with a normal building of a similar type and a 40% saving in water consumption.

Dilip Rahulan, chairman and CEO of Pacific Control Systems says, "we adopted an integrated design to maximise energy efficiency in our green building. We're using solar energy for the building's entire lighting needs and solar-thermal air-conditioning for its fresh air-cooling requirements.

"As part of our corporate social responsibility (CSR), we promote green buildings around the world and our green building initiative shows our commitment to the Dubai government's drive towards achieving sustainable environment protection."

Economy friendly

While Dubai is doing its best to take the lead in the environmental race, other Middle Eastern countries are taking up the challenge too.

Qatar's contender is Energy City - the first hydrocarbon industry business cluster in the Gulf. Once again, EMS is behind the project, reviewing design and techniques, optimising system design, introducing energy control systems, analysing energy bills and managing facilities.

According to Energy City Qatar's CEO, Hesham Al Emadi, "the most attractive reasons for many developers to integrate green solutions into their projects are the considerable economic incentives.

"EMS solutions will ensure Energy City Qatar will benefit from reduced operational costs, reduced capital and installation costs, lower maintenance and labour costs, in addition to reduced water costs.

"Furthermore, by improving the operational performance of energy systems, EMS solutions contribute to reduced running costs and energy consumption, potentially saving thousands on utility bills for tenants of Energy City Qatar."