Wake-up call

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The Middle East has some widespread and pressing environmental challenges ahead if it is to actively reduce the burden it's currently placing on the environment.

There is a massive over consumption of energy in the region due to the low rate of energy prices, additionally, electricity subsidisation has lead to many buildings being developed that are inefficient for the climate, not to mention the hugely inefficient water usage given its scarcity in the region.

But, what is becoming increasingly clear is that the Middle East cannot afford to ignore environmental issues any longer.

Unfortunately, there is often a lack of empowerment and drive when it comes to changing the situation, which is being fuelled by a lack of understanding in which people and businesses do not fully understand how their actions can both contribute to, or mitigate, risks to the environment.

People have to start working together to demand changes in the way that energy is consumed from the ground-up if environmental issues are ever to be fully addressed in this region.

One company that is working to change environmental practices in the Middle East is the UK-based design and engineering consultancy, Arup.

Arup is working to address the problem of awareness and advocacy by communicating to the business sector what measures can be introduce to actively reduce their carbon footprint and is offering hands-on solutions to ensure more sustainable projects are developed in the region.

As environmental issues have globally come to a head too late, there will always need to be more done, but it is encouraging to see that some developers have started to invest in, and are beginning to take environmental issues seriously in the Middle East.

Arup sustainability consultant, Juhi Shareef speaks to S&S about Arup’s sustainable approach to events and venues, and disuses the Middle East projects Arup is involve with.

The "S" word

Sustainability, the latest green buzzword, refers to more than climate change or resource depletion. As the Brundtland commission stated in 1987, "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

Sustainability is not just about ‘green issues'; the term links effective protection of the environment, the prudent use of natural resources, social progress (recognising the needs of all people, no matter their race or religion) and the maintenance of sustainable levels of economic growth and employment.

A global perspective

There is a certain irony that we now find ourselves facing a financially unsustainable future.

International institutions such as banks, once the bastion of Western economic progress, are being nationalised and people are uncertain about the future.

Despite the wide-spread financial turbulence, sustainability is still on the international agenda, and arguably, more important than before the economic slowdown.

Larger companies with a global reach are better placed to weather the current financial storms, as risks in Europe and North America are buffered by opportunities in other regions, such as the Middle East and Asia.

As a global design engineering consultancy, Arup is one company that is looking eastwards for opportunities, pulling together the firm's design, engineering and sustainability experience to expand its remit in the UAE.

Arup is currently working on Middle East projects, including the Al Qatara Community Arts Centre, Dubai Studio City, the Dubai Opera House and Qatar National Museum.

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