EMIRATES GREEN

EmiratesGBC Newsletter

MAY 2012

VOLUME II, ISSUE 5

Upcoming Events

May 2

EGBC Technical Workshop

May 6

EGBC Networking Event,

Gerab Energy Solutions

May 10

EGBC Board Meeting

May 13

EGBC Networking Event,

Majid Al Futtaim Properties

May 15

EGBC BGreen Sustainable

Solutions Round Table

June 15-16

LEED GA Training

A Letter from the Chairman…

Dear EGBC Members,

It is with great pleasure that I acknowledge the progress

made by the EGBC task forces and thank the volunteers

that are contributing on a regular basis. The task forces

have done a great job and are moving in the right direction

in a timely manner to accomplish the 2012 goals and

provide new resources to the industry.

With EGBC’s commitment to a sustainable UAE, we

recently participated in World ecoConstruct in Abu Dhabi

with an exhibition stand raising awareness of our mission. There, we also hosted a

Focus Day, themed ‘Constructing Buildings for the Future’, where we had

representation from the UAE and Abu Dhabi government as well as the private

sector. The focus day program and participating organizations clearly show EGBC

is gaining momentum in the industry, and is amalgamating different officials

together on a common platform to share knowledge and expertise.

As part of our continued effort to bring you more activities throughout the year,

EGBC will be hosting two networking events in the month of May with Gerab

Energy Solutions and Majid Al Futtaim Properties, details of which are mentioned

below. The technical workshop program, which kick started last month, will also be

hosting another workshop on 2nd May focusing on Retrofitting efficient HVAC

systems. We encourage you to attend and contribute your expertise to the subject.

Be sure not miss out on any of the May events !!

EGBC is always looking for member volunteers to help deliver many of its planned

events and contribute to its task forces. We invite you to get involved! Please call

the EmiratesGBC Office to register your interest.

Sincerely,

Adnan Sharafi

EmiratesGBC Focus Day at World ecoConstruct!!

EmiratesGBC in conjunction with the World ecoConstruct hosted a full day focus day on 25th April in Abu

Dhabi. The focus was on Constructing Buildings for the Future, keeping in mind the investments in the

construction industry. The session kicked off with a presentation by the Ministry of Environment & Water on the

green economy. Government representatives from the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council and the Department of Municipal Affairs threw light on

the evolution of Estidama from the last year and the construction building codes for sustainable cities, whereas Mubadala and Brookfield Multiplex

discussed the challenges faced in using the rating tools, from a developer’s and contractor’s point perspective. Waste Management Strategies, being

a very important element of the construction industry was discussed by Al Habtoor Leighton Group, sharing their commendable initiatives on

several projects in the region. Jotun Paints and Everest Industries cited examples of the sustainable products available in construction, with Buro

Happold talking about latest innovative design & technology.

A special thanks to the event sponsors: Brookfield Multiplex, Jotun Paints and Everest Industries.

Visit us at www.emiratesgbc.org!

Welcome New Members!

Corporate Members:

Shaw Industries

Individual Members:

Ahmad Kais Kamal

Nicole de Kort

Loay Al Mujadidi

WorldGBC Congress goes to Stuttgart this year!!

This year the WorldGBC Congress and DGNB's goes to Consense in Stuttgart, Germany, on 18th and 19th June. A special offer to

attend Congress/Consense for delegations of green building council members has been made available and we encourage our

members to express their interest in attending as part of an EGBC delegation. The council members can access special rates,

assistance with hotels, exhibition packages, and a special offer from DGNB on training courses.

Kindly communicate your interest latest by 6th May 2012 to events@emiratesgbc.org.

EMIRATES GREEN

EGBC News and Updates

Page 2

EmiratesGBC wants to hear from our Members!

Share with us your success stories! There is a lot of great information and case

studies to be shared out there and we want to provide our members with the

platform to exchange ideas and promote your accomplishments.

EmiratesGBC and BGreen to host ‘Sustainable Solutions’ round table discussions !!

EmiratesGBC in partnership with BGreen brings you the “Sustainable Solutions” discussions. A closed round table discussion focusing on different

segments of sustainability to enhance the knowledge in the industry, it will be conducted bi-monthly in the EGBC office in partnership with the

BGreen Magazine. The purpose of these closed discussion is to bring together different experts from fields of sustainability on a single

platform and share their ideas, knowledge and opinions based on their expertise to the relevant subjects. The discussions will be broadly covered in

the BGreen magazine, so keep a close watch on the upcoming issues and enhance your knowledge to a new level.

Well Done Members!!

A big congratulation to InterfaceFLOR for hosting a sustainability seminar in Dubai on 26th April alongside the Global CSR Convention. The aim was to help

specifiers cut through the myriad of green-wash that is prevalent within the construction industry and offer advice on choosing the most sustainable products

available in the market. Led by Ramon Arratia, European Sustainability Director for Interface the seminar also provided more information on Environmental

Product Declarations (EPDs) and presented them as the new higher standard for environmental claims, encouraging delegates to now request EPDs on all products

from the suppliers.

EmiratesGBC participated in RIBA Gulf Chapter Networking Event !!

EmiratesGBC is happy to have active participation in various local events. Recently, EmiratesGBC supported RIBA Gulf Chapter, in collaboration

with AIA & ROCA in a Networking Event on 22 April focusing on Water Efficiencies in Architectural Design. Dr. Robert Cooke, EGBC Technical

Committee Coordinator, discussed the policies to improve water usage in development projects. Case study representation of clean water provisions

for a community project in rural Cameroon was also showcased. The aim of the event was to discuss the design process which can be enhanced to

ensure minimal use of water in building design & construction.

EmiratesGBC invites you to its May Networking Events

The month of May will see some action from EGBC with two networking events planned in the first half of month. The first networking event will be

held on Sunday 6 May at Media Rotana Dubai, where Cas Khoo from Gerab Energy Solutions will deliver a presentation on Energy Efficiency

Solutions for Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems. The discussion will cover the “Dynamic Condenser Control Technology” which is a very

effective technology in energy efficient platform that improves the efficiency of the condenser and optimizes the refrigerant. As air conditioning and

refrigeration systems contribute up to 65% of the total energy load of the buildings, this networking event focuses on a very important topic. Kindly

RSVP your interest latest by 2nd May to events@emiratesgbc.org !!

The second networking event of the month will take place on Sunday 13 May at Pullman Hotel and will be hosted with Majid Al Futtaim Properties.

Nicholas Mulders, Director of Retail Design and Delivery, will talk about the 'Green Star’ ratings system adopted by Majid Al Futtaim Properties for

the tenants of its malls as part of its CSR Policy. The discussion will revolve around water efficiency, energy, indoor air quality monitoring, etc.

Kindly RSVP you interest to events@emiratesgbc.org by 10th May to be a part of this interesting discussion !! We hope to see you at both events!!

EmiratesGBC kicks off technical workshop series !

EmiratesGBC hosted its first successful technical workshop, exclusively for its members and partners on

4 April 2012 focusing on the Waste Water Treatment in Buildings and Urban plans. The aim of the workshop program is to join together members

from across the building industry to share their knowledge of a topical

subject and explore how the council and its members can influence improvement across the industry. The

outputs from these workshops will be publicized across the membership, on the EGBC website, and with

summaries issued through media partners. It is intended that the published outputs will build up to provide an

important body of knowledge, being extended and further developed over time through follow-up events.

With strong support and participation from EGBC members and partners in the first workshop, we are happy to

announce the date for the next workshop, which will be on 2 May. The focus of the May technical workshop

will be on Retrofitting HVAC Systems focusing on, the simplest, most cost-effective HVAC solutions in order to

improve the (environmental, financial & comfort) performance of existing buildings.

Kindly RSVP your interest to participate in the next workshop by mailing events@emiratesgbc.org.

EGBC participated in the UAE Vision 2021 Energy Workshop !!

The EmiratesGBC was honored to be considered a stakeholder and represented in the UAE Vision 2021 Energy Workshop on the 16th of April.

Adnan Sharafi and Saeed Alabbar represented EGBC in the workshop with active participation in two sessions covering challenges in financing

renewable energy projects in the UAE as well as challenges in improving energy efficiencies in buildings. This is the first round of workshops that

engaged stakeholders for developing the required policies, more rounds are anticipated in the coming months to reach to the final outcome.

Local News:

Sewage trucks get electronic gate:

Sharjah: The municipality launched an electronic gate in Industrial Area 5 for private and

public tankers for septic tankers to dispose of their waste. Click here for more information.

Cement plants to review environment impact:

Dubai Cement factories face permanent closure if they fail to meet the new green measures

announced by the Ministry of Environment and Water. In an advisory issued earlier this

week by Dr Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahd, Minister of Environment and Water, cement

companies were warned that a temporary three-month closure may be issued to the 11

existing factories in the country if facilities were found in non-compliance. f problems

identified in the first warning are not rectified within 90 days, the ministry could shut down

an errant cement factory for good.

Abu Dhabi begins work on Metro and light-rail design:

The Abu Dhabi Department of Transport has started work on the design of a Metro and light-

rail transit system after the Executive Council approved funding for the projects, a

spokesman for the department said. The Abu Dhabi Metro, which will extend approximately

131 km and be supported by tram and bus feeder networks, is set to be operational by

2016-17. Click here for more information.

Zayed Future Energy Prize 2013:

Already in its 5th round, the Zayed Future Energy Prize has announced that applications for

the 2013 prize are now open. The prize awards innovation, long-term vision and leadership

in renewable energy and sustainability. The 2013 award is US$4 million and will be

distributed across five categories: large corporations; small and medium enterprises;

nongovernmental organizations; lifetime achievements of individuals; and global high

schools.

Abu Dhabi's $600m solar power plant to be completed this year:

Abu Dhabi Solar plant Shams 1 will be completed by the end of this year and will be ready

to provide Abu Dhabi with power at commercial prices. Construction began during [the third

quarter] of 2010. The project's cost is $600 million (Dh2.2 billion) and with its completion, it

will be the largest solar project in the world. Click here for more information.

Dubai seeks bids for Dh12b solar park:

Dubai: The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority plans to issue the first bids for a Dh12

billion solar park by September that will generate 1,000 megawatts of power by 2030.

Click here for more information.

UAE one of world's top users of water, expert warns:

Living in Dubai can foster the illusion that water is plentiful with green parks and palm trees

abounding and potable water always at the ready for more than two million residents in the

emirate. But the reality is that demand is placing tremendous pressure upon authorities to

draw millions of litres of freshwater daily from groundwater and desalination sources, says

Hamdan Al Shair, director of the Environment Department at Dubai Municipality. Click here

for more information.

Vision 2050 Arabia urges businesses to conserve land and water - and cut carbon

emissions:

Abu Dhabi: To sustain a world population of nine billion people in 2050, the world must

double its agricultural production without increasing land and water use, as well as reduce

carbon emissions by half, a report released Monday states. A report prepared by the World

Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) that includes these details

therefore calls for businesses to play a key role in ensuring sustainability, along with

government entities. Click here for more information.

ADNEC joins Abu Dhabi sustainability group:

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company (ADNEC) has announced it has joined the Abu

Dhabi sustainability group. An agreement signed confirms ADNEC's commitment to

developing innovative solutions and initiatives to promote sustainability standards across the

business. Click here for more information.

New solar energy plant rising from the desert:

Abu Dhabi: Turning high, rolling sand dunes into a site for the world’s largest

concentrated solar-power plant meant digging and redistributing some 5 million cubic metres

of sand. When completed this year, the plant will be able to generate 100 megawatts of

electricity, enough to power 20,000 homes. It is part of Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, which aims

reduce the country’s dependence on oil.

Click here for more information.

EMIRATES GREEN

Local/Regional/International - News and Updates

Page 3

Regional News:

GE wins 50MW wind turbine order in Turkey:

US technology giant General Electric (GE) has been contracted to supply 31

wind turbines by Fina Enerjifor a project in Turkey. The 50MW facility will

support the Turkish government’s plan to increase the country’s installed wind

capacity to 20GW by 2023. Click here for more information.

Hotel in Green initiative:

An agreement has been signed between the Qatar Green Building Council and

the Wyndham Grand Regency Doha Hotel to work together to “disseminate

environmental knowledge as applied to the built environment, to promote

awareness and student and other youth involvement in Qatar”. Click here for

more information.

Turning waste into liquid and solid gold:

Residents who have some space in their backyard could turn organic waste into

compost with a little effort and use it as a natural fertilizer for the home garden,

thereby effectively tackling the solid waste disposal issue. Click here for more

information.

Green building technology gains ground in Kingdom:

As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia undergoes a construction boom, building

services experts have said that they can see a noticeable shift towards green

building technology, despite the high costs associated with it. As the largest

market in the GCC, the Kingdom has more than $112.8bn worth of projects

expected in 2012, the Saudi Gazette, a local daily reported, citing recent data.

Click here for more information.

Middle East injects $180Bn into new power, water, and energy projects:

New power, water, and energy projects valued at $180bn are underway or at the

planning stages in the Middle East, as the UAE forges ahead with 20 projects

worth $34.2bn. Spearheaded by the $20bn Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi,

which began construction late in 2011, the UAE will be one of the most active

markets in the power, water and energy sectors over the next two years, at a

time when power demand across all GCC countries is expected to grow 8 to

10% annually.

International News:

Recycling rubbish to create electricity in Denmark:

Denmark currently generates 831kg of waste per person every year. But rather

than dump it in landfill, they have found a way to deal with the problem -

burning it. Click here for more information.

Juicing up: Hong Kong transport goes electric:

The residents of Hong Kong - one of the most densely populated places on the

planet - make 12 million journeys every day in cars, trains, buses and ferries. In

an effort to combat pollution and cut carbon emissions in half by 2020, the city

is turning to electric vehicles.

What Copenhagen can teach the World:

Copenhagen frequently tops rankings of the world’s happiest, most liveable and

best-designed cities. This is likely because the city strives for sustainability in

nearly every aspect of policy and culture. While Denmark’s capital may not be

perfect, its successes in a few key areas provide teaching points for metropolises

around the world. Click here for more information.

Samso: the energy self-sufficient island

Inhabitants on the small Danish island of Samso have collaborated to form a

social energy revolution. The small Baltic island has become one of the first

industrialized places in the world to qualify as being totally energy self-

sufficient.

International Green Construction Code released

The 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) is released as a model

code for jurisdictions to adopt. The code was finalized in November 2011 after a

two-year development process and is meant to establish minimum green

requirements for commercial buildings (both new and existing) and residential

buildings over three stories. Click here for more information.

Visit us at www.emiratesgbc.org!

Email EGBC to subscribe to this newsletter: office@emiratesgbc.org