Link issue#7 may -june2005 - SCLG

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Construction
Green Buildings:
Energy efficient, healthy and sustainable structures
On June 9, 2005, some parts of Dubai were paralyzed by
a sudden blackout that stopped people in their tracks. From
Bur Dubai to Gold Souq to Jebel Ali, computers crashed, air
conditioners shut off and thousands of homes and
businesses were plunged into darkness. Thousands of
workers hurriedly left their offices, descending long flights
of stairs because elevators had stopped working. The
economic cost: estimated at millions of dirhams.
While capacity was not the culprit, the blackout, handled
efficiently and set right in record time by the authorities,
has spurred discussions within the real estate industry
about energy strategies. That sharpened focus has, in turn,
intensified interest in the concepts and strategies
associated with "green buildings."
Green building: Optimising nature
Green buildings are structures that are designed, built,
renovated, operated, or reused in an ecological and
resource-efficient manner. For example, a green building
might reduce electric consumption through the
incorporation of energy-efficient appliances and fixtures,
such as high-performance windows. Faucet aerators, waterconserving
toilets and low-maintenance landscaping are
strategies commonly implemented to conserve water.
Proponents of green buildings argue that the approach
has many benefits. "Making buildings more energy-efficient
could have a significant impact on energy savings," notes
Mario Seneviratne, Director of Green Technologies, an
Engineering and Project Management consultancy firm
which promote ‘Green Buildings’ concept in the Middle
East. "The combination of green design techniques and
clever technology, in the case of a large office, for
example, can not only reduce energy consumption and
environmental impact, but also reduce running costs,
create a more pleasant working environment, improve
employees’ health and productivity, reduce pollution and
legal liability, and boost property values and rental
returns," Mario adds.
can be incorporated with minimal or zero increased upfront
costs and they can yield enormous savings. A building
that is properly situated can reduce energy requirements by
relying on the sun to satisfy some of the heating
requirements, on shading to cool the building and on
natural light to reduce the need for artificial light. Also, the
energy-saving techniques need not all be as exotic as
installing coated glass, computer-controlled blinds or
photovoltaic cells. Builders are now insulating buildings
more effectively, in some cases using materials such as
recycled paper and fabrics, including old, shredded jeans.
Sitting in his Dubai Airport Free Zone located office,
Mario noticed that DAFZA buildings adopt many green
buildings themes. "The optimal use of natural daylight and
controlled air-conditioning system in the building, for
example, as well as reducing energy costs, also seems to
make workers more productive,"
According to Mario, in Dubai’s other landmark buildings
that can be considered having green themes include the
Sheikh Rashid Residential building at Maktoum Street, Al
Maha Resort which uses solar power to pump water, Madinat
Jumeirah Hotel which maximises cooling green spaces and
natural lighting, Hyatt Regency Hotel which uses high
efficiency and environment friendly chilled water plant,
etc.
Mario is quick to note that the need to inform the public
is the key for the success of Green Buildings. "People should
be made aware and be informed about the benefits of a
‘Green Building’, he said, noting that environmentally
friendly buildings are not just about structures. "It is a way
of life," he stressed. We must "think sustainability of life",
thus going into green buildings is infact the dawning of an
era where resources are to be conserved and life itself is
prolonged by adopting sustainable and green practices.
Different Shades of green
"Green buildings can be built at the same cost of
conventional buildings. Using natural light and proper
ventilation by way of architectural and engineering design
reduces the use of power and lowers electricity bills," Mario
said, adding that the costs may not be the issue but the
benefits it brings.
Even with a tight budget, many green building measures
Supply Chain & Logistics Group | www.sclgme.org