< PreviousCover feature commercialinteriordesign.com July 2021 20 ROOT Industry specialists track the growth of sustainability in the MENA region TAKINGCover feature 21 July 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com A tree on an island in the Red Sea Project, a luxury destination in Saudi ArabiaCover feature commercialinteriordesign.com July 2021 22 Adverse climate change and COVID are the unwelcome guests of the new century that humankind, perhaps unwittingly, invited in. Ignorance and intention might not have been behind the original causes, however it took nearly a century of research and data to convince the vast majority of the scientifi c community that human activity could alter the climate of our entire planet. A watershed moment came in June 1988, NASA scientist James Hansen delivered testimony and presented models to US congress, saying he was "99 percent sure" that global warming was upon us. Now in 2021, the need for sustainability is emphasised not just as a public rallying call, but in all sectors of business. As the general public has responded in varying degrees of acceptance to changing the disposable nature of modern life – National Geographic reported in early 2021 that we still use 500 billion plastic bags a year, 150 for each person on Earth – so the architectural and design community is still onboarding the concept of 'going green.' Nigel Topping, the UN's champion for the upcoming COP26 climate conference, said in a recent interview that architecture is one of the least well-represented businesses in the United Nations initiative to get companies to commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This is despite the fact that the built environment contributes around 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. However it would be wrong to lay the blame entirely at our industry's door. Angry responses to Topping's interview cite clients and constructors as being enablers of less sustainable processes. AN EVOLVING INDUSTRY A UN report released in December 2021 estimated that, including operational emissions, the construction industry accounted for 38 percent of the world’s energy-related carbon emissions. Unpacking this jarring statistic, global research company the Oxford Business Group notes that while defi nitions of sustainable construction vary and are continuously evolving, the term encompasses far more than just environmentally sustainable building materials. It is increasingly used to refer to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors along the entire planning and construction process, incorporating aspects like design, energy generation and even social outcomes. As prime example of a project that goes beyond purely environmental factors, Oxford Business Group cites the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Launched in March 2021, the plan is a comprehensive blueprint for future sustainable urban development in the emirate. It aims to design Dubai in a way that will allow it to effectively house its growing population, which is expected to increase from 3.3metres to 5.8m over the next two decades. Green and recreation areas are to double in size by 2040, and nature reserves and We use 500 billion plastic bags a year... The Red Sea Project's Coral Bloom resort promotes'regenerative tourism'Cover feature 23 July 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com rural natural areas to make up 60 percent the emirate’s total area. Key to the "people-led" plan is the development of fi ve main urban areas, to be linked by several green corridors. This is designed to encourage sustainable mobility across the city, such as cycling and walking, thereby reducing car traffi c and promoting healthier lifestyles. THE DEVELOPER Responsible for the delivery of the world's most ambitious, regenerative tourism project, The Red Sea Development Company in Saudi Arabia recognises a new drive for action on climate change for both the travellers it will serve and the designers and architects behind the 28,000 square kilometre project on the western coast of Saudi Arabia between the cities of Umluj and Al Wajh. Senior director of interior architecture at The Red Sea Development Company, Melissa Messmer, says: "More than ever before, the urgency for action on climate change is being recognised as an imperative to our future development. "While it is a commonly accepted concept and reality for the industry, it is encouraging to see sustainability become an equally important consideration for travellers too. "Interior designers may fi nd that consumers are now more sensitive to human metrics of sustainability. The global pandemic is driving more intelligent conversations around using the right materials and products in the interior space to enable guests to feel fully immersed in and actively interact with their surroundings. "The Red Sea Project has a crucial role to play in empowering the industry to reach this new frontier: we are setting new benchmarks in regenerative tourism. From creating ecologically-friendly interiors to ethically sourcing all our materials, we are incorporating sustainability principles into every aspect of our destination to reduce negative impacts on surrounding ecosystems, contribute to improved energy effi ciency and create a unique barefoot luxury experience." KEY CONSIDERATIONS "Identifying the right materials is a big part of what we look at when we think of long-term sustainability. We use green concrete across the destination, made of recycled waste materials to signifi cantly reduce CO2 emissions. We are producing c.1,200 cubic metres of green concrete per day on site. "Another key consideration of our designs is to create internal spaces that are also highly energy effi cient. Heating and lighting are the two most crucial factors. For example, we are factoring in natural light and using the right colour palette to brighten spaces without the need for electricity, introducing optimum apertures with the right aspect and shading technology, and using soft furnishings, carpets, curtains and blinds to dramatically reduce energy leakage. "In addition, we are driving change in other metrics of sustainability such as carbon footprint. Our operations will have a zero-carbon footprint at the core, powered by 100 percent renewable energy. With no connection to the national grid, this will be underpinned by the creation of Even the Red Sea Project airport is eco-friendlyCover feature commercialinteriordesign.com July 2021 24 the world’s largest battery storage facility. The resulting savings in CO2 emissions will equate to approximately half-a-million tons per year. "We are also excited about our green technology that sits perfectly within a cutting-edge design aesthetic. The revolutionary design of the Red Sea International Airport is one such example. Aligned with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Buildings Standards, the eco-friendly airport is designed to utilise shaded areas and natural ventilation to minimise reliance on air conditioning." THE ARCHITECT Sustainability is no longer simply an "add on" to development, says Samer Touqan, projects director at the Abu Dhabi-headquartered Dewan Architects + Engineers. He says: "It is now expected to be integral to every part of architects' and engineers' work, and rightly so. Our industry is approaching sustainability holistically, from a building's design to its construction, operation, and maintenance. To stay ahead of the competition, architecture and engineering fi rms are developing innovative solutions to reducing water and energy consumption, in addition to limiting air pollution. "To help protect natural environments, we anticipate our industry at-large will try to utilise more off-site manufacturing. We are currently working on two hotel projects on the western coast of Saudi Arabia; the sites are on pristine corals in the Red Sea, and the client wanted to preserve as much of the nature as possible. We will achieve this by limiting the work in and around the project itself as much as possible. For example, we’re delivering nearly-complete guestrooms that were constructed at a different location. Sustain- ability is no longer an add on...Cover feature 25 July 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com Sustainability must be part of projects, says Dewan Melissa Messmer Senior director of interior architecture at The Red Sea Development Company Samer Touqan Projects director at Dewan Architects + Engineers Maurizio Fabbrini Head of marketing & sales at ODG Design Marcos Bish Managing director at Summertown Interiors OUR EXPERTS "In general, we work with our stakeholders and local communities to promote best practices including recycling and waste management, as well as using more sustainable modes of transportation." THE CONSULTANTS Maurizio Fabbrini, head of marketing & sales at ODG Design, is proud that the consulting, branding and design agency headquartered in Dubai is deeply involved in playing its role to tackle the sustainability topic across the spectrum. He says: "Starting from the design team, our technical managers are LEED Certifi ed. That means, we can design our projects in line with all green building programs. With this accreditation, ODG design team can advise clients on environmentally sound design alternatives, from materials across the different spectrums, to design and construction techniques to consume less energy, improve air fl ow circulation, etc. This allows to achieve a professional result by also being conscious about the environment. "Unfortunately, the pandemic affected all industries, construction and interior design included. Although we see businesses picking up at par (if not at higher levels) pre-COVID, budgets are still tight, and many projects had to be paused or delayed for over a year and half in the MENA region. Designing sustainably requires a higher level of initial investment. Sustainable materials are Dewan's Solforest Ecopark in Hanoi, VietnamCover feature commercialinteriordesign.com July 2021 2627 July 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com more expensive than their less-sustainable alternatives. Also, from an MEP point of view, designing a LEED Platinum or Gold type of building requires quite an investment that not many companies are willing or in condition to make. However, long lasting change doesn’t happen overnight. It requires small increments through time. If every month, one more company decides to become more sustainable in its operations or in its investment, soon it will become the standard. We hope." THE FIT-OUT FIRM Dubai-based fit-out firm Summertown Interiors has made sustainability a USP of its services, cementing its green credentials of offered LEED certified fit out services for over 13 years with its JOURNEY2030 sustainability goal to 'Deliver 100% Sustainable Projects by 2030,' all clients with projects over 2,000 sq m are offered free LEED certified level certification. Managing director Marcos Bish says the eco-friendly approach yields both challenges and opportunities: "The COVID-19 pandemic crisis has been a catalyst for change providing an opportunity for companies to make their workplaces healthier and more sustainable. With additional awareness around climate change and the increasing competitive advantages companies have for being purpose-driven, commercial fit out contractors are seeing more clients ask about sustainability workplace options. "From a commercial interiors perspective, the inclusion of biophilia and natural, healthier materials such as FSC wood is on the rise – particularly as more companies are looking to refurbish their offices with a focus on employee wellbeing and adopt the hybrid workplace model. We are inside buildings 90 percent of the time, coupled with COVID-19 air transmission issues we believe air quality improvements and ventilation solutions are paramount. We also expect to see more companies thinking about reducing energy and water consumption, as well as thinking about the management of waste generated from refurbishment projects. "One of the biggest challenges is reducing the waste going to landfill by recycling or re-using. The UAE has capacity for recycling some waste such as metal Jubail Island development, where DLR Group were lead consultants Summertown's LEED Gold certified interior for Smart Dubai Officecommercialinteriordesign.com July 2021 2627 July 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com and glass. However, more recycling of other building materials is needed, such as cement. We also need to encourage more re-use of materials such as glass panels or wooden doors, and more responsible procurement, like purchasing sustainable products. Presently, we can say that about 44 percent of our clients' materials are purchased from sustainable sources." THE PLANNERS Also reflecting on potential obstacles in the path of the industry is the DLR Group, which offers services in architecture, engineering, planning and interiors. They told us in an email interview: "Associated short term fees are still the main obstacle. Integrating biophilia in the design, selecting certified materials, allowing more space for each user comes at a higher rate, and recovery of initial In some projects it's still a hard sell... investment sometimes might take longer, so it is still a hard sell in some projects. Unlike aesthetic value, health and long- term economic and environmental benefits are not visual, so trickier to buy-in to." The firm undertook master planning and architectural services for the mixed-use commercial, retail, and residential Town Centre of the $1.36 billion (AED5bn) Jubail Island project in Abu Dhabi, a community that will achieve the highest standards in terms of sustainability, says developer the Jubail Island Investment Company. VISION 2030 With the adoption of building design methodology Estidama, the Arabic word for sustainability, Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 is driving to build the UAE capital according to innovative green standards. According to DLR Group, this is driving forward a new outlook on design and architecture in the region. "We are seeing an increased interest in sustainability within interiors year on year. Global companies are leading the way with big bold design initiatives involving climate commitments, and regional Estidama and Green Building requirements as well as country’s 2030 commitments are helping design industry to drive the responsible design forward. "Interest in eco-friendly design, while also addressing the human well-being aspect is on the rise. Embracing health through walkability, healthy materials and clean air within spaces is now also embraced with mental and psychological stimulus – art, biophilia, water elements, libraries, courtyards. How people feel within spaces was always an important aspect of good design, but it’s seen to be taking on a new level in recent years. "We were also seeing a growing trend of requirement for flexibility within spaces where ability to accommodate multi- purpose functions (i.e. hotel lounge with remote working zones; co-working offices with lounge and event booking options) as well as ability to modify an area or change a purpose with minimal changes. "Healthy products are definitely on the rise – biodegradable, recycled, renewable – you name it." THE MANUFACTURER 2030 is also a key date for Danish carpet manufacturer Ege, which supplies carpets to architects and interior designers for hospitality, office and marine projects worldwide, with a regional base in Dubai.Cover feature commercialinteriordesign.com July 2021 28 Michael Bøgsted, the brand's regional MD, says clients are now coming to them with a checklist of green credentials. "There’s a strong demand for sustainable materials and processes – and customers ask for specifi c certifi cations such as Cradle to Cradle [globally recognised measure of safer, sustainable products] and Indoor Air Climate Gold [best-in-class compliance with low VOC emissions criteria set out in Europe]. An industry frontrunner, we use yarn regenerated from used fi shing nets and backings from recycled plastic bottles while also recycling yarn residues, water, dye and thickening solution. "Equally important, the focus moves to the entire product lifespan. Now, there are no offi cial systems for carpet waste in place, but we work closely with several partners to make this happen. When we succeed in making carpets with components that are easy to separate and reuse, used carpets will become valuable assets. So you’ll not only be able to return your used carpet, you’ll be able to sell it for recycling." TO THE CRADLE Holding 18 Cradle to Cradle certifi cations, which cover a total of 110 individual products, Ege Carpets is the only Ege's new Transition collection is made from recycled and regenerated materials Michael Bøgsted MD at Ege Carpets Middle East, Africa and Asia Philipe Van Der Loo Quooker Emirates MD Philine Kriependorf Sustainability specialist at Kvadrat textiles Vanessa Northway Associate head of school, Heriot- Watt University Dubai OUR EXPERTSCover feature 29 July 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com Everyone in the UAE is doing their part to help our planet... carpet manufacturer worldwide with a 100 percent Cradle to Cradle Certifi ed assortment. Bøgsted adds: "We use the Cradle to Cradle product certifi cation as a sustainability framework for our entire business. The idea is to manufacture products consisting only of healthy materials. The products must be designed to be incorporated into a biological or technical lifecycle after use. "Sustainability and responsible consumption an important part of our business strategy and at Ege Carpets, we use large quantities of plastic waste in our carpets and packaging. The yarn used in most of our carpets consists of regenerated fishing nets. The felt backing on our carpet tiles consists of 100 percent recycled plastic bottles and 100 percent of our electricity consumption is covered by investments in renewable energy, which we purchase from offshore wind farms. We are also in the process of switching from natural gas to biogas with the ambition of becoming CO2 positive in 2030. "Our carpets last for many years but at one point, they become waste. We’re developing processes to enable recycling of carpets after use. One of the biggest tasks is to separate carpet material so the different components can be reused. A way to solve this is to create a carpet made from a single material and we’re making great progress." THE SUPPLIER Quooker is another fi rm witnessing a heavy focus on sustainable solutions and energy savings in its sector. Founded in 1970, the Dutch-founded company supplies the world's fi rst single point 100C boiling water tap that also dispenses chilled still and sparkling fi ltered water, to kitchens worldwide. "On almost every project we complete, our clients ask that we submit a Carbon Footprint Calculations Report, which shows how much their carbon footprint has decreased after having installed our products," says Quooker MD Philipe van der Loo. "The industry is shifting to cater to the eco-conscious consumer, and today sustainability is playing a big role in shaping the products of tomorrow. "Whereas previously we were receiving such report requests from international large companies that have a Sustainability Quooker taps supply boiling waterNext >