< Previous| PROJECT PROFILE | 118 JUNE 2023 Terraco details its pioneering solutions that can help the Middle East move towards a more sustainable future, catering to both old building renovations and new build projects Climate change is a pressing global issue that demands governments, organisations, and individuals’ attention. The Middle East, characterised by its hot and arid climate, faces unique challenges in achieving energy efficiency and sustainability in the built environment. We explore the challenges, government initiatives, and Terraco’s pioneering solutions that can help the Middle East move towards a more sustainable future. The Middle East’s built environment significantly contributes to energy consumption and carbon emissions due to the region’s harsh weather conditions, which increase the demand for air conditioning and ventilation systems. Consequently, old and uninsulated buildings contribute to excessive energy consumption and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Governments in the Middle East have taken various steps to address these challenges by introducing mandatory energy-efficient building codes, offering financial incentives, and encouraging the adoption of green building standards, such as LEED and BREEAM. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST Effective policy frameworks are essential in promoting energy efficiency in the built environment. A study by Attia et al. (2019) analysed the challenges, opportunities, and policy recommendations for energy efficiency in buildings in the MENA region. The authors emphasised the importance of implementing comprehensive policy frameworks, including building codes, labelling schemes, and financial incentives, to promote energy-efficient buildings and technologies in the region. Additionally, public awareness campaigns, capacity-building programs, and building energy labelling schemes can create a market that values energy- efficient buildings. Several countries in the region, particularly in the GCC, have implemented incentives for energy-efficient retrofit projects to encourage building owners to upgrade their buildings. Examples include Saudi Arabia’s Tarshid programme, DEWA’s incentives in the UAE, and the QGBC’s certification programme in Qatar. Despite these initiatives, challenges persist in the widespread adoption of energy-efficient measures in the broader Middle East. These challenges include a lack of awareness, limited technical expertise, high initial costs, and a short- term focus on returns. Terraco’s innovative solutions Terraco offers a range of high-quality products and systems that cater to both old building renovations and new build projects. These solutions include: Insulation Solutions: Terraco’s EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems) improve the thermal performance of buildings, reducing energy consumption and enhancing their aesthetic appearance. High-Performance Coatings: Terraco’s premium coatings, including the Terracoat range, provide exceptional durability, weather resistance, and UV protection, ensuring a longer-lasting finish with minimal need for regular maintenance. Terraco’s Flexicoat roof coating is another example of an innovative solution that offers both waterproofing and heat reflection, functioning as a “cool roof” to reduce JUNE 2023 119 | BRAND VIEW | cooling costs for customers in the Middle East’s challenging climate. Green Building Solutions: Terraco’s EcoLife range of products are free of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, APEO, heavy metals and other potentially harmful chemicals. These water-based, solvent-free innovations are specifically designed to be environmentally friendly and comply with stringent international health and environmental regulations. Benefits of energy efficiency and Terraco’s impact Adopting energy-efficient measures and sustainable solutions in the Middle East’s built environment offers numerous benefits, including significant cost savings for building owners, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved indoor environmental quality, and higher market value for energy-efficient buildings. Studies conducted in the UAE and Saudi Arabia demonstrated the potential for significant economic and environmental benefits from energy retrofit programmes. For example, a basic energy retrofit program applied to existing UAE building stock could achieve savings of 7550 GWh/ year in electricity consumption, 1400 MW in peak electricity demand, and reduce carbon emissions by 4.5 million tonnes/ year. In addition, this programme would have an average payback period of less than six months for the UAE government and generate almost 9000 job-years. Similarly, a study conducted in Saudi Arabia found that a basic energy retrofit program using low-cost energy efficiency measures implemented in the existing residential building stock could reduce electricity consumption by over 10,000 GWh/year, peak demand by almost 2300 MW, and carbon emission by over 7.6 million tons/year. These findings highlight the importance of incentivising the adoption of energy-efficient measures during renovation or deep retrofitting of old buildings by offering subsidies or tax breaks to owners who invest in energy- efficient technologies. One notable example of Terraco’s impact is a project where a private villa underwent a comprehensive deep retrofit, incorporating a range of energy efficiency measures. One of the key components of this transformation was the application of the Terraco EIFS Alpha system, a high-performance exterior insulation finishing system. The impressive outcome of this retrofit project was a significant improvement in the villa’s energy performance. Originally rated E1 in the Building Energy Rating (BER) system, which represents energy usage of around 300 kWh/m²/year, the villa’s energy efficiency improved to an A3 rating, corresponding to energy usage of around 50 kWh/m²/year, post-retrofit. For those unfamiliar with the BER system, it is a scale used to evaluate a building’s energy efficiency, with A being the most energy efficient and G being the least. By prioritising the promotion of energy-efficient buildings and sustainable solutions, the Middle East can foster a culture of sustainability and energy consciousness, ultimately contributing to a greener and more energy-efficient future. Terraco’s innovative solutions demonstrate that creating energy-efficient and sustainable buildings in the Middle East - even with the existing housing stock - is possible. Customers can achieve up to 50% energy savings by applying Terraco EIFS systems to their exterior facades. This enables building owners and developers to contribute to a greener future for generations to come. Conclusion The Middle East faces unique challenges in achieving energy efficiency and sustainability in the built environment. However, with the right government initiatives, increased public awareness, and innovative solutions such as those offered by Terraco, the region can overcome these obstacles and move towards a more sustainable future. Terraco’s pioneering solutions have the potential to revolutionise the Middle East’s construction industry by providing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives that cater to both old building renovations and new build projects. By embracing these innovative solutions and prioritising energy efficiency, the Middle East can pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future. Terraco’s solutions such as EIFS and premium coatings, provide exceptional durability, weather resistance, and UV protection Before and after image of a renovation of a building that was applied with Terraco EIFS making it energy ef cient| KUWAIT | 120 JUNE 2023 The energy projects will focus on boosting upstream capacity and expanding further downstream into petrochemicals Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) has set ambitious goals to complete 10 mega projects by 2030, focusing on increasing upstream capacity and expanding further into the petrochemical sector. According to a regional oil and gas report, the future of these projects is marked by promising opportunities amidst Kuwait’s dynamic landscape. The report highlights Kuwait’s national oil company’s dedication and innovative approach to deliver an expansive portfolio of oil sector projects. With careful planning and strategic vision, KPC is determined to ensure the KUWAIT SET TO DELIVER MEGA ENERGY PROJECTS WORTH $19BN BY 2030 successful execution of these projects. While some minor delays have been encountered, KPC remains committed to achieving its goals and has developed robust plans to effectively address any challenges that may arise. KPC aims to accelerate ongoing projects and revive long-planned initiatives, as revealed in insider plans obtained by daily newspaper, Al-Anbaa. These mega oil projects are expected to be executed between 2024 and 2030, demonstrating the corporation’s dedication to the country’s energy aspirations. As with any large-scale ventures, the completion of these projects requires careful navigation of various factors, including costs, timelines, and the political landscape. KPC’s proactive approach and commitment to excellence underscore its determination to contribute to Kuwait’s flourishing oil sector and overall energy ambitions. The plan is to execute the projects between 2024 and 2030122 JUNE 2023 As countries and companies make ambitious net-zero commitments, the construction industry is increasingly tasked with bringing these promises to life. Today, we find ourselves with a critical role to play in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. Achieving this goal will require a significant transformation in the way we design, construct, and operate buildings and infrastructure. Carbon accounting is a crucial tool in this effort, identifying opportunities to reduce carbon emissions in construction by measuring and tracking emissions and implementing strategies to achieve net-zero carbon goals. This includes operational carbon emissions (such as from heating, cooling, and electricity use) and embodied carbon emissions (such as from the production of building materials or the transportation of materials to the construction site). Taking a sustainable approach through carbon accounting can impact the capital cost of a project. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how this will affect the bottom line and determine project feasibility from the outset. An experienced cost consultant is best placed to support developers in making informed decisions and engaging them early on in a project will ensure that the developer is well-positioned to make the right choices. One key strategy for reducing carbon emissions in construction is to choose low-carbon building materials, such as sustainably sourced timber or recycled steel, or materials that can be easily | SUSTAINABILITY | Paul Kelly, Executive Director of C-Quest, a cost consultancy allied practice of KEO, explains the profound impact of adopting carbon accounting on project capital costs CARBON ACCOUNTING: BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE TOMORROWJUNE 2023 123 | SUSTAINABILITY | reducing the amount of energy needed to operate a building. C-Quest has supported clients’ goals by working with design teams to measure and quantify carbon emissions and calculate the embodied carbon associated with construction materials, transport, and waste disposal. If carbon accounting is a key driver in deciding how to proceed with a project, then the cost of such factors must be known from the outset. While increased costs can deter developers from introducing more sustainable measures, the positive impacts of such changes must be weighed against purely financial decisions, including a growing consumer base willing to pay more for products that meet their environmental conscience. While the automotive industry has made great strides in this regard over the past decade, with lower energy consumption driving consumer demand, the construction industry has been slower to react. In fact, most environmental concessions in modern- day construction are due to either government legislation or the desire to obtain a ‘green certificate.’ As an industry, we need to do more to appeal to the consumer base so that they can make more environmentally friendly choices, which will increase demand for such properties. Increased demand will drive up sales prices, achieving a win-win for the developer, end-users, and, more importantly, the environment. By implementing more onerous regulations, governments can still do more to force the hands of change on the industry. This, in Paul Kelly, Executive Director, C-Quest “C-QUEST HAS SUPPORTED CLIENTS’ GOALS BY WORKING WITH DESIGN TEAMS TO MEASURE AND QUANTIFY CARBON EMISSIONS” reused or recycled at the end of their useful life. Another important strategy is to increase energy efficiency in buildings by installing insulation, upgrading windows and doors, and using energy-efficient cooling, lighting, and appliances. We can reduce associated carbon emissions by turn, can and will inspire a new generation of problem solvers, forcing suppliers, manufacturers and contractors to think outside the box, push boundaries, and reduce carbon emissions. Cost consulting is essential for developers to make informed decisions about the financial feasibility of sustainable measures in construction. By weighing the financial costs against the positive environmental impacts and increasing demand from environmentally conscious consumers, cost consultants can guide the industry towards achieving net-zero carbon goals and creating a more sustainable future. This is the challenge that we must rise to as an industry. With consultants based in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and seven cities in Saudi Arabia, namely, Riyadh, Jeddah, Jizan, Abha, Yanbu, Madinah & Tabuk, C-Quest is in a prime position to support our clients on this journey and provide the advice necessary to make the decisions that best support the clients’ requirements and goals. The C-Quest Dubai Team | PROJECT PROFILE | 124 JUNE 2023 Emirates NBD’s Moustafa Yehia, Associate VP and Senior Projects Manager and Eng Ibrahim Adil Taha, VP and Group Head of Projects & Facility Management discuss how the rm is setting new standards for sustainable business operations in the MENA region Emirates NBD recently achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first bank in the MENAT region and the first Arab bank worldwide to obtain the LEED Platinum certification, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable initiatives. In an exclusive interview with Construction Week Middle East, Moustafa Yehia, Associate VP and Senior Projects Manager at Emirates NBD, revealed that the bank’s renovated Mall of Emirates branch in the UAE was BANKING ON A GREENER FUTURE awarded this prestigious certification. He further stated that the Emirates NBD Capital LTD office at ICD Brookfield in Dubai was also awarded the LEED Platinum certification. Continuing, Yehia highlighted Emirates NBD’s accomplishments in Saudi Arabia, emphasising that the bank’s branches have obtained first-of- its-kind certifications. “We were the first bank in Saudi Arabia to receive the LEED Gold V4 ID+C:CI certification for the Al Quds Eng Ibrahim Adil Taha, VP and Group Head of Projects & Facility Management Words: Angitha Pradeep | Images: SuppliedJUNE 2023 125 | PROJECT PROFILE | branch in Riyadh in late 2021. In December 2022, we received the same certification for our second branch in Jeddah; meanwhile, the Emirates NBD branch in Dammam recently obtained a LEED Gold certificate as well.” For Emirates NBD, meeting the rigorous criteria for LEED certification reflects the bank’s dedication to transforming the built environment, according to Yehia. He also added that as a responsible financial institution, Emirates NBD takes pride in being acknowledged as a leader in sustainable development and setting an example for the banking sector in the region. Four of the bank’s branches in the UAE, including the Nakheel Mall, Arabian Centre, Umm Suqeim, and Burj Khalifa branches, have previously obtained the LEED Gold certification, underscoring the bank’s dedication to social responsibility and sustainability in its operations. Yehia emphasised that this aligns with Emirates NBD’s careful approach to designing and equipping its spaces while considering sustainable business practices. Firm foothold in Saudi Arabia In addition to its sustainability focus, Eng Ibrahim Adil Taha, VP and Group Head of Projects & Facility Management at Emirates NBD, elaborated on the bank’s ambitious expansion strategy in Saudi Arabia. According to him, the bank plans to expand its network with new branches throughout the kingdom. It also recently broadened its presence in India by opening branches in Gurugram and Chennai. “We have established nine operational branches in Saudi Arabia over the past few years, with 11 more under construction stage. In addition, we aim to cover most regions within the country through ongoing projects and new expansions,” Eng Taha shared. Yehia also emphasised the importance of managing costs and time effectively, as well as establishing long-term agreements with contractors and consultants in order to effectively address and overcome challenges during the expansion process. He added that the bank also collaborated with local partners, including AMAQ Contracting and Al Ramsat Contracting Company, to execute the projects on the ground. Eng Taha concluded: “Sustainability has been at the core of our strategy for years. Obtaining these prestigious LEED certifications is a testament to Emirates NBD’s commitment to operating in a sustainable manner, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UAE Vision 2030, and the Dubai Declaration for Sustainable Finance.” Moustafa Yehia, Associate VP and Senior Projects Manager Emirates NBD is the rst bank in KSA to receive the LEED Gold V4 ID+C:CI certi cation Emirates NBD’s branches in the UAE also underscore its sustainable business practices Project Management: Compass Consulting Design Consultants: Design Design, Broadway Interiors, and Swiss Bureau Sustainability Consultants: RSG and Alpine Consultants Fit-out: AMAQ Contracting and Al Ramsat Contracting Company| NEWS | 126 JUNE 2023 The new tower will be built in Al Habtoor City, home to Dubai’s most luxurious lifestyle destinations, which of cially launched in 2016 The Al Habtoor Group has announced the launch of one of the world’s largest and most innovative sustainable landmark buildings, the ‘Habtoor Tower’. The new tower will be built in Al Habtoor City, located on Sheikh Zayed Road. Home to Dubai’s most luxurious lifestyle destinations, it was officially launched in 2016, with its three internationally branded hotels – The Habtoor Palace, LXR Hotels & Resorts, the V Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, and the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, La Perle. Building on decades of experience, acquired from Burj Al Arab, Dubai International Airport Terminals 1 and 3, the Abu Dhabi’s Officers’ Club, and many projects that grace the Dubai Skyline, Al Habtoor Group is proud to announce the Habtoor Tower, using innovative, creative, and selective construction techniques. Khalaf Al Habtoor, Founding Chairman of Al Habtoor Group, commented: “As a former builder/contractor, I am excited to be driving the first piles of the project into the ground and revealing some of the novel technical details of the construction techniques used in the Habtoor Tower, and very proud that it will be delivered at the highest quality in record time.” A multi-billion Dirham development, the Habtoor Tower is the largest residential building in the world with ultra-luxurious living facilities, comprising 1,701 keys over a built-up area of 3,517,313 square feet and 81 floors above ground. It is set to be completed within 36 months. AL HABTOOR GROUP UNVEILS WORLD’S LARGEST RESIDENTIAL TOWER IN DUBAI Revealing some of the pioneering construction methods used, Al Habtoor said: “This tower is unique in every aspect and can be considered a learning curve for all contractors in the region. We have challenged engineers and architects to deliver what we do best in Dubai and the UAE; an architectural masterpiece! Al Habtoor commented further: “As a direct effect of this innovative construction technique, a substantial saving in Co 2 emission has been achieved – less than 50% of traditional buildings’ carbon emissions. Environmental experts are currently assessing our Habtoor Tower, aiming to achieve LEED Platinum Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) from the highest authority in green building rating systems worldwide. “I am very proud of this new project, and there is nowhere else in the world I would want to develop it. In these uncertain times globally, my faith in our country’s economic strength and resilience is unwavering and greater by the day. “This new project befits our country’s vision to always be at the forefront of innovation, responsible development and preserving our world for the next generations,” Al Habtoor concluded. Al Habtoor Group is in the final stages of selecting the main contractor for the project based on qualifications and experience, with bids received from industry giants from the UAE, China, India and Europe. The tower will be 81-storey-highHVAC SYSTEMS » Air Conditioning System » Chilled Water Systems » Ducting Systems » Off-Site Prefabricated Modular Solution PLUMBING & FIRE SYSTEMS » Fire Fighting & Fire Protection Systems » Hot & Cold Water Systems » Above & Below Ground Drainage » Gas Network & Distribution » Diesel Generator CIVIL & ROAD WORKS » Asphalt Paving Roads » Interlock Tiles » Road Markings » » Road Maintenance » Earthworks, Cut and Fill » Sewerage and Drainage » Electrical Fittings » Street Lighting ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS » HV & LV Systems » Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems » BMS & Control Systems » Security & Access Control Systems » Fire Detection, Alarm & Voice Evacuation DUBAI Tel: +971 4 2611164 Fax: +971 4 2611696 E-mail: info@menascodubai.com ABU DHABI Tel: +971 2 444 1060 E-mail: info@menascodubai.com FUJAIRAH Tel: +971 9 222 1210 Fax: +971 9 222 0097 E-mail: info@menascodubai.com SHARJAH Tel: +971 6 535 1750 Fax: +971 65351750 E-mail: info@menascodubai.com OUR SERVICES YOUR ENTRUSTED BUILDING & CONTRACTING PARTNER Menasco is a premier building and contracting company in the UAE. 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