FUTURE PROOFING
across a building ’ s lifecycle , from design to construction to operations , bringing together operational and embodied impacts .
In addition , working on initiatives to establish industry standards for the adoption of eco-friendly cement in construction , driving advancements towards carbon-neutral cement production .
By emphasizing green practices , the sector can play a pivotal role in achieving the country ’ s carbon emission reduction targets by the halfcentury mark ; yielding the potential to increase the nation ’ s GDP by approximately US1 $ trillion before 2050 and to simultaneously transform the real estate landscape so that future generations can inherit a more sustainable world .
Mohamed Amer , Regional Director of Operations , International Code Council MENA
Madhav Dhar , COO and Founding Member , ZAZEN Properties
Paul Wallett , Regional Director , Trimble Solutions Middle East
Tithi Tewari , Co-Founder Trezi
Installing energy-efficient systems like smart lighting and HVAC systems allows for the optimised use of resources and promotes adoption of renewable energy sources leading to the reduction of overall energy consumption and operational costs .
Furthermore , the adoption of sustainable water management solutions such as solar-powered desalination , and greywater reuse for non-potable purposes , alongside the implementation of watersaving technologies like low-flow faucets and showerheads , is becoming increasingly crucial .
Two emerging construction processes that are gaining popularity around the world , particularly in the MENA region , are 3D printing of concrete structures and offsite construction . Such methodologies contribute to reduction in material waste , enhanced construction quality , more accessible work environments and optimised project timelines .
Sustainability
Dubai ’ s real estate sector is progressively embracing sustainability to align with key mandates issued by HH Sheikh Mohamed , like the Dubai 2040 Urban Masterplan and UAE Net Zero 2050 .
“ With sustainability being an integral part of future-proofing the country ’ s real estate landscape , prioritising energy-efficient buildings , efficient design and sustainable construction methods will ensure that upcoming developments mitigate negative environmental impacts ,” said Madhav Dhar , COO and Founding Member of ZAZEN Properties .
A recent study found that over 80 % of UAE residents believe it is time to focus on preventing further damage rather than reversing damage already done . With the UAE ’ s real estate sector anticipated to reach a staggering value of US $ 710 billion by the end of 2024 , this reinforces the importance of developers prioritising sustainability in upcoming projects .
According to recent reports , Dubai already ranks third among global cities within the domain of having the highest number of green buildings ; the emirate currently has nearly 400 LEEDcertified projects .
With the UAE ’ s leadership extending the Year of Sustainability to 2024 , residential projects that make the most of natural light , utilise thicker concrete slabs for improved insulation , and incorporate smart technology , energy-efficient appliances , renewable energy sources like solar panels , will help increase this number further while contributing to the country ’ s green agenda .
With a recent survey conducted by UBS Global Wealth Management showing that 75 % of UAE investors think that sustainable developments will become the norm in 2030 , this notion is backed by the surge in interest in environmentally conscious developments .
While ROI was once thought to be the measure of success , 93 % of investors now think that selecting sustainable options will not affect performance but rather enhance longevity .
Construction technologies
With its advanced suite of solutions , Trimble , a vendor in construction technology , is paving the path for the development of state-of-theart projects in the region . Leveraging its longstanding potential in connected construction and Building Information Modelling technology , Trimble has redefined the standards of large-scale construction project execution and completion .
“ With the surging demand of construction projects for different purposes such as tourism , large scale events , economic plans and more , the Middle East and GCC region offers vast opportunities for innovation and growth in the sector ,” said Paul Wallett , Regional Director of Trimble Solutions Middle East .
The company ’ s broad suite of software services includes Tekla Structures , Tekla Structural
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