Sustainable construction in the Middle East
The construction industry in the Middle East is booming, and this has a major effect on global carbon dioxide emissions. An estimated 35% of final energy use and 38% of energy and process-related CO2 emissions in 2019 were produced by the buildings and construction sector, as reported by the 2020 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction. Thus, it is vital that the region adopt sustainable construction techniques to reduce the negative environmental impacts of the construction industry. The utilization of renewable energy sources, green building certifications, and the incorporation of sustainable materials and technology are just some of the sustainable construction techniques that will be discussed in this article.
Benefits of Green Buildings for the Middle East
The environmental benefits of green buildings in the Middle East are just the tip of the iceberg. Benefits include, but are not limited to:
Improved water conservation and management, along with a decrease in energy use, have led to lower operating expenses over the long term.
The carbon footprint of buildings can be greatly reduced
Water and power use can be lowered by using inexpensive green technology like rainwater collecting, smart lighting, and natural ventilation.
Efficient buildings benefit from energy-saving techniques, including using the right windows, installing air and vapor barriers, sealing air ducts, and using heating and cooling systems that are powered by renewable energy sources.
Businesses that erect green buildings can create a positive brand image in the minds of their customers.
There is no need for intricate procedures or expensive technologies to implement green construction principles.
Some sustainable practices employed in Middle-East
Sustainable construction methods in the Middle East have developed over time, with an emphasis on combining traditional architecture and design aspects that make use of natural resources like sunlight and wind. You can find many projects related to developing sustainable cities in the Middle East. Key sustainable building design principles employed in the area include the following:
Passive Architecture
The goal of passive design is to lessen the load on a building's mechanical heating and cooling systems. To accomplish this, the orientation, shading, and natural ventilation of the building are fine-tuned. Structures in the region are oriented to the prevailing winds and shaded from the sun to mitigate the region's extreme temperatures. Classical elements like courtyards, wind towers, and shading devices are being reimagined in cutting-edge constructions.
Solar power
The Middle East is well suited for the usage of solar power due to the region's consistent availability of sunlight throughout the year. Buildings are starting to use photovoltaic panels on their roofs and exterior walls, and some have even installed solar chimneys to help with ventilation.
Water-friendly designs
In the Middle East, water is a scarce resource; hence water-efficient building measures are important. To accomplish this, low-flow plumbing fixtures, rainfall collection, and greywater recycling infrastructure are installed. Ecole 42, a project featured in love that design's sustainability awards 2021, is a prime example of a project that minimizes water consumption.
Sustainable construction materials
The utilization of renewable resources, such as recycled timber and wood from nearby forests, is another component of sustainable architecture. Adobe, rammed earth, and stone, all of which have been utilized for ages in traditional architecture, are now being reimagined in light of contemporary building practices.
Regulations
Several countries in the Middle East have enacted "green building" rules in an effort to encourage environmentally responsible and healthful building methods.
One of the earliest green building assessment systems in the region, Qatar's Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) divides sustainability criteria into eight categories, with energy and water receiving the highest weight.
The UAE has also been an innovator in the field of green building codes, with Abu Dhabi's Estidama concentrating on resource efficiency and supporting the efficient use of resources and Dubai's Green Building Standards focusing on lowering energy, water, and material consumption.
The ARZ building grading system was established by the Lebanese Green Building Council (LGBC) to encourage environmentally responsible building standards and reduce harmful emissions. Due to the optional assessment method and low levels of sustainability awareness in the country, only a small number of projects were awarded certification.
Overall, these green building codes aim to improve the performance of buildings by decreasing energy, water, and material consumption, increasing resource efficiency, and enhancing people's quality of life. They are a reflection of the specific environments and market needs of Middle Eastern countries. Constructors can use these codes as regulatory frameworks to learn about, comprehend, and gradually incorporate sustainable behaviors into the buildings they construct.
Some examples of sustainable buildings in the Middle-East
Here are some great examples of sustainable buildings in the Middle East.
Kuwait international airport
The International Airport in Kuwait has been awarded the LEED Gold certification for its dedication to environmental sustainability and the effective use of resources. The airport has a geothermal heating and cooling system and collects rainwater for use in toilets and other uses. It was built with the passengers' needs in mind; thus, there is lots of natural light and roomy waiting spaces.
Image credit:- https://www.robertbird.com/rbg-projects/kuwait-international-airport-terminal-2/
Abu Dhabi parliament building
The Parliament Building in Abu Dhabi is a beautiful structure with a latticed dome and a design that fuses traditional Islamic architecture with eco-friendly modernism. Solar panels and other shading devices are integrated into the building's design to minimize energy use and maintain a comfortable interior temperature.
Image credit:- https://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/uae-federal-national-council-new-parliament-building-complex
Football stadiums in Qatar
Some of the FIFA world cup stadiums in Qatar were solar-powered and were designed with sustainability in mind. They have low-energy lighting, water-saving systems, and photovoltaic panels. The stadiums are a stunning example of modern architecture, yet they also have traditional Qatari design aspects.
Wrapping up
To lessen its negative effects on the environment, the Middle Eastern building industry must adopt more environmentally responsible methods. Greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced, and the overall sustainability of buildings and infrastructure has been improved because of the deployment of sustainable practices like the use of renewable energy, green building certifications, and sustainable materials and technology.
Yet, there are still obstacles to overcome, such as the high price of sustainable materials and the requirement for increased publicity and education regarding environmentally friendly building methods. But, the Middle East can set an example for the rest of the world to follow by embracing and promoting sustainable construction practices that are good for both the environment and society.
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