In a significant move towards promoting green and sustainable communities, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment held the fourth of eight nationwide COP28 Changemakers Majlis sessions at the House of Wisdom in Sharjah. The session, themed “Green and Sustainable Communities,” comes ahead of the much-anticipated COP28 event in the UAE.

Chaired by Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and moderated by Eng. Aisha Al Abdooli, the Majlis convened climate leaders and experts from various sectors. Discussions centered on innovations and challenges in creating greener, more sustainable communities within the UAE.

The event was attended by notable figures including H.E. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer of The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), H.E. Mohammed Juma’a Al Musharrakh of the Sharjah FDI Office, along with other senior officials and representatives from the private, academic, and entrepreneurial sectors.

The Majlis underscored the importance of building resilient communities adaptable to climate change. Attendees deliberated on collaborations between local governments and the private sector to support these initiatives across the UAE. Technology’s role in facilitating this change was a significant point of discussion.

H.E. Mariam Almheiri emphasized the UAE’s commitment to sustainability and the preservation of nature, in line with the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. She highlighted the UAE’s strides in clean and renewable energy and its commitment to reducing emissions by 40% and achieving Net Zero by 2050.

Discussions at the Majlis also covered sustainable projects like the Sharjah Sustainable City and the need for community awareness in adopting sustainable behaviors. The importance of developing laws to support sustainable investments and practices, such as banning single-use plastic bags, was also stressed.

The Majlis addressed the necessity of integrating knowledge about the green economy and circular economy into educational curriculums, promoting sustainable practices among individuals, and the role of effective communication between government, private sector, and academic institutions in achieving sustainability goals.

The UAE government’s collaboration with private businesses in driving sustainability was evident in various initiatives, such as developing green hydrogen projects, carbon capture and storage, local sourcing of produce, and the establishment of the Rebound Plastic Exchange for trading recycled materials.

On the sidelines of the Majlis, H.E. Mariam Almheiri toured the House of Wisdom, highlighting the facility’s contribution to sustainability and cultural advancement. The House of Wisdom reflects the UAE’s rich heritage and commitment to a sustainable future.

This session of the COP28 Changemakers Majlis marks a significant step in the UAE’s journey towards environmental sustainability and the development of green communities, reinforcing its role as a global leader in climate action.

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Egis, a global player in the consulting and construction engineering sector, said it has entered into an agreement with Nera, Saudi Arabia’s Air Navigation Services (SANS), to collaborate on business development and service delivery in the aviation sector across the kingdom.

Established by SANS earlier this year, Nera is a Saudi company with a mission to symbolise and steer a revolutionary era in the development of aviation in the Middle East and throughout the world.

Nera provides technical and operational solutions to the aviation and navigation industries in order to increase operational effectiveness while adhering to the high standards for safety set by relevant international organisations.

It is anticipated that Nera will become a leading technology company, as well as a global leader in providing operational and innovative solutions and services in the aviation and air navigation sectors.

Following its deal with Nera at the Dubai Airshow yesterday (November 13), the international engineering firm will provide specialised expertise and know-how in Air Traffic Management (ATM), airport development, design, operation, and maintenance in the Middle East as well as around the world.

Egis and Nera will work together to develop a list of projects on which they can collaborate. While Egis has decades-long experience and expertise in aviation engineering, airport operation, and integration of turnkey system solutions, Nera, through its close partnership with SANS and with an existing portfolio of ATM tools and services, is well-placed to provide specialised expertise and know-how in project management, ATM, and related services, as well as system operation and maintenance.

Egis and Nera believe that together, they can bring added value to clients across the areas of consulting, engineering, project management, and operations.

Thanos Deriziotis, Aviation Director, Middle East & South Asia at Egis, commented that: “Saudi Arabia’s National Tourism Strategy aims to attract 100 million visitors by 2030, as well as increase the tourism sector’s contribution to gross domestic product to more than 10 percent. A high-performing aviation sector will be key to achieving these ambitions, and this means collaborating and innovating to ensure we not only achieve safe growth, but also target long-term environmental sustainability.”

For more than 50 years, Egis said it has provided end-to-end services to the aviation industry on a global scale. With a prominent presence in Saudi Arabia, Egis’ contribution to the growth of the Saudi aviation industry has always been one of the group’s main strengths.

Egis is currently providing services to several airports in Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, AlUla, and Amaala, and has also recently signed a three-year contract with Matarat to provide consulting services to 26 airports across Saudi Arabia.

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In a significant move aligned with the government’s Year of Sustainability, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has introduced its pioneering electric construction machines to the UAE, marking a major step towards decarbonising construction sites in the region.

The launch of these electric machines, including the ECR25 Electric compact excavator, the 23-ton EC230 Electric excavator, and the 20-ton L120 Electric wheel loader, demonstrates Volvo CE’s commitment to sustainable construction practices. These machines offer the same performance as their diesel counterparts but with additional benefits such as near silence, reduced vibrations, and a more comfortable working environment. They are not only environmentally friendly but also comply with stringent emission regulations, opening up new business opportunities.

These electric units have already demonstrated their efficiency on various global construction sites. Their introduction in the UAE is timely, as the region increasingly embraces electromobility and aims for zero-emission job sites. The UAE government’s focus on sustainability in 2023 further underscores the significance of this introduction.

Volvo CE has set ambitious targets to reduce its environmental impact, aiming for net-zero value chain greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and significant reductions by 2030. Ilkay Fidan, Volvo CE’s Commercial Area Manager, emphasized the company’s mission to enable the industry’s transition to electric solutions, ensuring power and performance without environmental compromise.

Ramez Hamdan, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Industrial Equipment (Famco & Commercial Vehicles), expressed excitement about introducing Volvo’s zero-emission construction machines to the UAE. “This introduction is not just about today’s construction needs but also about shaping a sustainable future for the UAE’s construction sector,” he said.

The electric machines come equipped with charging solutions that enable a full charge in under six hours. Volvo dealers can provide customized calculations for optimal operating time and charging based on specific customer activities. These machines are ideal for operation in noise-sensitive areas, during non-standard hours, and for indoor projects without the need for expensive fume extraction systems.

The arrival of these electric construction machines in the UAE is a milestone in the construction industry’s journey towards sustainability and aligns with the nation’s vision for a greener future. This initiative is expected to set a new standard in the industry, leading the way for more sustainable construction practices.

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Nikken Sekkei, the Japanese architectural, engineering, and urban design firm, has announced the official unveiling of its Dubai-based project, Midori Park.

Located in the Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), the new residential tower and mixed-use development will feature a variety of amenities, including a pool, gym, spa and yoga area, as well as other recreational and social spaces.

Residents will also have access to co-working areas and a children’s playground.

One of the world’s largest practices, Nikken Sekkei said the Midori Park project was designed on behalf of Qube Development, with a vision to revolutionise urban living, prioritising sustainability and well-being through extensive use of biophiliac design.

Fadi Jabri, CEO of Nikken Sekkei Dubai, said: “Midori Park embodies the essence of sustainable luxury living. Our approach places sustainability at its core, emphasising community connectivity and minimised energy consumption while offering exceptional comfort and timeless elegance. Reference to nature has always been a basic principle in Japanese aesthetics. We consider biophilia an essential component of attractive public spaces and are devising diverse ways of incorporating it in the design of urban environments.”

At Midori Park, a signature cascading design of overhanging eaves, shading elements, and vibrant greenery are deployed throughout the complex. A variety of spaces have also been created as dedicated places of reflection and communal gathering.

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Gas Arabian Services, a provider of automation, project management and field services for the energy sector, has announced that it has secured a SAR51m ($13.5m) contract from Advanced Petrochemical to build a pipeline in the Jubail region of KSA.

Advanced Petrochemical is a leading producer and distributor of propylene and polypropylene products in Saudi Arabia. It operates several propylene and polypropylene projects in the kingdom as well as in South Korea and Turkey.

As per the new contract, Gas Arabian Services will provide EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) operations for the pipeline project linked to Jubail United Company.

The entire contract work will be completed within 14 months, stated Gas Arabian Services in its filing to the Saudi bourse.

The financial impact on the company’s financial statements will appear in the 2023-24 reporting period.

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Speaking exclusively to Middle East Construction News (MECN), Nivine Issa, Founder & Managing Director of Terra Nexus has announced the launch of her new firm, and says the organisation “aims to be a catalyst for environmental excellence, leading the way towards improved environmental performance and sustainable growth in the region”.

Based in Dubai, Terra Nexus plans to “provide exceptional environmental consultancy services that empower clients to make informed decisions, minimise their ecological footprint and support their sustainability vision,” Issa explains.

Asked about the inspiration that drove her to launch the firm, Issa responds, “With everything that’s happening in the region, the transformation and unprecedented focus on sustainable development, Net Zero plans and environmental targets, there has never been a better time for a new player in the market. Coupling this with my love for the environmental services industry and passion in building strong multidisciplinary teams really pushed me to build Terra Nexus and help bring environmental excellence in the region to new heights.”

Issa is a veteran of the regional built environment and has worked in the environment consultancy sphere on some of the most impressive projects in the region. Her most recent role was Partner and Global Director of Environment at AESG, where she built one of the largest multidisciplinary environmental teams and spearheaded the company’s growth in multiple verticals and sectors.

Asked to expand on the firm’s service offering and how Issa plans to ensure her firm stands out in the market, she notes, “We aim to provide exceptional environmental consultancy services that empower our clients to make informed decisions, minimise their ecological footprint and support their sustainability vision. We have come together as a group of environmental experts, with a diverse background, but a firm consistent belief that growth and development can go hand in hand with environmental conservation and consciousness.”

“We combine our extensive local understanding with scientific expertise, innovative thinking, and an integrated approach to deliver practical and effective solutions. Through environmental impact assessment, environmental planning and design, ecological studies and waste management planning, we strive to mitigate environmental risks, enhance ecosystem health, and help create a sustainable future for generations to come.”

She continues, “At Terra Nexus, we are guided by the principle of ‘Building with Nature’, which embodies the comprehensive standards of sustainable development on a quest to achieve equilibrium between anthropogenic development and the natural environment. Our unique service offering will support developers, architects, engineers and planners throughout their development’s lifecycle.

Discussing the Middle East and which markets will be key for her firm, Issa notes that her multidisciplinary team of experts has worked on projects from around the globe.

“We are fortunate to bring all of our knowledge and experience to the region. Having spent the past 13 years in the region, I have had the privilege to work on some of the most complex and ambitious development and advisory projects around the GCC. Our focus at the moment will be on projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where some of the most ambitious sustainability and environmental targets have been set,” she clarifies.

Discussing the opportunities she has identified in the market and whether or not her firm will focus on a specific sector or niche, Issa states, “We have seen the market go through its ups and downs over the past decade, but the environmental consultancy space is as competitive and busy as ever. Terra Nexus brings together a team of experts and partners from around the world, and what sets us apart is not only our expertise and knowledge, but also our unwavering commitment to making a difference on the projects that we work on.”

“With our unique service offering around the full suite of environmental studies, as well as our environmental design planning services, we fill a substantial gap in the market. We have taken the time to invest in an area that we believe will make the most impact on projects in the region, and we will focus on those projects in the built environment and infrastructure sectors.”

Asked about what challenges she anticipates as an entrepreneur, Issa highlights, “As with any business in the region, there will be challenges around staying competitive and sustaining growth with the ever-changing economic landscape of the region; however, we will strive to differentiate ourselves from the competition, provide exceptional services to our clients, and constantly aim to make a positive impact on the projects that we work on.”

Speaking about COP28’s potential impact on the built environment and what she would like to see come from the global event, Issa concludes, “I am extremely proud that Dubai will host this year’s COP, where world leaders and key stakeholders will meet to discuss the most pressing climate action issues. The road to COP28 for the UAE has been an inspiring long journey that started back in 1975.”

She adds, “As someone who is born and raised in the Middle East, and having spent more than a decade in Dubai already, I am committed to investing in Terra Nexus to help support governments and organisations on their quest to improved environmental performance and sustainable growth. I’m extremely proud of the impact this region has had over the past few years on a global scale, and I’m looking forward to witnessing and contributing to further achievements and goals in the environmental space here.”

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AtkinsRéalis, the professional services and project management company, has recently been awarded a significant contract by WuXi STA, a WuXi AppTec subsidiary, to provide engineering and design services for the first phase of an advanced active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facility in Singapore.

This initiative is set to enhance WuXi STA’s capabilities in supporting global healthcare innovation.

The proposed greenfield project will be developed on a 200,000 m² land parcel. Complying with Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) standards, the facility is designed to offer a wide range of high-quality services. This development is part of WuXi STA’s strategy to provide flexible, comprehensive R&D and manufacturing services to partners worldwide, thereby accelerating drug discoveries and the development of novel treatments.

In its role, AtkinsRéalis will employ a Building Information Modeling (BIM) solution for various aspects of the project, including architecture, mechanical, electrical, piping, and structural components. This approach is expected to ensure efficiency and value in the design and construction process.

Wing Law, Chief Executive Officer for Asia at AtkinsRéalis, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the project. “Our commitment to facilitating a healthier world through technological and manufacturing expertise aligns perfectly with this project. The facility not only positions Singapore as a key biopharmaceutical hub but also bolsters WuXi STA’s global offerings. Our extensive design capabilities in Asia, coupled with our global experience, make us uniquely qualified to execute this project to the highest international standards.”

Upon completion, the Singapore facility is poised to become a crucial part of WuXi AppTec’s global network, which spans Asia, Europe, and North America. This expansion is expected to meet the increasing demand from multinational customers and strengthen collaborations with various partners.

AtkinsRéalis, known for its best-in-class engineering and project delivery solutions, especially in the biopharmaceutical sector, will bring its comprehensive design, engineering, procurement, and construction management services to this project. The company’s expertise in handling complex projects across buildings, industrial, transportation, and water sectors in Asia will be instrumental in the successful completion of WuXi STA’s new API manufacturing facility.

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Reductions in carbon emissions from buildings are stalling in several G20 countries in Europe (UK, France, and Germany) and emissions are now rising in the USA, warns a major new study from sustainability consultancy 3Keel for Kingspan, Kingspan is the global leader in high-performance insulation and energy-efficient building solutions.

The Global Retrofit Index interim report– a follow on to the inaugural 2022 study – examines historical buildings emission trends and retrofitting rates to identify the gaps between current action and what is required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement*. The publication includes a deep dive analysis of building emissions data of some of the highest performing countries in last year’s inaugural study, with the addition of Ireland’s relatively young building stock this year as an interesting EU-based case study.

Whilst progress has been made amongst EU economies – namely, the Netherlands, France, Ireland, and Germany – the analysis finds emission reductions in these countries are now stalling, whilst the UK’s emissions are also beginning to plateau, and concerningly, in the USA, GHG emissions from buildings are increasing.

Analysis by 3Keel has revealed the reductions in building emissions over the past decade, and the additional cuts in building emissions required to align with the national net zero scenario of each country. If each of the six countries continue with their current GHG emissions reduction trajectory and retrofitting rates over the past ten years, by 2040 these major global economies will be some distance from achieving their respective net zero pathways.

 Table 1:

 Furthermore, detailed analysis of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) data shows buildings in the UK, France, and Ireland have seen relatively little improvement in the past decade with the vast majority still rated C, D or below. This means they are not energy efficient enough to deliver the decarbonisation required by the Paris Agreement. Meanwhile, Germany’s residential building stock continues to be over-reliant on fossil-fuel heating.

Though retrofitting solutions already exist, the study identifies sizeable barriers preventing rapid and widespread implementation including insufficient private investment, an inadequately sized and skilled workforce, and limited awareness amongst citizens and building owners.

Despite retrofitting remaining a significant challenge, its importance in decarbonising the built environment has never been more evident – 80 per cent of the buildings that will be standing in 2050 have already been built[1].

Recognising the barriers to decarbonisation, the report also identifies five key elements that are central to delivering a successful retrofitting framework:

1. Setting net zero building performance standards
2. Developing a national retrofit plan
3. Providing financial incentives and support
4. Upskilling the workforce and scaling the supply chain
5. Promoting best practice and data transparency

 Each of these elements is crucial to enabling effective, affordable, and at scale retrofitting of national building stocks. Retrofitting building stocks also offers significant opportunities and benefits beyond meeting climate targets, including job creation, reductions in social inequality, and improved health and quality of living.

Report author Olwen Smith of 3Keel said,“With over a quarter of total global emissions stemming from the operation of our buildings, retrofitting is a pivotal lever for decarbonising the global economy. However, this study shows a concerning stagnation of progress. Our analysis of six countries with old building stocks reveals that reductions in building emissions are now stalling and retrofitting rates are lagging far behind what is required to meet net-zero goals.

“The tools and technologies required to improve energy performance in buildings already exist. Coordinated efforts between governments and the private sector are now needed to overcome implementation barriers and rapidly scale retrofitting to drive down building emissions globally.”

“This analysis again demonstrates the importance of retrofitting as a lever in decarbonising the built environment if we’re to limit global warming to 1.5˚C and meet the objectives set out by the Paris Agreement,” Bianca Wong, Global Head of Sustainability at Kingspan added. “With this report, we encourage policymakers and the construction industry to continue to work together to facilitate change, through innovation and regulation, to bring forward workable ideas to support retrofit solutions and reduce global building emissions.”

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Emaar Properties PJSC, the global property developer, has announced its financial results for the first nine months of 2023, showcasing a trajectory of strong growth and operational excellence.

The company’s diverse portfolio, encompassing real estate, retail, and leisure, has delivered impressive results with significant year-over-year increases including an impressive AED 18.4 billion (US$ 5.0 billion) in revenues, with a net profit of AED 8.2 billion (US$ 2.2 billion), marking a 42% increase compared to the same period last year. This robust performance is attributed to a surge in tourism, higher retail sales, and a rising demand in real estate. Emaar’s EBITDA also saw a 29% increase, reaching AED 10.8 billion (US$ 2.9 billion).

The company’s group property sales reached AED 31.1 billion (US$ 8.5 billion), up 16% year-over-year. The revenue backlog from property sales stood at a staggering AED 69.5 billion (US$ 18.9 billion) as of September 30, 2023, indicating a strong future revenue stream.

Mohamed Alabbar, the Founder of Emaar, commented on the results, “Our sustained growth and operational excellence highlight Emaar’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. The surge in tourism and our new attractions, like the Dubai Mall Chinatown, have contributed significantly to our success.”

Emaar Development PJSC (DFM: EMAARDEV) reported strong sales momentum in Dubai’s property market, with sales of AED 28.9 billion (US$ 7.9 billion), reflecting a 25% increase over the previous year. The company’s revenue backlog in the UAE has risen by over 60%, promising enhanced future revenues.

In retail, Emaar’s malls and commercial leasing operations reported revenues of AED 4.3 billion (US$ 1.2 billion), a 36% increase over the previous year. The Dubai Mall’s new extension, Dubai Mall Chinatown, has further solidified Emaar’s position in the retail sector.

Emaar’s international real estate operations, particularly in Egypt and India, contributed AED 2.1 billion (US$ 572 million) in revenues, accounting for over 11% of the total revenue. The hospitality sector also saw a rise, with revenues of AED 2.5 billion (US$ 681 million), driven by the recovery in tourism and strong domestic spending.

Emaar’s recurring revenue-generating portfolio, which includes malls, hospitality, and commercial leasing, generated revenues of AED 6.8 billion (US$ 1.9 billion), representing 37% of the total revenue and showing a 26% increase from the previous year.

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