S05 TRME 5 2020 Construction_Layout 1 05/11/2020 05:30 Page 20
20
Construction
Focusing on deep retrofit Decarbonising the building sector is a top priority for the UAE. A study explores solutions, approaches and incentives to retrofitting buildings that go beyond renovation programmes. HE EMIRATES GREEN Building Council (EmiratesGBC), an independent forum aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices, has unveiled the results of its study ‘Advancing Deep Retrofits in the UAE’ at the virtual EmiratesGBC webinar. According to the study, a majority (84%) of the respondents, including consultants, suppliers, manufacturers and ESCO experts, agree that more than 50% energy savings are possible in the UAE through deep retrofit. The study was conducted to understand the current UAE retrofit market awareness and capabilities, as well as the challenges and opportunities related to deep building retrofit projects. It aims to support the industry and government to explore solutions, approaches and incentives to retrofitting buildings that go beyond current renovation programmes to achieve greater energy and financial savings. It showcases the viewpoints of stakeholders in the UAE retrofit market to support the development of national and emirate level roadmaps to deep retrofits and decarbonisation of the existing building stock. Ali Al Jassim, chairman of the EmiratesGBC, said, “The EmiratesGBC ‘Advancing Deep Retrofits in the UAE’ study
Majority (70%) of building industry stakeholders say technology for deep retrofit is already available in the market.
Photo Credit : EmiratesGBC
T
Ali Al Jassim, chairman of EmiratesGBC.
highlights the current situation of the UAE’s retrofit market. We believe that achieving deep retrofits can be executed by implementing energy efficiency measures before the addition of onsite renewable energy generation. We are committed to supporting the UAE’s goals for a greener future, with the nation being among the first to announce its commitment to the ‘Zero Carbon Buildings for All’ initiative, a multi partner global initiative led by the World Resources Institute and endorsed by the UN Secretary General. Deep retrofit plays a major role making this commitment a reality.”
Need of new approaches In key findings, the EmiratesGBC deep retrofits study observes there is no common standard used for reporting energy savings
in the market, with some retrofit projects including renewable energy generation as part of the reported energy savings. This also prompts respondents to call for building retrofits to be made mandatory by the government. From the developers’ perspective, 45% believe the retrofit market can be further accelerated by mandating energy and water performance certificates for existing buildings. If retrofits are mandated, 64% of the developers would prefer an annual reduction target (in kilowatthour) between 11% to 20%. Highlighting the opportunity to execute deep retrofit in the UAE effortlessly, 70% of building industry stakeholders say technology for deep retrofit is already available in the market, while 60% observed there is a greater need for technical knowledge and experience for deep retrofits to be delivered successfully in the UAE. The challenges highlighted by the respondents include lack of landlord interest and financial incentives, low tariff rates, high capital investments, and lack of government initiatives. The majority of the respondents highlighted the need for benefits such as linking building performance to rental costs, dynamic tariff rates to promote higher building efficiency, green loans or lower interest rates, tax rebates and grants for energy efficiencyrelated projects. ■ The report, Advancing Deep Retrofits in the UAE, was developed with the support of Danfoss, Majid Al Futtaim and Saint‐ Gobain. Full report is available at www.emiratesgbc.org
Promoting sustainable practices IN ORDER TO create impact about the benefits of deep retrofit, EmiratesGBC had earlier introduced a firstofitskind Building Retrofit Training programme in the region. Carefully crafted to address regionspecific requirements outlining actionable steps to help stakeholders achieve sustainable building practices, EmiratesGBC has also partnered with the entities such as the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Masdar for the programme.
Technical Review Middle East - Issue Five 2020
www.technicalreview.me
