CHAMPIONS OF MEP
The CBNME MEP Awards 2023 saw 16 winners crowned for their achievements in the MEP Industry
With a complete line-up of AWD and PWD versions and the the 16-speed HI-TRONIX automated gearbox, the IVECO T-WAY features a host of functionalities such as Rocking Mode, Off-road Mode, Creeping Mode and 4 reverse gears to tackle with ease the toughest off-road conditions. The new architecture of the EBS system, combined with disc brakes on all wheels, greatly improves the vehicle’s performance and the driver’s safety in the most demanding applications.
The new IVECO S-WAY, with a completely redesigned and reinforced cab, offers a wide choice of Euro III/V diesel engines, a delivering class-leading power from 360 HP to 560 HP Euro III / 570 HP Euro V and superior fuel-saving devices, such as anti-idling feature, Ecoswitch, Ecoroll and Smart Alternator, 12-speed HI-TRONIX automated transmission with the most advanced technology in its category, electronic clutch and best-in-class torque-to-weight ratio.
10 INTERVIEW NEW LUXURY
In conversation with Talal Moafaq Al Gaddah, Senior Executive Vice Chairman of MAG
14 TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGIES TRANSFORMING FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Enhancing Efficiency, Sustainability and Operational Performance
18 Q&A HOW QUALITY FM GROUP modernized their O&M with Facilio
20 SITE VISIT STRONGER TOGETHER
Kasun spoke to Mohamed Ragheb
- Chief Development Officer, Azizi Developments and Anil Pahwa
- General Manager, Gardinia Building Contracting
42 MEP TECH
A CONTRACTOR’S VIEW On adoption of technology in construction
46 ADVERTORIAL BIN DASMAL CONTRACTING Collective Engineering Experience
48 TALKING POINT PROJECT MANAGEMENT
A necessity, not a luxury as UAE’s high end residential sector swells
52 REAL ESTATE HOW GENERATIVE AI is becoming a real problem solver for the real estate industry
56 HOSPITALITY PROJECT J1 BEACH
In conversation with Ralf Laurijsen, Development Director at Merex Investment
58 SUSTAINABILITY CREATING A GREENER FUTURE
For the data centre sector
CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY LANDSCAPE
widely adopted, allowing for realtime collaboration and integration of data across the entire construction project lifecycle. The use of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies has also increased, allowing for immersive design and visualization of building projects.
Sustainability continues to be a major focus, with a growing emphasis on circular economy principles and the use of renewable energy sources in construction. New materials, such as cross-laminated timber and recycled plastics, are being used to reduce carbon emissions and waste.
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EDITORIAL DESIGN
The construction technology landscape in 2023 is rapidly evolving, with advancements in digitalization, automation, and sustainability driving innovation. Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become more
Overall, the construction technology landscape in 2023 is marked by a drive towards increased efficiency, safety, and sustainability. As technology continues to evolve and shape the industry, it is likely that we will see even more innovative solutions emerge in the years to come.
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PHOTOGRAPHER
Alexander Bungas
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You recently introduced Keturah to the market; could you further explain this concept?
Keturah is an Arabic word that refers to a fragrance traditionally diffused throughout the home to welcome guests. Sounding like ‘couture’ also makes it the perfect term for bespoke new luxury. This new concept combines luxury, well-being, real estate, and hospitality to redefine
transformational living in the region, providing residents and visitors with a unique, healthier environment and uplifting inspired living.
What distinguishes Keturah Resort by MAG from the other properties in this segment?
Keturah Resort features 12 mansions based on elements of nature, with three distinct styles that optimise
the overall well-being experience: Earth, Water, and Sky. It also hosts eight residential buildings, a RitzCarlton hotel with beach access and a private members-only club, a women’s club, a kids club, an immersive and holistic wellness centre, Michelin-star restaurants, and a retail promenade. The luxurious development will be the first in the MENA region to pursue the WELL Health-Safety certification for its buildings as part of MAG’s registered ‘WELL Community’. Additionally, residents will have access to a luxury wellness hotel, eight sustainable and organicfocused retail spaces, including weekend farmers’ markets, 24/7 secure private parking with valet, and a gated community with unique views of the wildlife sanctuary.
The Keturah Resort by MAG is located on Dubai Creek, facing Dubai’s wildlife sanctuary in Ras Al Khor. It provides convenient access to Dubai Downtown, Dubai International Financial Centre, and Dubai International Airport.
What are the design elements of the mansions at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dubai, Creekside?
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dubai, Creekside, features 12 mansions themed Earth, Water and Sky. The mansions’ exterior designs and interiors echo cues of the elements, creating distinct experiences for the residents. The spaces create seamless journeys through covered terraces framed by structures that encourage outdoor living, glass-framed courtyards, and adjustable architectural screens that elevate the individual’s interaction with insides and gardens.
The Earth mansions’ minimalist architecture represents a space in constant dialogue with its surroundings, hidden from the street and overlooking the astonishing water view. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass also allows for expansive views, seamlessly merging the patio and living rooms to transform them into one wide reception area when open.
Considering natural factors, the Water mansions’ designs have been carefully crafted according to the site’s climatological characteristics. Noting the sun’s seasonal changes, the architecture has been adjusted to allow natural light in without overheating indoor spaces. Accounting for the higher wind creekside, the shape of the mansion provides airflow to cool the building façades and outdoor spaces. Inspired by the nature and history of the area, the concept was made to enhance its natural beauty.
The exterior and interior designs of the Sky mansions, on the other hand, reflect the natural elements of the sky, giving residents unique experiences. The mansions’ interiors reflect an eternal sophistication based on enormous, elegant, and light-filled areas complemented by unique, custom-made designer furnishings. The residences are distinguished by their high aesthetic value and use only hand-selected premium materials from artisans worldwide to offer a long-lasting >>>
and exquisite experience. The use of glass-framed courtyards, changeable architectural screens, and covered terraces also allow for continuous journeys for the residents to engage with the interiors and gardens.
How do you see the luxury real estate segment here in Dubai? Do you see price points changing as demand continues to grow?
Dubai’s luxury real estate market is an exciting and dynamic one that has been on a steady upward trend in recent years, driven by growing demand from high-
net-worth individuals and investors. The city’s strong economic performance — compared to global metropolises — attractive tax laws, and world-class infrastructure have made it a popular destination for affluent global travellers and investors.
With plenty of opportunities for buyers and investors, the prices of luxury real estate properties in Dubai’s market will likely continue to rise with the demand, especially as the city’s strong economy and world-class infrastructure make it an attractive destination for home buyers and investors.
What sets Keturah Reserve apart from other luxury developments in the market?
Keturah Reserve, an AED 3 billion exclusive and innovative new residential development, is in Meydan, one of Dubai’s most sought-after and exclusive residential areas. The project, which features 124 townhouses, 70 villas, 476 units over six apartment block buildings and four penthouses, offers transformational living through the design of space. It is the first residential development in the Middle East to immerse residents in nature through Bio Living to improve the physical, mental and emotional well-being of its
“THE EARTH MANSIONS’ MINIMALIST ARCHITECTURE REPRESENTS A SPACE IN CONSTANT DIALOGUE WITH ITS SURROUNDINGS, HIDDEN FROM THE STREET AND OVERLOOKING THE ASTONISHING WATER VIEW.”TALAL MOAFAQ AL GADDAH, Senior Executive Vice Chairman, MAG
occupants. It is also the only residential development in Dubai with a direct nineminute link to Downtown, with four separate exits onto the city’s main roads: Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail road, Al Ain Dubai road and Al Meydan road.
Tell us more about the design concepts that were applied at Keturah Reserve. Bio Living is rooted in Biophilic Design, architecture and interior design conceived to incorporate nature into the built environment to improve the physical, mental and emotional health of its occupants. Bio Living at Keturah Reserve creates the perfect synergy between the interior design, architecture and landscape, in complete respect of the surrounding ecosystem.
Both interiors and architecture are crafted from the same raw materials and colours to subtly merge the architecture with the surrounding desert landscape. Travertine, wood and bronze link inside with outside. The restrained color palette of bleached bone, champagne and bronze further introduces the natural landscape inside the home. Lush growing nature is visible from every vista, including olive trees, palm trees, green walls, balcony planters and rooftop gardens.
Keturah Reserve homes are designed with double volume interior spaces, increasing the flow and circulation of naturally cooled air. Open plan spaces without corridors or hallways optimize the flow of passage. Furniture and fixtures are custom designed and produced for each space. They blend perfectly into the interior, freeing the flow of movement, and elevating the resident’s physical and mental well-being.
Homes are angled to capture and optimize natural daylight, gently diffusing it throughout the interior without heat or glare. When daylight fades, architectural lighting optimizes the body’s circadian system, enhancing mood, comfort and alertness, and improving the quality of sleep, while creating a subtle and healing atmosphere in the home.
Facilities Management is a complex industry that requires significant effort to manage day-to-day activities across multiple areas, including building maintenance, health and safety, energy management and visitor management. In recent years, there has been a shift towards integrating advanced technologies into FM operations, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to increase operational efficiency and conserve energy. This trend has been further accelerated following the COVID-19 pandemic, which has created a greater need for automation and remote operations. Following the global shift, FM service providers began investing and researching innovative and practical applications of AI into routine operations to stay ahead of competition and meet the needs of the market.
At Inspire Integrated, we have developed a series of AI-powered solutions that cater to all areas of FM operations. We then combine them all through our PropEzy platform, which is a digitised software that connects all systems within the built environment and unifies them on one platform. In addition to merging a client’s operations on a unified dashboard and connecting separate systems and sub-systems with each other, the PropEzy platform provides valuable insights and analytics that help users make informed decisions about their FM operations and develop datadriven plans to further enhance overall efficiency.
The integration of AI with standard FM procedures is a steadfast method to amplify a company’s operations. FM managers must understand that this technology can be implemented depending on the project and the equipment available and is not a uniform solution that can be applied to all assets. Proper utilisation of AI can achieve reductions in transport time and resource & material usage, however, maintenance teams must first evaluate each asset individually and identify feasible methods of implementing AI and integrating it with different systems to enhance the asset’s performance.
One of the main areas where AI can be applied is in building management systems. Through machine learning, PropEzy integrates AI with Building Management System (BMS), giving AI control of systems across the building. AI-integrated buildings can collect information from different sources, analyse it, then make decisions based on the available information to apply changes across the building to increase the efficiency of different systems. For example, AI can control measurements of fresh air allocation in a building or make decisions to optimise frequency-driven chillers using the collected data. The information used for its decision-making process is based on various data points including the weather forecast, building occupancy, working schedule, etc. The more we increase our application of this method across our buildings, the more efficient and eco-friendlier our whole operations become.
Another useful application of AI in facilities management is implementing AI technologies within the planned maintenance aspect. Traditionally, FM teams are required to follow a strict preventative maintenance plan regardless of the asset usage. The plan in most cases follows a monthly schedule which dictates a routine maintenance 12 times a year, meaning technicians must visit the site and inspect the equipment’s condition as per the schedule to make sure there are no irregularities with the equipment. With the involvement of AI and IoT sensors, FM managers now have the ability to devise a predictive maintenance plan that considers asset usage and relies on automated alerts to know when service is required. By placing smart sensors on the equipment, we enable the asset to indicate information on a day-to-day basis, allowing teams to constantly monitor the condition of equipment and be aware if any unwarranted issues arise. This predictive approach to the maintenance plan gives FM managers the capacity to reduce the frequency of maintenance visits, playing a substantial role in reducing energy and resource usage. Additionally, it provides them with useful data and analytics that will help
them understand patterns and prepare more efficient plans in the future.
AI Technologies can also significantly enhance an asset’s visitor management system. Visitor management systems integrated with AI have intelligent features that enable smooth visitor access from the parking area to the apartment or office. The system employs various smart technologies, such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) at the parking entrance, facial recognition and smart access control via an authorised user’s mobile phone. With such cutting-edge features, a visitor management system enables live monitoring of visitors, ensures access for authorised persons only, facilitates drop-off and pick-up arrangements, maintains a daily visitors’ log and provides additional benefits for effective management of visitors.
Implementing AI solutions in day-today operations is an inevitable course of action for all FM service providers that are planning further growth and development of their business. Awareness surrounding the value of this technology is growing, as more key players in the industry develop and apply AI solutions to their operations. The immense benefits of AI integration are not seen in terms
of efficiency alone, but also in terms of resource conservation and reduction of carbon footprint, which play a significant role in achieving companies’ ambitious ESG goals.
The rise of AI-powered technologies opens many doors for FM managers to incorporate these constantly developing solutions to improve their operational efficiency and support their efforts towards achieving Net Zero goals. We at Inspire Integrated heavily capitalise on the unique capabilities provided by the PropEzy platform. The PropEzy PowerBI dashboard generates crucial data sourced from multiple destinations including an integrated mobile application that technicians use to record their activity/ job progress. This data is then controlled, monitored and analysed by our FM teams through the interactive dashboard, producing valuable information that is then used to guide managers in the planning and decision-making process. That information includes accurate figures of hours saved, printing cost saved, calling cost saved, number of trees saved as a result of paper-less activity and much more.
In addition to the previously mentioned solutions, we also invest a great deal in
Geoff Warr, Director – Business Development,
developing and implementing IoT-powered smart washroom technologies which are conveniently integrated with PropEzy. Within any facility, washrooms are typically high-maintenance areas that need to be serviced regularly by cleaning staff to check on soap dispensers, paper towels, bins, etc. By placing sensors in the washrooms, cleaners will be prompted on the status of supply through their PropEzy dashboard, enabling individuals to take necessary action as and when required as opposed to constant visits to the washrooms. This results in significant improvements
in operational efficiency for a task that is traditionally timeconsuming and inefficient, especially in bigger facilities.
PropEzy uses the data gathered from the sensors to identify peak usage times and predict a suitable cleaning schedule.
The integration of AI and smart technologies into facilities management has become increasingly important in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. By leveraging AI-powered solutions, facilities managers can enhance operational efficiency, conserve energy, improve security measures and provide a better experience
for building occupants. As companies continue to prioritise sustainability and ESG goals, integrating AI into facilities management will become a critical component of achieving these objectives.
“AT INSPIRE INTEGRATED, WE HAVE DEVELOPED A SERIES OF AI-POWERED SOLUTIONS THAT CATER TO ALL AREAS OF FM OPERATIONS.”
Vinod Kumar – Technology Director, Inspire Integrated
In an exclusive interview with FMJ, Sumith Sukumaran, Operations Manager at Quality FM Group, Dubai talks about how they transformed their portfolio operations with an agile, modern connected CaFM / CMMS solution.
The common discussion in the industry these days is that there’s a huge latency between legacy CaFM tools and the state of building operations today. Are the current breed of tech tools equipped to help modern O&M teams succeed? Any system is only as good as the people who use it. The complexity of legacy tools stands in the way of field teams using them to their full potential. So to answer your question,
I would say no. What they need is an easy-to-navigate user interface that works seamlessly on their phone or tab. Bloated systems which don’t allow the flexibility of adding or removing modules turn out to be expensive and resource intensive.
Most legacy systems run on proprietary communication protocols or are simply not built to function seamlessly across other data management platforms. This limits their crossfunctional communication capability a lot. The role of FM & O&M teams is going through a shift, where they are taking on more strategic roles. Most of the tools in the market don’t support this shift.
What are the biggest downsides to using legacy systems for O&M?
Irrespective of the organization size, users want solutions that can seamlessly integrate into their existing processes under one digital ecosystem. This is no longer optional.
There are multiple stakeholders such as tenants, vendors, technicians and managers who need to access the system and pull data to make decisions and execute on them. The current breed of legacy tools lack the features to make this happen.
As the use cases increase and databases get bigger, since these systems function in silos, fetching, migrating and mapping data into a single environment without errors gets complicated. As more functions are integrated and more functions go digital, there are also security risks we need to consider.
So your typical CaFM/CMMS system simply won’t cut it. What we need is a cloud-based solution that can become a single source of truth for all stakeholders.
Can you walk us through your journey of switching to a modern CaFM system and what were the key considerations you had that helped you make the decision?
We were using an in-house CaFM platform in the past, and over time started seeing critical shortcomings. These were negatively impacting business outcomes. We had the option of either overhauling the existing system at a high cost which would be time-intensive, or look for another solution in the market.
We wanted a flexible solution that would scale and adapt to our business rather than the other way round. We should be able to customize workflows without affecting the system fundamentals.
We finally chose Facilio - their plug & play solution along with a drag and drop interface made deployment fast and easy. Reports could be easily shared with multiple stakeholders. Modules & functionalities could be scaled up or down as per the business needs. So we pay only for what we use.
The biggest problem with legacy solutions is the bloat - we use less than 80% of the system but pay for all of it.
What would you say is the most valuable criteria of a modern CaFM solution? Is it collaborative stakeholder engagement, or process improvements or interoperability?
There is no straight answer to this since all of them are interlinked and cannot be isolated from each other. We actually need a platform that connects people, processes, and systems— so we can effectively achieve all of these.
However, if I were to rank them in terms of time to value, I would pick the process improvements first, then the interoperability and finally collaborative stakeholder engagement.
How do you measure the success of your new CaFM implementation? Could you give us an example of how it connected people, processes & systems?
We deployed the solution in 2020, during the first COVID wave, and the solution ensured seamless delivery of services. During the lockdowns, despite teams being in different locations,
everyone involved including the senior management got real time insights.
As soon as we migrated to the new system, we saw a steep drop in customer escalations, up to 80%. The reactive call volumes decreased by 30% across all the properties. Preventive maintenance, compliance and asset life optimization have steadily improved since then. Staff efficiency has significantly increased and we now have a happier workforce. We now have access to two years of data which helps us make data-informed decisions - this is of the utmost importance and value to us.
KASUN ILLANKOON, MANAGING EDITOR OF CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS MIDDLE EAST, RECENTLY VISITED THE RIVIERA PROJECT SITE TO FIND OUT THE PROGRESS AND UNIQUENESS OF THE PROJECT. KASUN SPOKE TO MOHAMED RAGHEB - CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, AZIZI DEVELOPMENTS AND ANIL PAHWA - GENERAL MANAGER, GARDINIA BUILDING CONTRACTING TO GO INTO DETAILS OF THE PROJECT AND WHY THEIR PARTNERSHIP IS DELIVERING QUALITY PROJECT OUTCOMES.
MOHAMED RAGHEB, CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, AZIZI DEVELOPMENTSTell us about the latest status of the Riviera Project?
Phase 1 of our project has reached 99% completion, while Phases 2, 3, and 4 stand at 98%, 82%, and 27%, respectively. We anticipate completion dates between Q2 2023 and Q4 2024.
Our success is rooted in prioritizing construction speed and quality, made possible through the meticulous selection of contractors and suppliers. As a developer our utmost priority is and always will be to improve lives.
We strive to ensure that our investors and end-users are satisfied, that their expectations are exceeded, and that their lifestyles are profoundly enriched with what we develop. They are the reason we’re in this business. For this, we prioritise quality and timely deliveries. This is what all our efforts stem from. It isn’t just at the top of my to do list – it is the title of it.
Our commitment to quality transcends several key areas, from the conceptualization, design, and construction of our projects, all the way to the after-sales services we provide for our investors and end-users. There are many layers to this – from the international best practices we implement here, the increasingly European materials we use, to how they are put together, to
how we communicate with our clients, and more. Overall, it is the totality of our products and services that affect their ability to satisfy and surpass our stakeholder expectations, but what it really is, to us, is a mindset – one that prioritises those who will later own and/ or inhabit the homes that we develop. To us at Azizi Developments, delivering quality is not just a mere virtue, it is a core pillar to how we work and what we deliver. We instill the importance of quality in all levels of our organization, our external stakeholders, such as contractors, suppliers, and brokerage partners, and all of our processes. We see it as the key to customer happiness, positive word-of-mouth and repeat purchases – quality is what sells our properties, and that, in turn, is what drives our organizational growth.
Tell us about the features of this project?
Riviera is part of Azizi Developments’ award-winning portfolio. It is a stylish waterfront-lifestyle destination located in the heart of MBR City that is planned to comprise 75 mid- and high-rise buildings with approximately 16,000 residences upon its completion, conveniently located in the midst of many prime business, leisure and retail hubs of the city. Riviera boasts a stunning 2.7-km crystal lagoon and beach, as well as an elegant palm tree-lined boulevard. >>>
Each building comprises approximately 200 apartments encompassing studio, one, two, and three-bedroom units, offering diverse vistas, from Downtown Dubai and Burj
Khalifa to community pool and canal scenes. Every building will enjoy amenities such as a swimming pool and fitness centre.a Furthermore, Riviera will provide an extensive array of cafes,
eateries, convenience stores, and shopping options, a running and cycling track winding through the entire community, more than 71 barbeque areas, numerous basketball and tennis courts, playgrounds, as well as plenty of parks and greenery throughout.
Tell us what is the unique value proposition for buyers for this project?
We place a great emphasis on delivering quality. This commitment to excellence, combined with a keen understanding of the market dynamics, has positioned Azizi Developments as one of the most reliable and trustworthy developers. By focusing on prime locations, elegant designs, and highquality construction, we aim to provide residents with an exceptional living experience that yields strong returns on investment. Our flagship project, Riviera, offers an unparalleled waterfront lifestyle and range of amenities, which is highly in demand. As such, investors can confidently
expect a rewarding investment with potential for long-term growth and value creation.
Tell us why Gardinia Contracting was the right choice for this project?
Gardenia Contracting reputation, proven track record, expertise, and commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability, with them exclusively sourcing and using top-tier construction tools, materials and techniques, and highly capable talent that ensures outstanding craftsmanship, align perfectly with our values and vision.
Their devotion to best practices, be it in the realm of technological advancements, sustainability, or quality assurance, also fits well with our pursuit of customer satisfaction and ensuring that our properties are built to last for generations to come, generating our valued clients outstanding ROIs through exceptional rental yields and value appreciation.
Their strong project management capabilities and efficient construction
processes ensure timely delivery, while their collaborative approach fosters seamless communication and effective problem-solving throughout the development cycle. By partnering with Gardinia Contracting, we are confident in our ability to bring our vision to life – to turn concepts into reality – and can play our part in satiating the surging demand for world-class properties in the UAE.
At Azizi Developments, we understand the importance of incorporating sustainability best practices in our projects for long-term success, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. We emphasize eco-friendly
designs by integrating energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy sources, sustainable materials, and innovative waste management systems, among others.
By adopting sustainable practices, we proactively support the UAE’s Vision 2021 and Dubai Plan 2021, which emphasize environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic development.
Our profound commitment to sustainability, in addition to our adherence to the UAE’s regulatory standards and guidelines, guarantees that our projects not only create a positive environmental and societal impact but also deliver enduring value for stakeholders and align with the UAE’s
broader objectives for a sustainable future.
Tell us about the design and architectural part of this project as well?
Riviera seamlessly combines a FrenchMediterranean charm with Dubai’s modern urban landscape to create an alluring and lively atmosphere. This unique design approach aims to capture the essence of a ‘joie de vivre,’ going beyond mere architectural aesthetics to celebrate life and exult the spirit.
The masterplan comprises three distinctive districts that contribute to its vibrancy. The retail boulevard serves as a bustling hub, with a wide array of shopping and dining options set amidst elegant facades and intricate detailing reminiscent of a modern FrenchMediterranean design. It encourages social interaction through inviting outdoor spaces, enhancing the overall appeal of the area.
The lagoon walk, nestled along the 2.7km-long swimmable crystal lagoon, offers a serene waterfront experience with a selection of artisan eateries and boutiques. This district features graceful low-rise buildings and picturesque outdoor spaces that harmonize with the natural beauty of the lagoon, evoking the tranquility of the Mediterranean coast.
Lastly, Les Jardins is a vast, lush-green social space that fosters community bonding and promotes outdoor living. Drawing inspiration from the idyllic gardens and open spaces of FrenchMediterranean towns, this district provides a peaceful haven where residents can unwind, socialize, and partake in recreational activities. >>>
“AT AZIZI DEVELOPMENTS, WE UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF INCORPORATING SUSTAINABILITY BEST PRACTICES IN OUR PROJECTS FOR LONGTERM SUCCESS, ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP, AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.”
Briefly tell us about Gardinia Building Contracting?
Gardinia Contracting specializes in delivering high-quality residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and adherence to international standards, we have built a reputation of excellence and
reliability in the construction industry. Our experienced team is dedicated to ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
Over the years, we have forged a long-lasting relationship with Azizi Developments, collaborating on outstanding projects such as Creek Views, Mina, and Park Avenue. This robust partnership is rooted in our mutual dedication to excellence, innovation,
and adherence to the highest industry standards. By combining our expertise and resources with Azizi Developments’ impeccable vision, we have successfully delivered exceptional projects, generating value for both investors and end-users. This enduring collaboration stands as a testament to the quality and trust that both companies have cultivated over time, ensuring our continued ability to exceed client expectations and drive growth in the real estate sector.
Tell us how Gardinia Contracting stands out as a leading contractor in Dubai?
I am proud to say that we have distinguished ourselves as a leading contractor through our strong commitment to timely delivery, innovation, and technology in construction. We maintain a clientcentric approach, focusing on understanding each client’s unique requirements and tailoring solutions to meet their expectations.
Our dedication to excellence is further exemplified by our robust relationship with Azizi Developments. The synergy between our two companies has resulted in the development and completion of exceptional projects on time, delivering outstanding value to investors and residents. At Gardinia Contracting, we consistently demonstrate our ability to adapt and implement cutting-edge technologies and construction methods. Our commitment to innovation ensures that projects are not only completed efficiently but also adhere to the highest industry standards.
Part of what makes us stand out is that we exclusively have higher experienced staff – all those who work for us have at least several years of experience in their respective roles.
We are truly honored to collaborate with Azizi Developments on Riviera, a prestigious project set to add tremendous, unique value to Dubai’s awe-inspiring real estate landscape. In my humble opinion, Riviera will not only raise the bar of architectural excellence in Dubai, but will also reinforce the emirate’s standing as a world-class
destination for international real estate investment, with this project being very popular among both local and international investors.
As a contractor, we enjoy working on projects that are unique and distinguished, and that set new trends and benchmarks. Riviera is exactly that – and that excites us. We also enjoy working on large scale projects that necessitate us to adhere to deadlines and set quality standards. As a trusted partner, we eagerly look forward to contributing to the success of this development and providing a remarkable living experience for future residents, ultimately strengthening the emirate’s position on the global stage.
Tell us about the technology and innovation used during this project?
We are incorporating cutting-edge technology to ensure efficiency, sustainability, and quality throughout the construction process. One of the key aspects of our approach is the use of advanced concrete technologies. While we source our concrete like most construction companies, we strive to use innovative concrete mixtures designed for improved strength and durability. This enables us to create structures that can withstand various environmental conditions.
In terms of material handling, we employ modernized equipment, such as automatic hydraulic formwork systems instead of relying solely on traditional manual labor. This approach enhances quality, efficiency and safety on the construction site while reducing the project’s overall timeline.
Another noteworthy aspect of our innovative approach is the use of prefabricated and modular MEP and other components, including furniture. These elements are produced and assembled in a controlled factory environment, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and precision. Once
completed, these components are transported to the construction site for quick and efficient installation. This method significantly streamlines the construction process, enabling us to meet the stringent deadlines associated with the project delivery.
Moreover, we employ highly advanced artificial intelligence modelling tools, drones for on-site surveillance, and much more. Leveraging the latest technologies is key to our success, with it making our work more efficient, safer, of a higher quality, more sustainable, and overall more aligned to our clients’ wants and needs.
STRONGER TOGETHER | MOHAMED RAGHEB AND ANIL PAHWA
The CBNME MEP Awards 2023 saw 16 winners crowned for their achievements in the MEP Industry. CBNME MEP Awards 2023 is one of the leading events applauding the achievements of the region’s construction professionals. The awards strive to recognise individual excellence, corporate strengths, and project success. Companies are invited to nominate the people, projects, and initiatives of which they are most proud of, across 16 categories.
SUSTAINABLE PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Ekhtaar | BIN DASMAL CONTRACTING
THE
SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURE INDOOR VERTICAL FARMING (CONTAINER MODEL) & NET FARMING | BIN DASMAL CONTRACTING
EDITOR’S CHOICE - HIGHLY COMMENDED
While the construction industry has always been among the driving forces of the economy, it has also long been criticized for its lack of efficiency in comparison to other industries and its resistance to innovation. There have been several discussions on lack of tech adoption in the project industry and it is lagging all other industries in the past few decades.
In my opinion, there are a few reasons for this:
> Transient nature of jobs: In the construction
environment; teams, locations, environment, processes etc. are in constant flux as resources are shuffled across projects and each project has its own nuances. This consequently undermines the ability of organizations to train, develop and implement new practices.
> People on the move: While the industry is highly reliant on people, the sense of ownership of companies towards people and vice versa is lower. Consequently, there is little incentive for these two stakeholders to contribute to each other. This does not encourage employees to commit to the organization and help improve its processes. In short,
the rolling stone gathers no moss. > “Contracts precede relationships”: Interactions in the construction ecosystem can be intensely transactional in nature with lesser emphasis on process improvements compared to traditional industries. In the construction industry it is common to be co-located at the client’s premises, which are often physically away from the parent organization. Often this distance and proximity to
the customer coupled with pressures of project process and project performance by the client will translate into lower focus on improvement initiatives to improve efficiency. To complicate matters, clients who are in the driving seat of the project industry do not have the wherewithal, patience, or incentive to attempt adoption of new technology in their design and construction processes in the duration of the project.
> Disconnected work systems: Often multiple modules of technology with a varying rate of adoption are deployed across the value chain and/or that is deployed within one organization and often these disparate systems do not talk to each other. This lack of free flow of information hinders the ability of the industries to collaborate with its several moving parts.
All the above result in a situation where the construction industry is seen as reluctant to adopt technology consistently. However, there is a growing realization and awareness among stakeholders on this subject. The ability to innovate varies throughout the supply chain and project stages, and just as innovation will mean different things to different economies, it is equally important to realize that challenge and meaning of innovation for a small specialist sub-contractor will almost certainly be very different from that of a large multinational corporation. For e.g. We have seen changes in this approach in certain parts of the construction ecosystem with engineering design leading the way. The ecosystem around the Engineering design has been evolving at a faster pace in comparison to the other stages of construction projects.
Some early steps have been focused on back-office work such as construction accounting related ERP solutions, document management, data collation and analytics, etc. and is expected to move on to field activities. Many automations have been adopted from the manufacturing industry, especially from the automobile industry wherein robotics and workflow automation have been used extensively.
A few trends such as volumetric construction, offsite / prefab, integrated construction robotics, innovation in
concrete technology with reduced setting time, etc. are trending as major focus and in the post covid acceleration. We expect to see major changes in the construction segment between 2024 and 2028, when we expect changes in the business models and reduction of 50-60% unskilled workforce with a large number of technical skill requirements driving higher efficiencies.
At an organizational level construction companies need to invest in a central pool of excellence to identify new technologies suitable for their operation and drive their adoption across project operations in a dogged manner. This may also involve building a positive pressure to counter the client pressures the delivery teams typically face on the ground. They can also spawn new learnings between various parts of the organization and enable organizational learning. Lateral recruits coming into the organization can be incentivized to adhere to or actively discouraged to deviate from set norms as defined by the central think tanks.
CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES NEED TO INVEST IN A CENTRAL POOL OF EXCELLENCE TO IDENTIFY NEW TECHNOLOGIES SUITABLE FOR THEIR OPERATION.
Government incentive and regulation has been seen as a good way to hasten tech adoption across the board. For e.g., Singapore BCA has incentives; funds and credits and changes in regulation has hastened the adoption of technology and improvement in productivity and helped in changing processes in the construction industry.
However, we must keep it in mind that the current business margins or limited financial capability does not encourage investment to fuel innovation and automation. The industry works on lower single digit margins, which effectively does not allow room to invest in technology. In fact, the developers and the local governments who were so
far the beneficiaries – and going to benefit more – will have to invest heavily with universities and industry to create research and development centers, innovation hubs, and even finance the pilot projects. Further there is a need to integrate processes, across multiple stakeholders, to drive the adoption of technology in this industry i.e. Government initiatives integrated with the industry players, industry stakeholders working harmoniously across the value chain with a clarity and finally at a project level, there is a need to integrate its various disparate phases seamlessly to drive this elusive adoption. This wholesome integrated approach can create an atmosphere conducive to adopting new technologies which in turn can result in increased efficiency, cut waste, and save money for all stakeholders. This is all the more important in today’s environment, when the need is felt strongly across the value chain to deliver faster and cheaper.
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Bin Dasmal Contracting is an ISO certified company with more than four decades of experience in providing comprehensive MEP and HVAC services including installations, refurbishments, retrofits, and maintenance for MEP and HVAC systems.
As a part of Bin Dasmal Group, the firm has access to a range of offerings, with the manufacturing, trading, and service divisions providing a one-stop solution for all aspects of the HVAC sector.
Bin Dasmal Contracting specializes in providing smart metering solutions, outdoor floor cooling solutions, sustainable farming solutions such as indoor vertical farming by applying Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) principles and retrofit for commercial and residential spaces including hospitals.
Bin Dasmal Contracting employs more than 200 full-time staff, including personnel dedicated to the BDC division. Supervisors, skilled technicians, and semi-skilled workers are added from the Group’s human resources on a project-to-project
basis. The Bin Dasmal Group was established as a Contracting & Trading company and gradually diversified into manufacturing of a broad range of quality Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Materials & Equipment, Lifting and Safety Equipment, Access & Storage Solutions, Outdoor Living, Sustainable Products, and eSports.
Bin Dasmal Contracting has successfully executed multiple floor cooling projects and incorporates radiant cooling systems in combination with other passive cooling techniques such as solar shading and wind protection in outdoor applications which in turn has helped us reduce the peak operative temperature experienced by occupants by removing heat energy absorbed through construction materials.
Bin Dasmal Contracting as an organization has been able to provide
innovative solutions for specialized retrofit projects such as hospitals and airports because of being able to tap into the collective engineering experience of the organization.
Bin Dasmal Contracting has taken multiple sustainable initiatives including construction of Sustainable Greenhouse, Indoor Vertical Farming (IVF) to increase in the local
fresh food production. With effective usage of project’s waste materials and by running construction waste management program, Bin Dasmal Contracting was successful in generating local fresh food in their own Greenhouse. In line with promoting more sustainable awareness in the industry, Bin Dasmal Contracting is supporting food security by encouraging construction
of more sustainable Greenhouses, IVF and Green Farms across all offices in the UAE.
The Group of Companies, which encompasses Bin Dasmal General Trading, Trosten Industries, KAD Air Conditioning, Delta Duct Air Conditioning, E.H. Price Gulf, Dutest, Saudi Dutest, Bin Dasmal Doors, Ghaf Tree Awnings Manufacturing, WAKS Paper Bags
Manufacturing, Delta Gulf Arabian Testing and Dasmal Trading are ISO:9001, ISO:14001, & ISO:45001 certified.
Knight Frank’s 2023 Prime Predictions - Dubai Edition, stated that prices of prime properties in the emirate would be 50% higher at the end of 2023 than in the same period of 2021. The continuing boom in high end residential property development, where demand is outstripping supply, is proving a great opportunity for Project management company, LC&Partners. Investors are becoming increasingly aware of the important role that project managers can play in ensuring their property development not only stays in budget, within time limitations and in keeping with the design vision, but that crucially, local authority regulations and stipulations are considered.
LC&Partners is a Dubai and Milan based project management and engineering company, whose portfolio
boasts a wealth of prominent projects across Europe and the MENA region representing Infrastructure, Logistics, Hotel & Leisure and Residential sectors. Increasingly, its Dubai branch is being called upon to provide project management services to both real estate investors who appreciate the myriad benefits of investing in the UAE and want to realise their ideal property, and also local residents who want their homes to undergo radical renovations.
CEO of LC&Partners, Lorenzo Candelpergher, sheds light on the expanding opportunities.
Why is there currently such heavy demand for Luxury Residential Development?
Foreign investors have been impressed by the UAE government’s response to the COVID pandemic, and
could see how the country was a relatively safe haven in a turbulent global market. The changes to UAE visa rules have also made it easier for people to invest in the UAE, and have contributed to the surge, which has been further boosted by a significant influx of investments from Russia and neighbouring countries. The constant price growth we are witnessing is also down to the shortage of some raw materials and the increase of demand for high end properties, with millionaires from all over the world coming to the UAE, in particular Dubai, beating rival long established global leisure destinations such as the islands of the Mediterranean.
What type of project is typical?
Most of our clients are foreigners who buy a luxury mansion in Dubai as both a form of investment, considering that the price of Real Estate is constantly rising, and as
their new primary or secondary residence. Radical refurbishment of a villa is a very common practice for buyers of existing properties besides the obvious green field developments. Typically the villa sizes range from 1200 to 1800sqm, boasts 4-6 bedrooms, living room, dining room, family room, study, show-kitchen as well as quarters for the domestic staff. Typical features include landscaping (very green outdoors), infinity pool, use of large glass sliding doors to create continuity between indoor and outdoor, in-house SPA facilities and gym, multimedia /cinema room, sophisticated automated lighting and water features.
What are some of the key refurbishment trends?
A new owner wants to stamp his own unique identity on his purchase, with a desire to incorporate cutting edge sustainability elements and his
Lorenzo Candelpergher, CEO of LC&Partners
specific design aesthetics. The actual villa design and layout is very dependent on the owner’s cultural background, but three main trends are dominant – Contemporary, Mediterranean, and Modern Arabic.
Eco-conscious elements include the installation of photovoltaic and solar panels, recharging stations for electric vehicles. energy storage units, smart HVAC systems, extensive domotics and IOT features. What’s interesting is that traditionally the luxury sector was not well known for being sustainable, but in the latest year we are seeing a shift, with owners seeking sustainable and exclusive solutions.
From a materials perspective, there is a demand for precious and/or high tech materials such as marbles, high-performace glasses, exotic woods, etc.
What are some common mistakes made by purchasers/owners as they begin their redevelopment project?
Newcomers in the UAE are not aware of local regulations/codes on common market practices. A frequent mistake is to choose cheap consultants/contractors who are not well organised. The consequence is chronic delays, a wealth of hassle and paperwork and in some cases considerable over-spending if not, in the worse cases, extensive disputes and even court cases.
How can using a PM assist in the process?
A Project Manager is extremely useful in planning, coordination, and monitoring of all the activities. There are the contractors, the local/ international design consultant, the local
authorities, the subcontractors etc, and the PM is the party who has the knowledge and the awareness of the procedures, enabling him to coordinate all stakeholders. Another key role of the PM is the supervision of the quality of the works and the monitoring of the progress while preventing or mitigating delays and/ore extra costs, the timely and effective management of risks and the efficient contract and documents communication management. To sum up, the Project Management is there to keep time, cost, scope under control and to ensure the project’s quality.
At what stage should a PM be consulted?
As soon as possible! Ideally during the feasibility study process, and he should be involved until the handover, and even after the handover,
during the Defect Liability Period (usually one year), with the role of collecting all the handover documentation and to manage the rectification of defects (if any). In case of any problem the PM will be able to coordinate with the Facility Management and to Manage Claims.
What unique benefits do LC&Partners bring to clients? We have established a solid track record in the development of luxury real estate and many of our highend residential projects have come from referrals and positive testimonials. Being an Italian company contributes to our popularity, as Italy is so well renowned for its design flair, and with our network we can facilitate access to quality material and handmade or hand finished bespoke furniture. That is proving very popular.
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Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the real estate industry, enabling companies to become more sustainable, profitable, and competitive. By utilizing AIdriven systems, the industry is able to optimize energy consumption, streamline property management processes, and automate tenant support. In doing so, they are creating smarter investment decisions and reducing environmental impact.
Sustainable construction practices can be improved with the use of AI-driven systems. By monitoring energy consumption and analyzing building materials, AI can optimize their performance and reduce overall consumption. Smart property management utilizes technologies like
facial recognition, voice recognition, and 3D scanning to improve security systems and streamline processes in rental properties. Additionally, AI-based chatbots can be used to manage tenant queries and automate administrative tasks such as rent payments, repair requests, or maintenance scheduling.
By analyzing large amounts of data quickly and accurately, AI is revolutionizing how we interact with the world around us, including our built environment. This technology enables property managers to respond quickly and efficiently to tenant queries and automate mundane tasks like scheduling maintenance and repairs. AI also enables predictive analysis that can be used to anticipate the need for maintenance in advance, minimizing unexpected downtime and reducing costs associated with emergency repair work.
AI-driven systems can also be used to monitor energy consumption, detect potential safety hazards, and comply with health and safety standards. By proactively identifying risks, landlords can take preventive measures to protect tenants from harm and ensure compliance.
Generative AI is transforming the design and construction of developments in many ways. AI algorithms can analyze data on building performance, user behavior, and external conditions, helping architects and engineers make more informed decisions when designing a structure. The technology can be used to identify the optimal locations for windows, skylights, and ventilation systems, as well as help automate temperature control and lighting adjustments based on occupancy levels. By combining AI with other technologies like cloud computing and Internet of Things sensors, developers could create developments that are smarter than ever before.
AI-driven chatbots are transforming the customer service sector by providing developers and agents with an array of tools including automated real estate market analysis and tailored recommendations. These tools not only provide customers with immediate responses to their questions, but they can also offer personalized solutions based on their individual preferences.
“AI IS REVOLUTIONIZING HOW WE INTERACT WITH THE WORLD AROUND US, INCLUDING OUR BUILT ENVIRONMENT.”
YOUSUF FAKHRUDDIN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, FAKHRUDDIN PROPERTIES
When moving in, tenants will have access to modern amenities such as automated rent payments and home automation solutions for maximum convenience.
At Fakhruddin Properties, we understand the importance of providing our customers with a secure and convenient experience. That is why we’ve integrated an appbased solution that allows homeowners to view their current dues when they purchase a property and receive timely responses if they have any inquiries. With this prop-tech innovation, we are leveraging advanced technology to ensure security as well as convenience for all those involved in transactions with us.
In conclusion, AI is becoming a real problem solver for the real estate industry. By utilizing AI-driven systems, the industry is able to become more sustainable, profitable, and competitive. From sustainable construction practices to smart property management, the technology is transforming the real estate industry and creating more efficient, cost-effective ways of doing business. As AI continues to advance, companies that are able to recognize its potential and make use of its capabilities will be well-positioned to lead the way in sustainable construction, smart property management, automated tenant support, and much more.
J1 Beach at La Mer, Merex Investment’s upcoming flagship beach resort destination in the heart of Jumeirah, has announced the appointment of ARCO Turnkey Solutions as the lead construction contractor for the project.
The planned redevelopment of La Mer into a beachfront, resort destination reflects Merex Investment’s strategic focus on creating enduring value through identifying market opportunities and reshaping their offering to fulfil customer needs. J1 Beach at La Mer will feature a cohesive customer experience and intentionally designed touchpoints that would set it apart from existing attractions in Dubai.
Ralf Laurijsen, Development Director at Merex Investment gives Construction Business New ME an insight into their latest hospitality project.
As the main contractor, Arco will be responsible for overseeing the construction of the primary buildings, terraces, pools, infrastructure, utilities, and main landscape, including lighting and signage.
While Arco will handle the overall development, the tenants will manage the fit-out of the Beach Clubs and F&B units. This includes fitting out the components of their respective terraces and landscape within their plot.
With Arco’s expertise and the tenants’ creativity, J1 Beach at La Mer is sure to become a premier destination for beachgoers and food enthusiasts alike.
As the Development Director, my responsibility is to ensure that the project is financially sound, completed within the allocated budget and timeframe, and delivered with exceptional quality.
During the initial stages, we concentrate on converting the project vision into a feasible business plan. Subsequently, we assemble a team of skilled architects to design the project in line with this vision, including obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals.
Currently, we are in the construction phase of the project, where we must ensure that construction targets are met while also coordinating with tenants to ensure they can design and deliver their customized interiors on time.
Our main objective is to deliver a project that exceeds our expectations while ensuring that all stakeholders are satisfied with the result.
What was the inspiration for the project?
The idea behind the creation of this project was to establish a world-class destination on the picturesque beaches of Jumeirah. The inspiration was to bring something unique and exceptional to the already thriving hospitality scene of Dubai, while simultaneously putting J1 Beach at La Mer on the global map as one of the most sought-after beach destinations in the world.
We believe that Dubai has the potential to join the ranks of other famous beach destinations such as Mykonos, St Tropez, Cannes, and Miami, and we are determined to make it happen.
Are there any specific technologies being used to enhance the development of J1 Beach at La Mer?
During the design stage, our team utilized Building Information Modeling (BIM) to coordinate the drawings of various design disciplines, ensuring seamless collaboration and a smooth construction process.
Although the construction of J1 Beach at La Mer is straightforward, we are dedicated to enhancing the project’s quality by studying ways to improve the beach sand and exploring which plants and trees can be reused in future phases. Additionally, we will connect the project to the wider La Mer district cooling system to cool the buildings, contributing to a sustainable and environmentally conscious development.
Overall, our team’s attention to detail and commitment to sustainability is evident in every stage of the destination.
Could you highlight a few challenges that you are facing/anticipate? How would you overcome these?
Our team has set an ambitious timeline
for the opening of our beach destination, aiming to coincide with the pleasant winter season. This requires diligent collaboration with our stakeholders to ensure that our project progresses as planned.
We are currently focused on developing our logistics plan to facilitate the fit-out process for our tenants. As soon as they begin work on their respective units, we will have multiple sub-contractors working in parallel. Proper organization is critical to ensure that the fit-out process runs smoothly and on schedule. By prioritizing effective coordination, we are confident that we can achieve our goal of opening in time for the winter season.
What are the milestones for the project, and can you share timelines?
We anticipate to handover the first buildings to our tenants (Beach Clubs) in July 2023 to allow them to start their fit out works ready for opening in December 2023
What are your top three highlights for this project?
J1 Beach at La Mer is a project that aims to create a top-tier food destination in Dubai, with world-class operators providing Michelin star quality food right by the beach.
One of the top highlights of this project is the commitment to delivering high-quality results in a very tight timeframe. Despite the challenges, the team is determined to make J1 Beach at La Mer a success story.
Another highlight is the opportunity to work with a group of enthusiastic and professional colleagues who are passionate about this project. Together, they are dedicated to creating a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors that will make J1 Beach at La Mer a must-visit destination in Dubai.
“WE ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON DEVELOPING OUR LOGISTICS PLAN TO FACILITATE THE FIT-OUT PROCESS FOR OUR TENANTS. AS SOON AS THEY BEGIN WORK ON THEIR RESPECTIVE UNITS, WE WILL HAVE MULTIPLE SUB-CONTRACTORS WORKING IN PARALLEL.”
Data centres are essential for the growing digital world, yet they are one of the most energy-intensive building types, consuming 10 to 50 times per floor space more than that of a typical commercial office building. Water consumption is also majorly high, with some studies suggesting that a typical data centre might require as much as three to five million gallons per day, equivalent to the amount used by a city of 30,000-50,000 people! Reports also suggest that yearly energy consumption is growing, with an estimated share being between three and four percent of total electricity generated
on earth and accounting for one percent of greenhouse gas emissions. Whilst Data Centre’s do have an impact on the environment, its share of contributions has hardly changed since 2010, despite the number of internet users doubling and global internet traffic increasing fifteenfold. This has been possible as data centres reduce the total amount of power and the overall footprint of computing by aggregating demand from several locations into highly efficient, centrally managed cloud data centres, as opposed to being distributed across several buildings and offices which were far less efficient facilities.
Data centres have also become much more energy and water efficient over the last decade and consume less water than other industries such as agriculture. However, with data storage predicted to rise to 5.3 times its current figure by 2025, more needs to be done to further reduce carbon emissions in anticipation of the rapid growth of hyperscale cloud data centres across the world.
A green or sustainable data centre is a service facility where its mechanical, lighting, electrical, and computer systems are designed to maximise energy efficiency and minimise environmental impact, specifically its carbon footprint. To be truly sustainable, a data centre must be environmentally responsible throughout its entire life cycle – from design and construction, to operation and decommissioning. There are several different approaches to achieving a sustainable data centre while not compromising its reliability and performance.
When constructing a data centre, it is possible to minimise the associated embodied carbon by selecting materials that are sustainable and low-carbon. Recycled steel and concrete are two such options. Modular construction methods have also become increasingly popular, as they offer more flexibility in design and come in smaller increments.
Data centres use a great deal of energy to maintain optimal temperatures due to the heat generated by their servers. To reduce this energy consumption and improve cooling efficiency, advanced technologies such as liquid cooling, liquid immersion cooling, and evaporative cooling are being employed. Liquid cooling works by circulating water over the hot side of the cabinet to lower its temperature. Liquid immersion cooling involves immersing servers and other equipment in non-conductive liquids. Finally, evaporative cooling is a process that leverages the decrease in air temperature when water changes from liquid to gas, absorbing energy in the process and reducing electricity use for mechanical systems.
Data centres use large amounts of water for cooling purposes. One way to reduce water consumption is to use greywater recycling systems which reuse wastewater from sinks/showers for toilet flushing or irrigation. Rainwater can also be
harvested for use in data centre cooling. Amazon, Microsoft, and Google Cloud have all pledged to become water-positive, meaning they will make more water available than they consume.
Data centres are wellpositioned to reduce their carbon footprint by transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power. Hydrogen and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) can also be used as power sources, offering an effective alternative to dieselpowered generators. Whilst the technology needed for the large-scale transition of existing data centres is still in development, the sustainable benefits are vast.
The heat created from data centres can be employed to not only warm nearby office buildings (reducing the associated operational costs), but the excess heat generated can also efficiently be used to heat nearby residential areas.
Data centres can also improve their energy efficiency by using more efficient servers and other IT equipment, as well as implementing power management techniques, such as server virtualisation and consolidation, a process which helps reduce energy consumption by consolidating multiple servers onto fewer physical machines.
As the world becomes more environmentally aware, it is important that data centre operators ensure their
facilities are performing as efficiently, effectively, and as such, as sustainably as possible.
All of the world leading data centre operators remain committed to exploring new ways of improving data centre sustainability, as part of their strategies and efforts for becoming carbon neutral or carbon negative.
Through investments and advancements of renewable energy sources and innovative technologies in cooling and operation, the data centre industry seems to be one of the industries at the forefront of its commitment to the environment, showing that great strides are being made in its journey to becoming carbon neutral.
“A GREEN OR SUSTAINABLE DATA CENTRE IS A SERVICE FACILITY WHERE ITS MECHANICAL, LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL, AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS ARE DESIGNED TO MAXIMISE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND MINIMISE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, SPECIFICALLY ITS CARBON FOOTPRINT.”
Waldron, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer; Ben Driggs, president of Global High Growth Regions, and Mohammed Mohaisen, president and CEO, Honeywell Middle East and North Africa, as well as and senior leaders from SPARK and Aramco.
SPARK’s President and CEO, Saif Al Qahtani, said, “We are delighted to welcome Honeywell to SPARK in support of our localization objectives and commitment to expanding Saudi Arabia’s capabilities as a manufacturing and engineering powerhouse for the region’s energy sector. Honeywell’s investment in our ecosystem will contribute to local economic growth and help create more job opportunities for Saudi nationals in advanced technology sectors.”
The new facility will become Honeywell’s eighth site in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the company’s strategic growth objectives in the Kingdom and its support for Aramco’s In-Kingdom Total Value Add (IKTVA) program to advance local capabilities in research, development and manufacturing of cutting-edge technology.
The facility will include engineering, manufacturing and assembly lines spanning Honeywell’s industrial automation and control equipment, field instruments, rugged mobile computers, gas detection equipment,
fire safety systems and building management systems hardware. Additional capacity for potential future manufacturing expansion, as well as customer demonstration facilities, is also planned.
Commenting on the announcement, Abdullah AlJuffali, Honeywell’s president of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, said, “The ground-breaking of our new facility at SPARK represents a significant investment and an important milestone in Honeywell’s long history of partnership with Saudi Arabia, which dates back to 1948. We are proud to support Saudi Arabia’s most important companies
in localizing and developing innovative technologies to advance critical sectors of the economy. SPARK is the perfect location for us to continue our journey of investment, localization and growth in the Kingdom in line with its sustainability goals and broader Vision 2030 objectives.”
The new facility will be developed in phases, with Phase One expected to be completed in 2024. Honeywell broke the ground for the facility at a ceremony attended by a delegation of global and regional Honeywell executives, including Vimal Kapur, president and Chief Operating Officer; John
SPARK is being developed into a 50km² industrial ecosystem designed to capture the total value from the energy value chain by acting as a principal gateway for the region’s energy sector. It contributes to Vision 2030 by supporting the Kingdom’s efforts in building a strong economy through diversification and localization of critical sectors.
Active in Saudi Arabia for more than 70 years, Honeywell plays a vital role in supporting and advancing the Kingdom’s industries. Honeywell also runs training programs that aid the country’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy. Alongside its target of becoming carbon neutral across its operations and facilities by 2035, Honeywell is helping Saudi Arabia reach net zero by 2060 through localized technology deployment.
CENTER IN SAUDI ARABIA’S KING SALMAN ENERGY PARK
HONEYWELL WILL OPEN AN ADVANCED REGIONAL MANUFACTURING CENTRE AT THE KING SALMAN ENERGY PARK (SPARK) — SAUDI ARABIA’S NEW ENERGY INDUSTRIAL ZONE
