Bgreen october 2013 by BGreen

Issue 38 | OCTOBER 2013

THINK SUSTAINABILITY, FEEL THE PROFIT We discover the iNNOVATION that comes from green business

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EDITOR’S PAGE 3

Publisher Dominic De Sousa COO Nadeem Hood Founder Liam Williams liam.williams@cpimediagroup.com Editorial Senior Editor Gary Wright gary.wright@cpimediagroup.com Contributing Editor Anoop K Menon anoop.menon@cpimediagroup.com Reporter Lorraine Bangera lorraine.bangera@cpimediagroup.com Advertising Director Harry Norman harry.norman@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 440 9131 Manager Junaid Rafique junaid.rafique@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 440 9134 Marketing Manager Jasmine Kyriakou jasmine.kyriakou@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 440 9128 Cesar Ypil cesar.ypil@cpimediagroup.com Design & Photography Senior Designer Marlou Delaben marlou.delaben@cpimediagroup.com Designer Cris Malapitan cris.malapitan@cpimediagroup.com Web Development Troy Maagma Maher Waseem Shahzad Production and Circulation James P. Tharian Rochelle Almeida Printed by Printwell Printing Press LLC Published by

Head Office PO Box 13700 Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 440 9100 Fax: +971 4 447 2409 Web: www.buildgreen.ae __________ © Copyright 2013 CPI. All rights reserved. While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.

A bad bunch I

t’s been a disastrous fortnight for the scientists on the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Its new report claimed it was now “extremely likely” that the world faces disastrous man-made climate change even though there is little evidence of the global warming dangers threated for two decades. The full report, which actually came out three days later, had been edited and amended in what appeared to be an effort to continue the environmental pressure on governments despite the lack of evidence. The IPCC is no stranger to such controversy. The small band of scientists who originally set the group up have never been slow in ensuring its view that increased CO2 emissions will cause calamitous global warming. In the past the group has been caught out trying to discredit anyone who disagrees on a couple of occasions and, most memorably in 1996, it stated there was now “a discernible human influence” on the planet’s climate when there actually wasn’t any such scientific evidence. Oh yes, large chunks of the report were edited out too. The IPCC’s days at the forefront of climate change policy and worldwide guidance are on the wane, the damage is done and few politicians can afford to take them seriously any more. The IPCC was set up in 1988 by a small group of scientists who all believed C02 levels were responsible for the rise in global temperatures. Many now argue that for the past 24 years they have simply sought to support their own theory – even though their computer models have been wrong, so far. Yet none of that matters. While the scientists have been scaring us with their sometimes theories (and building their reputations), the icecaps have refused to disappear and polar bears continue to thrive. The positive is that over the past 20 years we have all recognised that we have a responsibility to our planet and to our children’s children. We have to live and we have to find a way to live sustainably. Those UN boffins may have got it wrong but they have helped us all think about the effect we have on the world...and that has to be a good thing.

Gary Wright Senior Editor Sustainability Division

October 2013

CONTENTS

CONTENTS OCTOBER 2013

News 10 MENA 14 Really? 18 WORLD

Comments 25 Green building barriers Moheet Vishwas considers the future of green building in the UAE 55 Children make the future happen now Ajita Nayar looks at the importance of education in sustainable development 60 Inside track Ramon Arratia discusses circular economy... and reusing old fishing nets

October 2013

CONTENTS

ENERGY AND WATER 20 Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest solar plant goes live Giant California solar thermal project goes on line

CONSTRUCTION 29 Cleaning up the cement industry European cement manufacturers consider a new report to help them meet tough pollution controls by 2050

32 Building a green future BGreen and EmiratesGBC host its seventh collaborative series with experts speaking about implementing a green economy in the UAE

SPECIAL FEATURE 40 How sustainability breeds innovation BGreen speaks with business leaders about the innovation that comes from sustainable business models 44 Heavy metal... lighter touch BGreen visits Volvo Construction Equipmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first innovation forum to experience its vision for a sustainable future October 2013

CONTENTS

44 TECHNOLOGY 48 High rise KONE launches the UltraRopeTM which allows elevators to travel up to 1,000 metres for the first time 50 Turkey goes nuclear Russian organisation, Rosatom, helps Turkey build its first nuclear plant Akkuyu

64 OIL & GAS 64 Leadership in HSE Leaders from the oil and gas industry gather at the Global HSE Conference to discuss transforming the business processes into both safe and sustainable 68 TNT’s biofuel deal International courier firm to use old cooking oil to run its vehicles in the emirates

LEISURE 52 2020 Olympic’s nuclear shadow A look at Tokyo where the Fukushima Daichii nuclear plant disaster cast a shadow over it winning Summer Olympics 2020 bid

BUsiness 61 Bright future Dubai Municipality and Royal Philips set to transform 262 buildings from conventional to LED lighting

SOCIETY 70 Green Personality Rachel Carson’s works left a legacy and started the global environmental movement 72 Diary dates Events, conferences and roundtables 74 Sustainable past Oneida’s three-sister farming system

62 Sustainable solutions at The Hotel Show BGreen took at look at this year’s show in Dubai where sustainability topped the agenda October 2013

Expert Panel

Saeed Alabbar

Thomas Bohlen

LEED AP, Estidama PQP Vice Chairman Emirates Green Building Council Director Alabaar Energy and Sustainability Group

NCARB,LEED AP, BD +C, ESTIDAMA PQP Chief Technical Officer Middle East Centre for Sustainable Development

Dr Michael Kr채mer

DR Mutasim Nour

IVANO IANNELLI

Senior Associate Taylor Wessing (Middle East) LLP Legal Counsel Emirates Solar Industry Association

Director of MSc Energy Heriot Watt University, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence

William Whistler

Abdulrahman Jawahery President Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company Chairman GPCA Responsible Care Initiative

His Highness Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi

Environmental Advisor Ajman Government Chief Executive Officer Al Ihsan Charity Centre Chairman International Steering Committee Global Initiative Towards a Sustainable Iraq, UAE

The BGreen Expert Panel provides a platform for those across a wide sector of industries who are active in encouraging sustainable practices. real experts who can share their views, analyses, and research with our informed readers. Our panellists meet every few months to discuss news, strategies and solutions on focussed topics related to sustainability. OUR Panellists write for the magazine - opinions and analyses - as well as on our website in a portfolio format documenting their contributions.

Roderick Wiles

TANZEED ALAM

Managing Director Green Building Solutions International

Director - Africa, Middle East, India and Oceania American Hardwood Export Council

POLICY DIRECTOR EWS-WWF

Alan Millin

JosE Alberich

PAOLO CERVINI

The Panel is growing as we seek to form the ultimate taskforce of decision makers, academics, consultants and engineers that contribute and encourage a sustainable watershed across industries. If you would like to nominate an expert to join our panel, please email Gary.wright@cpimediagroup.com

LEED AP, Chartered Engineer consultant/trainer Middle East Facility Management Association

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October 2013

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NEWS | MENA

October 2013

NEWS | MENA

Mall of Emirates Kempinski Awarded LEED Certification Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates has been recognised for its renewable energy policy. It received the silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in the Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance category, after changing its operations to become more sustainable. After Dubai Government published its green commitment for the city, Kempinski joined forces with Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) to work towards

DOT’s 1st fully electric bus The Department of Transport (DoT) in Abu Dhabi has begun testing an electric bus. The single decker will run for more than six months on various routes around the city. Unlike many ‘green’ buses the new Ankai is not a hybrid, the fully electric bus uses a plugin technology which charges a battery to run its engine. The battery can reach 80% of capacity within three hours and 99% in four hours. One full charge can run for an estimated range of 200km.

A spokesperson from DoT said: “This electric bus functions and operates like any normal bus except that it is noiseless and accelerates faster. Four selected drivers will be trained by the distributor.” The DoT aims to develop strategies to promote a clean transport culture, including pollution and emission reduction technologies, recommendations for the conversion of existing vehicles and low or zero emission vehicles.

green developments in 2011. Achieving LEED certification is in line the Kempinski Renewable Energies (KREEN) policies, which was founded in 2012 to optimise the hotel’s energy efficiency. Konstantin Zeuke, General Manager of Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates said: “As per the Global Business Traveller Survey 2013, 47% of business travellers said they prefer to patronise ‘green’ hotels when staying out of town for work, which is a great advantage for us. We are extremely proud of

this achievement and of the commitment and dedication of our employees in acquiring this certification.” The LEED certification will help bring a substantial reduction in the impact the hotel has on the environment as well as reduced energy costs. In 2012, Kempinski, which has almost 393 rooms, saw a 9% reduction in energy and water usage as a result of the changes the hotel applied in line with LEED energy requirements.

Condenser add on cuts air-con bill 25% Up to 60% of energy in a GCC tower is used in the air-conditioning system and an American manufacturer claims its condenser optimiser can offer huge savings. The Articmaster offers a dynamic controller function, which can be widely used in HVAC systems for reducing energy consumption, decreasing carbon emissions and also improving system performance without overloading its compressor. A company spokesman told BGreen: ”A properly commissioned and fine-tuned Articmaster solution could easily improve the compressor efficiency above 20 to 25% in air-cooled chillers or package units.” In 2012 Gerab Energy Systems LLC was appointed by Articmaster as their sole distributor to market and stock this product in the region. This subsidiary of the Gerab Group of Companies, was set up by professionals from the energy and control fields to share their expertise in bringing energy efficient products and solutions to GCC.

October 2013

NEWS | MENA

Solar first for Qatar sports venue Innovations Unlimited ME has confirmed it has the contract to supply and install a state-of-theart roof-mounted photovoltaic system for the multipurpose hall at the Al Sadd Sports Club – the first sports new sports facility underway in Qatar. It will cost $142m and provide a 8,524-spectator covered venue for basketball, volleyball, handball, badminton and gymnastics, has a built-up area of 52,200m² spread over six storeys. The hall will be ready in time for the 2015 World Cup for Handball,

which will be hosted in Doha and is part of the Qatar Olympics Committee’s plan to use solar power in all of its existing stadiums alongside those being constructed for the World Cup 2022. The project deploys a contemporary photovoltaic system laid out over 1.8km 2 of roof area and will save more than 150 tonnes of CO 2 emissions every year, said Amr Belal, Managing Partner at Innovations Unlimited ME, the Qatar specialists in green and renewable energy solutions.

Al Sadd Sports Club, Doha

He told BGreen: “It is quite an honour to have won this project – we view this as a stage setter at a time when all eyes are on Qatar’s booming infrastructure and sustainable plans.” The new sports hall will be built by Ellaktor subsidiary AKTOR, the largest construction company in Greece. It won Qatar build-up contracts for three projects in Doha covering sporting, hospitality and security facilities. The contract for the Al Sadd Sports Club, worth $142m, was awarded by the Qatar Olympic Committee and will be completed in 20 months.

the Big 5 show promises leed and estidama advice This year’s Big 5 building show in Dubai will be hosting three special workshops aimed at increasing understanding of sustainability issues in the construction industry. There will be a workshop which promises “essential knowledge of sustainable building concepts that are fundamental to all LEED Rating Systems”. The workshops at The Big 5 show, presented by LEED leading expert Mario Seneviratne, will provide an essential knowledge of sustainable building concepts and explain how to apply these to real projects, which will enable attendees to improve their professional performance significantly. Dubai Municipality will be offering a free workshop on the latest Dubai Green

October 2013

Building Codes during The Big 5. Engineer Kamal Azayem, Mechanical Engineering Expert at the Building Department will present an “Overview of the Dubai Green Building Project”. including the challenges in meeting the increased demand on power and water and the latest update on the Dubai Green Building Project. He will also talk about assessment and certification of its green buildings and Dubai’s roadmap toward sustainability. Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council will also be introducing a workshop on the Estidama regulations titled “Understanding Estidama and the Pearl Rating System”. The Big 5 2013 will be held from November 25 to 28 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Organiser dmg events said the GCC construction market is one of the most buoyant in the world at present valued at $1.5 trillion. This year’s show will be bigger than 2012, with a new Building Interiors zone. Andy White, Group Event Director said: “Research has shown us that there is a clear need for a dedicated zone for building interiors products, particularly for the interior designers and architects who attend our show.”

NEWS | Really?

Acid attack New research in the waters of the Arctic reveals a growing threat unique to the cold ocean which helps protect the planet by absorbing milions of tonnes of CO2 but suffers increased acidity as a result. Lorraine Bangera reports

oceans absorb around of the world’s greenhouse gases

25%

October 2013

cidity is rapidly increasing in the waters of the Arctic region and poses a huge risk to the survival of marine animals. Acidity has a major effect on the rates at which corals and rocks grow or are dissolved. “A remarkable 20% of the Canadian Basin has become more corrosive to carbonate minerals in an unprecedented short period of time,” said US Geological Survey oceanographer, Lisa Robbins. “Nowhere on Earth have we documented such large scale, rapid ocean acidification.” CO 2 emissions increase the acidity of the sea if it absorbs too much and that affect decreases calcification rates in many organisms. Calcifying is an important part of growth to marine organisms as it helps to build shells and skeletons.

NEWS | Really?

If reduced, the organisms are most likely to dissolve into extinction. Corals, shrimps and plankton, among other marine creatures, are severely affected by this change. Any threat to them causes potential imbalance in the whole ocean food chain and the consequences are potentially devastating. “In the Arctic, where multi-year sea ice has been receding, we see that the dilution of seawater with melted sea ice adding fuel to the fire of ocean acidification,” according to co-author, and co-project chief, Jonathan Wynn, a geologist from the University of the South Florida. “Not only is the ice cover removed leaving the surface water exposed to man-made CO2,

ARCTIC OCEAN covers over

14,056,000 km2

the surface layer of frigid waters is now fresher, and this means less calcium and carbonate ions are available for organisms.”

CO 2 emissions can reach the deep seawater especially in the summers when sea ice in the Arctic declines. The freshwater melted from sea ice dilutes the seawater, further increasing acidity levels and reducing the concentrations of calcium and carbonate, which are the constituents of the mineral aragonite. Aragonite is one of the main minerals which make up the hard part of many marine microorganisms’ skeletons and shells. Species depending on these organisms for food are vastly affected by the reduction of calcium and carbonate concentrations. Ocean acidification models show that with increasing atmospheric CO 2, the Arctic Ocean will have crucially low concentrations of dissolved carbonate minerals, like aragonite, in the next decade. Researchers were able to investigate seawater chemistry at high spatial resolution during three years of research cruises in the Arctic, alongside joint US-Canada research efforts aimed at mapping the seafloor as part of the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf programme. Research shows that acidification in surface waters of the Arctic Ocean is rapidly expanding into areas that were previously isolated from contact

with the atmosphere because they were covered with thick ice. Compared with other oceans, the Arctic Ocean has not had the same research attention. “It’s a beautiful but challenging place to work,” said Robert Byrne, a USF marine chemist. Using new automated instruments, scientists were able to make 34,000 waterchemistry measurements from the US Coast Guard icebreaker. “This unusually large data set, in combination with earlier studies, not only documents remarkable changes in Arctic seawater chemistry but also provides a much-needed baseline against which future measurements can be compared.” Byrne credits scientists and engineers at the USF college of Marine Science with developing much of the new technology.”

Acidity is measured on the pH scale between 0 and 14: a pH7 of seven is neutral – pure water - pH6 is 10 times more acidic, and pH5 is 100 times more acidic than 7 and so on. Normal seawater is slightly alkaline with a pH of 8 or 9.

Why does the Arctic Ocean suffer most from CO2 emissions? • Cold water absorbs more CO2. With a constant water temperature of 0°C, the Arctic has the ability to absorb more readily than warmer waters. • Added melt-water opens ways for CO2 to reach the seawater

October 2013

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Ultrasonic water meter MULTICAL® 21 is your guarantee that the consumption of every single litre of water is accurately registered and billed. By contrast to a traditional meter, the electronic ultrasonic meter operates with low start and stop flows during the entire life of the meter. It has no moving parts and is, thus, resistant to wear and impurities in drinking water. In combination with the meter’s longevity, including up to 16 years’ battery life and minimum operating costs you are guaranteed the most cost effective solution. Smart design It allows you freedom to install the compact MULTICAL® 21 in all operating environments, horizontally as well as vertically independent of piping

October 2013

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The electronic ultrasonic water meter MULTICAL® 21 MULTICAL® 21 is a static water meter based on new technology. MULTICAL® 21 is a MID-classified meter in accuracy class 2, which has been type tested according to OIML R 49. The meter is used for measuring hot and cold water with temperatures from 0.1°C to 70°C. The MULTICAL® 21 range comprises three meter sizes: Q3 = 1.6 m3/h, Q3 = 2.5 m3/h and Q3 = 4.0 m3/h. The meter is available with connections G3/4 for 1/2” pipe or G1 for 3/4” pipe as well as overall lengths 105 mm, 110 mm and 130 mm, and furthermore with extension pipes adjusted for nominal dimensions of 165 mm, 190 mm and 220 mm. MULTICAL® 21 is sealed and verified, and the meter can and must only be opened by one of Kamstrup’s authorized service centres by means of special tools. If the meter has been

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opened and the seals have been broken, the meter is no longer valid for billing purposes, and the factory guarantee no longer applies. Accuracy and longevity MULTICAL® 21 has been type tested according to OIML R 49, which guarantees long-term stability as well as accuracy and reliable measurement. The meter has no moving parts and is thus resistant to impurities in the water, which secures longevity. MULTICAL® 21 measures with an accuracy which is better than ± 2 %, and the flow meter’s long-term stability and pinpoint accuracy is maintained even at flow sizes, which markedly exceed the nominal flow. With a starting flow of 3 l/h accurate measurement is maintained even at low flows. Thus, the consumer’s bill matches the actual consumption. Flexible installation The compact design makes it easy and fast to install MULTICAL® 21. The meter can be installed both horizontally and vertically independent of piping and installation conditions, in both new and existing installations. The specially designed big and mist-free display makes it easy to read the meter. In addition to volume reading, a graphic indication of current flow and a number of information codes are displayed. Furthermore, MULTICAL® 21 is fitted with an optical eye which makes it possible to read consumption data, data logger and serial PC connection for configuration of the water meter. High demands require high standards Ultrasound The static ultrasonic water meter MULTICAL® 21 is not exposed to wear due to impure water – contrary to traditional water meters. More than 20 years’ experience has proved that the ultrasonic principle is most reliable in the long run. Two ultrasonic transducers are used to send sound signals both against and with the flow. The ultrasonic signal travelling with the flow reaches the opposite transducer first. The time

difference between the two signals can be converted into flow velocity and thereby also volume. Vacuum sealing MULTICAL® 21 is constructed as a vacuum chamber of moulded composite material, which fully protects the electronics against penetration of water. The meter has been IP68 type tested, which documents that it is 100 % waterproof. This means that the meter can be sprayed with water and in meter wells, which are frequently filled with water. Leak surveillance MULTICAL® 21 constantly monitors the water consumption. If the meter does not register minimum one hour a day without flow, it can be an indication of an untight faucet or a running toilet cistern. This warning system helps you to quickly discover water waste, which reduces both water consumption and expenses. Environment friendly materials Meter case and measuring tube are made of the synthetic material PPS which is free from lead and other heavy metals. The water meter MULTICAL® 21 as a whole fulfils requirements to discharge of heavy metals. The environmental report of MULTICAL® 21 documents that the meter has low environmental impact as minimum 80 % of the materials can be reused when the meter is withdrawn from operation. Remote reading MULTICAL® 21 comes with integral

data communication for wireless M-Bus. Wireless M-Bus is oneway radio communication with open protocol. A Wireless M-Bus System consists of MULTICAL® 21 with Wireless M-Bus, a Wireless M-Bus Reader and a PC program for configuration and reading. The list of meters is transferred to the Wireless M-Bus Reader and reading data are quickly wirelessly exchanged between Wireless M-Bus Reader and PC-program. The data can subsequently be exported to a billing program. Billing Guarantee for accurate meter data is decisive when it comes to the consumer’s reliance in consumption billing. It gives consumer satisfaction and secures payments. The long-term stable and accurate ultrasonic water meter MULTICAL® 21 with Wireless M-Bus gives you optimum data security, and presents the consumer with a bill for the household’s actual consumption and thereby a bill which the consumer trusts completely. Our ultrasonic metering solution – your ultrastrong partner Kamstrup is the world’s leading producer of energy meters and system solutions for consumption measurement. Our core areas are measurement of heat, cooling, water, electricity and gas. Furthermore, in co-operation with you we develop AMR and service solutions that are customized for your company. We are represented in more than 60 countries worldwide by Kamstrup sales and subsidiary offices or by our distributors. All employees work hard to offer your company the very best service and to respond to global market information provided by our trusted partners. In this way we maintain a strong mutual co-operation. The Kamstrup brand – when you demand quality, reliability, innovation and partnership. www.kamstrup.com

October 2013

NEWS | world

Siemens arrives in Peru via spain

Above: Three Siemens wind turbines of the type SWT-2.3-108 (photo) and eight SWT-3.0-108 will provide a capacity of 32 megawatts. The blades and three nacelles will be produced in the USA.

Siemens has landed an order from Spanish wind developer Cobra Energia for 11 wind turbines with a total capacity of 32.1 megawatts. The onshore plant will be built and installed in Peru, near the city of San Juan de Marcona, with a target date of March 2014 to begin generating electricity. This order marks Siemens’ market entry with wind turbines in Peru. All of the blades and three of the geared nacelles will be produced at Siemens’ US plants. Additionally, the company will provide service and maintenance for seven years.

The project also marks the entry of Cobra Energia into Peru’s renewable energy market. It plays an important role in Peru’s energy goals to reduce its dependency on natural gas and decrease CO2 emissions. The wind power plant will consist of eight 3-MW direct drive SWT-3.0-108 wind turbines and three 2.3-MW geared SWT-2.3108 units. All turbines have a rotor diameter of 108 metres each and are installed at a hub height of 80m. “With this order from Cobra Energia we are expanding our wind power activities in South America,” said Mark Albenze, CEO

of Siemens Energy’s Wind Power Americas business. This is the first wind project for both of our companies in Peru and together we will provide clean, renewable power in a growing wind market.” “The blades will be produced in our factory in Fort Madison, Iowa, and the geared nacelles in Hutchinson, Kansas.” Wind power is part of Siemens’ Environmental Portfolio and in fiscal year that ended in 2012 the company’s revenue from the portfolio totalled around $47bn (€33bn), making Siemens one of the world’s largest suppliers of ecofriendly technologies. In the same period Siemens said its products and solutions reduced CO2 emissions by more than 330 million tonnes, an amount equal to the total annual CO2 emissions of Berlin, Delhi, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, New York, Singapore and Tokyo. The Siemens Energy Sector claims to be the world’s leading supplier of a broad spectrum of products, services and solutions for power generation in thermal power plants and using renewables, power transmission in grids and for the extraction, processing and transport of oil and gas. In fiscal 2012 (ended September 30), the Energy Sector had revenues of more than $35bn and received new orders totalling $34.4bn (€26.9bn) and the sector posted a profit of $2.8bn (€2.2bn). On September 30, 2012, Siemens Energy Sector had a work force of almost 86,000.

Europeans back compact sea power by 2016 A new $20m European project has been launched to look at harnessing the power of waves. Iberdrola Ingeniería, in partnership with the Swedish company CorPower Ocean and the Portuguese marine research centre WavEc, has embarked on the development of the R&D project HiWave, focussed on high efficiency wave power. This project aims to demonstrate wave power harnessing using a new type of compact device with advanced control technology and then design an offshore farm

October 2013

based on this new compact technology from the Swedes. CorPower - specialising in wave energy converters - will be responsible for designing the device, Iberdrola Ingeniería will oversee development the offshore farm, and WavEc will provide analysis and validation support during the various stages. HiWave has a budget of €15m ($20.4m), partly funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) through one of its knowledge and innovation communities (KIC InnoEnergy).

NEWS | world

CO2 emissions lower with Algae biofuels Google Buys 240MW of Wind Power in Texas

Algae-derived biofuels can reduce the life cycle of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by at least 50% compared to petroleum fuels, a US university study found. And it is claiming the energy return on investment (E-ROI) is almost equivalent to petrol production. The study claims to be the first to analyse real-world data from an existing algae-to-energy demonstration scale farm and indicates the environmental and energy benefits of algae biofuel are at least equal to first-generation biofuels, Algal Biomass Organization of Preston, Minn., said last month.“This study affirms that algae-based fuels provide results without compromise,” said executive director Mary Rosenthal. “With significant emissions reductions, a positive energy balance, nutrient recycling and CO2 reuse, algae-based fuels will be a long-term, sustainable source of fuels for our nation.” The study, authored by Andres Clarens, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University

of Virginia, is a life-cycle analysis of an algae cultivation and fuel production process used at pre-commercial scales. The authors examined field data from two New Mexico facilities operated by Sapphire Energy that grow and process algae into Green Crude oil, which can be refined into drop-in fuels, such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. The system evaluated can recycle nutrients and accept an algae feed that is as much as 90% water in the processing phase. The final product can be blended with refinery intermediates for refining into a finished gasoline or diesel product. It concluded that algae technologies at commercial scale are projected to produce biofuels with lower greenhouse gas emissions and E-ROI values comparable to first-generation biofuels. Additionally, the research indicated algae-based biofuels produced through the system on a commercial scale would have an energy return on investment that would approach the E-ROI of petroleum and would be three times higher than that of cellulosic ethanol.

In its latest renewable energy buy, Google confirmed last month that it will purchase the entire 240-megawatt output of the Happy Hereford wind farm outside Amarillo, Texas. The agreement is Google’s largest clean power purchase to date and brings the data giant’s wind energy portfolio to more than 570 MW – enough to power approximately 170,000 homes, the company said. The wind farm, which is expected to begin producing energy in late 2014, is being developed by Chermac Energy – a small, Native Americanowned company based in Oklahoma. Once completed, Happy Hereford will provide energy to the regional power grid that serves Google’s Mayes County, Okla. data centre. Google will sell clean energy to the local wholesale market, retire the renewable energy credits and apply additional credits to lower its carbon footprint – a structure the company says is a financially sound and logistically savvy way to provide local communities with clean power and shrink its own environmental impact.

October 2013

ENERGY & WATER The Ivanpah plant in the Mojave Desert will generate enough electricity to power 140,000 homes

World’s largest solar plant goes live Testing confirms operational readiness of California solar thermal project

he world’s biggest solar power plant has begun feeding electricity into the power grid in the US. NRG Energy Inc, through its subsidiary NRG Solar, announced last month that the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System produced its first output of energy when the Unit 1 station was synced to the power grid for the first time. Engineers say that achieving this critical “first sync” is a major milestone for the project as the test

October 2013

demonstrates the effectiveness of the station’s power tower technology. It includes giant heliostats that track the sun throughout the day, solar field integration software and a solar receiver steam generator. “Given the magnitude and complexity of Ivanpah, it was very important that we successfully complete this milestone showing all systems were on track,” said Tom Doyle, president of NRG Solar. “We couldn’t be more excited

about achieving ‘first sync,’ and we share this success with our project partners, BrightSource and Google, as well as Bechtel, which is responsible for engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning on the project.” Located in California’s Mojave Desert, Ivanpah is the largest solar thermal plant in the world, spanning 3,500 acres of public land. Once fully operational, the 392MW plant will generate enough electricity to power 140,000 homes

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annually. Ivanpah’s three power tower units will also nearly double the amount of commercial solar thermal energy capacity now operating in the US. Power generated from Ivanpah’s initial sync testing will go to Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), which has a power purchase agreement (PPA) for energy produced out of the plant’s Unit 1 station. Power generated from Ivanpah’s Unit 3 station is also sold under a PPA with PG&E, while Unit 2 is under a PPA with Southern California Edison. Proof-of-concept testing will also be conducted at Unit 2 and 3 in the coming months. “This is yet another major milestone that we have successfully achieved as Ivanpah approaches completion,” said David Ramm, executive chairman of BrightSource Energy, Inc. “Ivanpah is the showcase project for BrightSource’s power tower technology and technical expertise. Validation at this scale demonstrates the viability of our technology as BrightSource

increases focus on international markets and applications for concentrating solar power.” “With the cooperation of Ivanpah’s owners, we have been able to bring to life a world-class solar project that will help California meet its renewable energy goals safely and effectively,” said Toby Seay, president of Bechtel’s power global business unit. Rick Needham is director of energy and sustainability at Google. He said: “At Google we invest in renewable energy projects that have the potential to transform the energy landscape. Ivanpah is one of those projects. We’re excited about the project achieving this first sync – a landmark event along the path to completion. Congratulations to the many people who have worked so hard to get this far.” The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System is one of several NRG assets that are subject to a Right of First Offer Agreement between NRG Energy, and the newlycreated NRG Yield.

How it works: •

Ivanpah has no solar panels, instead, it has 300,000 mirrors.

•

They are laid out in rings around three giant towers.

•

The mirrors reflect sunlight onto vats of water sitting on top of the towers, super heating them to power a steam turbine.

•

That turbine provides sufficient energy for around 140,000 homes.

•

The technology used has been around for 20 years.

•

A small test plant that uses mirrored troughs to heat oil-filled tubes has been running in California for 20 years.

Storing the power: •

Ivanpah simple: mirrors, water boilers and steam turbines.

The power behind Ivanpah solar plant BrightSource Energy, BrightSource Energy is one of the world’s premier solar field technology providers for concentrating solar power systems to deliver reliable clean energy to utilities and industrial companies.

•

power. •

NRG and NRG Solar NRG aims to lead a customer-driven change in the US energy industry by delivering cleaner and smarter energy choices, while building on the strength of the nation’s largest and most diverse competitive power portfolio.

under construction in Arizona stores excess heat in vats of molten salt. •

It is a Fortune 500 company, which creates value through reliable and efficient conventional generation while driving innovation in solar and renewable power, electric vehicle ecosystems, carbon capture technology and customer-centric energy solutions. Its retail electricity providers – Reliant, Green Mountain Energy and NRG Residential Solutions – serve millions of residential and commercial customers throughout the country. NRG, through its subsidiaries including NRG Solar LLC, has more than 2,000 MW of photovoltaic and solar thermal projects in operation, under construction or in development across southern US.

“We stand apart for our ability to get the job done right—no matter how big, how complex, or how remote.” Bechtel operates through five global business units that specialise in civil infrastructure; power generation, communications, and transmission; mining and metals; oil, gas, and chemicals; and government services. Since its founding in 1898, Bechtel has worked on more than 22,000 projects in 140 countries on all seven continents. Today, its 53,000 employees team with customers, partners, and suppliers on diverse projects in nearly 50 countries.

That storage provides energy six hours into the evening, when air conditioning use is highest. A 110MW plant in Nevada promises 10 hours of storage.

•

It’s far cheaper to store energy in the form of heat than in a battery. A simple example is the coffee thermos. It stores the same amount of energy as a laptop battery. One

About Bechtel Bechtel is among the most respected engineering, project management, and construction companies in the world.

Brightsource is planning storage for future plants. A 280MW plant

Google Google is a global technology leader focussed on improving the ways people connect with information. Google’s innovations in web search and advertising have made its website a top internet property and its brand one of the most recognised in the world.

But there is no storage for generated

costs $5 and the other is $80-plus.

The future: •

This plant is not guaranteed to be the future of energy production. There are several in the US being completed at the same time because of funding offered for theser projects in 2009.

•

With the drop in photovoltaic panel prices and a fall in the price of natural gas, the US appears rto be losing interest.

•

Newer CSP projects are happening abroad, in places such as Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and China, where natural gas is still expensive.

October 2013

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comment | Vishwas

Green building barriers The Dubai government is due to introduce green building codes, which will dramatically effect the construction industry. But will it reduce the emirateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall carbon footprint and what about the existing buildings? Moheet Vishwas considers the future

rom smart cities to smart businesses, the sustainability drive is getting bigger and growing wide in the UAE where the rulers increasingly advocate turning to technological solutions. Dubai Municipality is expected to unveil the Dubai Green Building Code later this year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the announcement is expected to be made at The Big 5 construction exhibition in Dubai, which takes place between November 25 and 28

at the World Trade Centre. It is expected to include a full outline of the requirements for assessment and certification of new green buildings, with both clearly explained new regulations and the rationale behind their implementation. Regulations promise a comprehensive overview of the testing procedures for products under a new certification process. Legislation will be mandatory for all new projects across residential,

commercial and industrial sectors. The categories to deem buildings green and sustainable include latest ecological and sustainability regulations for developers such as building vitality, ecology, as well as energy, water and waste efficiency and effectiveness. Long overdue, but as they say itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better late than never, I for one am very keen to know more about this new initiative and to understand its contribution in determining the

October 2013

UNDER THE POWER OF APPOINTMENT BY KING ABDULLAH BIN ABDULAZIZ OF SAUDI ARABIA

SaudiGreenBuildingForum 17-20 November 2013 | Four Seasons Hotel, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Held under the Patronage of HRH Prince Dr. Mansour bin Metib bin Abdulaziz Minister of Municipality and Rural Affairs

towards a sustainable built environment Optimising energy efficiency and reducing operational and lifecycle costs in green buildings and sustainable infrastructure through critical design, build and sustainable management strategies

Key speakers include H.E. Eng. Abdullah bin Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al-Muqbil Mayor of Riyadh Ministry of Municipality and Rural Affairs

Dr. Ali bin Nasser Al-Ghafis Governor Technical & Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC)

Adel Hamid Engineering Consultant and Chairman,HVAC Standards Committee Saudi Aramco

Dr. Saad AlKasabi Governor, Saudi Standards Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO)

Eng. Hamad N. Al-Shagawi President Saudi Council of Engineers

Dr. Peter Mösle Board Member & Chairman of System Development Committee DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council)

H.E. Dr. Saleh Al-Awaji Deputy Minister for Electricity Ministry of Water & Electricity

Mayssam Tamim Assistant Resident Representative United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Dr. Omar Hazma BSc, PhD, CEng MICE, Assistant Professor, Geotechnical Engineering, King Saud University and Representative British Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) for Saudi Arabia

Why should you attend? • Align your business and strategy with the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Initiative for Green Building and Sustainability, the only event in Saudi Arabia under the power of appointment by the custodian of the two holy mosques • Indepth technical analysis on sustainable infrastructure and how green buildings support environmental and economic benefits from King Saud & Al-Imam Muhammad bin Saud Universities • Saudi Aramco will deliver a showcase presentation on applying green building concepts in mosque design – adaptable strategies for your project • 2 LEED BY U.S.GBC Workshops (LEED201 & LEED301) provide a foundation for pursuing the LEED Green Associate Exam (accredited by the Saudi Council of Engineers) • Global sustainability leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Egypt and Lebanon will deliver plenary and case study sessions that provide technical guidance and implementable strategies to take Saudi Arabia’s green building industry to the next level

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The Saudi commission for Tourism & antiquities unveil their green hotel initiative

comment | Vishwas

Moheet Vishwas is lead systems specialist with Infratech Controls. He trained in control and automation at CAREL headquarters in Brugine, Italy. At Honeywell Building Solutions he was involved in the Dubai Light Rail Transit project. He is MSc Energy (Heriot Watt), BE (Hons) Electronics and Electrical engineering (BITS Pilani) and LEED Green Associate credential. He has also recently completed a research paper titled “Simple tool for energy analysis of day lighting and artificial lighting for a typical office building lighting system design”. It has been accepted by Scientific and Academic Publishing, US, for publication.

impact of the green wave in this region for the near future Setting up a green building code is a necessary certainly a step in the right direction, but does it address the need of the hour? Existing building structures in the UAE represent 35 to 45% of domestic energy consumption if not more. Focussing sustainable efforts on new buildings alone won’t go far enough towards meeting the broader goals of reducing the overall carbon footprint in this region. The real challenge would be to introduce a series of regulations that would ensure that these existing buildings become more sustainable with least environmental impacts.

In the recent past, Etisalat along with Pacific Controls launched the Emirates Energy Star Programme to help reduce the energy consumption of existing buildings. The initiative has helped to eliminate more than 23,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions solely through monitoring, streamlining, and reducing energy usage through HVAC applications at over 80 existing buildings in the UAE. The total savings until now come up to 42,000 KWh or $3.9m. The amount of carbon emissions reduced is equivalent to planting 5,000 trees. The plan is simple: extensive metering to monitor and measure consumption. The aim is

to reduce the carbon footprint at buildings in the UAE by 20%. Encouraging as it is, a possible downside to a private sector initiative without a proper framework of government rules and regulations in place is that there are no accountability for their performances or promises. Diminished carbon emissions can be equated to planting trees but it cannot be called the same. Nevertheless it’s an initiative to roll wheels into motion and its figures are mighty enough to knock inspiration into other industry leaders. A good healthy competition always keeps its runners in check by pushing them to better themselves constantly. A holistic approach to reduce energy consumption in existing buildings while laying out stringent guidelines for new construction can ensure a sustainable future for the UAE and its inhabitants.

October 2013

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COnstruction

How the cement industry is cleaning up in Europe... but is it right for the GCC? Cement production is vital to construction but is hugely polluting but European manufacturers are considering a new report that can help them meet tough controls by 2050 as they seek to clean up their industry five routes to clean up cement production Resource efficiency Use of alternative fuels like biomass or waste materials has an immediate impact on the industry’s carbon profile. Energy efficiency Replacing older plants with more modern and efficient technologies and continually modernising existing plants will result in improved electrical performance. Carbon sequestration & reuse One long-term solution is carbon capture, whereby CO2 is captured at the source and then re-used or stored.

EMBUREAU, the European Cement Association, has unveiled its vision of what the cement industry could potentially achieve on the road to a low carbon economy of the future. The Role of Cement in the 2050 Low Carbon Economy lays out five parallel routes which can each contribute to lowering emissions related to cement production, as well as concrete production. Alongside vital improvements in the use of energy the report goes further than any previous report urging the industry to invest in recycling programmes for concrete waste when buildings are demolished. The report looks at the industry in two sections. The first three routes relate directly to cement manufacture and cover resource efficiency, energy efficiency and carbon sequestration and reuse.

The final two routes - product efficiency and downstream - look at how cement and concrete can contribute to a low carbon society was presented by Simon Leysen, from Morris & Chapman, at a dinner debate in Belgium hosted by CEMBUREAU on September 25. This project has focussed on what the sector sees as potentially contributing towards achieving a low carbon economy and the input and opinion of key external stakeholders has been of invaluable use during the project. During a dinner debate, the event host and keynote speaker, MEP KarlHeinz Florenz said: “The cement Roadmap is a view into the future. It shows us what is possible and where we find limitations. It is a good basis for future work, a good starting point. We need cooperation, not confrontation, but we also need to push each other to find new ideas,

Product efficiency After cement manufacturing, several techniques and processes are used that further improve the environmental performance of concrete. Downstream The sector looks beyond the factory gates and carries out research and product development to improve the environmental performance of concrete and how to reuse or recycle concrete.

October 2013

il st l a r s of Su

ility

Sustainability is also about social responsibility and the global community Operations

Creating a cleaner, healthier future for all the world begins at our own doorstep. At Diversey, we have made a public commitment to challenging, measurable reductions in our environmental impact. We know that the kind of innovative thinking that drives success is what will also drive continuous improvement in our operational profile, for profits, for people and for the environment.

OPERATIONS

Customers

We help our customers examine and reduce the environmental and operational impact of their businesses. With our expertise in cleaning and hygiene and our superior products, we help customers save water and energy and reduce labor costs while making their facilities safer, cleaner and more hygienic. Our innovations in product packaging, dispensing and dosing reduce waste, protect workers and improve the efficiency of product transport. We’ve reformulated products to remove chemicals that harm aquatic life or damage the environment and to provide solutions that contribute to better indoor air quality than conventional products.

CUSTOMERS

Partners

We collaborate with other industry and thought leaders around the globe to promote a sustainability mindset within our industry and to advocate for a cleaner, healthier future. Around the globe, we’ve established vital partnerships with government agencies, non governmental organizations and industry groups. We share our expertise and draw on the value that results when creative, passionate people unite their talents toward common goals.

PARTNERS

Workforce

It is through our employees’ talent, creativity and passion that Diversey is creating a cleaner, healthier future. We invest in our employees’ safety, well-being, training and career development. And we engage them actively in continuously improving our operational effectiveness and reducing our environmental impact. They are our company’s greatest asset.

WORKFORCE

Communities

We believe every place in the world that we do business should be better because we are there. Our emphasis on volunteerism and our employees’ generosity with their time and talent are helping Diversey create a cleaner, healthier future for the people whom we are privileged to serve as our customers’ customers. We encourage volunteerism through our Global Children’s Initiative to help children who live in poverty and through a host of regional and local efforts organized and implemented by employees who want to improve lives in their communities.

COMMUNITIES

Governance

At Diversey, we hold ourselves to the highest standard of ethical and legal behavior in everything we do - because we believe the right way is the only way to do business. We follow our detailed Code of Ethics and Business Conduct. The governing principle and theme of all our ethics training and compliance programs, "Ethics is Good Business," expresses our view of the fundamental role those high standards play in everything we do. We audit all our business practices regularly and rigorously, and engage a practice of continuous improvement.

GOVERNANCE

For more information please contact: Diversey Gulf FZE • P. O. Box: 61485, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, United Arab Emirates • Tel: +971 4 8819470 • Fax: +971 4 8819488 customerservice.uae@sealedair.com • www.sealedair.com

COnstruction

Peter Hoddinott, CEMBUREAU president

‘Cement will help the low carbon economy by 2050’ Cement manufacture accounts for 5% of man-made CO2 production – a tonne of cement produces 600-700kg of CO2.

new pathways, towards a more sustainable future.” CEMBUREAU’s president Peter Hoddinott said: “The European Cement Industry is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Much has already been achieved, and we can build on this experience to achieve a reduction of 32% in carbon emissions compared with 1990 levels. “Beyond that, with breakthrough technologies and a supportive policy framework, a potential reduction of up to 80% by 2050 can be envisaged. In addition, innovations in concrete construction can allow the industry to contribute more. For example, intelligently-conceived modern concrete buildings can use three quarters less energy over their whole life. With over 35% of Europe’s energy consumed in buildings, how concrete is used can have profound benefits for where we live and work tomorrow.” According to Koen Coppenholle, CEMBUREAU’s chief executive: “The cement and concrete industry can play a crucial role in helping Europe achieve its goals, since its vision sits well with European requirements and strategic objectives on employment, innovation, education, social inclusion and climate and energy.” Nevertheless, he also highlighted the fact that the cement industry can not do this

alone: “We are part of Europe’s industrial landscape and depend on other industries, governments and players to be able to deliver on specific parts of this roadmap.” You can download the full report The Role of Cement in the 2050 Low Carbon Economy here: http:// lowcarboneconomy.cembureau.eu

Cement use in the GCC

Saudi Arabia is expected to need $30bn (SR112.50 bn) of cement in the next two years with the UAE spending $4 bn in the construction sector. Industry observers say the cement demand across the GCC will exceed $49 billion in the next two years. Saudi’s demand for cement comes from its massive infrastructure with 80% relying on concrete. Experts say the GCC construction and contracting sector will surge until the end of 2015 but demnd is forecst to slow and fall slightly until 2020.

Yet concrete is the third most used substance in the world after air and water and that is the dilemma that faces construction across the world, says Peter Hoddinott, President of the European cement association CEMBUREAU. Writing in his foreword to the report he said: “This document will focus on what can be done to reduce CO2 in cement production using today’s technology, and will speculate on what could be achieved by 2050. “The cement industry is a leader in concrete research, development, production and technology. Through innovative application and concrete products, the contribution of the industry to the low carbon economy of 2050 can and will go beyond reductions in emissions from cement production.” Hoddinott refers to the many changes the world will face by 2050, from a population expected to top nine billion in a world economy four times larger than today’s, which uses 80% more energy and double the car ownership. “New buildings will be needed, which are energy efficiency and they will be vertical, there will be large scale projects to capture wind, sun and sea energy and coasts will need protecting from rising sea levels.” Hoddinott has no doubt concrete and cement are vital to that future. He said: “Concrete will be the main material of choice for most of these solutions. As an industry, however, we will not focus only on the solutions we provide, but also continue to act responsibly to manufacture with maximum care.”

October 2013

Construction

photographs by marlou delaben

Building a green future This month we hear from some of the people involved in implementing key areas of the green economy across the UAE as part of the Sustainable Solutions series hosted by BGreen and Emirates Green Building Council

he UAE has been at the forefront of sustainability drive in the Middle East region during the past 10 years thanks to a leadership that is committed to building and nurturing a green economy. In fact, the country boasts of highest share of green buildings in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as well as the largest solar thermal power project operating in the world. BGreen and Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC)

October 2013

chaired a round table discussion, the seventh in our collaborative series Sustainable Solutions, to understand the sustainability trends in different sectors of the economy. Round table participants were Ibrahim Al Zubi, head of CSR, Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) Group; Sarfraz Dairkee, general manager of corporate development & engineering, MAHY Khoory; P R Jagannathan, sustainability manager, EHS-Trakhees; and Ajita Nayar, education manager, Emirates

Wildlife Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;WWF. Discussion moderated by Anoop K Menon, contributing editor, BGreen. BGREEN: Given the diversity of Majid Al Futtaim Propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; business footprint, how has sustainability evolved within the group? Ibrahim Al Zubi: As an entrepreneur and mall developer, Majid Al Futtaim Properties has come a long way to become one of

Ibrahim Al Zubi Head of CSR, Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) Group

the biggest names in the region’s retail sector. When we decided to make sustainability an integral part of the company’s outlook, one of the first steps we took was to find out whether we had management buy-in. We engaged the different internal stakeholders and asked them why they wanted sustainability. The key value drivers of sustainability identified were brand reputation, moral obligation, long term profitability, license to operate and

corporate citizenship. Given the buyin and added value for the business, we engaged stake holders internally, came up with a policy and created a full time, dedicated post of head of sustainability – which I currently helm - reporting to the CEO. We have put in measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and tangible annual and long term targets that get audited every quarter by a third party auditor. To increase awareness, we also decided to become transparent and share these findings with our staff, the board and external stakeholders. BGREEN: Are the customer’s customer (i.e. the end consumer) enthused about the fact that they are shopping in a sustainable mall, for example? Al Zubi: Part of the marketing department’s KPI as sustainability targets is to do customer surveys. Our end-customers find shopping at Mirdiff City Centre mall, which is the first shopping mall in the region to have been awarded a LEED Gold rating, a positive experience in terms of its physical structure and fit outs compared to other malls. We also have government departments like Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) and Dubai Municipality (DM) using the mall to educate consumers about sustainable living. We are

now targeting the first LEED EBOM (The LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance) certified shopping mall in the Middle East. We want to document the engagement of our tenants and customers, see if they are aware. Interestingly, during a customer survey in Lebanon, buying a green building asset emerged as one of the top five most important deciding factors. A few days ago, I was part of a panel at the ethical branding conference in Dubai, and what came out is that customer awareness is definitely on the rise. BGREEN: What has been Emirates Wildlife Society–WWF’s experience in trying to promote sustainability among the schools in the UAE? Ajita Nayar: Nine years ago, EWS-WWF started environmental education programmes among students to raise awareness on environmental issues. We thought we will take it in a progressive manner, starting with environmental literacy... first using small booklets, and then progressing to an online education programme. While the programme had a good impact on students we were also keen to see whether the knowledge gained translated into any meaningful action. That’s when we decided to introduce the Eco-Schools programme. The EcoSchools programme deviates from a formal education strategy where typically teachers tell students what to do. In Eco-Schools, students are encouraged to be the core strategising group in the school. They try to identify what are the key environmental issues in the school and come up with solutions that are simple, practical and gives immediate results. For example, if they have observed that windows are open when the air-conditioning (AC) is running in a classroom, a very simple behavioural change they need to bring about is to ensure windows are closed when the AC is on. The keywords are simple and practical because many schools are not very comfortable in terms of doing retrofits or technological upgrades to conserve energy and water. Thus the core focus of the Eco-Schools programme is on behavioural changes that can help reduce consumption of resource. Over the

October 2013

33 photographs by marlou delaben

Construction

three years of the programme, EcoSchools have collectively reduced their water consumption by 12%. Figuratively, this may not be a huge number but for students to take the lead and come up with simple mechanisms means they are learning to think critically and come up with simple yet profitable solutions. BGREEN: Does this lead to schools themselves adopting green practices like energy efficient lighting, water recycling and the like? Nayar: One of our key messages to schools is that while they may find it useful to do retrofits or install energy saving LED lamps, they don’t have to rush into that. We advocate a more practical approach wherein if at any point of time, for example, they have to replace a damaged light bulb, they could do that with an energy-efficient lights like LED, should they have the finances. If not they could opt for the CFLs. We have also had a very interesting case in a government primary school where they don’t waste even a single drop of grey water from their wash basins. Instead of installing additional plumbing, they trained their janitors to collect the grey water in huge buckets and channel the same into their gardens. In schools, change is certainly taking place but in a gradual way. BGREEN: EHS-Trakhees has played a pioneering role, from a regulatory standpoint, in spreading sustainability message in the UAE. What were some of the challenges encountered in that journey? P R Jagannathan: In October 2007, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai issued a resolution late 2007 that effective from 2008, all constructions in Dubai would be aligned to green principles. At that time, TrakheesEHS was in the final stages of creating its own green building regulations. These regulations came into force effective January 2008 for all new constructions within the Ports, Customers and Free Zone Corporation/Dubai World jurisdiction. Compliance with these green

35 photographs by marlou delaben

Construction

P R Jagannathan, Sustainability Manager, EHS-Trakhees

building regulations was mandatory to obtain an NOC for building permit. This mandatory framework continued through the global economic slump and recovery. As of this day, there are nearly 70 LEED certified new constructions in Dubai of which nearly 70% are from our jurisdiction. The challenges were several and multifold – the property developers and clients were generally clueless about green buildings per se and the role of such buildings on the environment. But they knew that under the mandatory framework, they couldn’t get the building permit without complying with the green building regulations and obtaining the clearance from Trakhees-EHS. The challenges with the consultants were several. They used to visit our office with a letter of undertaking to comply with all the regulations and were expecting the NOC and the building permit based on that document. This essentially meant

that they undertake to comply with the requirement after obtaining the building permit whereas the very purpose of a regulatory review process is to ascertain and make sure that the proposed project fully complies with the green building regulations in terms of robust designs. We were of the strong opinion that sustainability should commence right at the design stage for maximised returns and cannot be left behind to be compensated at later stages. Once the building is issued with a building permit, the entire focus would be on hitting the ground and proceeding with the construction works rather than looking into incorporating green designs. Hence, such letter of undertakings, notwithstanding the genuine intentions would not help green buildings. We discouraged it right from the beginning and set on the most challenging task of incorporating robust procedures, strong guidelines and other mechanisms to facilitate and encourage the adoption of green buildings and meaningful design submissions; they sharply focussed on matters that are of key importance to the region such as energy and water. Accordingly, important design elements such as energy modelling reports, heat load calculations, water efficiency design predictions, envelope features and overall design consistency were insisted (made a must) and meticulously checked by the review team. These parameters were required to be locked and sealed from a design point of view so that if the contractor follows the designs, the building can expected

October 2013

Jagannathan: Initially, LEED gave certificates that didn’t have a validity period. But here, I would like to make a point that we shouldn’t have an obsession towards an international rating system. Whether it is New York or Dubai, all we are talking about is energy, water, waste, operations and behavioural change.

End of the day, without the full involvement and commitment of the management, sustainability cannot become embedded into the corporate DNA. moreover sustainability has to be economically feasible” to be reasonably compliant in the construction phase as well. On the same yardstick with operational measures and awareness, it can expect to perform to the extent of what was committed. What worked for us, in my view point, was making green buildings mandatory. Through strong reviews, we have managed to substantially reduce the gaps on the design compliance front. The stakeholders are aware of what exactly has to be done to achieve green design. The challenge has now shifted to construction and operation/postoccupancy phases. BGREEN: What would be the challenges in the construction and operation/postoccupancy phases? Jagannathan: There is an enormous awareness gap. Notwithstanding the green design and construction, we cannot say with assurance that all the certified buildings are performing as per the original predictions. This is not only a regional issue but a global one as well. It is important that post-handover from the contractor and the consultant, the building must behave ‘green’. First and foremost, the client or the investor and his Facility Management (FM) team needs to understand that the facility that they have inherited is a sustainable building (green building) and accordingly, requires a different set of approach, both technical and behavioural. Likewise they need to be aware that they deserve to derive the benefits of such a building in return for their investments. With this philosophy, they should start demanding the performance. However, in its absence, it would continue to be a property of neglect just like any other building. Very often, they come to know that measurement and verification is mandatory only after they come to us for an official fitness renewal. There are so many parameters in the operational phase that may

completely shift the engineering design estimate so those things have to be factored and calculated again. On the other hand, if the client is aware of the facility, he does not need to wait for regulatory intervention. Rather, he would lead the sustainability efforts in order to get the benefits and return on the investment. At the end of the day, without the full involvement and commitment of management, sustainability cannot become embedded into the corporate DNA. Moreover, sustainability should be incorporated to the extent that it makes a good economic proposition. Sustainability without direct / indirect profitability may lead to green washing. Nayar: Are LEED certifications permanent?

Ajita Nayar Education Manager, Emirates Wildlife Society– WWF

Al Zubi: While this is a good point, what is the solution? Even within the region, we have multiple green building standards, locally developed as well as international. Jagannathan: Within TrakheesEHS jurisdiction, you will find mostly commercial and office buildings, residential and warehouse developments. From our discussions with stakeholders, business units and clients, we realised that it is harsh to impose LEED regulations on a warehouse development which has a different nature of usage such as a large storage area with a very small conditioned space (say 100 m2 of air conditioning). So we started developing EHS In-House green building regulations for warehouses, targeting envelope, energy, lighting, controls and water. Instead of leaving it to consultants to mix and match and do the modelling, we prescribed in detail what needs to be done from basic engineering to design to operation. The same approach was adopted for villas as well. Al Zubi: We have considered coming up with our own green building standards. The issue is when you are trying to build a business case. We have a standalone energy policy supporting the green building policy because energy consumption is a key issue. Sarfraz Dairkee: In EGBC, when we started in 2004-05, we realised that there were multiple green building rating systems. But there is a difference between imitation and adaptation; what we wanted to do was adapt because only that enables you to get to the root of the matter. For example, then and now, LEED has two credit points for water efficiency. But in the case of the UAE, we found that energy and water have a strong nexus - every m3 of water is equal to 5-5.5 kWh of energy. At that time, we realised that one of the key issues to look at, from a sustainability standpoint,

October 2013

37 photographs by marlou delaben

Construction

photographs by marlou delaben

Construction

is water. Probably, we were ahead of time when we proposed threeline plumbing system to collect and re-use the grey water. Again, in this region, cooling accounts for majority of the energy consumption. So we tried to look into various aspects of air conditioning – for example, in those days, the emphasis was on air-conditioning the building. But it is not the building which needs air-conditioning; rather, it is human beings who need air-conditioning. The moment you adopt this approach, your entire design philosophy changes. Even today, a very large percentage of green building compliance remains a ritual. As long as it remains a ritual, you will never solve the problem. If you try to apply the same solution, you will get the same results. You cannot expect different results with the same solution. It only adds to the costs with very little value addition. To have the value addition, you have to ask what sustainability means to you. BGREEN: With the EcoSchool programme, did you have to face difficulties in adapting a concept developed elsewhere to local conditions? Nayar: The good thing about Eco-schools framework is that it is completely malleable. The framework can be tailored to local requirements. Dairkee: With schools, you don’t have to deal with ‘unlearning’ either. BGREEN: How did Majid Al Futtaim Properties navigate through the web of multiple green building rating systems? Al Zubi: Across our portfolio, we have hotels, big malls, community malls and community developments. We have mall assets in different countries with different climatic conditions. The fact we have sustainability policy, that sustainability is part of our organisation’s DNA is 50% of the job done. From experience, we found that it is easier to achieve LEED for malls and new-build hotels and EarthCheck for existing hotels. For multi-storied, in this

October 2013

Building standards was a key part of the seventh Sustainable Solutions round table

case the Waterfront City project in Lebanon, we did gap analysis between LEED, BREEAM and Lebanon Green Building Council’s ARZ Rating System. Unfortunately, ARZ is for existing buildings but we are supporting them to develop standards for new-builds. Recently, we carried out a gap analysis study for old standards and credits. Over the last two years, we have been training our project managers and development managers in all green building standards including LEED and BREEAM. I did this, not only to save money on green building consultants, but to help our team know which credits to choose and raise awareness internally. All over the world, building standards are developed by industry associations, USGBC being a great example. If EGBC came up a national green building standard for the UAE, I would find it easier to follow; similarly, I would prefer to follow the Lebanese Green Building Council’s standards in Lebanon. Dairkee: Even with green building standards in place, a green outcome cannot be guaranteed. It is important

to internalise the truth and adapt it. The solution to our kind of challenge is understanding what the critical thing is. You cannot define it and the moment you do so, it becomes very static. It is a moving object in the sense that your truth will not be my truth. I believe that every building has its distinct personality. Unless we address that, it won’t respond to our likes and dislikes. To know that, we have to identify the owner’s project requirements. The owner himself needs to be aware of the possibilities, dreams and aspirations and define them. Al Zubi: For aspirations to be translated into action, you still need to give a design brief, look at the spreadsheets, put in the investment. Jagannathan: The confusion about multiple green building standards and regulations is an issue for consultants. If it is EHS-Trakhees, it is mandatory regulation; if it is Sharjah, there is none; if it is Abu Dhabi, there is the mandatory One Pearl; if it is Dubai Municipality, there is none until next year. In fact, Dubai Municipality’s Green Building regulations were initially applicable

Typically, when a goal is set and policy created, the policy should have legal backing and enforcement... It really doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter whether you have government regulation or not: what really matters is that you are saving energy and water and that should be the key focus,â&#x20AC;? to government buildings from 2011; from 2014, they will be extended to the private sector as well. The way I see it, at least in Dubai, we have multiple stakeholders like Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Municipality, Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence and EGBC active in green building movement. There are lot of synergies to be gained by working together. Perhaps, the government can play an important role. Typically, when a goal is set and policy created, the policy should have legal backing and enforced through regulations. Policies help identify priority strategies, regulations and programmes. The programmes would have different time frames, resources, measurable metrics and reporting mechanisms. However, if you have a good technical team who are convinced that a particular approach will get

them 18% in energy savings, then it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really matter whether you have a government regulation or not; what matters is that you are saving energy and water, and that should be the key focus. What the government school achieved by collecting grey water and re-using for landscaping is a much more effective than investing in sophisticated grey water systems. Sometimes, a low cost practical approach that delivers quantifiable savings is preferable over savings promised on paper.

our data is proper and correct. We had to do our own benchmarking for the last three years, and it is a lot of hard work. Everyone in the room will agree that you cannot manage something that you cannot measure. We need to benchmark, collect data; we need a platform and a framework. We are benchmarking our assets through GRESB (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark). You need a benchmarking framework to see if you are doing well. This will also makes it easy to communicate the technical aspects to the top management. I feel that EGBC can play an important role here. Jagannathan: While one should not be discouraged by the absence of a benchmarking framework in Dubai, its absence is indeed a barrier for those who would like to assess their performance vis-a-vis others. How will we know what is the energy intensity of a villa in Al Quoz compared to a similar one in Jumeirah or what is the energy intensity of a tower on Sheikh Zayed Road compared to a similar tower in TECOM?

Al Zubi: While a green building code or energy labelling may not be necessary to start saving on energy and water, the challenge is in communicating these savings with stakeholders. We invested in a third party auditor to ensure that

Al Zubi: I believe that transparency is a big part of benchmarking and implementing green building standards. We have taken a big step towards that with our annual sustainability report. Jagannathan: A great example of such transparency on a broad level is one set by the Energy performance of buildings directive in UK which calls the requirement of an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for properties when sold, built or rented and Display Energy Certificate (DEC). While the extent varies within the range of properties, it serves to significantly promote awareness and provide the existing owners as well as potential buyers a complete energy background of the property that they own or planning to own. It also assists in potential tenants in choosing the most energy efficient property.

Sarfraz Dairkee, General Manager Corporate Development & Engineering MAHY Khoury

Dairkee: Enforcement can work only so much. For sustainability to work, it has to come from within. If you are making regulations and you cannot implement them, it is better not to make them at all.

October 2013

39 photographs by marlou delaben

Construction

cover story

Sustainability breeds innovation Innovation that comes from sustainable business models is proving to be a profitable route for many companies. Lorraine Bangera speaks to business leaders about the benefits of investing in the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future

A cargo bicycle, with an extended frame , made from bamboo which absorbs road shocks better than steel or aluminium... and is sustainable

any leading organisations today approach sustainability as a core business strategy. It may have started with small initiatives, like energy conservation, offering green product ranges and, initiating corporate social responsibility. But increasingly, sustainability is an integral part of the business model for companies across the world and especially in this region.

October 2013

Organisations with a strategic plan for sustainability have discovered it drives innovation in the way products are made. Saving energy cuts costs, minimising waste saves money and

designing a product or service with these two simple measures at the heart of the process encourages innovation. A well-made product is a quality product and, combined with consumersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; increasing desire to

cover story

We are committed to developing or investing in new technology to support sustainability wherever it occurs by 2025… so why not start now?”

support sustainability, producers can charge a premium for their investment in sustainability. Ross Jackson is the general manager of Delta Faucet Middle East, which makes bathroom fittings and home improvement products. He believes that sustainable design in taps has resulted in products that people fall in love with. He says: “Functionality and beauty makes a product desirable to customers. It is beautiful but the technology of the product is what underpins everything, the sustainability, water saving, usability and reliability.” He supports the view that choosing a sustainable business model will inevitably breed new business practice and that will also inspire other businesses. Additionally a company’s sustainability credentials make good

marketing tools, increasing business and encouraging other to change their approach. Delta Faucet has a well-earned reputation for its sustainability and innovative solutions to water saving but there are other benefits too, says Jackson. “Design is something that most people are interested in, but the core part of our business is the innovation we bring,” he says. “Technology is well packaged with our products, it is brains with beauty.” Delta sells a range of taps with ‘Diamond Seal Technology’ – so there are no dripping taps for a lifetime – but its lifetime guarantee boosts its sustainability credentials and value for money. Jackson says: “In the US, we have to test our products half a million times to meet industry standards. We test five million times. The product lasts a 100 years, and does not need replacing or maintenance and from a sustainability point of view, that avoids waste to go to landfills.” By its nature sustainability encourages quality products, focuses on reducing waste and, uses key resources which can be a powerful driver for developing innovative productsThere are significant opportunities for organisations to use sustainability to improve their businesses.

Common objections to becoming sustainable… and the reasons why you should consider it

‘Performance is more important than certification’ P.R. Jagannathanm who is the sustainability manager at Trakhees, has no doubt sustainability-driven innovation brings huge benefits. Trakhees is a support and development service organisation part of the Government of Dubai, which seeks to achieve prosperity and sustainable developments. According to Jagannathan, “The planet is confounded with the challenges of excessive emissions and climate change, leaving the stakeholders with no other option other than embracing sustainability in all facets that influence the environment. “Under these circumstances, there is an increasing trend to think out of the box and seek innovative strategies. From the built environment perspective, innovation has manifested itself in the areas of policies, technology and behavioural aspects too. “Region-specific green building regulations, customised regulatory processes, assimilation of technologies that directly address the needs of the region, spreading the awareness of design integration process across the stakeholder community and a greater focus on performing green buildings as opposed to mere paper certification are some of the critical factors that seek to transform the market and drive sustainability.”

October 2013

cover story

interest not only in the product but the environmental issue of discarded fishing nets in coastal communities.”

Top: A Porsche Cayenne hybrid, which combines an electric motor backed by economic petrol engine. Above: the Diamond Seal tap, which has alifetime guarantee.

Steven Pratt, spokesperson for Interface, a carpet tile manufacturing company, speaks with BGreen about sustainability-driven innovation. He says: “Our initiative, Net-Works aims to improve the livelihood of fishermen in many parts of the world. It has established a community-based supply chain for discarded nets that are then sent to our partner Aquafil to be recycled into yarn. Net Effect is the first collection of carpet tiles that will use recycled nets from the initiative and we are seeing increased

October 2013

Business model The most effective way to be a sustainable business is by producing products more efficiently – using less raw material, reducing the use of water and electricity. Pratt says: “Putting sustainability at the heart of our business has helped us save $480m in avoided waste costs since 1996 and made our products better than ever as sustainability provides an infinite source of innovation. Ultimately, we want to become restorative, giving back more than we take.” On the other hand, start-up companies are increasingly taking on the responsibility of being sustainable and are incorporating it in their business model. For example, Green Office Company, a Dubai-based company known for creating a ‘greener’ office environment through interior design, has taken sustainability as its core value to design products that are green and concentrate on sustainability with innovation. The CEO of Green Office, Krishna Kumar drives the new Porsche hybrid and clearly recognises the seismic change going on in business and the benefits sustainability brings. He says: “Sustainability today is

changing industry competitiveness. In addition to creating better productivity and products, sustainability is enabling companies to formulate new business models and processes which are, actually, the very goals of corporate innovation itself.” For smaller companies it is comparatively easier to design a sustainable business model giving them an advantage over bigger companies where instigating change can take longer. The concept of innovation driven by the need to achieve sustainability is not region specific, everywhere in the world there’s a need to be sustainable - reducing CO2 emissions and waste. The consumer economy is disappearing, the circular one is taking over where sustainable products and services increase and consumers expect to see it. A successful business model that is not sustainable but is profitable leads some companies to avoid reworking their strategy for fear it will damage profitability. It is estimated that by the year 2025 everyone will be committed, by law or circumstance, to develop or investing in technology to support sustainability. It will happen, so why not start now?

Sustainability today is changing industry competitiveness. In addition to creating better productivity and products, sustainability is enabling companies to formulate new business models and processes which are, actually, the very goals of corporate innovation itself.”

special feature

Heavy metal

... lighter touch Volvo Construction Equipment held its very first Innovation Forum at Eskilstuna - 100km west of Stockholm in Sweden - home of the heavy machinery division. Volvo CE invited journalists from around the world to share its vision for a sustainable future. BGreen’s Lorraine Bangera joined the ride

he two-day event began with a tour of the town’s Munktell Museum – a look into the company’s rich historic past. Volvo today has a direct link back to 1832 when Johan Theofron Munktell began building industrial machinery

October 2013

and by the middle of the century, steam engines and locomotives. Volvo CE is the oldest industrial company in the world still active in the field of construction equipment. The second day of the forum looked at the role innovation plays in the

Definitions of innovation by Volvo CE •

Full adaption to customer needs

•

Quality secured

•

Care for the environment

Special feature

environment and in creating future technology. The day-long forum included work stations detailing six areas of Volvo CE innovation, as well as a factory tour and a manufacturing innovation session. The six work stations looked at the role innovation plays in drivelines, emerging market engineering, design, the company’s core values of quality, safety and environmental care, Tier 4 Final/ Stage IV compliant engines and the technology of the future. During the opening speech Anders P. Larsson, executive vice president of technology at Volvo CE, said: “An important aspect about innovation is quality.” He explained how innovation does not necessarily mean making more complex products, but simply making machine maintenance easier. Gunnar Stein, director of driveline systems at Volvo CE emphasised the role of sustainability, “Drivers for innovation must include environmental care and efficiency.” Volvo CE concentrates on using innovative solutions to help build the company from within as well. Employees are given the opportunity to be a part of the action, for example every month one day is solely dedicated to work and talk about improvements that must be made in the company. The factory is shut on that day to help all employees contribute. Ivan Obrovac, general manager of Eskilstuna operations said: “Last year 7% of the mistakes commonly made during production was reduced, while 5,600 improvements were made. KPI was the key.” Climate Savers “Environmental care is much more than just a corporate goal, it’s something we take very seriously and are working hard to do,” says Arvid Rinaldo, global communications

Environmental care is much more than just a corporate goal, it’s something we take very seriously and are working hard to do.” Arvid rinaldo, global comms manAGER.

Anders P. Larsson, executive vice president

Pillars of innovation Ivan Obrovac, general manager of Eskilstuna operations – Volvo CE, explained the three pillars of innovation that has sustained its long history. Involvement, culture and endurance. Involvement: Involving employees and considering their suggestions is vital to helping a business prosper Culture: Culture can only be a factor once all the employees are involved and take responsibility, are educated with the right know-hows, and training. Endurance: Making a company last is a question of leadership, once an initiative is taken, following up is essential.

strategy manager. Joining forces with the Volvo Group, the company joined the Climate Savers Programme operated by established environmental organisation World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 2010. The Climate Savers programme is WWF’s global platform to engage business and industry on climate and energy. Member companies take on two commitments: First, become the best in class in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and second to influence market or policy developments by promoting their vision, solutions and achievements. Volvo Group was the first heavy truck manufacturer to sign the agreement. The company undertook to reduce carbon emissions by 13 million tonnes from vehicles manufactured and sold between 2009 and 2014. Volvo CE aims to reduce carbon emissions from its products and factories, while developing new

Volvo’s vision broken into several themes carried out one at a time for three years: •

Zero unplanned stops

•

Zero accidents

•

Intelligent machines

•

Zero emissions

•

Higher energy efficiency

•

Total business solution

October 2013

special feature

Number of countries in the world

193

Emerging markets in terms of innovation and construction: Brazil, Africa, and India.

Number of Volvo CE dealers

211

152

countries have construction work

technologies to improve fuel efficiency and develop alternative fuel solutions. As part of the Climate Savers programme, Volvo CE to develop new prototypes with improved fuel performance. Volvo CE will explore advanced powertrain technologies internally and present a prototype with significantly improved fuel efficiency by the year 2014. Innovation in design Innovation isn’t just about the technical elements of a machine, says Volvo CE. Design, helps people experience things with their senses. In a recent survey, one machine operator said that working with a Volvo CE machine makes his job seem less brutal – demonstrating that design can have a profound

Volvo and sustainability In September 2013, the Volvo Group once again qualified for the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI). The DJSI evaluates 3,000 largest companies in the world based on how they are working on strategies in the areas of environmental and social factors to create longterm value. The group’s successful work with the environmental policy and management systems related to the focus of attention in the report. The Volvo Group is ranked among the top 300 companies on the list. It also noted for its large improvements in how the business works to prevent corruption. Other areas highlighted were the group’s commitment to innovation in both products and processes.

October 2013

impact on how operators feel about their working lives. Design isn’t just about form but also about function: if a machine looks good but isn’t useful, that isn’t design – it’s just style. Design director Stina Nilimaa Wickstöm said: “Design merges the technology and human relation. The combination of ergonomics, aesthetics, and emotions, is essential to create demand for a product.” Tier 4 Final/Stage IV engines In one of the largest development projects in the Volvo Group’s history, Volvo CE’s Tier 4f/Stage IV compliant engine line - developed with Volvo Trucks will be fitted to the company’s machines in 2014. Peter Engdahl, manager of engine performance, discussed product development for the new engines, including the rigorous testing and validation process that took the engines into the world’s harshest climates. Engdahl specified some of the new changes made include: a further optimised engine platform, a new developed exhaust, machine installations and new engine management systems. Asked if the new installations make the engine more complex, Engdahl said: “We actually take out the complex process and keep the new installation. This is tricky, it isn’t easy. It takes four years of research and development.” Emerging markets Deeply rooted in its Swedish heritage, Volvo CE has managed to spread wider on a global scale and plans to increasingly do so in the future. Tommy Streipel, director of wheel loader platforms, talked about

the wheel loader product line and how it is tailored to different markets. For example, the new L105 wheel loader is geared specifically towards customers in China. Research indicates that some of the emerging markets in the next 20 years in terms of innovation and construction include Brazil, Africa, and India. On the other hand, today the US is the biggest market for construction, Japan is another big player in the sector. However, Streipel concludes, “market size of the emerging countries will definitely increase more than Europe and North America as urbanisation grows.” Factory tour There are 840 employees working at the Eskilstuna Volvo Factory. Machining, hardening, assembling and painting are carried out at the factory. Journalists were given a tour of Volvo’s Eskilstuna production campus to learn more about how operations contribute to innovation within the company. The tour was led by Jocke Höök who is the internal communication manager. Volvo days This year marked the 55th anniversary of Volvo CE’s popular Volvo Days event. More than 5,000 customers and visitors from Sweden and around the world were invited to visit the customer centre in Eskilstuna. The three week event started on August 27, and gave visitors a glimpse into the company’s history, products and services. The performance featuring construction equipment used from the 1960s to the latest form was showcased at its best with rock music pumping up the crowd. Journalists were given the opportunity to be the first to witness the Volvo Days this year. Volvo CE presented the opportunity to drive the trucks individually with the guidance of a qualified professional.

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Technology

High Rise

For the first time new carbon-fibre elevator cables make the 1,000m high single shaft possible

KONE has been listed as the world’s most innovative companies for the three consecutive years by Forbes magazine. KONE, which manufactures, installs, maintains and modernises elevators and escalators, has just launched UltraRope™ which allows elevators to travel up to 1,000 metres for the first time

stablished in 1910, the Finnish company is leading elevator and escalator production across the world, with around 40,000 employees, and annual net sales of $8.5bn in 2012. Since arriving in the Middle East in the 1980s, KONE has contributed to many of the region’s most high profile construction projects, including the Princess Tower in Dubai – the world’s tallest residential building - the awardwinning Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi, and The Clock Tower in Makkah. KONE UltraRopeTM provides ecoefficiency, reliability and durability, while also improving elevator performance.With the growth of tall buildings, KONE set about solving one of the oldest problems in skyscraper

October 2013

design. Existing steel elevator ropes have disadvantages: high energy consumption, rope stretch, large moving masses, and downtime caused by building sway. So the search was on for a lighter, more economic elevator cable and by designing the solution, KONE came up with a second huge benefit. Length and weight of steel elevator cables prevented single shaft lifts from travelling much above 500-600 metres but the new carbon fibre UltraRopeTM has now made the 1km vertical journey a reality.UltraRopeTM includes a robust carbon-fibre core with a high-friction coating. KONE was the first company to introduce the machine-room-less elevator in 1996, the MonoSpace®.

At the heart of this product, was the newly developed EcoDisc® hoisting machine, which is a very compact and energy efficient motor. Further development of the EcoDisc® machine, together with new technologies, such as the regenerative drive and LED lighting, have further improved the ecoefficiency of KONE elevators. KONE has cut the energy consumption of its volume elevator products by over 70% from 2008 to 2012. Another breakthrough innovation loved by construction companies is the JumpLift, a self-climbing elevator, which can be used during construction time to transport people and goods, even before the building has been topped out.

TEXT BY LORRAINE BANGERA

Farnek Avireal

Total Sustainable Facilities Management Contact Us Over 30 years in the UAE 1700 employees 7 oďŹ&#x192;ce locations 1 contact number

800 FARNEK (327635) PO Box 5423, Dubai, UAE info@farnek.co m www.farnek.com

Technology

goes nuclear

Turkey’s energy imports amounted to more than

$60billion

Turkey

in 2012

More than 30 countries have nuclear reactors, which produce 13.5% of the electricity distributed worldwide. Turkey is building its first nuclear power plant with the help of the Russian government. Lorraine Bangera reports

urkey has agreed to build it first nuclear power station called Akkuyu at a cost of $20 billion. Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Taner Yıldız, says the project is part of a determined effort by the country to cut reliance on foreign imports for energy. Turkey currently imports 72% oil and gas and has been considering nuclear energy for more than four decades.

October 2013

The nuclear power plant will be built in the Büyükeceli region around the Mersin province, and will generate 4,800 MW– enough to supply the electrical demands of more than one million people. The agreement with Russia includes future cooperating in other areas like the treatment of used nuclear fuel, radioactive waste, and decommissioning. Russian state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom Nuclear

Energy State Corporation will build, own and operate the plant. Rosatom will provide finances with 100% equity in the Akkuyu project and once complete it will sell up to 49% back to the Turkish government. Funding is expected to take 15 years to pay off at which stage the Turkish government will receive 20% of the plant’s profits. The power generation licence and environmental approval are expected by the end of 2013,

Technology

430

Over commercial nuclear power reactors create

372,000

MW of electricity around the world is equivalent of

15%

of global demand

The MENA region is expected to spend approximately

$400

billion in nuclear projects for

constructed in Sinop, a region around the Black Sea. The Franco-Japanese consortium has been planned to be built since February 2008, along with a $2.3 billion nuclear technology centre. There are also proposals to build a third plant in an effort to meet the nation’s predicted 100 GWe requirment by 2030. Reports suggest that Turkish Atomic Energy Authority has identified Igneada on the Black Sea, 12km from the Bulgarian border. Last month Rosatom presented its technological proposals for the expansion of the Paks nuclear power plant in Hungary. Rosatom is one of five candidates that meet the tender specifications for expansion. The company’s AES-2006 design for Russian power plants combines active and passive systems and Rosatom’s bid for the expansion of the Paks plant will be based on that technology. The $13.6 billion investment could be recovered in 15 years and Hungarian suppliers could get 20-30% of the contracts. Rusatom Overseas Magyarország, the Hungarian branch of the Russian company, is set to hold a conference with suppliers.

the next years

and the construction licence is expected in mid-2014, enabling full construction to start in 2015 or January 2016. Other nuclear projects Turkey’s second nuclear plant will be

The agreement with russia includes ciopoperating over radioactive waste treatment, disposal of used fuel rods and decommissioning”

Highlights: AKKUYU NPP Project cost: $20 billion Construction time period: 2011-2023 Implementation scheme: Rosatom BOO Total capacity: 4,800 MWe

Organisations involved Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources: is responsible for meeting energy needs.

Supporters say nuclear energy is sustainable opponents believe the risks are too great

Advantages • • • • •

No greenhouse gas emission New fuel is easily transported Waste is more compact than other sources Fuel cost is comparatively less expensive Fuel can be easily transported

Disadvantages • • • •

Capital cost is expensive compared to renewables Potential nuclear proliferation issue Safety and protection have tro be of the highest standard Long-term storage

Turkish Atomic Energy Agency (TAEK): was set up under the 2007 law to set the criteria for building and operating nuclear plants. It incorporates the regulator. Atomic Energy Commission: oversees all nuclear activities, submits budgets to the prime minister, and sets TAEK’s programmes. The Turkish Electricity Trade & Contract Corporation: buys the power for distribution. Turkish Electricity Transmission Company: is the power grid operator.

October 2013

Leisure

text by lorraine bangera

2020 Olympic’s nuclear shadow The Fukushima meltdown in 2011 left Tokyo with a tough legacy as it begins preparations for the Summer Olympics in 2020. But the city is already recognised as one which takes its green image very seriously

October 2013

ast month, Mayor of Tokyo, Naoki Inose, announced that his city won the bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympics Games. Its biggest obstacle in convincing the Olympic Committee was to assure them that the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant 240km from Tokyo posed no risk to visitors or athletes. In September, Mayor Inose said the award was a triumph for his country and would have a positive effect on those affected by the disaster. At the news conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where the Olympic Committee made

its decision he said: “I hope that the Games will bring some form of encouragement to the areas affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.” Fukushima, the aftershock March 2011’s earthquake and tsunami lead to a devastating nuclear meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), plant owners, has now admitted contaminated wastewater which leaked last month from a temporary storage tank may be spreading.

Main picture: Tokyo, Japan, and below, the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami which has left a radioactive legacy for the country

Olympics. The government pledged earlier this month to tackle the problems at Fukushima Daiichi as a separate issue aimed at protecting its people and country now.

High levels of strontium and other radioactive substances were measured in water collected from a new well 20 metres from the fourth reactor that leaked. Another sample collected from a well on the coast side, next to the first reactor showed dangerous levels of tritium. Government and TEPCO officials met for the first time in September to discuss how to stop radioactive water leaking into the Pacific Ocean. The Japanese government now plans a frozen underground wall at the damaged nuclear power plant as a test, which its scientific experts say will keep radioactivity in and protect groundwater. Currently, an estimated 400 tonnes of groundwater flows into the plant’s reactor buildings every day, adding to the problems of

radioactive wastewater on the site. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he would mobilise the expertise of all government authorities to play a “proactive role” in managing the disaster. He said: “Instead of leaving this up to TEPCO, the government will step forward and take charge.”

Mayor of Tokyo, Naoki Inose

Preparations for the 2020 Summer Olympics According to Tokyo’s regular testing, radiation levels in the air, water and soil in the city are too low to be detectable and preparations are now underway for the 2020 Summer

Climate leader Away from its radiation issues the Japanese government and Tokyo have earned a strong reputation for its green credentials in recent years. Before being announced as host city the Summer Olympics 2020, Tokyo had won an award at the first City Climate Leadership Awards for its Tokyo Cap-and-Trade Programme. The presentation took place on September 4 from Siemens and the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group at a ceremony in London. The seven-member judging panel comprised former city mayors, architects and representatives of the World Bank, C40 and Siemens. There were more than 35 projects being evaluated as finalists from 29 cities across the globe. Under the Cap-and-Trade Programme, there are mandatory targets set for reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions. Largescale emitters must submit and publicly display their annual emissions reports and emissions reduction plans. Yuki Arata, director of the Tokyo Cap-and-Trade Programme, Bureau of Environment, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, said at the ceremony: “The programme helped us in overcoming the post-earthquake power crisis in 2011. That year we achieved 23% CO2 reduction.”

October 2013

53 text by lorraine bangera

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Comment | NAYAR

makethe

future happen

Children

now

Ajita Nayar, heading the education programmes at the EWS-WWF, talks about the importance of education for sustainable development

ince the United Nations declared 2005 – 2014 as the decade for ‘Education for Sustainable Development’, the subject has been a leading topic in schools. Contrary to the traditional way of teaching, education for sustainable development means adopting a more holistic approach to education with the aim of creating a better world for this generation and future generations of all living things on planet Earth. This allows every child

Eco Schools Green Flag Award Ceremony 2013

to acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary to shape a sustainable future. The initiative is not only about being environmentally-friendly; it also involves developing lifeskills including leadership, communication and management; all of which are extremely important for personal development. By equipping young people with these relevant capabilities in addition to their environmental knowledge, they can excel at living lives which not only further humanity, but that care for and respect the planet’s resources too. People tend to view development as an essential and normal

process, but when this process becomes increasingly dependent on over-exploitation of our natural resources, the replenishment of these reserves and supplies is affected - and managing this imbalance assumingly demands a slightly different school of thought. One way to cultivate this mind-set in our youngsters is by encouraging sustainable lifestyles through education for sustainable development. Living sustainably is about changing our attitudes in a

October 2013

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5-7 November 2013 • Beach Rotana Hotel Abu Dhabi, UAE CONFIRMED EXPERTS LEADING THE WATER SECTOR: MINISTRIES AND WATER AUTHORITIES

LEADERS IN WATER INFRASTRUCURE DEVELOPMENT

MINISTRIES AND WATER AUTHORITIES

Mohammad Alatrash, Director of Water Resources, Ministry of Water and Irrigation, Jordan

Abdulla AL-Shehi, Head Business Support Section Abu Dhabi Gas Industries Co. (GASCO)

Eng. Suhaila Marafi, Director Research & Studies, Ministry of Electricity & Water, Kuwait

Dr. Ibrahim al-Ghusain, General Manager , Utilities Development Company & Director, Projects Development, Kharafi National

Alan Thomson, Managing Director, Abu Dhabi Sewage Services Company (ADSSC)

Mohsen Mortada, General Manager, Malcolm Pirnie Arcadis

Dr. Corrado Sommariva, Managing Director Generation Middle East, ILF Consulting Engineers Abu Dhabi & President of the International Desalination Association

Mohammed Al Hajjiri, Director of Water Forecast, Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Company (ADWEC)

Jesus Sancho, Middle East General Manager, Acciona Aqua

Ghassan Ejjeh, Senior Vice President BESIX Group & Past President of the International Desalination Association

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING:  Power required to acquire and process water: the water energy nexus impact and commercial affects  Regional water risk mitigation strategies to address water shortages and better understand total water cycle management and related applications  Exclusive data on what clients require to help them upgrade and improve water storage and pipe networks  Plans for creating emergency water supply and reserves: detailing the opportunities in Qatar  New opportunities from clients as they reinforce their water integration plans and showcase tactics for managing their urban planning strategies  Stay ahead of your competitors who are reacting to the market slow-down by implementing and adopting new technologies that meet clients’ needs  Direct and implement operation and maintenance strategies that will reduce repair costs and ensure reliability in water projects  Learn from case studies on how to monetise successfully TSE initiatives in the region

Lunch sponsor day 1:

Breakfast sponsors:

Matthew Griffiths, Director of Water Strategy & Reuse, Regulation and Supervision Bureau, Abu Dhabi Neil Kimble, Sector Managing Director, Hyder Consulting, Qatar

Highlights NEW! STRATEGIC STREAMS: focus on ground water sources, water storage and transportation with new industrial uses for water in the steel, chip manufacturing and fish farming sectors BACK! ENTIRE WATER VALUE CHAIN INVOLVEMENT: Hear from policy makers, regulators, urban planners, project owners, developers, water consultants operators and water solution providers on future views of water quality, governance and security BACK! DESALINATION AS A DRIVER FOR FOOD SECURITY: One full day devoted to innovative small and large scale desalination projects and new uses of desalination as a fuel for addressing food security challenges NEW! PROJECT UPDATES: Hear the latest on key projects in Iraq, Jordan and Libya from key personnel involved in projects MORE! TWO HOT TOPICS COVERED AT THE VIP BREAKFAST BRIEFINGS: • Mitigating and dealing with water leakage and loss through sustainable water systems • Implementation Of Water Reuse Technologies Across The Domestic And Industrial Sectors

Lunch sponsor day 2:

Conference sponsor:

PRE- MASTERCLASS, Tuesday, 5 November 2013 REDUCING LIFECYCLE COSTS AND THE ANALYSIS ON HANDLING UPFRONT COSTS VERSUS MAINTENANCE COSTS

www.menawaterconference.com

Hosted & sponsored by:

Comment | NAYAR

way that helps transform our lives into something that doesn’t impact too heavily while using the planet’s resources in moderation. Education for sustainable development incorporates key environmental challenges like climate change into core subjects like math, science and art, and involves modifying the teachinglearning process to a more allencompassing approach. When this type of education is adopted, students are able to relate what they learn in the classroom to their real life actions, and will be in a better position to take the lead in changing behaviours and adopting sustainable lifestyles. As schools no longer function in isolation, their integration with the world outside has exposed students to different people and cultures, giving them the opportunity to appreciate what the planet offers, while respecting the need to use resources efficiently and responsibly. Eco-schools The decade of ‘Education for Sustainable Development’ is already proving popular with thousands of students across the UAE taking part in environmental education programmes; among them are Be’ati Watani and eco-schools UAE, both implemented by EWS-WWF. These two programmes are serving as vital tools for schools to produce environmentally-responsible citizens. One evident example of how environmental education is helping to shape a sustainable future would be how an eco-school in the UAE was recently awarded the Green

In Ras Al Khaimah a head teacher agreed to pupils’ requests to put water dispensers in the corridors so they could bring a reusable bottle to school saving money and plastic

Flag, a symbol of excellence in environmental performance. These students identified the need for more wall space to spread environmental awareness messages in their school, so they created a massive mobile wall of used cartons piled one above the other. Besides reducing the amount of waste produced in their school and saving school funds, these students put forward the important message within their school community and beyond, of thinking innovatively to make maximum use of available and reusable resources. There are numerous examples that only serve to reiterate the benefits of implementing ‘Education for Sustainable Development’ in schools in the UAE. Students from an eco-school in Ras Al Khaimah encouraged their head teacher to install water dispensers in the corridors and fellow students to bring a reusable bottle to school; saving both money and plastic. The reason these youngsters did this was simple: because of their belief in the need to lower water usage and waste in their school. Beyond school gates Concentrating on sustainable development and emphasising it through education can help change our future. Continued support from authorities, appropriate policies and laws, responsible action by individuals and communities, and above all a deep compassion for the planet will together serve to alleviate the global environmental crises we face today. This type of learning goes beyond the school. What a child learns during this process shouldn’t stop there – it must be practiced by the family too. Wise use of water and energy both at home and in the work place must be part of parents’ and care-givers’ natural behaviour. Greater efforts must be put in by families and communities to reduce waste, recycle regularly and opt for public transport to demonstrate the importance to our children of living more sustainably. Our homes and communities can be the ideal platform for children to exercise and experience what they learn in the classroom.

AjIta Nayar Joined Emirates Wildlife Society– WWF (EWS-WWF) in January 2009 and is currently heading the education programmes as Education Manager. Ajita manages Be’ati Watani, an online environmental education programme aimed at evoking children’s interest in local biodiversity and environmental issues. Be’ati Watani is available online at www.beatiwatani.com She has also been leading the implementation of Eco-Schools in the UAE - an international initiative designed to encourage wholeschool action for the environment, rewarding schools that excel in the programme with the widely recognisable Green Flag. Ajita also works on integrating education in all EWS-WWF’s conservation projects, as well as building strong relationships and partnerships with different stakeholders in education sector. Prior to joining EWS-WWF, Ajita was a lecturer at the American College of Dubai for eight years and had continuously encouraged students to carry out research and field projects on ecology, ecotourism and travel related topics. Between 2003 and 2008, she worked as the editor of Society & Environment, an environmental monthly magazine published by the Zayed International Prize for the Environment, a non-profit NGO established by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. She has extensive experience as a journalist, working as a freelance writer for Gulf News and Gulf Today, two daily publications in the UAE. Ajita holds a Masters in Science from the University of Bombay, India. She also holds a Diploma in Business Administration from the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Bombay, and a Diploma in Public Speaking from Nazareth’s Speaker’s Academy, Bombay.

October 2013

CELEBRATING KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE SUSTAINABILITY INDUSTRY

28th NOVEMBER 2013 JUMEIRAH BEACH HOTEL, DUBAI UAE The BGreen Awards 2013 recognises the sustainability achievements of companies across the region in association with the leading business magazine dedicated to the issue. Every business, from the largest multinational to the smallest start-up, has the opportunity to showcase their sustainability work within a number of categories. The BGreen Awards ceremony is the biggest awards night in the GCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sustainability sector and this year it will be held on the 28th November at Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai. It will be a glittering celebration of the finest green business practices, attended by leading figures from the Government and private sectors providing a brilliant networking platform. Two years ago The BGreen Awards 2011 welcomed His Highness Sheikh Aldulaziz Al Nuaimi and award winners included DAMAC, Arabtec Construction, LG Electronics and Jotun.

DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS 7th NOVEMBER 2013

To submit your nominations online, please visit: www.buildgreen.ae/awards/

THE ENTRY PROCESS IS STRAIGHTFORWARD AND CAN BE CARRIED OUT ONLINE FOLLOWING OUR SIMPLE QUESTION AND ANSWER NOMINATION FORM. Our judging panel is made up of leading experts in the green building and sustainability sector who will shortlist entrants in each category by the second week in November and each will be invited to attend our awards evening. THE BGREEN AWARDS 2013 WILL BE PRESENTED TO OUTSTANDING NOMINATIONS IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES: • • • • • •

Most Sustainable Large Corporate Most Sustainable Medium Business Most Sustainable NGO Most Sustainable Government Department Special Recognition Award for International Partnerships in the UAE Energy Efficiency Project of the Year

• • •

Sustainable Supplier of the Year Contractor of the Year Green Building Project of the Year

SPECIAL AWARDS: • Sustainable Lighting Project of the year • Best Waste Management Company of the Year

FOR SPONSORSHIPENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT: Harry norman Sustainability Director harry.norman@cpimediagroup.com +971 (0) 4 440 9131

junaid rafique Business Development Manager junaid.rafique@cpimediagroup.com +971 (0) 4 440 9134

shabs khan Head of Special Projects shabs.khan@cpimediagroup.com +971 (0) 4 440 9159

jasmine kyriakou Marketing Manager jasmine.kyriakou@cpimediagroup.com +971 (0) 4 440 9128

Comment | Arratia

Inside track

Ramon Arratia, European Sustainability Director at global carpet tile manufacturer, Interface, discusses reusing old fishing nets and the circular economy... and Green Alliance, the UK-based environmental think tank

community-based supply chain for collecting the ‘waste’ nets in rural coastal villages within the Danajon Bank, one of only six double-barrier reefs in the world. As a result of this “inclusive business” partnership, communities get the best possible price for the nets, are encouraged to clean up coasts and waters, and are included in global supply chains - an opportunity that would otherwise not be available in their villages.

s more companies struggle with the spiralling cost of resources, the premise of a “circular economy” will become vital in helping business tackle resource insecurity. At Interface, we started our journey towards a circular economy many years ago and today 49% of our global raw materials are recycled or bio-based. However, the route to creating a circular economy is not easy and as the Green Alliance points out in its recent report from the Circular Economy Task Force, “No single intervention on its own will be sufficient”.

October 2013

It’s an environmental think tank working to ensure UK political leaders deliver ambitious solutions to global environmental issues, Green Alliance understands political decision-making and have helped to change policy. The organisation works to help bring climate change and environmental issues into the mainstream. It also works closely with partners in the third sector, business and other spheres to advocate proposals influential on all sides of the political spectrum. With activities including research, advocacy and convening highprofile events with senior politicians and key influencers. Green Alliance pursues its aims through six strategic themes: political leadership, sustainable economy, NGO engagement, low carbon energy, sustainable business, and resource stewardship.

Services for the highest degree of circularity Manufacturing new products has a huge environmental footprint where possible, companies should look to offer commercial services that will lessen their customers’ impact. Currently products benefit from a favourable tax regime where import taxes and duties have been decreasing while labour taxes remain high. For companies to commercially benefit from service-based models where their consumers are encouraged to repair or rent instead of buying new, changes need to be made in the international trade system.

The circular economy is modular Companies need to completely rethink the way they design their products, so that end of life responsibility is considered and ‘designed in’ at a product’s conception. To achieve this, products need to work in a modular way, where different components can be separated and easily replaced. For example, in a typical building it would be far easier to maintain and replace parts if every element was designed to be modular. One man’s waste is another man’s treasure Companies should look for opportunities to scavenge waste from other industries. For example, we have been working with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) on a unique partnership called Net-Works, building a new source of recycled material for our carpet tiles from fishing nets that have been discarded on beaches or in the sea. Net-Works has established a

Green Alliance

Ramon Arratia

A sustainable future relies on a circular economy According to the World Economic Forum, at least US$ 2 trillion of economic output could potentially be protected in 2030 if the world adapts more rapidly to an increasingly resource-constrained economy. Figures like these are hard to ignore and we urge others to push the boundaries of design and manufacturing to ensure a circular economy and a sustainable future for all.

Discarded fishing nets, often made from the same nylon used to make carpet yarn, are a growing problem in some of the world’s poorest coastal communities. Damaged nets are considered disposable and when torn are frequently discarded on the beach or directly into the sea where they can languish for centuries as a source of pollution but also, tragically, trap and kill marine life.

BUSINESS

Bright future LED lighting will help save 50% of energy consumption and 6,200 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year in Dubai Municipality’s latest initiative. The municipality and Philips are set to transform the city’s buildings from conventional to intelligent LED lighting

s part of Dubai Municipality’s long-term vision to build ‘an excellent city that provides the essence of success and comfort of sustainable living’, the LED transformation project will help the city reduce its energy consumption, saving money and reducing its carbon footprint. On October 1, Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality and Eric Rondolat, Chief Executive Officer, Philips Lighting, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the transformation of the municipality’s 262 buildings from conventional lighting infrastructure to energy efficient LED based solutions. Mr Lootah said: “The Dubai Municipality has pledged to reduce its energy consumption by 20% over the next three years, and we can do so by adopting innovative solutions, such as LED lighting. “We will be implementing LED lighting in our buildings, which will save not only the consumption of the lighting but also the reduce air heating caused by inefficient bulbs. “Reduced air heating could potentially decrease the usage of air conditioning. We have taken up this initiative to show customers the importance of lighting and inspire private sectors to invest in LED lighting as well. Becoming more energy efficient will help us protect and sustain our environment for generations to come. “We are pleased to take this next step with Philips as they share our vision and have provided a solution that meets the needs of the growing city.” Mr Rondolat said: “We are extremely honoured to be part of this intiative. We are very happy to help you meet your target of 20% energy reduction by 2015. “The lighting world is going through a major tranformation

Eng. Hussain Nasser

Eric Rondolat

which will effect the way people look at light in general. More than 50% of the worldwide population live in urban cities. “This figure is soon going to rise to 70% in a couple of year, which will challenge the world. Lighting is responsible for 19% of the world’s electrical consumption, and we need to reduce it. Lighting could be sustainable, by playing a major role in energy saving. Through Philips’ energy savings solutions, we could reduce 50% of lighitng cost.”

As well as saving energy, LED lighting will reduce maintenance costs and supporters believe, make the buildings more attractive. Dubai Municipality has the opportunity to save up to 10.5GWh on energy consumption and 6,200 tonnes of C02 emissions each year, across its 262 buildings with the conversion. The project will take three years and Philips will also provide its on-site education and training programme for energy efficiency projects.

October 2013

BUSINESS

3 4

1. The Hotel Show Dubai 2013 at The World Trade Centre had more than 560 exhibitors and attracted record visitor numbers. 2. UPM Sales manager Nagarajan Jayachndran. 3 & 4. The wooden key card from Prime Source is sustainable and biodegrades faster than its UPVC equivalent says 5.company representative Mohamed Fahad. 6. Al Yousuf GreenTech business development manager Hassan Al Jayouchi and 7. His companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three-wheeled electric scooter, ideal for hotel maintenance staff.

October 2013

BUSINESS

Increasing the

in options the hotel sector

sustainability

The Hotel Show Dubai 2013 not only attracted a record number of visitors and exhibitors, it also ran a successful three-day conference programme. Sustainability was a key feature of the conference programme... and many of the exhibitors. BGreen went along to take a look

ustainability was a key theme at this The Hotel Show Dubai 2013, which ran at the World Trade Centre from 28-30 September offering everything hoteliers need from building work and internal fixtures, right through to cutlery and napkins. Among the 560 exhibitors from around the world there were new ideas to help hotels across the region reduce their carbon footprint, although almost every business was keen to claim sustainability credentials, recognising its importance in this region. One simple idea was wooden keycards for your hotel room – not a totally new idea but it the latest addition to the range from Prime Source in Hall 7, the Sharjah-based producers of environmentally friendly paper products. Company representative Mohamed Fahad said: “Keycards are used the world over by hotels and the PVC keycards used by many are easily replaced with these sustainable wooden cards.” They cost slightly more – around 80fils – but the environmental benefits allow hotels to demonstrate clearly to their customers they are taking sustainability seriously. A wooden keycard will decompose to an environmentally sound organic substance within a year. It enriches soil as well. On the Union Paper Mills (UPM) stand in Hall 8, a hotel food drying

machine was creating a lot of interest allowing hotels to reduce their food waste to dry pellets, which can be used as fertilizer or even animal feed. UPM is the oldest and largest recycling company in the UAE providing integrated waste management solutions using their food waste drying machines. Sales manager Nagarajan Jayachndran said: “This machine allows hotels themselves to deal with food waste. We have had a lot of interest and food waste is one of hotels biggest concerns. No hotel wants its food weaste ending up in landfill any more.” And UPM was even displaying a smaller version aimed at individual householders, which reduces waste to a dry, brown powder, which is safe an environmentally sound. In Hall 6 Al Yousuf GreenTech was showing a range of energy saving solutions from a threewheeled electric delivery scooter, which allows staff to travel around larger complexes, to a range of flexible solar panels, which can in used along with LED lights for outside illumination. Business development manager Hassan Al Jayouchi said: “Our company offers total integrated lighting solutions including LED lights, movement sensors and time switches to ensure the most economic use of energy.

“We can visit a business and map its whole energy usage, give a price for the installation of lighting systems and show how quickly it will pay for itself and the future savings.” The Hotel Show 2013 ran a full three-day conference programme and on the final day there were two panel discussions that drew senior managers, interested in reducing the green footprint of their establishment. ‘Waste Control During the Holy Month’ heard from hoteliers about how they reduced their food waste during Ramadan and Eid and how this impacted on their bottom line, while meeting CSR targets. It was followed by a session ‘Making Hospitality More Sustainable’, which attracted more than 100 people.

October 2013

advertorial training SAP (MENA)

Take the lead in operational integrity for the oil and gas industry with SAP (MENA) As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP helps companies of all sizes run more efficiently. The MENA region is recognised as one of the fastest growing markets for SAP globally and it is a key investment area for the company. Since it was established in late 2007 it has continued to deliver double digit growth, quarter on quarter and has developed into one of the fastest growing markets globally with a focus on the Oil & Gas Industry. Today, the company has more than 1,100 customers and continues to build capacity across the eco system with more than 1,400 qualified SAP consultants and 146 business partners to support the MENA market.

process safety, and increases productivity. Share best practices and to realise benefits. Technology – powerful business analytics are combined with mobile solutions and large volumes of data from assets to improve operational analysis and performance. Automated measures reduce dependency on spreadsheets and drive greater operational efficiency, reliability, and sharing of best practices.

perational Integrity in Oil & Gas integrates business processes in the areas of risk, governance, environmental, process safety, asset management, training, and operational performance. This can be enabled by: Integrating Disparate Solutions – this is contributing to higher costs, inefficiency, and limited situational awareness for workers

October 2013

Focusing on Integrity in Operations – standardise processes to improve consistency and reduce downtime. Achieve “one version of the truth” to reduce complexity, risk, and cost, and improve staff productivity. Enabling Operational Integrity – elimination of information silos, minimisation of risk and optimisation of assets. Use of leading indicators reduces downtime, helps ensure

A number of key parameters are important to ensure ‘improvement in operations’ so the business can attain true Operational Excellence: Maximise Enterprise Performance – strategic planning and execution are dependent on solid risk-management techniques. It is critical that a company understands its risk profile, including which risks impact the execution of strategy, how risks are managed, and how the risk assessment process is integrated with decision making. Proactive Mitigation of Risk – companies are replacing disparate solutions with integrated software to help ensure safer, more reliable processes. Solutions are standardised, so workers know how to use the software. This helps companies reduce incidents and proactively assess risks to improve situational awareness.

advertorial training SAP (MENA)

improving safety for your operations and the broader community. Training and Certification – Help ensure workers have the skills they need with a flexible training solution that allows you to run tailored programs. Proactive training maintains skills and certifications and keeps staff available for work, resulting in greater retention and fewer days away from work.

Effective Execution – Oil & Gas companies must implement asset management programs to enhance production targets while protecting health, safety, and the environment. Standard operating procedures and policies must be shared across operations to maximise asset productivity and ensure adoption of best practices. Ensure Compliance - regulations are growing exponentially, covering everything from worker safety to emissions. This forces companies to increase their focus on compliance performance. Recognising and mitigating risk to ensure that compliance processes are consistently executed is critical to staying in business. Training People to Reduce Risk – leverage technology to improve course availability and reduce downtime and risk. Tailor content to individuals to improve learning. Leverage classroom, virtual, mobile, and social media channels to deliver courses. Track certifications and measure learning impact to improve safety and compliance. The following SAP solutions address key requirements for Operational Integrity: Risk Analysis and Governance – Risk management software enables risk-based planning to manage and control processes, increase governance, and maximize physical

Integrated software helps ensure safer, more reliable processes

and informational security of enterprise operations. Continuous monitoring, when combined with alerts and notifications, enables managers to take action before incidents occur and make risk-based decisions to improve corporate governance. Operational Risk Management – Integrated operational risk processes improve situational awareness and help ensure operational continuity. This increases productivity and reduces incidents. Asset Integrity – Companies maximising asset integrity monitor return on assets, overall equipment effectiveness, and asset-related risks. Optimising asset performance requires systemic frameworks to improve planning, scheduling, and production. Aligning these measures with work processes results in integrity improvements. Environmental Stewardship – Actively support environmental stewardship projects to help ensure that emissions, regulatory compliance, dangerous goods, and hazardous substances are properly managed. Reduce time, cost, and errors in compliance reporting, and focus on

Automated measures reduce dependency on spreadsheets, drive greater operational efficiency, reliability, and sharing of best practices.”

How will SAP Innovations power Operational Integrity: SAP HANA – Increase situational awareness of assets, risks, safety, training, and work processes to improve efficiency, lower costs, and increase productivity by quickly sifting through the ever increasing operational data. Mobile – Improve safety, productivity, and independence, whether installing new equipment or maintaining existing assets. Analytics – Gain operational performance insight to enable proactive steps for avoiding incidents and downtime, and manage safety processes within and across facilities. Cloud – Provide access to job descriptions, benefits, training, certifications, and collaboration, improving operational productivity. References Valero Energy Corporation Cross-comparison of refineries with common dashboards Real-time visibility Improved preventative maintenance and avoidance of unplanned shutdowns $120 million in annual energy savings in the first year 63% reduction in environmental incidents Pemex Four Months to deploy solution to 71 processing units and 10 gas complexes 50% reduction in worker overtime 80% increase in worker satisfaction Shell 20% increase in labour utilisation 10% reduction in deferred production 6% reactive work decreased

October 2013

Oil & Gas

Leadership in HSE Asian countries are emerging as the fastest growing economies. The soon-to-be drivers of energy demands have started to focus on Health Safety and Environment (HSE) as a top priority. Leaders across the oil and gas industry gathered at the Global HSE Conference this year to discuss the paradigm shift, and how to transform business processes which would be both safe and sustainable. Lorraine Bangera writes

he Global HSE Conference 2013 concluded on September 27, with a focus on process safety, emergency response and emerging technologies in health, safety and environment. The two-day conference held in New Delhi was based around the combined theme of ‘Collaborate, Lead and Tranform’. The global conference was organised by Cairn India, Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD), and Government of India. Global and regional professionals, along with regulators, industry leaders, think-tanks and policymakers gathered at the event, to share best practices and exchange ideas for improving HSE culture. Speaking at the conference about the role of each employee, M.M. Murugappan, vice chairman of Murugappa Corporate Board said: “There is a Sanskrit saying ‘yatha raja tatha praja’ which means ‘as is the king so are his subjects’. Leaders of any organisation need to recognise the critical need of HSE and must cherish it. The employee must be valued and he too must adhere to the value system of the institution.” In the oil and gas industry the safety of the workforce has long been an issue of concern thanks to the extreme conditions in which oil is often extracted. But as the industry has progressed, more measures have been introduced. Claire Forbes, director of Response Consultants said: “Over the last 25 years we have learnt a lot since Piper Alpha [the 1988 oil rig fire in the North

October 2013

Oil & Gas

Sea]. One of the main problems was how employees were not able to communicate with their families. They also did not know enough information and no one talked to them. That has changed, in fact we have improved dramatically in the past 25 years. There were 106 recommendations that came out of the Alpha, and all 106 recommendations are now in place.” Suggesting further changes, Susan Mackenzie, head of energy division, Hazardous Installations Directorate – UK, recommends eliminating major hazard risks at the design phase. She said: “Engagement with contractors about the plant, equipment and services supplied must happen before beginning the activity. Because that point is ideal to eliminate some of the hazards rather than just control them.” Role of leadership Teresa Budworth, chief executive at Nebosh-UK, said: “I think leadership at every level of an organisation but particularly at the very top is absolutely very essential to achieving good health, safety and environmental performance. However, it is not the only factor, it is important to have competent health and safety advisors in a company. It is also essential to engage with the workforce, and developing leaders in health and safety and sustainability within many levels of the organisation. “Speaking as a leader of an organisation; as a leader you set the agenda. And to a large extent you set the values to an organisation. If you make health and safety a core value, it tends to permeate through to the whole organisation.”

Oil and gas industry “One of the great things in the oil and gas industry is its global and mature,” said Les Linklater, team leader at the Step Change in Safety - UK. “And we have learnt where we have got control.” “Commitment should be to learn those lessons and apply them every day. Demonstrate it is a good industry to work in and that we are capable of learning. “We are putting people at risk in a hazardous environment and as long as we are having accidents and fatalities, there is more to do. We need to look at the learning lessons, for example even the lessons learnt from Alpha 25 years ago are still relevant today,” he added. Conferences play a major role in presenting learning lessons. Linklater said: “Society expects us to look after the people, and that is an absolute clear societal expectation. So when we are here at these conferences we need to use our time really well to listen to what’s happening in the world. Nobody has the absolute perfect solution in the world. Whether it is the US, UK, India or Australia, we have to come together to listen to each other. Because what we might find working well in one place, might work well or even better in another place. “Then we can take these lessons and implement them in our own organisations. We need to know we are in it together, it’s a global industry, and safety actually drives the industry forward. Good safety is good business.”

Highlighting of the conference More than 30 global speakers and experts •

More than 20 CEOs and Managing Directors

•

400 industry leaders and HSE champions across the globe sharing best practices

•

Discussions on latest industry regulations and policy

•

Discover new technologies in environment management

•

Exhibition on the latest technology in environment management, process safety etc

October 2013

Oil & Gas

TNT agrees biofuel deal for delivery fleet International courier firm to use old cooking oil to run its vehicles in the emirates thanks to the new deal with with Lootah Biofuels, which will supply its B5 biodiesel

ourier delivery company TNT says using biodiesel for its deliveries across Dubai, and much of the UAE, will reduce carbon emissions by 32 tonnes a year. TNT has partnered with Lootah Biofuels, which makes biodiesel from used cooking oil (UCO), and has built a strong reputation in the region since it began operating in 2010. A spokesman for Lootah said: “The key benefits of this initiative include carbon foot print reduction as well as reduction of UCO waste. It is expected that the agreement will reduce carbon emissions by 18% per year. “Through using B5, UCO is put into sustainable use as opposed to being discarded as waste, thereby impacting the environment negatively. “This is a further step towards environmental sustainability.” Bryan Moulds, TNT Express managing director Middle East and Sub Continent Associates, said: “We are pleased to work with Lootah Biofuels which shares the same vision as we do for a sustainable environment. “This joins our other regional initiatives such as recent CNG

October 2013

In Europe the diesel engine has been a popular choice for passenger vehicles thanks to its lower price – attracting lower tax in many countries because it is used by delivery trucks – and greater economy. Consequently the biofuel market has around 20 years of development in Europe, though it has yet to find mass appeal. In the Middle East, like the USA, biodiesel is still in its infancy thanks to historically cheap petrol prices, which made diesel less attractive.

Lootah has already supplied vehicles that have been converted to run on biodiesel. But the new TNT agreement takes the company to the ‘next level”

vehicle fleet in Pakistan in our continued efforts to reduce carbon emissions globally. With this agreement, we look forward to creating an eco-friendly environment with economically viable biodiesel, thus promoting H.H. Sheikh Mohammad’s vision for a green and sustainable Dubai.” For Lootah Biofuel the agreement is seen as progress towards its targets. Yousif Bin Saeed Al Lootah, CEO of Lootah Biofuels said: “Keeping in line with UAE’s vision, the project is a significant step towards sustainable development and the Expo 2020 bid for sustainability. “Our mission is to deliver economic, operational and environmental benefits for longterm customer satisfaction and sustainable growth and with the TNT agreement we hope to take the consumption of B5 biodiesel to the next level.” Lootah Biofuels is a fully owned subsidiary of SS Lootah Group. Biodiesel is an alternative fuel for diesel engines, which is sustainable using oil from plants used in cooking… and it produces lower emissions.

text by lorraine bangera

Personality

Silent revolution Rachel Carson was a writer, scientist, and ecologist, whose notable works advanced the global environmental movement

rowing up in a rural town of Springdale in Pennsylvania, Rachel Carson, always possessed a love for nature. Even though she started her career as a writer, Carson took up a Masters of Arts in zoology from Johns Hopkins University in 1932. She spent 15 years working for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, first as a scientist, and then as the Editor-in-Chief of all publications under the organisation. Carson resigned from government service in 1952 to devote herself to her writing. She then published her prizewinning study of the ocean, The Sea Around Us, which was followed by The Edge of the

Rachel Carson

October 2013

Sea in 1955. These books are considered to be a biography of the ocean and made Carson popular as a naturalist and science writer. Affected by the wasteful use of synthetic chemical pesticides after World War II, Carson then focussed on warning the public about the long term effects of misusing pesticides. In Silent Spring (1962) she challenged the practices of agricultural scientists and the government. This book marked the beginning of the environmental revolution in the US. Even though Carson was attacked by the chemical industry as an alarmist, she openly spoke out the damage the rest of the ecosystem might face. Testifying before Congress in 1963, Carson called for new policies to protect human health and the environment. Spurring a reversal in national pesticide policy, which led to a nationwide ban on certain synthetic chemical pesticides like DDT and it inspired a grassroots environmental movement that led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Rachel Carson died in 1964 after a long battle against breast cancer. She was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Jimmy Carter in 1980.

The Sea Around Us is a prize-winning and best-selling book by the American marine biologist Rachel Carson...

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8-10 december 2013 The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa

Progressing forward – Transforming Abu Dhabi into a global business hub through strategic investment, project delivery and sustainable growth

KeY sPeAKeRs H.E. Mohammed Omar Abdullah Undersecretary Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED)

H.E. Rashid Mohamed Al Shariqi Director General Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA)

H.E. Eng. Amer Al Hammadi Executive Director for Planning & Infrastructure Urban Planning Council (UPC)

H.E. Eng. Abdullah Al Shamsi Executive Director of Strategic Planning & Performance Management Abu Dhabi Municipality (ADM)

Rashed Al Baloushi Chief Executive Officer Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)

Mohamed Ebrahim Al Hosani Director Regional Development Division, Western Region Development Council (WRDC)

Gurjit Singh Chief Operating Officer Aldar Sorouh

Waleed Al Tamimi Vice President - Asset Management Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC)

Alan Thomson Managing Director Abu Dhabi Sewage Services Company (ADSSC)

BeneFits oF Attending: • Align your business strategy with the updated Abu Dhabi 2030 diversification plan across pinpointed sectors including metals, transportation, agriculture, aerospace and technology • gain first-hand information on the US$ 346.7 billion projects market (2013 – 2030) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi through updates and required investments, including ADM’s new Smart City project • Learn about the challenges and potential solutions for efficient project delivery and procurement in Abu Dhabi to maximise opportunities in the region

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DIARY Dates

Save the date BGreenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide to events and conferences taking place in the coming months

Future Cities Conference 8 - 10 October, Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE Jointly organised with Dubai Municipality, Future Cities 2013 welcomes the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading authorities on urban planning to discuss the 6 key pillars that create the foundations of a future city: Security, Water Management, Tourism & Hospitality, Transport, Energy and Waste Management. Lighting Middle East 7 - 9 October, Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE Light Middle East is a conference and exhibition for lighting design and technology. It is a platform for exhibitors to network with one another and meet major clients, industry experts, leading lighting designers and architects involved in the delivery of major public and private development projects.

Green Middle East 2013 28-30 October, Expo Centre Sharjah, UAE The environment management and technology exhibition and conference will introduce solutions to environmental problems, energy savings, green business and green buildings. Kuwait Green Building Forum 30 - 31 October, Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait The second Kuwait Green Building Forum aims to educate, inform, network and unite forces for spreading the green building movement. It provides a platform for latest trends in green building and showcase green building products, equipment, services and technologies. The forum will focus on all aspects of green design, construction, and maintenance.

Build It Green - Erbil 6 November, Rotana Hotel Erbil, Iraq e-EcoSolutions is launching the first Build It Green- Erbil Sustainability Solutions Conference coinciding with the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. The Conference will attract around 200 professionals and decision-makers from different fields of the Construction and real estate industry. Waste to Wealth Conference 11 - 13 November, KL Hilton, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia CIDB Malaysia collaborates with marcus evans to present the Waste to Wealth Conference to create a platform for waste management specialists and professionals to network and share ideas and best practices. This conference will focus on monetising waste through revolutionary waste-to-wealth frameworks that seeks to achieve the goal of zero waste.

October 2013

sustainable past

text by lorraine bangera

can learn threesisters We

from the

Historic Native American cropping still offers lesson to a more sustainable agricultural system. The three-sisters farming technique uses steps to reduce soil erosion and keep land fertile for centuries

arly this year, a Native Innovation Day at Rochester Institute of Technology focussed on the ‘three-sister system’ which some scientists believe can decrease soil erosion and protect soil nutrients. The Oneida, a tribe from the Native American Iroquois Confederacy, looked after 6 million acres of land in the 1600s, centred

in present-day New York State in US. White flint corn, central to the survival of the tribe and the community, was called Tsyunhehkwa which means life sustenance. When the tribe moved in the 1820s, they took white corn with them in their migration and replanted it in the state of Wisconsin. The corn was part of an integrated agricultural system called the “Three

Sisters,” which consisted of growing corn and beans, then squashing them together in the same field - a practice scientists call “intertillage.” The tall corn provided a structure for the beans to grow upon. The beans, along with the nutrients they provided, fixed the nitrogen in the soil, making more nitrogen available for the corn to consume. The squashed matter spread out into the spaces between the mounds, and covered the ground to suppress the weeds and keep moisture in the soil. A professor from Cornell University’s said tilling, or ploughing, increases soil erosion and lowers the amount of nutrients for plants to feed on in the soil. One of the primary aspects of the three-sisters method is how it does not require tillage as tillage, though useful, is enormously destructive to soil. Perhaps the modern agricultural sector could learn about the sustainability of natural resources from practices in Native American culture. Today, the Oneida still use the three-sisters system in Wisconsin.

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