Drainage systems are vital to ensuring the health of residents
ON TOPIC
Cooling strategies that are effective and conserve resources
IN PRACTICE
Women in Construction: WSP’s Nourhan Kassab
ON SITE OCTOBER 2020
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Contents | 01
20
October 2020 Issue 073
Cover Story
Driven by a Sustainable Philosophy
Jason Saundalkar speaks to Drees & Sommer Middle East’s Stephan Degenhart about the outbreak of COVID-19 and its impacts, shifting real estate preferences and how the firm’s Blue Way philosophy ties into its activities in the region Opinion
Robotics & Automation
12
Serco Middle East’s Paul Bogan highlights the role that robotics and automation are playing in making the UAE one of the smartest and happiest in the world post COVID-19
Analysis
18 meconstructionnews.com
UAE Real Estate Market Q2, 2020
JLL examines the supply and performance of the office, residential, retail and hospitality sectors in Dubai and Abu Dhabi October 2020
02 | Contents
36
Project Profile
A Shining Light
Gavin Davids profiles the Noor Abu Dhabi solar plant, the world’s largest single solar plant and a benchmark for renewable energy across the region and the globe
Profile
Nourhan Kassab
Jason Saundalkar talks to Nourhan Kassab, graduate – project manager at WSP, about her influences, career and gender diversity in the construction industry
32 Interview
Cooling Strategies that Conserve SPX Cooling Technologies on specific cooling solutions that can contribute to projects earning LEED certification and other important sustainability initiatives
8 Update
News
Omniyat says ‘One at Palm Jumeirah’ on track for December 2020 handover; DLD completes AI integration into valuation process for real estate; Tadweer says phase two of solar plant at waste recycling facility is complete; KSA Crown Prince orders launch of restoration programme October 2020
26 meconstructionnews.com
THE X7
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Group MANAGING DIRECTOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5471 MANAGING PARTNER VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713
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It’s Awards Season! It’s finally happened, we’re into the fourth quarter of what has been one heck of a challenging year. There’s been precious little to be positive about or celebrate thus far, at least from my standpoint, which is why I’m now looking forward to finishing 2020 on a high, by celebrating successes in the industry, with this year’s Middle East Consultant (MEC) Awards. The gala event is scheduled to take place live in Dubai, on December 8, at its familiar home, the Ritz Carlton JBR. As I’m sure you can appreciate, we will be doing things slightly differently this year in terms of event design and flow, as we will be abiding by all safety regulations and restrictions that have been put forward by the Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and the Ritz Cartlon JBR. We will also be following local and international best practices for live events, as your health and safety is of paramount importance to us. Apart from this, we’ve made some changes this year to the categories that you can nominate for. As before, Middle East Consultant is keen to recognise and celebrate the best people, companies and projects but we’ve added, and even segmented certain October 2020
categories, so that you can best make your case and gain recognition for sterling work over the last 12 months. This year, the ‘Project of the Year’ category will actually recognise three winners split between: Residential & Commercial; Hospitality & Tourism; Retail and Public Facilities. Considering the number of submissions we’ve received in the past, I reckon that the expansion of the category is well warranted. And, for the first time in its history, the MEC Awards will also highlight companies with sterling site safety records with the new ‘Onsite Safety Champion of the Year’ Award. The deadline to get your nominations across to us is noon on October 29. Like last year, we will not be able to offer any extensions, as we wish to give our judges enough time to go through each nomination in good time. You can learn more about the MEC Awards, and nominate, by visiting: https:// meconsultantawards.com/. If you have any questions or comments, please do get in touch. I look forward to seeing you on December 8. Good luck!
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06 | On Topic
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JGC Corporation secures $3.7bn refinery contract in Iraq
RTA ANNOUNCES HOUSING PROJECT FOR 3,000 BUS DRIVERS
I think we all agree that providing a sustainable and healthy living environment should be a priority for any CONSTRUCTION
organisation that needs
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to provide housing for its workforce, and it is great to see that this is a major focus of the RTA (Dubai’s Roads And
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Transport Authority). I think that most of us – at best - have
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professional drivers for granted over the years. At worst, many of us have bemoaned the standards of their driving and the impact that has on the quality of our lives. The last six months has forced
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pre-conceptions. Drivers have continued to do their job while the rest of us have been safe at home. It is time that we give them the appreciation they deserve, and it is great
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JIIC awards design contract for homes in Phase One on Jubail Island
October 2020
Opinion: Evaporative cooling strategies for energy and water conservation survey
to see the RTA agrees. Name withheld by request
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YEARS IN CONSULTING, PLANNING, CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION
Drees & Sommer is an international enterprise, working with private and public clients from construction bodies to investors on all types of real estate and infra-structure projects. With its pioneering and future-shaping consulting, the company offers solutions for successful buildings, high-return portfolios, powerful infra-structure and livable cities. 3,820 employees in interdisciplinary teams based at 46 locations worldwide support clients across a wide spectrum of sectors. All the services provided by the company take into consideration both economic and ecological concerns, calling this holistic approach ‘the blue way’. Find out more: Drees & Sommer Middle East
8 | On Topic
Construction
Omniyat says ‘One at Palm Jumeirah’ on track for December 2020 handover More than 90% of the construction work has been completed on Omniyat’s One at Palm Jumeirah (OPJ) project in Dubai. The developer says the luxury development is on track for delivery in December. Reflecting the beauty of the manmade island it calls home, OPJ perfectly captures the essence of Dubai beachfront living through state-of-the-art facilities, illustrious designs, and sheer luxurious living spaces, the developer said in its statement. Japanese interior designer Super Potato, studio Elicyon and landscape artist Vladimir
01
October 2020
Djurovic worked with Soma Architects to create a masterpiece in the world of architecture and design, breaking barriers and new grounds along the way, Omniyat explained. Omniyat has created the most sought-after residences in the epicentre of luxury, offering unparalleled views of the coast of Dubai, said a company spokesman. He added, “With two of three state-ofthe-art penthouses having already been sold for record-breaking prices, this architectural masterpiece is in reaching distance of the finish line with construction focused on interiors, finishing touches, landscaping and commissioning.” One at Palm Jumeirah will be managed by Dorchester Collection, a five-star hotel operator that manages luxury hotels in Europe and the US. 01 One at Palm Jumeirah is said to be 90% complete and developer Omniyat says two of the three penthouses have already been sold.
Technology
DLD completes AI integration into valuation process for real estate The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has said that it has integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into the valuation process of real estate units. The project is said to reflect DLD’s keenness to provide smart services in line with the Dubai Paperless Strategy and achieve the government’s smart transformation strategy. The task is said to have been successfully completed through DLD’s Registration and Real Estate Services Sector unit. To ensure its optimum success, accurate data relying on smart technologies will be provided to customers, said DLD in its statement. “DLD is continuously seeking to strengthen Dubai’s leading position as a vital model for meconstructionnews.com
On Topic | 9
02
smart cities in the world. We believe that this pioneering smart project will help us raise our ranking on global performance indexes in terms of providing the best valuation services to our customers at high speeds and with complete transparency. This is made all the more evident since our cadres are now highly qualified and trained to deal with these technologies as well as provide the best applications that can be easily dealt with,” said director-general Sultan Butti bin Mejren. The smart valuation service for real estate units will be provided on DLD’s smart application - Dubai REST - that customers can download from the App Store or Google Play, the firm noted. The DLD says that it expects the project to help reduce the implementation time of valuation services to 15 seconds and reducing their cost by 20% as well as raise customer happiness by 90%.
Sustainability
Tadweer says phase two of solar plant at waste recycling facility is complete The second phase of the solar power plant at the Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Facility in the Al Dhafra region is operational, as per the Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center (Tadweer). With the completion of the second phase, Tadweer, in coordination with the investor of the Al Dhafra C&D Waste Recycling Facility, has significantly enhanced the facility’s solar energy utilisation by increasing its capacity to 600KW per hour, up by 350KW per hour, the statement said. The increased capacity will also help lower its carbon footprint by avoiding more than 1,300 tons of carbon emissions, equivalent to planting 4,133 trees, and saving 480,000 litres of diesel on a monthly basis, Tadweer explained. This will contribute to protecting the emirate’s environment and cutting harmful emissions.
The facility is billed as the first of its kind in the world to be 90% solar powered and is said to be aligned with the UAE’s plans to mitigate climate change including the UAE Green Agenda Programs (2015-2030) and the National Climate Change Plan of the UAE (2017–2050). “Since its inception, Tadweer has put in place effective operational plans for various sectors of integrated waste management to ensure a safe, healthy and sustainable environment in Abu Dhabi to support the leadership’s vision of promoting sustainable development. In line with this priority, the Center has been adopting innovative solutions and the latest international practices that help prevent pollution and harmful emissions to contribute to the preservation of environment and sustainable development,” remarked Dr Salem Al Kaabi, Director General of Tadweer. Tadweer installed 1,656 solar cells with a capacity to produce 600KW, equivalent to generating 878,000KW from diesel, saving an annual diesel consumption of 480,000 litres. This will help prevent an average of 1,300 tons of carbon emission per year, the firm said. 03 Completion of the second phase of the solar power plant at the waste recycling facility has increased solar production capacity to 600KW per hour.
03
02 Thanks to artificial intelligence, the Dubai Land Department says valuation services will take 15 seconds and will be 20% cheaper than they were before.
meconstructionnews.com
October 2020
10 | On Topic
Heritage
KSA Crown Prince orders launch of restoration programme
Handover
04
Diyar Al Muharraq starts handover of homes
HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence has ordered the restoration of urban heritage buildings of architectural and historical significance in Riyadh. According to a report by SPA, 15 heritage palaces and five royal palaces will be covered in the first phase of the project. It will focus on preparing studies and designs and managing sites and temporary strengthening of buildings, stated the report. The second phase will include the implementation project for the comprehensive restoration of buildings within 24 months, starting from January 2021, it added. The project is managed by the Ministry of Culture, represented by the Heritage Commission, with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and Riyadh Municipality. Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Heritage Commission, said the restoration operations will take into account international standards of restoration and preservation of urban heritage buildings. The project aims to preserve urban heritage buildings of architectural and historical significance, highlight the local identity and transform these buildings into an economic, social, cultural and tourism resource. It also aims to increase the efficiency of their uses with adjacent areas, it concluded.
05 Diyar Al Muharraq says the first batch of villas have been handed over in Al Bareh and says the remaining are on track for completion.
October 2020
04 First phase of the restoration of urban heritage buildings of architectural and historical significance in Riyadh includes 15 heritage palaces and five royal palaces.
Developer Diyar Al Muharraq has begun handing over the first batch of villas within its Al Bareh Development. The developer stated that keys were handed over on schedule, during a recent ceremony in the presence of Diyar Al Muharraq chairman Abdul Hakeem Al Khayat and other senior board members. Al Bareh is said to offer views over the seafront and main canal in the masterplan. The project features wide and spacious internal road networks and unique characteristics allowing residents and visitors to enjoy stunning panoramic views, the statement said.
05
meconstructionnews.com
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meconsultantawards.com
12 | On Topic
UAE Real Estate Market Q2, 2020 JLL examines the supply and performance of the office, residential, retail and hospitality sectors in Dubai and Abu Dhabi The second quarter saw no new office space handovers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, keeping total available stock at 3.8m and 8.7m sqm of GLA respectively. 312,000sqm of GLA is expected to handover in Dubai over H2. In Abu Dhabi, only 48,000sqm of office space is expected to handover. As corporates continue to consolidate operations and implement cost-reduction, office demand is focused on smaller, fitted out units of less than 1,000sqm. With demand for office space linked to economic performance and employment growth, we expect this trend to continue in the short-to-mid term. In the long-term, four factors are expected to shape the future of office demand: remote working and flexible office solutions, office design focused on collaborative spaces, technology, and commuting patterns. Under these conditions, the market remains tenant favorable, with landlords offering incentives and contributions to capital expenditures to reduce costs on tenants. Grade A rents in Dubai decreased 13% Y-o-Y to reach $358 per sqm. Grade A rents for shell and core offices in Abu Dhabi remained stable at $435 per sqm over the same period. Residential market
Approximately 5,600 and 1,200 residential units were handed over in Dubai and Abu October 2020
Dhabi over the second quarter. This represents a significant revision from originally planned deliveries, as project handovers have (expectedly) experienced delays. An additional 38,000 units are scheduled for completion in Dubai over the remainder of the year. However, financing restrictions and structural changes in the labor market are expected to delay these further. Despite a resilient first quarter, transaction volumes in Dubai over the second quarter dropped by 41% Y-o-Y, resulting in an overall 14% decline over H1. However, pent-up demand is expected to reflect into figures over H2, driven by incentives from various landlords and developers, in addition to further government efforts to stimulate demand. In terms of performance, sale prices and rental rates in Dubai declined by an average of 7.5% and 9% on an annual basis. In Abu Dhabi, sale prices and rental rates declined by 3.5% and 4% over the same period. The market is expected to face further downward pressure in the short-to-medium term, instigating further take-up in the market. Retail market
The total stock of retail GLA remained stable as no new centers were delivered over the second quarter. To date, Dubai boasts four million sqm of retail GLA, while Abu Dhabi has a total stock meconstructionnews.com
On Topic | 13
meconstructionnews.com
October 2020
14 | On Topic
1k
H2 2020 keys
Total keys
30.1k
Abu Dhabi hotel supply
61%
H2 2020 stock
Total stock
312k
H2 2020 stock
642k
Y-o-Y rental rates
Abu Dhabi, ADR’s decreased by 45% Y-o-Y to register $95 in the YT May 2020. We expect further downward pressure on the performance of operational hotels, while others will likely remain closed over the summer months. In the short-to-medium term, demand for leisure hotels (particularly beachfront hotels) is expected to remain largely driven by the local market (staycations). Making the hotel experience safe and financially viable, given restrictions in household spending, is a key priority in attracting demand. Business hotels on the other hand may witness structural changes in the coming period, as videoconferencing and virtual events and meetings takes precedent over large-scale physical events.
Abu Dhabi prime rental clock Q2 2020
Abu Dhabi office supply (sq m GLA)
Rents falling
Rental growth accelerating
Rents bottoming out
Office
Hotel
Y-o-Y rental rates
Abu Dhabi retail supply (sq m GLA)
YT May 2020 occupancy Residential
-1%
48k
Rental growth slowing
H2 2020 stock
Y-o-Y rental rates
-17%
No new hotel developments were handed over in the second quarter, keeping the total available stock of hotel keys at 129,000 and 30,100 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively. An additional 12,000 hotel keys are expected to handover in Dubai over the second half of the year. Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, only 1,000 keys are expected to complete over the same period. Overall, the hotel market in the UAE witnessed significant declines in performance levels over the past quarter. Occupancy levels decreased to 52% in Dubai and 61% in Abu Dhabi in the YT May 2020 vs. YT May 2019. Similarly, average daily room rates (ADR’s) in Dubai decreased by 17% over the same period to register $144. In
Hospitality market
Retail
29k
-4%
Y-o-Y rental rates
Retail
Total stock
1.2k
H2 2020 stock
Total stock
263k
Abu Dhabi residential supply
Hotel
Total stock
of 2.8m sqm. Major projects in the pipeline and due for delivery in H2 are expected to witness construction delays. This comes as retailers continue to rethink their cash positions and prioritise their financial stability. Meanwhile, given contractions in household income and a reprioritisation of spending, demand is expected to remain sluggish despite consumers returning to malls. In light of this, many retailers continue to accelerate digital transformation plans, as e-commerce is poised for further growth. This has placed further pressure on retail rents. The true extent of this is difficult to quantify as the majority of mall operators and owners continue to offer a variety of incentives including rent waivers and deferment options over this period.
Office
-13%
Dubai retail supply (sq m GLA)
YT May 2020 occupancy Residential
October 2020
8.7m
Rents bottoming out
H2 2020 stock
52%
Rental growth accelerating
3.8m
Total keys
12k
H2 2020 keys
129k
Dubai hotel supply
Rents falling
Total stock
Y-o-Y rental rates
Rental growth slowing
Dubai office supply (sq m GLA)
4m
-9%
Dubai prime rental clock Q2 2020
2.8m
Total stock
H2 2020 stock
5.6k
573k
Dubai residential supply
-20% Y-o-Y rental rates
meconstructionnews.com
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16 | On Topic
01 Adam Smith is managing director at Polypipe Middle East.
01
October 2020
Adam Smith “Drainage systems are more than just pipes. They evacuate foul water in a safe and controlled way, acting as a central component in the ‘pathogen treatment train’ strategy” As we navigate a complex socioeconomic landscape provoked by the COVID-19 crisis, the role of public health in our cities is more prominent than ever before. Public health is one of the cornerstones of a modern economy. In light of the current pandemic, it continues to play an essential role in shaping the future of our communities. However, more often than not, our focus remains on price over people’s health. Creating cities, communities and buildings that support public health is not a feat that is achieved overnight. It requires a thoughtful 360-degree approach that starts from planning and design through to installation, operation and maintenance of our spaces. It comes down to organised efforts from governments, enterprises and decision-makers to make informed choices that support health and wellbeing. This is exactly where the right drainage systems can have a pivotal impact. Drainage systems are more than just pipes. They evacuate foul water from our buildings in a safe and controlled way, acting as a central component in the “pathogen treatment train” strategy. They also have a direct relationship to other systems in the building, helping to protect occupants from harm. Essentially, the better the drainage system, the safer and more efficient the building becomes for visitors, occupants and owners.
An engineered drainage system can make all the difference. Especially now, where living and working in the healthiest possible environment is at the forefront of our minds, understanding the deep impact of safe and sustainable drainage in our daily lives is more important than ever before. The function of high performing drainage solutions is to mitigate the risk of failure, which then results in safer and stronger spaces that enhance health and well-being. As a visitor or occupant, you may recognise drainage failures as foul smells or disturbing noises, which are not only irritating and inconvenient but can also be harmful to human health. Odours entering buildings through blocked vents, dry taps and damaged drain lines can cause several health and respiratory problems by leaking harmful toxins into the air. As a building owner or operator, these failures can have drastic consequences. If a floor of your building has to close due to failures, earnings could be lost. Failures can even cause reputational damage should anybody in the building fall ill from exposure to toxins. High-performance drainage solutions can decrease liability for owners and increase the resale value of property. Moreover, huge costs are associated with re-installation of drainage meconstructionnews.com
On Topic | 17
systems, which can wipe out profit from the entire project. That’s why early engagement is important when creating commercial buildings that truly support public health. If drainage is poorly chosen, installed or maintained, the impact can be severe. Nobody intentionally sets out to harm others, but decisions made during design and construction can adversely affect the people who use the building, resulting in serious health damage and increased exposure to viruses and pathogens (e.g. SARS and COVID-19). High-performance drainage solutions can not only reduce the spread of these harmful pathogens, but also prevent the leak of toxic gases into our environment, helping to improve ventilation and maintain healthy indoor air quality. Evidently, from high-rise residential towers to extensive commercial developments, it is vital that the safest and most sustainable solutions should be employed everywhere. Hospitals usually require a zero-risk approach when it comes to designing and installing drainage systems. After all, you wouldn’t want to get sick visiting a hospital. So, why should people in an office tower or shopping mall matter less? Commercial buildings require the same zero-risk approach to drainage to ensure that people are protected not only in their homes, but also in the places where they work, learn and shop. Therefore, it is not enough to just employ any drainage product. Engineered drainage goes beyond the product to support holistic solutions that deliver several social and economic benefits. And let’s not forget about the environmental impact of high-performance drainage systems. As our cities seek to adopt a more circular economic model, we are increasingly integrating more sustainable solutions in every industry. The key is using lower impact drainage systems that embrace cleaner manufacturing methods. This means the production process results in less harmful waste products. Furthermore, these systems often substitute traditional materials for ones that are fully recyclable to better support the circular economy philosophy. meconstructionnews.com
Essentially, the better the drainage system, the safer and more efficient the building becomes for visitors, occupants and owners”
The truth is, we are currently living through one of the greatest public health crises of our time. Safe and healthy spaces are of utmost importance for ourselves, and our loved ones. We must recognise that water has an important role to play in the management and recovery of the global crisis. Water is essentially the new oil, and the right drainage solutions give us the ability to capture, recycle and reuse it, creating a sustainable cycle for the use of our most precious resource. It is the way we use, conserve and manage water, employing safe and sustainable solutions along the way, that will have the biggest impact on future generations.
October 2020
18 | On Topic
01 Paul Bogan is chief digital officer at Serco Middle East.
01
Paul Bogan “Robotics and automation are the invisible layer that is helping to make our country the happiest and smartest in the world post COVID-19” As the UAE begins to kick-start its economy, the use of technology will play a powerful role in every single facet. We see this already in the way that the UAE government is looking to make financial efficiencies but still accelerate out of the pandemic, so that they are continuing to deliver world-class experiences for its citizens. Ultimately, it is technology that is the linchpin that will empower these great experiences. In a post COVID world, technology is innovating how we operate. But, when it comes to robots in particular, we are not talking about humanoid robots that are the preserve of the realms of sci-fi, but rather robots designed purely for functional roles to take on tasks and to support with more efficient ways of working. COVID-19 has been an unlikely catalyst here when it comes to supporting the acceptance of robotics in industry, enabling us to empower experiences like never before. Empowering the Citizen Experience
With the world starting to open-up and daily life resuming (albeit with social distancing practices), robotics and automation are the invisible layer that is helping to make our country the happiest and smartest in the world post COVID-19. Take for example, people’s experiences when they interact with a digital product or service; this could be when a passenger uses public transport networks such as the Dubai Metro or facilities at Dubai Airport. Real-time qualitative behavioural insights October 2020
combined with real time quantitative data driven insights provide valuable information to help those operating public services such as our universities in Abu Dhabi, the Metro or Monorail in Dubai to adapt their services based on an individual’s experience. This then provides the opportunity to act on decisions to improve services where needed, so that they ultimately meet (and exceed) the expectations of UAE citizens. In a post pandemic world, this is about putting the customer at the very heart of each experience and how we innovate for residents and tourists travelling into our region. Contact centres and complex case management is an area where technology has the power to transform the experience and drastically improve efficiencies. Citizens expect seamless interactions and governments need to deliver this while remaining fully compliant with complex regulations and often within very tight budget parameters. This is something Serco is a market leader in globally, and through our technology enabled solutions, we can quickly and efficiently transform legacy contact centre systems into digitally enabled centres. One thing we have learned along the way, however, is that when dealing with complex case management and citizens, technology alone is not enough. There will always be the need for human compassion, empathy and flexibility, especially when cases aren’t clear cut and need further investigation. We must not underestimate the value and power of human interaction here. meconstructionnews.com
On Topic | 19
Empowering Industry Sectors
One industry on the frontline that is clearly benefitting from the power of technology and specifically robotics and automation is the healthcare industry in the Middle East. When it comes to decision making tools, technology is having the power to automate the backend of the facility, by using aggregated data points to drive analytical insights. Machine learning techniques can then help to prioritise where doctors and nurses spend their time, so that they focus, with a sense of urgency, on the critical tasks first for patient care. Using technology for rapid deployment is at the core of our DNA, especially in a region where efficient and quick mobilisation of services is important to our regional governments. Technology for Faster Decision Making
Ultimately, we see that technology is helping us to make better decisions faster, and in a more efficient and effective way. What we
When dealing with complex case management and citizens, technology alone is not enough. There will always be the need for human compassion, empathy and flexibility”
are seeing now is an aggressive behavioural change in the adoption of technologies across all nationalities and across all age groups through necessity. Overnight as the pandemic has spread, robotics and automation has supported us – a great example is the global ability to shift almost immediately from inoffice work to working from home. With the need for cost efficiencies, and optimisations of service, there is a need for clients to look at maximising value from their existing asset lifecycles. What parts can be automated and what parts still need to have human intervention? Far from a case of it being humans versus robots, both need to work in tandem, in a complimentary partnership. In a post-COVID world, it is clear that we need to leverage technology, and embrace a mind-set where robotics and automation are enablers. This will help us to accelerate towards a future founded on creating worldclass experiences for the citizens of the countries in which we live and work.
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October 2020
20 | In Practice
Driven by a Sustainable Philosophy Jason Saundalkar speaks to Drees & Sommer Middle East’s Stephan Degenhart about the outbreak of COVID-19 and its impacts, shifting real estate preferences and how the firm’s Blue Way philosophy ties into its activities in the region
01 Stephan Degenhart is an associate partner of Drees & Sommer and managing director of the Middle East.
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Drees & Sommer turned 50 this year and now boasts approximately 4,000 employees across 46 offices. Through its diverse talent pool, the company offers a variety of services, which means the firm’s portfolio comprises a rich mix of public- and privatesector projects. Within the Middle East, Drees & Sommer has over 15 years of experience and in the UAE alone, it has delivered dozens of projects in the last five years. The firm says it finished its 2019 fiscal year strong and this healthy performance enabled it to tackle the onset and effects of COVID-19 head on. Discussing how the Middle East office tackled the outbreak of the pandemic, Stephan Degenhart, associate partner of Drees & Sommer and managing director of the Middle East office states, “We started early implementing all the necessary measures against COVID-19. We are a company that embraces technology, so it wasn’t difficult to send everyone to work from home. Before COVID-19, we usually had 400 or 500 people
working outside the office and it went to 4,000 in a matter of days.” He adds, “We implemented a rotating workforce when regulations allowed 30 or 50% back in the office, making sure we follow all protocols, which included not allowing any external visitors until recently.” As a multi-national consultancy, the Dubai office was supported by its headquarters with regards to resources, enabling it to support clients and continue business operations. Degenhart notes, “We looked at how we could support our clients and see what was needed for their projects: can we help them restructure a site or a project?; how we can make sure if a project has to stop there is limited impact to restart it later in terms of liability and legal aspects? We developed new business concepts for clients on the operation side, FM consulting etc. Our offices in Shanghai were the first to re-open when business restarted and we checked what we could do with clients and had a flexible approach to make sure that everything is running in their best interest.” meconstructionnews.com
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22 | In Practice
Keeping its staff safe, healthy and motivated was also of paramount importance. Degenhart explains, “We looked in-house at what we had to do for our staff and went beyond government requirements. Even before COVID-19, our staff always had the option to work externally, maybe less than it is used now, but you could always work from anywhere that’s the Drees & Sommer mentality.” Degenhart adds, “We had a Corona hotline and an intervention team with regular updates. We were using online platforms before and increased our usage but we also have an intranet where information is posted and staff can exchange ideas and concerns.”
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A New Environment
The outbreak of COVID-19 has had a serious impact on people’s lives and business globally. Asked to outline what some of the key effects were on clients Drees & Sommer works with, Degenhart notes that the pandemic pushed a lot of clients and even consultants to reevaluate business and projects. “We have a number of hospitality clients and saw how much they were impacted and how quickly they had to adapt their own business models. Stepping aside from the typical companies or disciplines which are being challenged the most at the moment, even if you take into consideration commercial real
estate, we see a lot of re-evaluating - people are redesigning and looking into the functionality of workplaces. We see a lot of input in terms of technology, like sensors, contactless touch points to improve on the one hand operations but also to reduce the risk of contamination and the like.” Here, Degenhart says that he believes the measures are a temporary response, as clients and construction businesses had to adapt to new safety precautions and restrictions. “A lot of people see COVID-19 as a driver for change and usually, as a society, we overestimate what’s possible to change in a year. This is especially true in our industry we also underestimate the changes that will happen over five to 10 years down the line. This is where Drees & Sommer comes in – we are not only focused on the short term but the long term. The engineering and construction industry is one of the oldest, dating back thousands of years, and will be also one which will continue until the end of society because we have to continue to build. So, it’s not something that will change quickly compared to the technology industry with companies like Facebook, Twitter and Google.” Asked to share his thoughts on the potential long term effects of COVID-19 and how the impacts may trace back to the construction industry, he explains, “I think big events like sports or trade fairs will probably have to rethink their business model. People are getting used to not attending live events – tennis matches, football, rugby etc, so those sectors could change. There are enthusiasts who will go back to stadiums but these events are all on business models which require 100% occupancy of a stadium, so if you drop down 20 or 30%, the whole model will not work. So, the question becomes are we talking smaller stadiums, no stadiums or are we asking how technology plays a role in those events or trade fairs etc. We have yet to see.” Shifting focus to commercial real estate, Degenhart notes there is potential for a trickledown effect on stock in that market segment. “There are the likes of Facebook who are working from home until the middle of next year. We have companies in Germany also, like Alliance, who stated that they assume that they meconstructionnews.com
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will have 30% less office space. All this will have a trickle-down effect on the real estate market and this is where we, and the real estate market, have to be prepared.” Degenhart says that the commercial real estate market has been changing in recent years, and Drees & Sommer has already delivered projects in international markets that address these dynamics. “We’ve seen the trend for more flexible office space and working from home and have implemented these concepts in our first smart buildings, like ‘The Cube’ in Berlin. We see there will be more interest towards smart commercial buildings where you have more flexible office space, co-working or sharing spaces because big companies will not just go and build the next high rise office tower or office park.” He points out that his firm is working closely with clients and is automating design, specifications and configurations for commercial real estate at a very early stage. “It’s a bit of parametric design for commercial real estate, which needs to be flexible. We see here the first trends into modular design, modular construction, all pre-configured and a change from the traditional design and construct approach,” he remarks. meconstructionnews.com
02 The AW Rostamani mixed-use development consists of residential and serviced hotel apartments. Drees & Sommer provided cost control and project management services. 03 The TAJ Hotel & Residences, Jumeirah Lake Towers is a 200 meters high mixeduse tower consisting of 81 apartment units placed on top of a 5-star hotel operated by TAJ. 04 The 160,000sqm development consists of two separate residential developments, Sunrise and Sunset, which have over 900 luxury apartments spread across 12 buildings.
The user has to be much more in focus and developers have to think about what buyers or renters want - a quality product for a reasonable price”
Repurposing Structures?
Around the world, structures have been purpose built for a specific use or event and can fall into disuse when requirements change or the event has concluded. Discussing refurbishments, Degenhart says cost can be an issue. “We hope to see with Expo 2020 a much more thoughtful process about the legacy and its use because in general, it is quite costly to repurpose existing properties – even changing residential to commercial or vice versa or changing to hospitality.” He elaborates, “There are opportunities to repurpose but it will be more expensive and especially in a region where construction allows for little retrofitting or flexibility - this needs to be considered during the design stage. This is especially true when it comes to MEP, there’s not much left over that can be reused.” “We see this when we do refurbishments with some hotels, where they want to do a light change but end up with an extensive refurbishment due to insufficient quality of the base build. This is true for projects constructed during the global financial crisis.” A Sustainable Philosophy
Drees & Sommer says it thinks and acts sustainably and holistically. It states that it October 2020
24 | In Practice
takes all facets of sustainability into account and notes that economy, ecology and functionality are inseparable. The firm refers to this principle as ‘the Blue Way’ and says it is present across its entire organisation. Taking this into account and given its extensive international project experience, the firm says it is keen to continue bringing learnings to the region, as local governments embark on their own sustainable journeys. “I’m not saying it hasn’t been done before but it’s more required when we talk about sustainability, building materials, wellbeing. Due to COVID-19, there’s a need for the developer to really think about the product things have changed.” Degenhart explains, “The user has to be more in focus and developers have to think about what buyers or renters want - a quality product for a reasonable price. They don’t want to buy or rent something with poor design or harmful materials and low quality specifications, they want solid design and proper materials. People will look more into 05 the wellbeing within an office and an apartment or villa and they will look at: what materials have been used; can they be recycled etc.” “This is where Drees & Sommer is leading in European countries; sustainability is to our core and we have acquired our long-term partner EPEA, an internationally active research and consulting institute for the implementation of Cradle to Cradle solutions. We have developed the Building Materials Scout, which helps construction stakeholders – investors, builders, project developers, architects, planners, construction companies, operators – to gain easy access to healthy, intelligent and sustainable materials and building products.” Degenhart notes that the firm is also on track to becoming a beneficial company, which not only looks at business success but at the wellbeing of people and the environment. Making the Right Moves
Given Drees & Sommer’s extensive public and private project experience on an international scale, it is in a strong position to advise local clients and developers about future projects. 06 Asked about what advice he has for clients in October 2020
There are some ambitious projects ongoing or in the pipeline which is good because you want to challenge yourself but at the same time, developers should follow a clear strategy in line with Vision 2030”
the public and private sector, Degenhart offers a measured response. “It depends on who the developer is and what they are developing. When looking at big government projects such as the airports and new districts which we are involved in - they already have a visionary mindset. They want to embrace technology, smart buildings and connect not only buildings but the city. They are on a good track - we just have to make sure they remain feasible because they shouldn’t overspend and then compromise later. It’s important to keep the expectations and the budget in place,” he explains. “When we talk about private developers who are responsible for residential, commercial, mixed-use buildings, we will probably see, again due to COVID-19, a bit of a clean-out in the market. The strong developers will sustain and survive and the more opportunistic developers will suffer. For the strong local developers, they have to rethink the business model and put the focus on the user, on feasible and viable designs and good specifications, and at the end, tying it together with a sustainable concept.”
The company operates across the GCC region and notes that its biggest markets are the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Asked about what Saudi could learn from the UAE in terms of its projects, Degenhart states, “Everyone has to go through a learning curve, even if they borrow from Dubai or the UAE.” He says, “Don’t forget that it’s almost the same people and companies who built up Dubai who are now doing it in Saudi. There’s still a lot of understanding required to heed the learnings. Luckily in Saudi Arabia, from a government perspective, they have a clear vision about what they want to achieve and are keen on avoiding issues that others have faced. Their focus is on sustainability as well as feasible and viable projects.” That said, he cautions, “There are some ambitious projects ongoing or in the pipeline which is good because you want to challenge yourself but at the same time, developers should follow a clear strategy in line with Vision 2030. Some projects have been scaled back or put on hold because they were missing the viability and obviously now with the lower oil price and COVID-19, some have to go back to the drawing board. This is where we come in and support a lot of clients: making sure that the business case is viable, ensuring designs are adapted to new requirements, taking the project forward through to design, and making sure there are no deviations, so the client has a successful project.” Asked about his vision for the region and the role ‘the Blue Way’ will play, Degenhart remarks, “The Blue Way sums up a lot of what we discussed. We talked about community, sustainability, smart building, climate, resources, making sure we don’t only think short term but for the years ahead as well.” He concludes, “We are becoming a beneficial company, so we are always looking and thinking different, making sure we go the extra mile to see what our clients will experience in five or 10 years. We also focus on how we adopt technology, how we adapt it to the design and construction industry and bring all these factors together, coming to long term future-proof, reliable and sustainable solutions. The goal is to bring all these elements together under the Blue Way.” meconstructionnews.com
26 | In Practice
COOLING STRATEGIES
THAT CONSERVE
SPX Cooling Technologies on specific cooling solutions that can contribute to LEED certification and sustainability initiatives October 2020
In Practice | 27
Evaporative cooling systems and their water treatment strategies help optimise building performance and contribute to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and other sustainability programs. Even in areas challenged by hot, arid climates, including most of the Middle East, evaporative cooling systems offer economical, energy-efficient solutions for green building design, construction and maintenance. The following are the findings of a survey of engineers and cooling tower experts inside and outside SPX Cooling Technologies to better understand how cooling towers can contribute to successful LEED projects and other sustainability initiatives. Ashley Eusey, LEED AP, sustainability manager at Hoefer Wysocki also contributed to this piece. Tell us about LEED and other sustainability initiatives and why they are important.
Initially developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and now recognised worldwide, LEED is a rating system designed to evaluate and promote construction of resource-efficient buildings that support sustainable, healthy-living environments. Points are awarded for fulfilling nine separate categories, among them water efficiency and energy savings, with total credits determining a building’s certification level. It takes a holistic, performance-based approach to sustainability, ensuring that buildings can prove energy and water savings, and that they incorporate environmentally friendly materials and resources. The USGBC also acknowledges environmental standards outside of the United States and recognises communities in Europe and the Middle East that are among the world’s leading proponents of green building. In the HVAC industry, LEED supplements the efficiency standards of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). LEED certification is desirable because, with a rating from a globally recognised third-party system, it reflects the overall excellence and integrity of a building’s design, construction and operational systems. Meanwhile, ASHRAE traditionally focuses on
HVAC-specific construction components – for example, louvers and drift eliminators installed on a cooling tower that prevent water splashout and support water conservation efforts, or the use of variable frequency drives with fan motors to save energy. Another rating guide, the UK-established Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), is well-known throughout Europe. BREEAM aims to assess, rate and certify a building’s sustainability to reduce the negative environmental effects of construction and development. An emerging concept guiding best environmental practices for commercial and industrial professionals worldwide is the Circular Economy (CE). CE calls to replace the traditional linear economy – take, make, dispose – and instead optimise our existing resources: use them as long as possible, extracting maximum value before finally recovering and regenerating products and materials, whenever possible, after their initial service life ends. For example, Marley stainless steel cooling towers can comprise up to 100% percent recycled material, and some galvanised steel towers comprise at least 23% recycled material. When decommissioned, the steel can again be recycled for other uses, a cycle that supports the circular economy philosophy. What advance planning and preparation is required of building design teams who wish to incorporate evaporative cooling in LEED projects?
Since most buildings constructed today employ some method for cooling indoor air, engineers and architects may seek the most efficient, environmentally sustainable method possible. The LEED rating system rewards environmentally sustainable practices that conserve energy, material and water resources. An evaporative cooling tower system capable of achieving these goals has the potential to earn points toward energy optimisation credit, including up to 20 in existing buildings and up to 18 in new buildings. A building looking to achieve credits for optimising energy performance can get about halfway to certification by implementing HVAC-related strategies and equipment choices that contribute to increased
efficiency. A building becomes LEED certified at a minimum of 40 points. First, to earn points toward certification, buildings must meet a few prerequisites. For new buildings, design teams can demonstrate the cooling tower’s contribution to indoor water reduction with makeup water meters, conductivity controllers and overflow alarms, and drift eliminators. New buildings can also pre-qualify for certification if owners commit to water metering and fundamental commissioning and verification. Fundamental commissioning and verification include implementation of a “facilities requirements and operations plan,” which may address equipment run-time schedules and HVAC set points that optimise energy use. Cooling towers evaporate an HVAC system’s recirculated water to remove heat. Only small amounts of water are required to be recirculated through the system. Water in the evaporative cooling tower mixes with air flow – typically produced by a fan (often using a variable frequency drive to save energy); evaporation of the hot water results, creating a cooling action. Cooling tower operation can actually be optimised in several ways to directly contribute to LEED certification: • Operating a cooling tower under variable flow conditions at off-peak times can achieve greater efficiency by reducing flow rate and fan energy, as long as proper water distribution is achieved. For example: V Running half the fans at full speed for 50% cooling at half the energy usage. V Running all the fans at half speed for 50% cooling at one-eighth the energy usage. • Monitoring water consumption to identify ways to minimise use. As mentioned earlier, water metering can potentially help an existing building earn up to two points and a new building up to one point. • Incorporating water quality management, contaminant control and cycles of concentration as part of system water conservation. Achieving water conservation has the potential of earning an existing building up to three points and a new building up to two points. October 2020
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Maximising “cycles of concentration” is a recommended water conservation practice. Cycles of concentration is defined as the resulting ratio of concentrated dissolved solids in the circulating “blowdown” water compared to that in the fresh makeup water. Increasing cycles of concentration can greatly reduce blowdown and make-up water simultaneously, creating a water chemistry equilibrium that conserves water and removes minerals that dissolved during the evaporative cooling process. At the same time, the quantity of dissolved solids must be controlled. Implementing an effective water treatment program with tools to monitor water quality can empower cooling tower operators to proactively address issues related to microorganisms, corrosion, scale and water conservation. How does relative humidity impact the evaporative cooling process and why is that important in arid parts of the world?
Cooling tower efficiency is largely driven by operation and maintenance standards, but climate also plays a role. When relative humidity is low, as it usually is in hot and dry regions like the Middle East region, the October 2020
Green building concepts have evolved from being the innovative exception to becoming the accepted standard for many communities” 01 Physically larger cooling towers are more efficient because they typically have more heat transfer media (fill) volume, allowing them to use less air flow and lower fan power for increased energy savings. 02 Four levels of LEED project certification are available: Certified 40-49 points; Silver 50-59; Gold 60-69 and Platinum 80+. 03 Using variable frequency drives (VFDs) with cooling tower fans can help significantly reduce annual energy consumption in most climates.
more beneficial evaporative cooling is for building owners. Relative humidity measures the difference between moisture in the air and the amount of moisture the air could hold. That is the difference between wet bulb temperature, or the amount of moisture in the air, and dry bulb temperature, the outdoor temperature. At 100% relative humidity, wet and dry bulb temperatures are the same. In evaporative cooling systems, heat is transferred based on wet bulb, while dry systems rely on dry bulb. Evaporative systems can produce cold-water temperatures near wet bulb levels that often fall below outdoor dry bulb temperatures, which results in energy savings in arid areas. Dry systems, on the other hand, must work against high dry bulb temperatures year-round in areas like the Middle East. In arid climates with limited or no water resources, hybrid cooling towers may help limit water consumption. The hybrid combination of wet and dry components maximises cooling efficiency under high heat load conditions, while achieving water savings at reduced load. Innovative hybrid products meconstructionnews.com
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using both wet and dry technologies – like the Marley NCWD Cooling Tower – first cool water through a dry section at the top of the tower, offering additional water savings and another way to potentially earn points toward the innovation credit. The NCWD tower can reduce annual water consumption by up to 20%, depending on climate and the facility’s heat load profile. Are there benefits of using water- versus air-cooled cooling systems?
Yes and the simple explanation is that aircooled HVAC systems requiring higher fan power to reduce temperatures are less energy efficient. Air-cooled equipment use fans to chill a fluid moving through a coil by blowing air across the coil surface, and electricity powers those fans. Depending on the location’s climate, the energy savings realised from water-cooled systems are significant. According to the Hydronics Industry Alliance, a building can save five to 30% or more on HVAC energy consumption when using a water-cooled system compared to air-cooled or variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems.
balanced against installation costs, operational complexity and environmental impact. How does the size of a cooling tower affect energy savings?
Physically larger cooling towers are more efficient because they typically have more heat transfer media (fill) volume, allowing them to use less air flow and lower fan power for increased energy savings. Numerous combinations of physical tower size and fan power can meet certain temperature requirements for a specific water flow. Since maximising power savings generally requires using a larger, and potentially more costly
cooling tower, system designers should consult with cooling tower manufacturers for help weighing the costs compared with power consumption benefits to find a solution that best meets their requirements. In summary, green building concepts have evolved from being innovative exceptions to the accepted standard for communities. Today, building designers, engineers and managers expect manufacturers of HVAC systems to dedicate R&D resources to commercialise environmentally responsible cooling systems that offer exceptional performance and value, while meeting global ASHRAE, LEED and other sustainability standards.
Are there any cooling tower components or accessories that operators might consider to see additional energy savings?
The use of variable frequency drives (VFDs) with fans is recommended. With two-speed fan motors, any time you need greater than 50% cooling capacity, fan power needs to be increased to 100% to reach it. VFD systems are designed to combine absolute temperature control with ideal energy management. The cooling tower user selects a cold-water temperature and the drive system will vary the fan speed to maintain that temperature. Using VFDs can significantly reduce annual energy consumption in most climates, making them essential for projects focused on energy efficiency and LEED concepts. When used with a VFD, the use of a permanent magnet motor may be as energy efficient as a gear drive, but the initial cost can be significantly higher. In addition to these two factors, building managers should consider ease of maintenance, reliability and service life, meconstructionnews.com
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32 | On Site
A Shining Light Gavin Davids profiles the Noor Abu Dhabi solar plant, the world’s largest single solar plant and a benchmark for renewable energy across the globe Last July, on the eve of the United Nations Abu Dhabi Climate Meeting, the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) announced that the massive Noor Abu Dhabi solar plant had commenced commercial operations, marking a significant moment in history for renewable energy advocates and for sustainable energy as a whole. Not only is the project the world’s largest single solar plant, but it will offset Abu Dhabi’s CO2 emissions by one million metric tons, the equivalent of taking 200,000 cars off the roads. With 3.2 million solar panels installed across an eight square kilometre site and producing 1.2GW of power, the Noor Abu Dhabi solar plant is expected to provide enough power to meet the equivalent demand of 90,000 people. Built at a cost of $871.1 million, the plant is located at Sweihan in Abu Dhabi and electricity generated by the facility will be sold to EWEC under a 25-year power purchase agreement. The project was developed as a joint venture between the Abu Dhabi Power Corporation and October 2020
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have been some of the biggest tangible benefits realised?
Noor Abu Dhabi directly supports the UAE’s Vision 2021, which has set out diverse social, economic, and sustainable objects for the country. The project serves as an important benchmark for what we can achieve when it comes to large-scale clean energy projects. It also highlights how the UAE economy is successfully adopting new economic models, and capitalising on global economic partnerships. Since the commencement of operations at Noor Abu Dhabi, the plant has provided a range of benefits. The first of these is the significant deployment of state-of-the-art monocrystalline photovoltaic (PV) module technology with a capacity of 1.2 GW. The use of this technology has meant that the solar energy produced is at a competitive tariff compared to alternative resources. Importantly, Noor Abu Dhabi is helping to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by one million metric tons per year, the equivalent of removing 200,000 cars off the roads. The cost competitiveness of the winning bid for Noor Abu Dhabi also highlights the very keen interest of global solar developers in Abu Dhabi, as one of the world’s leading jurisdictions for solar energy development. It has enabled EWEC to discuss further development of photovoltaic (PV) installations with national, regional, and international partners.
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What were some of the biggest challenges encountered during the
a consortium of Japan’s Marubeni Corp and China’s Jinko Solar Holding. Construction of the solar plant was completed within 23 months, as was originally planned in the construction schedule. In order to reach this milestone on time, more than 2,900 people worked on site at peak construction. With the plant now operational, Gavin Davids spoke to EWEC to find out how the renewable energy project came to be, what tangible benefits it will bring to Abu Dhabi, and the UAE, and the challenges that were encountered during the development process. Now that the solar plant has been in operation for almost a year, what October 2020
01 Ensuring the PV panel structures were securely fastened was a key construction challenge for the project. 02 By making key investments in critical pieces of technology, EWEC has ensured that Noor Abu Dhabi has strong operational efficiency. 03 EWEC will have an expected capacity of 50% of Abu Dhabi’s energy needs from renewable energy by 2030.
construction and development of the plant, and how were they overcome?
Building mega-installations, such as Noor Abu Dhabi, in the midst of a desert environment, evidently brings a range of challenges to overcome. The timeline for the development and construction of the plant was very ambitious, and it was also important to ensure we could capture the efficiency and sector cost savings. EWEC oversaw a very fast procurement process, just 13 months from the launch of the RFP to financial close, and from that date worked with our partners, who were able to construct the plant in just 18 months. During the construction phase, ensuring that PV panel structures were securely fastened, meconstructionnews.com
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given the nature of desert geology, was a particular focus. Noor Abu Dhabi is designed in a curved pattern, so the need for the 3.2m panels to remain unified in their position was paramount during the construction process. To achieve this, engineers first used a fleet of drones to scan the eight-kilometre area and identified the position of over 600,000 ground screws. This data was then transferred to an unmanned machine, which drilled into the surface, and then a second machine drilled the ground poles into position using precise torque. This process ensured that the whole solar plant was secured against the shifting geological nature of the Arabian Desert. The work and effort of the multinational teams involved in the project enabled Noor Abu Dhabi to be completed on time and on budget.
considering and minimising the environmental impact that the location and construction of the project may have. For Noor Abu Dhabi, which covers an 8km2 site, this involved conducting a census of local wildlife in the area, which includes the presence of the endangered spiny tailed ‘dhub’ lizard. The lizards – nicknamed the ‘little dragon’ of the desert – face a major threat in the destruction of their habitat through development. Working closely with EAD, we worked to remove 150 dhub lizards from the site before commencing construction and relocated them to a nearby habitat. Two years on from that process, we are continuing to work closely with the EAD to ensure that these lizards continue to enjoy their desert home.
What environmental and logistical
What protective measures have
issues had to be resolved during the
been put in place to mitigate against
construction and development process?
maintenance and performance issues?
For every new project EWEC undertakes, we apply a rigorous process – in partnership with many stakeholders, including the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) – to ensure we have in place the highest standards when
Solar panels require a different level of maintenance. One of the critical issues affecting solar plants anywhere, but particularly in the desert, is dust. Left uncleaned, PV panels will quickly build up a surface layer of dust that
prevents light from passing through, thus reducing the efficiency of the solar panel. To meet this challenge, Noor Abu Dhabi has sweeping machines or ‘robots’, which wipe each panel free of sand – and other forms of sediment – that can impede energy efficiency of the module. These machines do not use water and clean the 3.2m panels on a regular basis. By making key investments in critical pieces of technology, we have ensured that Noor Abu Dhabi has strong operational efficiency that allows us to provide a consistently high level of energy output. Finally, what scope is there for expansion of the solar plant?
EWEC has a strategic plan to increase the use of sustainable energy production technologies. The next key project in this plan is the Al Dhafra PV project, which will cover an area of 20 square kilometres, providing up to 110,000 households in the UAE with electricity. It will reduce CO2 emissions by over 1.6m metric tonnes per year – equal to removing 330,000 cars from the road. As such, Noor Abu Dhabi represented the first phase of solar energy production in the UAE.
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Nourhan Kassab
“Be bold, express ideas, and contribute because there is value in viewing matters from different perspectives” Following our special edition dedicated to women in the construction industry, Middle East Consultant continues to share the inspiration and experiences of women working in the male-dominated industry across the GCC. Here, we catch up with Nourhan Kassab, graduate – project manager at WSP in the Middle East. What drove you to get into the construction industry?
Growing up in Dubai, I was always fascinated by the complex projects defining the city’s skyline. Lands being transformed into phenomenal structures amused me and sparked my curiosity to learn more about the construction industry. My journey started at the American University in Dubai (AUD) where I did my Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. To broaden my perspective further, I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Construction Economics and Management at University College London (UCL). These milestones helped set the foundations for my professional career. I started my career as a procurement engineer in a contracting company to gain more exposure and on-site experience. Share a brief about your career, mentioning key achievements with regards to your role. meconstructionnews.com
My role with a contracting company gave me exposure to various construction stages for both the substructure and superstructure. This experience helped set a very strong base for my next role as a graduate project manager at WSP Middle East. Being part of the integrated project delivery team gives me exposure to both design management and project management. This experience aligns with my previous research and work at University College London. At WSP, I have the opportunity to work on some of the region’s most remarkable projects including One Za’abeel, which when completed will have the world’s longest cantilever. How have you made your mark in the industry working on projects? What is your proudest moment?
One of the main advantages of working at an international firm is getting to work in a diverse environment; an inclusive environment that empowers young professionals and welcomes all experiences. The importance of this is that teams get to leverage their varying expertise in approaching complex projects more innovatively. During my master’s degree at UCL, quite a major part of my research was related to the London Olympics. Since then, I have always aspired to be involved in such impactful projects in the Middle East. October 2020
38 | On Site
My proudest moment was when I became a member of the team working on the One Za’abeel project. I believe that one of the reasons behind the uniqueness of this project is the diverse team that is working on it. In addition to that, working with such a diverse team has helped bring out the best of my abilities. What are some of the barriers to women entering the construction industry? What was your personal experience?
One of the main barriers is lack of awareness of the industry’s dynamic nature and the diverse roles it has to offer. Focusing on engineering, there is a misconception that the working environment and nature of jobs are tough for women to endure. Another barrier is the belief that it is a male-dominated industry that does not support career progression or offer growth opportunities for women. At a personal level, I was at first concerned to join a field that is perceived to be male dominated, but I took the challenge to prove otherwise. After three years of experience in this field, I am proud to say that I made the right decision.
Everyone has a part to play in diversity and equal pay. What would you like to see government authorities and construction firms do to increase diversity and make pay a level playing field?
I must say that the UAE has a very empowering culture that encourages women to take part in various roles that are perceived to be male dominated. This is seen in many of the initiatives the government is rolling out to promote diversity. As for construction firms, they have been putting efforts into meeting the regulations regarding gender balance. However, applying the minimum is not enough to create a shift in mindsets and behaviors. Construction firms need to understand where the gap is - this can be done by producing reports assessing the firm’s position in relation to diversity and gender balance. WSP Middle East is already applying this by producing a Gender Balance Report that reflects on the organisation’s performance and compares it to previous years to ensure that we are constantly improving.
A key to increasing diversity is the work culture and environment that teams are a part of. It is crucial that every member of the construction industry is aware of the value women bring to this field, which is equally important to what men add”
Besides authorities and construction firms, The GCC construction sector is still
who else can play a part in increasing
male dominated, however diversity is
diversity and balancing pay scales?
beginning to increase. If you agree with
A key to increasing diversity is the work culture and environment that teams are a part of. It is crucial that every member of the construction industry is aware of the value women bring to this field, which is equally important to what men add. Female leaders also have a responsibility of being more involved and open to sharing their experiences. This would help assure other female professionals at different levels that gender is not an obstacle and anything can be achieved with the right mindset and skills.
the above, comment on what is driving this and how you see the GCC markets changing in the coming years? If you do not agree with the above, please share your thoughts/views of the market.
Being part of the construction industry in the GCC region, I noticed that most of the engineering teams I have worked with are very diverse. These teams have been successful in delivering and adding value to complex projects by utilising expertise of both men and women. This demonstrates that diversity is key to achieving complex milestones. With the presence of such benefits, the construction industry is adapting and becoming more open to hiring professionals based on their technical knowledge and capabilities. We now just need to accept that change is a process and we are certainly at a better position than we were years ago, due to the increasing awareness around this topic. October 2020
As a woman in the industry, what has your experience been working in the GCC construction sector? If you have worked in markets outside the GCC, how does your experience here compare with what you’ve experienced and observed in other markets?
An interesting aspect of the construction sector in the GCC is the complexity and uniqueness of
the projects. All these large-scale projects come with many challenges including being fast-paced, which adds more to my experience. It has been a rewarding experience to get to work on some of the region’s phenomenal projects at this early stage of my career. In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge women in the construction sector face in GCC countries? How can these challenges be addressed?
I believe that the construction sector in the GCC empowers all professionals. However, certain issues still challenge women including achieving their work-life balance. WSP Middle East has policies to address this challenge like offering part time work, the flexibility to work from home, and a unique, industry leading Maternity Policy. If such an approach is applied at an industry level, I believe we would see a positive change in the number of women in the industry. meconstructionnews.com
On Site | 39
middle-management and leadership roles held by women in 2021. We also have a Women in Professional Service (WiPS) Network focused at connecting female professionals in the business and supporting them in their career progression. Our business also focuses on reaching out to university students to showcase the work we do in the region and demonstrate how diverse our teams are. This is followed by hiring a diverse group of competent graduates annually, who are seen to be the future leaders of the business. How do you personally push for diversity and equal pay in the construction sector? Are you involved in any groups/councils etc that focus on increasing diversity and equal pay?
In doing your job, what sort of discrimination (if any) have you faced and how did you/WSP address it?
Project management entails having interactions with external parties and internal teams. I have been fortunate to not have experienced any discrimination at my work. However, starting as a graduate comes with a challenge of getting stakeholders to accept my technical input because of my limited experience. With my team’s support, I was able to overcome this challenge by focusing on delivering quality work, rather than questioning my impact in the team. I believe that we are shaped by the challenges we face and become more resilient with experience. Do you feel there’s a limit with regards to how far you can progress within WSP?
WSP Middle East recognises efforts and encourages all employees to challenge the status meconstructionnews.com
quo. Assigning mentors to young professionals helps in setting career goals and planning professional development. We also have female role models within our business who successfully progressed to leadership positions, which reassures me that I am in the right environment and there is no limit to how far I can progress. How does WSP approach diversity in the workplace? What more can the company do to increase diversity?
As part of WSP Middle East’s commitment to be a Great Place to Work, we have multiple initiatives focused on promoting diversity and inclusion at the workplace. We have a Middle East Gender Balance Steering Group committed to assessing the firm’s position and addressing feedback from the teams. The group is also taking strategic steps to achieving WSP’s global target of having 30% of
I have helped in conducting multiple site visits for university students. In these site visits I shared my experience and helped them see the value in visiting sites of remarkable projects. Taking on these initiatives, especially with young professionals, sets an example that women can have an impact in the construction industry. Ultimately, we would be creating a culture that values diversity in our industry. During my last visit to our London office, I had the chance to present our work in the Middle East to the UK team, which emphasises the importance of global connectivity and being regionally dedicated, whilst leveraging global expertise. Representing the IPD team in the Middle East shows that there is a focus at increasing diversity in our region. What advice would you give to a woman entering the construction industry today?
My advice would be to challenge the perceptions around the industry because there are many great projects in the GCC that women can leave their mark on. Changing behaviors can be a timeconsuming process but it is underway and is gaining momentum as awareness is increasing. In the meantime, we as professionals have to focus at developing our skills and opportunities will unravel. Another suggestion I have is to be bold, express ideas, and contribute because there is always value to be gained in viewing matters from different perspectives. October 2020
40 | On Site
01 Andrew Bui is an engineer and director with AECOM Ventures.
01
Andrew Bui “A more resilient, sustainable transportation network requires a multi-level approach” Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but it doesn’t have to be that way. A reimagined transportation network can help better manage climate change. Developing these solutions requires innovation and fundamental change - from the way we commute to the movement of goods to the establishment of communities. It also requires partnerships between municipalities, transit agencies and utilities. Implementing these changes can make our transportation systems greener, more sustainable and more equitable. There are three key goals to achieve for advancing this vital transition.
would improve cities’ air quality, particularly in low-income neighborhoods, which are often home to fleet vehicle terminals. Develop partnerships for electrification
Decarbonisation requires strategies such as electrification and connecting mobility options. Oftentimes, success hinges on partnerships between groups that have not traditionally worked together and incentivising shared risks and rewards that drive innovation. Collaborations between utilities, cities, public and private fleet owners, and landowners ensure we incorporate key issues like public health, access to mobility services, jobs and equity in infrastructure decisions.
Accelerate Adoption of Greener
October 2020
Vehicles and Cleaner Fuel
Strategise and Plan for the Future
Electric vehicles have already started making an impact on our transportation system. By 2030, electric cars will make up about 28% of new car sales, a significant increase compared to the expected 2.7% sales increase for 2020. And even now, according to Electric Vehicles Outlook, this small increase is displacing one million barrels of daily oil demand. After recognising the impact of GHG emissions, cities’ utilities and transit agencies are converting public vehicle fleets to electrified vehicles — a move that accelerates electrified vehicle adoption and advances state and local economies as well as social equity goals. Implementing infrastructure that supports these vehicles creates jobs. A study conducted by the Political Economy Research Institute estimates that school and transit bus fleet electrification could create 280,000 jobs over the next five years. Reducing GHG emissions
of Clean Energy Infrastructure
A cohesive, infrastructure development strategy is essential to enable clean energy use in our transportation networks. These must extend beyond borders and include utilities that provide the energy for vehicles, making electric vehicles more attainable and cost effective. The objective is to put infrastructure in place that supports a range of clean energy solutions including vehicle to grid, renewable power generation, charging facilities and smart infrastructure for electric vehicles. A more resilient, sustainable transportation network requires a multi-level approach. With a robust ecosystem of clean energy solutions, partners including public transportation and transit agencies, utilities and private investors will be able to capitalise on a technology that promises improved efficiency and operations. By establishing a multi-faceted network, communities will benefit for years to come. meconstructionnews.com
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