1 bgreen january 2014

Issue 41 | January 2014

Maximum

oil…

minimum environmental disruption

Publication licensed by IMPZ

Special Oman edition: We discover the sustainable side of the Sultanate’s biggest oil producer PDO

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EDITOR’S PAGE

Publisher Dominic De Sousa CEO Nadeem Hood Editorial Group Director of Editorial Paul Godfrey paul.godfrey@cpimediagroup.com Group Managing Editors Melanie Mingas melanie.mingas@cpimediagroup.com Georgina Wilson-Powell georgina.powell@cpimediagroup.com Senior Editor Gary Wright gary.wright@cpimediagroup.com Contributing Editor Anoop K Menon anoop.menon@cpimediagroup.com Assistant Editor Lorraine Bangera lorraine.bangera@cpimediagroup.com Advertising Group Sales Director Carol Owen carol.owen@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 440 9115 Director Harry Norman harry.norman@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 440 9131 Manager Junaid Rafique junaid.rafique@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 440 9134 Senior Director Jude Slann jude.slann@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 440 9136 Marketing Manager Siobhan Jensen siobhan.jensen@cpimediagroup.com Cesar Ypil cesar.ypil@cpimediagroup.com Design & Photography Senior Designer Marlou Delaben marlou.delaben@cpimediagroup.com Web Development Troy Maagma Maher Waseem Shahzad

Why 2014 is the year sustainability becomes mainstream

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here is always a spirit of optimism at the start of a New Year but there is little doubt that 2014 is going to be huge for everyone involved in the sustainability industry.

During the last 12 months the region has picked up economically and there are clear signs of investment and spending.

It has been led but strong government investment as seen in Saudi Arabia and Oman where the rulers carried on their spending sprees during 2013, investing billions of petrodollars in infrastructure projects that will transform their countries.

In the UAE the construction industry demonstrated it was solidly back on its feet: building workers appeared on sites that had appeared abandoned for the past few years, concrete consumption increased and as rents in Dubai began climbing, bringing some concern about a possible property bubble, the emirate pulled off its Expo 2020 bid bringing another boost to its economic future.

Meanwhile Qatar continued its World Cup 2022 journey under a new Emir, although some observers felt progress is slow on contract awards, the country stood firm promising it will meet its soccer obligations on time.

But one thing all the GCC nations have in common is that sustainability is a part of every decision being made in the construction sector. The new economic strength has allowed the sustainable construction advocates to thrive after five years of having to fight every time to prove that green could still mean economic.

These are good times. Margins on contracts, which have been squeezed in recent years, will increase as competition for the best contractors, suppliers and engineers increases the volume of work.

I’ve already mentioned Oman’s rosy future and it’s apt that this first edition of 2014 focuses on the Sultanate. Large in size relative to its population we decided to take a closer look and find out how sustainability is being incorporated. We met with its biggest oil producer Petroleum Development Oman, and after a chat with its managing director we discovered a big company with some pretty impressive environmental schemes to its name.

You can find out more about that from page 40 but in the meantime I trust you will enjoy this special issue of BGreen and I wish you all a very happy and prosperous 2014.

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.

Gary Wright Senior Editor Sustainability Division

January 2014

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS JANUARY 2014

News

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10 WORLD 14 Really?

An ideal space for endangered turtles

ENERGY AND WATER 16 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week A preview of ADSW which includes WFES, IWS and EcoWASTE to be held from January 18 to 24 19 Projects that matter BGreen looks at the top 10 clean energy projects in the GCC 24 A chilling reduction Ramiz Alaileh, Powerwise manager at the Regulation and Supervision Bureau (RSB) talks about water, wastewater and electricity in Abu Dhabi

CONSTRUCTION 28 BGreen Seminar Series The seminar series held two panel discussions: Energy Efficiency Early in Construction and Indoor Air Quality 29 Energy Efficiency Early in Construction Five experts on whether contractors want to save energy and probable future incentives 32 Indoor Air Quality Who really cares and is legislation the only way to ensure safety indoors

24 29

January 2014

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6

CONTENTS

40

54

46 Oman Special 40 Sustainable Sultanate Oman is undergoing infrastructure investment on a scale to equal any country in the GCC as it strives to create jobs for its people and build an infrastructure fit for the 21st century 42 Petroleum Development Oman We meet the managing director of Petroleum Development Oman, Raoul Restucci, who talks sustainability, the future… and golf 46 Five sustainable projects The Sultanate’s biggest oil and gas producer has some brilliant sustainability projects and BGreen takes a look at five

oil & Gas 54 Landfill gas Al Qusais landfill site in Dubai has been transformed from a waste dump to an efficient power production facility. We meet the award winning husband and wife team behind it

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66 LEISURE 60 Green building trends in the Middle East John Mandyck, chief sustainability officer at UTC Building & Industrial Systems, talks about the emerging green practices in the UAE

SOCIETY 62 Green Personality Movie star Leonardo DiCaprio’s campaign for a greener world is now 15 years old 65 Diary dates

Events, conferences and roundtables 66 Sustainable past Recycling helps reduce our carbon footprint - but 200 years ago in London recycling was a way of life for the poor

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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.

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

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.

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

January 2014

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

PARTNER AT Kearney

Vice president & General manager Philips Lighting Middle East & Turkey Philips

innovation partner

Sandrine Le Biavant Director of Consultancy FARNEK AVIREAL

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NEWS | World

BGreen Award winner signs new green gas deal Interface, named BGreen Award’s Most Sustainable Large Company 2013 has revealed details of its latest move to cut greenhouse emissions.

Interface, which won for its work making carpet tiles from recycled fishing nets (seen above picking up its BGreen Award in November) has announced it will be using 100% sustainable gas at its manufacturing plant in Scherpenzeel, the Netherlands, from January 1, 2014.

The carpet tile manufacturer has signed a contract with sustainable energy supplier Eneco to supply gas produced using certified ‘green’ waste from the food industry, provided by fish processor A. van de Groep.

Interface is already using green energy across its European manufacturing sites and the decision to use sustainable gas forms part of the company’s long-term ‘Mission Zero’ sustainability goal. As a result of this contract, Interface will receive all of its gas via Eneco.

Ton van Keken, Senior Vice President of Operations at Interface Europe, said: “We

January 2014

are excited about our partnership with A. van de Groep and Eneco. The transition to sustainable gas is the next logical step on our journey towards ‘Mission Zero’ – our goal to become a truly sustainable company and have zero impact on the environment by 2020.

“By using a combination of green energy and biogas, our European headquarters and our factory in Scherpenzeel will become almost CO2 neutral and waste, in this case from the food and fish industries, will be used in a way that benefits business.”

Barth de Klerk, Director at Eneco Business, said: “Interface’s ‘Mission Zero’ goal fits seamlessly with our mission at Eneco, to provide everyone in the Netherlands with sustainably produced energy.

“By feeding the biogas that is being produced by A. van de Groep to our grid, we can supply Interface with sustainable gas.

“It is wonderful that through this project all businesses involved can fulfill aspects of their corporate social responsibility.”

FM Expo 2013 Middle East Waste & Recycling, and Commercial Cleaning and Hygiene, are two exhibitions, dedicated to their industries, which will part of the established FM Expo next year at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Middle East Waste & Recycling will deliver waste management and recycling solutions to the region, providing a platform for manufacturers and suppliers to reach decision makers in the waste and recycling sector. The event will attract waste management professionals seeking solutions for waste minimisation, collection, treatment, disposal and recycling.

Commercial Cleaning and Hygiene will attract manufacturers and suppliers of cleaning equipment and services, contract cleaning companies, facility managers and distributors within the region, as well as end users within government, education, healthcare, leisure, and retail sectors.

FM EXPO 2014, Middle East Waste & Recycling, and Commercial Cleaning & Hygiene, will be held from May 19 to 21, 2014.

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NEWS | world

‘New’ greenhouse gas is 7,000 times worse than carbon dioxide

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anadian scientists have discovered a new greenhouse gas than warms the earth more than 7,000 times faster than carbon dioxide.

The gas is called perfluorotributylamine (PFTBA), which has been has been used by the electrical industry for more than 60 years and major electrical producers are expected to be examining the fine detail of the report in an effort to understand its impact on their businesses.

Researchers at the University of Toronto say the man-made chemical “breaks all records for potential impacts on the climate” in a new report.

The findings, published in Geophysical Research Letters, describes how the compound’s long lifespan could affect global warming.

“PFTBA is extremely longlived in the atmosphere and it has a very high radiative efficiency. The result of this is a very high global warming potential. Calculated over a 100-year time frame, a single molecule of PFTBA has the equivalent climate impact as 7,100 molecules of CO2,” said Angela Hong, one of the co-authors.

The study, published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, found PFTBA was 7,100 times more powerful at warming the Earth over a 100year time span than CO2.

Concentrations of PFTBA in the atmosphere are low – 0.18 parts per trillion in the Toronto area – compared to 400 parts

January 2014

per million for carbon dioxide. So PFTBA does not in any way displace the burning of fossil fuels such as oil and coal as the main drivers of climate change.

“PFTBA is just one example of an industrial chemical that is produced, but there are no policies that control its production, use or emission,” Hong said.

“It is not being regulated by any type of climate policy.”

“From a climate change perspective, individually, PFTBA’s atmospheric concentration does not significantly alert the phenomenon of climate change,” Hong said. “Still the biggest culprit is CO2 from fossil fuel emissions.”

Toronto researchers estimated PFTBA remains in the atmosphere for about 500 years, and unlike carbon

dioxide, that is taken up by forests and oceans, there are no known way for the earth to absorb it.

“It is so much less than carbon dioxide, but the important thing is on a per molecule basis, it is very, very effective in interacting with heat from the Earth,” she said. “Individually each molecule is able to affect the climate potentially and because its lifetime is so long it also has a longlasting effect.”

Hong said the discovery of PFTBA and its warming potential raises questions about the climate impacts of other chemicals used in industrial processes.

PFTBA is used in electrical equipment, such as transistors and capacitors though researchers said it was unclear how widespread its use was today.

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NEWS | Really?

Why Oman is a great place to be an endangered turtle In this special Oman issue of BGreen we take a look at one of the country’s success stories: its efforts to protect the Green Turtle and why it’s now easier to see these amazing creatures at close quarters

The Green Turtle finds safety on Oman’s 275 protected nesting beaches

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n estimated 60,000 green turtle eggs are laid each year on the beaches of Oman, by an estimated 20,000 females, which makes the Sultante the top country for nesting round the Indian Ocean.

Except for Ras al Jinz, Oman has closed all the 275 turtle nesting beaches on its coastline in order to protect their habitat as they are one of the ocean’s most endangered creatures.

Four main species of turtles nest in Oman: Green turtles, Olive Ridley turtles, Hawksbill turtles and Loggerhead turtles. A fifth species called Leatherback turtles also live

January 2014

and feed in the waters adjacent to the coasts of the Sultanate.

Green turtles are the fastest swimming turtle - reaching up to 32 km - they can hold their breath underwater for more than two hours and live up to 80 years, growing to a shell length of more than a metre and weighing more than 180 kg.

The specie is listed as endangered by the IUCN and CITES and is protected from exploitation in most countries of the world.

Around 100 people attend the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Centre – 300km from the capital Muscat - where each night between July and December, they watch females crawl up the

beach above the tide line, lay between 100 and 200 eggs, cover them with sand using her flippers then return to the sea. Eggs hatch after 45 to 75 days and the young turtles instinctively head for the ocean.

Until last year hundreds of people a night who made the journey to Ras Al Jinz were disappointed because all viewing is overseen by a guide and visitors have to book in advance and only 100 a night were allowed – in groups of 20.

But from last month the rules have been relaxed by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs where another 100 persons can be accommodated to see these turtles.

“We used to take 100 people in five batches at 9pm and 4am. But now we have started taking an additional 100 people in batches at 10pm,” Vijay Handa, the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Centre general manager told the Times of Oman.

“I went twice during the peak summer season and was denied entry since it was full. Both the times I made the mistake of not booking earlier,” said S. Thomas, an Indian expatriate working in Muscat told the Times.

Handa said that the increased capacity is mainly due to hotels which are situated in and around Sur. “Besides, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs has started opening up Ras Al Hadd to see turtles if there are too many bookings at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Centre. Though it is not a guided tour, the visitors here can see turtles for themselves,” Handa said.

And tourists can now stay in eco-friendly tents with all the modern amenities, which overlook the sea from hilltops a stone’s throw from the main reserve site. Tents are supplied by EcoStructures Australia and are first of their kind in Oman.

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ENERGY & WATER

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2014 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week from January 18 to 24 is one of the region’s biggest green events and will attract delegates from across the region... and the world. In 2013, it welcomed more than 30,000 participants from over 150 countries, this year is expected to be even bigger

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bu Dhabi Sustainability Week at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, brings world leaders, policy makers, thought leaders, decision makers, experts, scientists, business leaders and academics together.

They will discuss, debate, and ultimately address the energy and sustainability challenges for the future. Last year it concentrated on tackling energy, water and environment issues, along with empowering younger generations and entrepreneurs of the region.

The 2014 programme will feature a series of complementary events, conferences and exhibitions, including: The International

January 2014

Water Summit; The Abu Dhabi Renewable Energy Conference; The Zayed Future Energy Prize Award Ceremony; The International Renewable Energy Agency meeting; and Ecowaste.

Full details of all the ADSW events at www. abudhabisustainabilityweek.com World Future Energy Summit The World Future Energy Summit (WFES) is the dedicated to renewable energies, energy efficiency and clean technologies.

The event is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE

ENERGY & WATER

Armed Forces. The summit includes a conference, an international exhibition, the Project & Finance Village, the Young Future Energy Leaders programme, as well as a number of corporate meetings and concurrent social events. It is hosted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renowned renewable energy company, and will be held on January 20-22.

Creating a sustainable, solar energy industry should be a top regional priority, according to a senior executive of First Solar, one of the world’s leading solar energy companies, and exhibitor at the World Future Energy Summit.

In an interview for the World Future Energy Summit, Christopher Burghardt, First Solar’s vice president of business development for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), said: “The MENA region obviously has the sun, a fantastic and abundant resource, making it a natural hub for solar energy. The eyes of the world are on the MENA region in terms of development of solar energy, with a lot of leading companies here, making big investments. We believe that MENA will be one of the leading regions, if not the leading region, for solar energy in the future.”

More details of attendees at www. worldfutureenergysummit.com

(IWS), also held from January 20-22, is a unique global platform for promoting water sustainability in arid regions. IWS fosters innovation, best practice and collaboration to offer tangible solutions to the pressing issue of water scarcity.

Dr Mahmoud Abu-Zeid, President of the Arab Water Council, who will be attending IWS, said that with the Middle East being one of the driest zones in the world, the issue of water must be taken seriously to help meet the challenges of water security.

He said: “Governments need to address the priority needs to ensure there is sufficient water for their populations. They can start by preparing water plans for the short, medium and long term. They can also assess the available fresh water resources and develop them, and consider the non-conventional water resources including wastewater, salt water, wadi water and non-renewable groundwater.”

“The International Water Summit is undoubtedly a key event for the Middle East as it faces increasing pressure to find solutions to the issue of water scarcity caused by its hot climate and arid environment,” said Lila Thompson at British Water, water experts from the United Kingdom have announced they will be sharing their vast knowledge in this area at the IWS 2014.

Ara Fernezian, Divisional Managing Director - UAE for Reed Exhibitions, said: “The issues of water scarcity, especially in arid regions

Tthe Middle East being one of the driest zones in the world, the issue of water must be taken seriously to help meet the challenges of water security” like the Middle East, require global collaboration, and equally regional companies and authorities can share their own unique expertise with the world. The international water community is committed to raising the key issues of water sustainability to governments and corporations, and they view the International Water Summit as a critical platform to facilitate discussion and dialogue.

“The IWS 2014 exhibition will offer unlimited business opportunities to network and share case studies, bestpractice and new technologies for longterm water solutions. The key topics for the IWS conference programme include integrated water resource management, water governance and strategy, water security and future water sustainability.” More details at www.iwsabudhabi.com EcoWaste EcoWASTE is a new exhibition from January 20 to 22 for sustainable waste management and recycling. In its

International Water Summit The International Water Summit

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ENERGY & WATER

Over the past year, sustainable growth has been at the top of the global agenda. By 2030, as many as five billion people will live in cities which will require us to efficiently manage resources, such as water, energy and waste”

first edition, EcoWASTE is expected to attract over 50 leading local and international suppliers and more than 2,000 regional buyers and professionals.

Several companies from the UAE, including Averda Waste Management, Green Mountains and Emirates Environmental Solutions (Mualaja) Holding, will showcase their latest and most innovative technologies.

They will be joined by international organisations from Germany, Denmark, Finland, France, Switzerland, Singapore and the United States, such as the ALBA Group, Eldan Recycling, MariMatic Oy and MTB. In addition, a series of seminars presented by many EcoWASTE exhibitors and partners will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, networking and business opportunities. Systems for waste collection and sorting, waste treatment infrastructure and innovative solutions for waste management are only some of the topics up for discussion.

Seminars are open to all 2,000+ expected visitors during the exhibition open days.

More details at www.ecowaste.ae International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) General Assembly Meeting IRENA is an intergovernmental

January 2014

organisation, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, dedicated to promoting the adoption and sustainable use of all forms of energy from renewable sources.

As of January 2012, the membership of IRENA comprises 155 states and the European Union (EU), with 86 of its member states and the EU having endorsed the Statute. The assembly meeting is closed to the public. GA meeting is on January 18 and 19.

More details at www.irena.org Zayed Future Energy Prize Awards and Gala Dinner The Zayed Future Energy Prize is an $4 million annual award, established by the UAE leadership to recognise and award excellence in renewable energy and sustainability across the globe. Held in honour of the founding father of the UAE Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who championed sustainability and environmental stewardship, the Prize is awarded across five categories – Large Corporation, Small Medium Enterprise, Non-Governmental Organisation, Lifetime Achievement and Global High Schools. Winners of the sixth edition will be announced at the awards ceremony, as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week on January 20.

More details at www. zayedfutureenergyprize.com

Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company, says that the second edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) will focus on the interconnected challenges and opportunities of sustainable growth, with particular focus on the energy-water nexus and sustainable waste management.

ADSW and its participating conferences and exhibitions, is officially hosted by Masdar.

As one of the largest gatherings on sustainability in the world, ADSW is driving progress on energy, water and waste issues. The international platform offers an opportunity for public and private sector decision makers, investors and innovators to address sustainable development. It also encourages investments related to the adoption of renewable energy, efficient water technologies and waste management solutions.

As global energy and political leaders continue to debate effective avenues for sustainable growth, the need to harmonise the defining factors of sustainability – environmental, social and economic – remains at the heart of the discussion.

“Over the past year, sustainable growth has been at the top of the global agenda. By 2030, as many as five billion people will live in cities which will require us to efficiently manage resources, such as water, energy and waste,” said HE Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, chief executive officer of Masdar.

Water, energy and waste are at the core of the discussions at ADSW. The United Nations has estimated that half of the world’s global citizens could face water shortages by 2030, when demand for water could exceed supplies by 40%. With only 3% of the world’s water suitable for human needs, more solutions – which could open the doors for new innovations and businesses – are necessary to sustain a growing population.

Meanwhile, the world’s consumption of energy is set to increase 56% by 2040, and countries must capitalise on all of their energy sources to create more balanced and resilient energy portfolios. In addition to water and energy, waste management has become a progressively important factor in sustainable growth, and is increasingly considered a path to additional economic opportunities.

While some 3.5 billion people, half the world’s population, lack crucial waste management services, the global waste market, from collection to recycling, is estimated at $410 billion a year.

ENERGY & WATER

PROJECTS THAT MATTER

n a e l C e rg y n E

Noor 1 Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant Project

Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to build Noor 1 photovoltaic solar power plant with capacity of 100 MW.

Al-Shaqaya Wind Power Plant Project 10 MW capacity wind power pant COUNTRY: Kuwait BUDGET: Not Available CLIENT: Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) CONTRACTORS: Not Applicable CONSULTANTS: Not Applicable REMARKS: The tender is open to following companies: EDF-En, France; Xinjiang Gold Wind Science & Technology, China; Elsewedy Power/Schneider / Mtoi / Guris Electric, Turkey, Egypt, Spain; Sanjose Constructora, Spain; Isolux Ingenieria S.A, Spain; Energia Recursos Ambientates S.A, Spain; Renco SPA, Italy; Cruptiz / Renovelia Energy, Spain; Ife Eriksen AG Germany; Regen Powertech, India; Elecnor, Spain; Toshiba, Japan; Gamesa Wind Turbines/ Insolar energy, India; Renerco Renewable Energy Concepts AG, Germany; Orascom Construction - Flagsd, Egypt; TSK Electronica Y Electronicdad S.A, Spain.

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COUNTRY: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) BUDGET: $600,000,000 CLIENT: Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (MASDAR) CONTRACTORS: Not Applicable CONSULTANTS: Lahmeyer International has been appointed technical consultant REMARKS: Noor 1 project will be located to the east of Al Ain city in Al-Aflaj. Unlike concentrated solar power technology (used in Shams 1) which generates electricity from the heat of the sun, the Noor 1 project will use the photovoltaic (PV) solar technology which can directly convert the sunlight into electricity. The client owns 60% of this project, while French energy giant Total and Spain’s Abengoa share the rest equally. Bids are currently under evaluation for the EPC contract on this scheme. An award was expected in the second half of 2013. Construction of the plant is said to commence in the fourth quarter of 2013. Project completion is expected in 2014.

Maan Wind Power Project Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to build a wind farm in the area of Maan with capacity of 65-75 MW. COUNTRY: Jordan BUDGET: Not Available CLIENT: Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources (Jordan) CONTRACTORS: Not Applicable CONSULTANTS: Not Applicable REMARKS: This project will be located in the southern part of Jordan. Request for proposals for the EPC contract is expected to be issued soon. An award was expected in the fourth quarter of 2013. Construction is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2014. The scope of the EPC contract will cover engineering and design, procurement, supply and transportation, construction and installation as well as commissioning of the wind turbines including LV/MV transformers and control system, the MV and signal cabling system, the MV/HV substation and grid connection including control system, the necessary equipment to interface the project with the electrical network, all required civil works including the construction of the foundations, access roads, wind farm internal roads, crane platforms, substation and O&M building, and an operation & management contract for the wind farm.

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ENERGY & WATER

Photovoltaic Farm Construction Project - Beirut River Solar Snake - Phase 4 Construction of a photovoltaic farm with a power generation capacity of 10MW at Beirut River Solar Snake (BRSS) - Phase 4.

COUNTRY: Lebanon BUDGET: Not Available CLIENT: Lebanese Centre for Energy Conservation (LCEC) CONTRACTORS: Not Applicable

CONSULTANTS: Not Applicable REMARKS: This project is in Beirut. The purpose is to generate power to decrease the country’s power deficit by introducing renewable energy. The plant will generate a combined capacity of 9MW to reach 10MW as a final capacity, while the solar panels will cover 6.5 kilometres. It is understood that the project will be financed through a special financing mechanism (to be developed) with seed money coming from the cost of produced electricity being paid by Electricite du Liban (EDL) to a special account managed by the client. The project is currently under planning. A schedule is yet to be announced.

Gulf of Zeit Wind Farm Project Stage 2 Construction of a wind farm with capacity of 220 MW in Gulf of Zeit district - Stage 2.

BUDGET: $460,000,000 COUNTRY: Egypt CLIENT: New & Renewable Energy Authority (Egypt) CONTRACTOR: Not Applicable CONSULTANT: Lahmeyer International GmbH (Egypt) is project manager; Japan International Cooperation Agency (Egypt) is specialist consultant.

REMARKS: This plant will be located on the Red Sea coast in Egypt.

The project is part of second stage of wind energy development in Egypt. Short listing of pre-qualified companies is still under progress. RFP for the construction contract is expected to be issued in the third quarter of 2013. Project completion is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2015. The feasibility study was carried out by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

January 2014

22 Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant Project Supply, installation of a one megawatt rooftop photovoltaic solar power plant at Al Assimah

REMARKS: The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) has obtained an allocation of funds from the Bilateral Spanish-Jordan Debt Swap Mechanism towards the cost of establishing a Solar PV grid connected plant at Azraq, located about 100 kilometres east of Jordan’s capital, Amman. Jordan’s Renewable Energy law calls for renewable resources to account for 10% of the country’s energy mix by 2020. EPC bids have been invited for the project.

BUDGET: $3,100, 000 COUNTRY: Kuwait CLIENT: Ministry of Electricity & Water (MEW) CONTRACTOR: Not Applicable CONSULTANT: Not Applicable REMARKS: Local company Bader-Al Mullah & Brothers have been awarded the main contract for this scheme. They had submitted a bid of $4.6 million to build the project.

The decision to make the formal award is with Kuwait’s Tender Board. The solar PV panels are to be installed in the rooftops of the MEW building and the adjacent Ministry of Public Works building with a combined rooftop area of 8,400 square metres.

Wind Farm Project-7

Solar farm project

Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Projects

Construction of a wind farm with power generation capacity between 50 MW and 100 MW.

Construction of a five megawatt solar farm in Sharjah.

Waste-to-Energy (WTE) projects for solid municipal waste treatment and power generation according to the existing policies and regulations for renewable energy.

COUNTRY: Lebanon BUDGET: Not Available CLIENT: Lebanese Centre for Energy Conservation (LCEC) CONTRACTORS: Not Applicable CONSULTANTS: Not Applicable REMARKS: Four companies have submitted bids for the main contract. They are Arabian Construction Company, Caporal & Moretti, El Sewedy Cables Company and Ghaddar Machinery Company. Evaluation of bids is currently underway. An award was expected in the third quarter of 2013. This project is being implemented to promote non-hydro renewable projects and to have a minimum of 60 to 100 MW to be powered by wind by the private sector by 2013 and to have 12% from renewable energy by 2020.

BUDGET: Not Available COUNTRY: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates CLIENT: Proventus Renewables, UK CONTRACTOR: Not Applicable CONSULTANT: Not Applicable REMARKS: The project will be built in Al Dhaid in Sharjah. The client has signed a memorandum of understanding with Dubai-based ABC Facilities Management to work jointly on building the project.

Proventus Renewables director Samrat Deep Bhandari said the partnership marked the first step in the Middle East region for the Ireland-based renewable energy company. Proventus Energy’s main investments, to date, have been in wind and solar farms in Bulgaria.

Azraq Photovoltaic Solar Plant Construction of a Grid Connected Photovoltaic Solar Plant at Azraq.

BUDGET: Not Available COUNTRY: Jordan CLIENT: Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources CONTRACTOR: Not Applicable CONSULTANT: Not Applicable

January 2014

BUDGET: Not Available COUNTRY: Jordan CLIENT: Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) CONTRACTOR: Not Applicable CONSULTANT: Not Applicable REMARKS: The client had set a deadline of June 20 for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from interested parties. Only domestic wastes generated in Jordan shall be treated in the WTE plant. Waste import from other countries is not allowed to be treated in the WTE plant. The interested applicant needs to provide evidence of its technical and financial capabilities to manage the design, engineering, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of Waste-to-Energy projects of similar conditions and type.

The government plans to generate 50MW through WTE technology by 2020.

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The economical use of resources is a huge part of the Geberit corporate identity. Consistent ecological design sets new standards and thereby provides the foundation for sustainable construction. The reduction of water consumption is always a main focus during the product design phase.

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January 2014

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energy and water

January 2014

energy and water

A chilling reduction The Regulation and Supervision Bureau (RSB) is the independent regulatory body for the water, wastewater and electricity sector of Abu Dhabi. Through unique initiatives to collect and share information, RSB’s Powerwise office works to create understanding and awareness of the critical issues surrounding the consumption of electricity and promote sustainable consumption. The Bureau’s ongoing energy efficiency projects include the time-of-day trial and AC chiller control demand side management pilot project. Ramiz Alaileh, Powerwise Manager at The Bureau spoke to Anoop K Menon about these projects and why they constitute an essential step towards shaping the Emirate’s future energy roadmap Could you tell us about the current status of AC chiller control?

The AC chiller pilot project aims to test the technology of remotely controlling air conditioning chillers of high-rise buildings and office towers in Abu Dhabi. The main purpose is to test this technology in the local environment of Abu Dhabi, where the air conditioning load is about 65% of the total electricity summer demand, and to record the resulting reduction in summer peak demand.

The pilot project was divided into four phases. In the first phase, also called the pre-construction phase, we surveyed 15 buildings in Abu Dhabi, a mix of commercial, residential and office buildings, mid-rise to highrise to study and choose the best five for the pilot. We selected the final five buildings on the basis of the good condition of their chillers, proper insulation, and the building not being negatively pressurised.

We also wanted to make sure that we have a combination of different chiller manufacturers.

During the second phase, which was the construction and design phase, we looked at the initial design of the controllers that would be mounted on top of the chillers. We studied controlling the chillers by limiting the current to the chillers, and at the same time, getting realtime information from the buildings about CO2, temperature and humidity levels. We also made sure that differential pressure in the building doesn’t get altered. Apart from chiller operation per se, we also took into account fresh air handling units in the design.

In the third phase, we built and installed the controllers in the buildings, and carried out initial testing to ensure they are working properly.

We have entered phase four of the pilot, where we have started running the chillers through controllers that are operated remotely through a dashboard in our offices in Sowwah Square. Of the five buildings in the trial, three are located in Abu Dhabi Island and two are in Mohammed Bin Zayed City. We communicate with the controllers wirelessly or through wired (fibre) network. We get realtime data about the actual chiller loads, actual temperature and humidity. At the moment, we run the chillers in these five buildings on a daily basis from 1pm to 4pm.

Our focus is on optimising the chiller demand in these buildings during the peak period.

Are there initial findings that you could share?

In one of the installations, over the three hour operating period, we were able to shave between 20-40%. When we calculated the true savings or overall savings during this period, we found it to be around 750 kW/h.

In the first hour, when we trigger the DSM chiller, we cap the baseline current and from there, reduce 20% in terms of the set-point that is sent to the chiller. This set point lasts for one hour and usually, the chiller current will follow through the controller. At the start of the second hour, we bring it down by another 40%, and that continues for another hour. We release 20% for the third hour and at the end of

the hour, disable the DSM. During this period, we monitor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), temperature and humidity. Temperature has changed from 21.5 degree C to 24 degree C while humidity changed between 60 -70%.

The building occupants are unaware about the pilot, and we prefer it that way to prevent any psychological impact on them.

During the trial period, we have received only one complaint so far.

Phase 4 of the pilot will run until the end of next year. We could only capture part of the summer last year but in 2014, we plan to capture the whole summer. Based on that, we are going to run a study on the impact of the project in reducing peak demand during summer or hot/humid days. Humidity is a big challenge but so far the results have proven to be positive.

Again, we are trying to run this pilot as a proof of concept. If this proof of concept turns out to be a viable economic solution, we may take it forward with other stakeholders to prepare the ground for a bigger roll out.

In the trial, we have confined ourselves to existing buildings where the focus is on retrofitting and interfacing with existing AC chillers.

The option for new buildings in the future could be having the controllers as a built-in feature in the chillers when designing and installing a cooling system.

How does this pilot align with what is happening in terms of smart grid?

What we are doing in terms of DSM

January 2014

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energy and water

in this project is trying to shave peak demand. In other jurisdictions, these peak demand resources (they are called resources because you can shave them) are integrated into the utility SCADA, EMS or Smart Grid systems.

The utility will be able to take them into account resources when it wants to carry out peak shaving.

What are the initial findings of ‘Time-of-Day’ trial?

We have initiated the final phase of time of day trial where the objective is to understand over a period of time and in the absence of financial incentives, whether education and information can induce and sustain positive behavioural change in terms of reducing energy consumption.

During this phase, which will run till October 2014, time of day pricing will be switched off but participants will maintain the Customer Display Unit (CDU) in their premises to track their electricity consumption based on the standard tariff.

In parallel, we are kicking off a thorough study of existing data that we have collected over the past nine to 12 months. This includes pre-trial time-of-day pricing and during timeof-day pricing data. In this study, we are looking at the impact of the trial – how much we have been able to reduce overall consumption and how much the participants were able to shift from peak to off-peak.

Initial findings show that the trial was well received. Around 65% of the participants were able to save on their consumption. We have also seen 10% peak to off peak shifting compared to similar premises.

We have appointed a third party organisation to analyse the data and advise us on the results.

We plan to release the findings during the International Water Summit (IWS), which will held in January 2014 as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).

Are there any more of such initiatives in the pipeline?

In fact, we ran a highly successful summer awareness campaign this

January 2014

According to reports, the peak demand for electricity is expected to increase by 40% by 2020. Improving the energyefficiency of existing buildings provides a financially efficient strategy for the UAE to tackle energy-sector and environmental degradation challenges.”

year where we interacted directly with the consumers. PowerWise interactive game is our flagship awareness platform to engage with consumers. We are always keen to learn and utilise technology as a tool to engage with the customers.

The interactive game was used as part of our summer campaign in select malls in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. The players competed against each other to gain the highest score in a race against time, to make the best decisions on how to save water and electricity. The initiative was well received with over 1,000 visitors trying the game.

The game is hosted on our website as well, and players can now share the results over social media. We are continuing to look at different options like web apps to engage with consumers. This is an integral part of our overall strategy of influencing consumer behaviour to encourage wise use of electricity.

All these initiatives impact consumers, directly or indirectly.

What is your perception of consumer behaviour in the region with regard to energy conservation?

Do they really care or are they helpless in terms of not being able to do what they wish to? Or is it that they are aware but don’t feel compelled to act?

Different consumer segments look at this issue differently. If we take our summer campaign as an

example, it definitely struck a chord with consumers and received a lot of positive feedback. I firmly believe that awareness is not a oneoff thing, it has to be continuous and sustained. We have to engage with customers in innovative ways without overwhelming them with conservation messages. This should be done in an acceptable and fun way to achieve the best results.

Another initiative we launched last year in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (ADWEA) and the two distribution companies - Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) and Al Ain Distribution Company (AADC) – was the ‘Are you in the Green or the Red’ campaign. The tool we used was re-designed utility bills that informed customers about whether their consumption fell in the green (ideal average) or red (above ideal average) as well as government subsidy that masks the actual cost of water and power.

When we did a study on the impact of this initiative, the feedback again was very positive.

Some people were questioning why are we in the Red? We need to be in the Green. It has proved to be a very simple and effective way to engage with the consumers and entice them to do something about conserving electricity and water. In fact, many people didn’t know that subsidy existed. By saving electricity, you save on your utility bills and you also help the country. It has proved to be a simple yet effective measure in terms of creating awareness.

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construction

BGreen Seminar Series Sustainability managers, engineers, architects, developers and consultants met in Dubai for the BGreen Seminar series the day after the announcement that the city would host Expo 2020. And as the construction industry prepared for the new shot in the arm, it added an extra dimension to the two seminars: Energy Efficiency Early in Construction and Indoor Air Quality. Reports by Lorraine Bangera

T

he BGreen Seminar series held on November 28, 2013 at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, was organised by CPI Media Group in association with Dubai Government and partners Kone and Gyproc.

The two panel discussions dealt with less publicised sectors in the construction industry, the first of which looked at ‘Energy Efficiency in the Early Stages of Construction’ and the second ‘Indoor Air Quality’.

Before the energy efficiency panel discussion, Nicolas Alchal, Managing Director of elevator manufacturer Kone, made a presentation where he praised the UAE and Qatar for their latest achievements in winning Dubai Expo 2020, and World Cup 2022. He also talked about the construction industry and the need for energy-efficient projects that could drive sustainability.

He said: “Urbanisation, environment, safety and aging population”, is

January 2014

Above, left to right: Gary Wright, Eric Johnson, Antonio Ceci, Stephan Smith, Amer H Shehader and Bram Lansink, also pictured below

what drives the industry.” The importance of this panel discussion was highlighted when he mentioned said “The International Energy Agency reports: buildings are the largest energy consumers. The current energy consumed by buildings works up to 38% of the total energy produced.”

Kone is a leading producer of energy-efficient escalators, elevators, auto-walks and automatic doors. Elevators consume 2-10% of the total energy consumption of a building. And Alchal notes that could be reduced through various solutions offered

by Kone in terms of eco-friendly products, services, and solutions.

Energy efficiency panel discussion Moderated by BGreen’s Senior Editor Gary Wright, who welcomed panellists: Eric Johnson, Managing Director, KONE; Stephen Smith, Sustainability Manager, Brookfield Multiplex; Antonio Ceci, Senior Architect, RW Armstrong; Amer H Shehader, Manager of Contracts, Diamond Developers; and Bram Lansink, Marketing Director, Philips.

Initially the panel focussed on the benefits of a co-ordinated approach to energy consumption in the very early stages of any construction project.

Q. How is energy efficiency approached in the early stages of construction and what are the benefits of bringing energy-efficiency at the design stage?

Antonio Ceci: There are numerous advantages in approaching energy efficiency in the pre-design stage.

construction

stakeholder enters the project you will have to educate that stakeholder to get them in line with the project.

By bringing all stakeholders together from the first stage is definitely better.

We are doing it in a different way at Diamond Developers, we have a vertical integration where we have deliverables. We have sister companies who are contractors and consultants, involving everybody from day one.

Q. From a lighting point of view, would you rather be involved earlier than later?

Bram Lansink: It is very important for a supplier to be involved from the beginning, then we give them pointers on what is the latest innovations in the market. By involving suppliers, the project will have the opportunity to be optimised through solutions.

It is also vital to involve stakeholders throughout the project up until completion. Because as project begins responsibility shifts and there are some decisions being made that do not help in optimisation.

Another point is these projects take so much time, that the speed of innovation in the market is quicker than the speed of construction. For example, in lighting every year there are new innovations in energy-efficient lighting and LED. So what could be a specified a year ago may not be the most optimal solution now.

One of the major goals is to identify the energy needs. In pre-design stage, with the stakeholder’s involvement you can identify the target you want to achieve in terms of energy, from 30% to 50% energy reduction. Setting a target will help understand the strategy and how to achieve the goal you choose. After that you can optimise your design to achieve the goal. So, by involving every stakeholder in the project, you will get a direction or vision for the project.

Stephen Smith: The markets in the region have experienced a shift from an early construction build model to a design build model. Thereby, you involve the contractors upfront in the early design phase. This promotes synergy between the project teams and also promotes an integrated design process. This way you not only look at energy-efficient lighting but also the façade and building performance parameters. You can then balance them all.

Q. Including energy efficiency in the early stages has not been done in the UAE as much as the other parts of the world.

Do you think that is the case? Or has it been quite good in this country?

Stephan Smith: It is good in the UAE. I haven’t seen such a shift in any other countries in the GCC. Q. What would you do to involve stakeholder at an early stage?

Amer H Shehader: The market is still working in a traditional way, where the client is in one side, the project manager on another side, and consultants on the third side. Since this is a ‘step by step’ process, every time a new

Above Amer H Shehader, Diamond Developers and below Eric Johnson, MD Kone

Q. Elevator energy usage is a high demand on a building’s supply, how much progress have you seen from developers and other suppliers involved in an early stage?

Eric Johnson: We work with our products and make sure it as energyefficient as possible but the whole picture is not possible. We do include

all the stakeholders to make sure the solution can be an energy-efficient one.

Q. Does the panel feel that local contractors don’t understand the benefits of integrating energy efficiency from the early design stage?

Eric Johnson: I think it’s mixed.

There is some examples in the UAE where contractors don’t understand, but I think overall there is some kind of knowledge and awareness in the market. However, what to do with that knowledge is lacking. This should hopefully change with the new legislations coming, it would make things much clearer.

Amer H Shehader: Unfortunately, I feel most contractors are unaware of integrating energy-efficiency because they don’t care. And I don’t blame them. Their target is take the job, finish it on time, and take the money. They are not attached to the project, to be concerned about what would happen to it once it is completed.

I think if we give them a sense of ownership, there might be a chance.

We must take ourselves out of the box, out of the traditional way of contracting. We must focus on the contractors, the output and the key performance indicators (KPIs) rather than focussing on the quantity.

Taking time, cost and quality as the prerequisites, they are by default factors to be considered. KPIs are a measurement of the achievement, and could translate into a bonus.

Instead of thinking about bonuses, contractors currently focus on penalties and how to escape them because developers usually look at guarantees, performance guarantees and time guarantees. Contractors are always threatened. But if we change our mentality, if we try to change the perspective and look at a more efficient way of managing the contractors, it would change their mentality.

Antonio Ceci: I think we must shift the responsibility in the earlier stages.

You need to have a KPI in the design stage itself. I have the experience working with Masdar, where the KPIs for design and renewable energy was in every part for all buildings.

This same method was taken in construction which made everyone focus on achievement. So you need KPIs in the design stage also.

Bram Lansink: The responsibility should not be solely of the contractors.

January 2014

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construction

For example, in lighting, after a project comes to life, and an energy-efficient lighting solution is available. Why does the contractor not choose this solution?

Clearly it is in the best interest of everybody but the initial price is high.

You will win that back in the upcoming years because of lower energy cost and lower maintenance costs, which will come back to the end user only.

So if the performance indicators are set financially only, then the decision will not be towards the most energy efficient solutions.

Stephen Smith: Contractors are contractors. There is a very slim chance that they will think above and beyond unless there is something in it for them. That is just the way it is. We do put in performance indicators, but they don’t usually reflect on the work.

Some take it seriously, others don’t.

Q. Are there any specific areas, that you could make a saving if you consider energy efficiency at the design stage?

Bram Lansink: 20% of the energy cost in the Middle East is spent on lighting. There is up to 80% savings involved when investing in energyefficient lighting. Imagine the opportunity we have in reducing the energy cost if we consider energy efficiency in the early stages. Dubai Municipality is taking it up by changing all its buildings’ traditional lighting to LED lighting, this will be a clear savings of over 50%. So it is not just a green solution, it also makes sense financially.

Antonio Ceci: In this part of the world the heat from the sun makes us consume more electricity through air-conditioners. Around 40% energy consumption in a building is from the air-conditioners. We need to start developing roof insulation and insulations for walls. The ‘envelope’ could save energy consumption by 5-10%. In this perspective the first thing to do is to go for passive design solution. There are many factors that could affect the energy efficiency of the

January 2014

Right: Stephen Smith: “Contractors are contractors. There is a slim chance they will think above and beyond unless there is something in it for them.”

building. The owner must have a clear vision about the project and what it must achieve.

Q. How was the Standard Chartered Bank building designed? Were all the stakeholders involved from the beginning?

Stephen Smith: That was a designer build project. It was difficult at first, as we had to update all our staff and everyone was new to everybody. But by the end of the job, we had the project manager coming into the office and everything was very open and good. So now we have all the inputs taken straight up to top management.

Q. Can buildings still be green without a certification?

Amer H Shehader: LEED was not made for this region. It may have been introduced for marketing or business purposes and everyone is using it.

LEED is more of a documentation than implementation. It is on the

“Most contractors are unaware of integrating energy-efficiency because they don’t care. And I don’t blame them.” Amer H Shehader, Manager of Contracts, Diamond Developers

procurement side only. There has to be a localised standard for sustainability.

Estidama, is a good approach, but even that has to be tested for a certain period, updated and in certain ways modified.

Dubai has started a draft for having sustainability guidelines and they might be enforced as of January 2014. We have a review with the land department to help draft the regulations. It will be implemented on a test period first, then it will take the inputs of the market.

Antonio Ceci: I partially disagree about Estidama and LEED. I think they are assessment tools used to measure sustainability. Different rating systems target different things. I don’t think LEED is not made for this region. LEED is a global rating system. Of course it does not address many points with water like Estidama does. These rating systems are just tools that could help you decide.

Q. Expo 2020 was announced yesterday. do you think it is a good thing for Dubai and what will change?

Eric Johnson: I do think it is good thing for Dubai because they have already shown what they can do. Now it is an opportunity for the region to show its commitment to energy efficiency.

Antonio Ceci: It is great for the construction. Hopefully we will learn from the mistakes made in 2009. It is also motivating to see sustainability as one of the key points.

Stephan Smith: It is obviously great news for the industry and for the country. One thing from a sustainability perspective that I look forward to is how they’re going to rate the buildings, or and create regulations. Quite excited to see their master plan, especially if it would include a KPI system.

Amer H Shehader: The market has recovered before the bid, now winning the Expo 2020 will give them a further push. Even if we did not win, I have no doubt Dubai would still grow. The expo’s theme mobility, opportunity and sustainability, the vision of Sheikh Mohammed and the Dubai Government, will be a major drive.

Bram Lansink: Dubai has already had a clear drive to improve energy efficiency even before the Expo. Being a part of Expo 2020 will only further accelerate Dubai into a greener place.

Top class energy-efficiency From residential buildings to high-rise office buildings

Energy measurements and calculations are a way to support eco-efficient building. KONE elevators have achieved excellent A-class energy efficiency ratings performed by independent third parties. We at KONE follow the latest in green building through our involvement in several associations around the world.

A number of KONE solutions ranging from lowand mid-rise to high-rise elevators in Europe and Asia have received the ‘A label’ as defined by VDI 4707, a guideline published by the Association of German Engineers (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure), which classifies elevators based on their energy consumption.

The VDI classification ranges from A to G, from the most to the least energy efficient system, and it is commonly used by the elevator industry. All the A-class VDI certifications have been achieved in customer reference locations and measured by third parties.

KONE has an active role in developing sustainable building. We work as an active member of several codes and standards committees such as the ISO committee for ISO 25745 series of standards. There KONE focuses on developing requirements for the energy efficiency of elevators and escalators.

KONE has also developed tools to calculate the energy consumption of customer-specific solutions in the design phase. We participate in the development

A

A

B C D

KONE S MonoSpace® KONE S MiniSpace™ KONE E MiniSpace™ KONE MiniSpace™ KONE 5000 MiniSpace™ KONE N MonoSpace®* KONE N MiniSpace™*

E F G

* Measured on KONE premises by an independent certification body

of parts two and three of the VDI 4707 guidelines.

KONE also drives environmental sustainability forward as an active member of the WBCSD (World Business Council for Sustainable Development), the ERT (European Round Table of Industrialists’ Energy and Climate Change Working Group) and other Green Building Councils.

KONE Middle East LLC - P.O. Box 21474, Dubai, UAE - Tel. +971 4 2221393 Find out more info on products and local branch listings at www.kone.com

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construction

How can we improve Indoor Air Quality?

The second in the BGreen Seminar Series focussed on indoor air quality and in the wake of the announcement by Dubai Municipality that it would check all of its buildings and schools, it is clear that IAQ is a major concern but perhaps only new regulations can ensure change

T

he second panel discussion of the morning seminar focussed on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and coincided with Dubai Municipality’s announcement it was undertaking IAQ tests at all its buildings. First there was a presentation by Gyproc’s marketing manager, Peter Robinson. He demonstrated the company’s Activ’Air plasterboard, which absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. He showed the

January 2014

Left to right above: Gary Wright, Daniel Roehner, Peter Robinson, Holly Chant, Amer H Shahader and Stephen Smith.

Right: Daniel Roehner, Technical Manager at Gyproc

success of the revolutionary new wall partitioning from a scientific study carried out in a Belgian school. In the Middle East the concerns are even more acute than to the sealed, airconditioned environment, in which people live.

The IAQ panel discussion was moderated by BGreen Senior Editor Gary Wright who introduced panellists: Daniel Roehner, Technical Manager at Gyproc; Holly Chant, Executive Director of KEO International

construction

projects), should make a point to be knowledgeable about public health.

There is a tremendous amount of resources about the relationship between construction and public health available, like there is a lot from Dr Jack Spanberg from Harvard, which is a quick read and gives you what you need to influence your client.

It is important to influence municipalities in how they review projects, and we need to push clients in the government to enforce these things. For me that would be significant driver for change.

Consultants; Amer H Shehader, Diamond Developers; Stephen Smith, Sustainability Manager at Brookfield Multiplex and Gyproc’s Peter Robinson.

Wright reminded the panel of Dubai Municipality’s announcement the previous week that it would be inspecting 70 buildings where its the head of public safety Eng Sultan Essa Al Suwaidi said: “Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can damage their health, but fewer realise that indoor air pollution can also contribute to ill health. Studies by several health care organisations have shown that levels of indoor pollutants may be even higher than outdoor levels as most people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors.”

must be updated and trained to deal with the transitions.

Q. There have been talks about new green building codes, how thoroughly is this addressed and do you think these new codes would address IAQ properly?

Peter Robinson: In LEED and Estidama, there are points that address IAQ but there is no legislation or regulation globally for it. So there is no way to test it through a grading system, the only way to test is through an ISO standard. In northern Europe, through R&D they are coming up with a way to test IAQ, and it has taken them five years. Local regulations in the region are non-existent and when you don’t have fire regulations or acoustic regulations, it will probably be a while till we see something for IAQ.

Q. Air pollution is higher indoors compared with outdoors in some areas in the Middle East. It is blamed on air conditioning and chemicals leaking from building materials, Dubai Municipality has warned. Does a green building ensure good indoor air quality (IAQ)?

Amer H Shehader: Not at all. There are buildings that are green, but their IAQ is not good. Improving IAQ is crucial, and we are seeing it more and more. I am sure many of us are affected by it, because in this region we spend more time indoors. When you work late in the office and get a headache or a blocked nose, it is usually not because of work pressure but bad indoor air quality. So whenever you go outside, you notice the difference.

Q. Can anything be done about it?

Holley Chant: First of all, most definitions of a green building in terms of certification or grading systems involves IAQ. But I agree with my fellow panellist, it does not necessarily guarantee that performance. We see a lot of breakdowns because the operations and maintenance don’t follow through on maintaining the system. Especially in the Middle East, there is a lot of tension as we are trying to increase energy-efficiency but we also need to concentrate on air quality to keep people happy and productive. I think in order to have a green building haven, you need to keep commissioning good employees working on your project with guidelines in their language. They

Q. Is there a concern about IAQ in existing buildings in the region?

Stephen Smith: IAQ in existing buildings in Australia has spread to the operations and maintenance side where they are aware of the repercussions. IAQ usually starts from design and must go all the way down to the operational phase.

Above: Holley Chant, Executive Director of KEO International

Q. Looking at the future, how can this be addressed at an earlier stage of building?

Holley Chant: As part of your integrated design process, a good consultant will include public health as a part of the project regardless of whether the rating system they are using is placing heavy emphasis on it or not. And I think consultants, for their client’s sake (particularly if they are in educational or hospitable

Q. When will it change?

Holley Chant: I work with the educational council, and I find people more receptive there because they are really revolutionising how they deliver education. Hospitals are generally more careful too.

In general, you need to think about the productivity of your employees, which would be better but they usually do not draw these conclusions. In the Gulf right now they quickest thing people are reaching for is energy efficiency, it is not public health and I think it is a choice they must make to influence the market.

Q. What change do you think is essential?

Daniel Roehner: I think this region is behind and it is up to the architects and the manufacturers to educate the market in terms of sustainability and IAQ. This is very important. I think even the client would like to have something that improves the IAQ and avoids health hazards. But at the end, if it comes down to the contractor, he often chooses a cheap solution and tries to get his money back as soon as possible. The contractor influences clients in most cases, instead of creating fear we need to create awareness. We need to work together with the consultants, architects and developers to create a good building.

Q. Contractors often walk away from a project once it is over, as we have discussed in our previous panel. Do you think in that aspect, indoor air quality kind of ties in with energy efficiency?

Stephen Smith: Technically speaking, the only way to make some change is to enforce some regulations. For example LEED and

January 2014

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construction

Left: Peter Robinson, of Gyprocm and Holley Chant, of KEO INternational.

Above: Panel chairman Gary Wright

Estidama suggest certain paints and other aspects which affect IAQ. But if they shift to the management side, we would not have a choice but to follow it. It is already considered best practise, it is already available in the market so I don’t think it would be a massive shift if we take it up.

Amer H Shehader: You have plenty of consultants, plenty of contractors and plenty of developers who are not ready for the change. If we wait for them, it will take a long time. Instead if you enforce it, it will be done in no time.

Q. Is there something in terms of IAQ that the government can adopt from some other region, rather than invent from scratch?

Holley Chant: There are readily available VOC paints here, that is easy and not price differential or insignificant at this point. But what very few people talk about is how to get operations and maintenance to work on it. Air freshners and crazy cleaning products that we use for example, say you have recycled carpets which are really good, but then you have your cleaner comes in and they are spraying stuff that gets absorbed and makes you sick. Even though I believe in regulations all the way, there are simple ways to deal with things like this. Each individual can take the responsibility and have ways to push change into the environment.

Q. How do you approach encouraging refitting in existing buildings or new buildings?

Peter Robinson: It is very difficult because specification is important and

January 2014

“You have plenty of consultants, plenty of contractors and plenty of developers who are not ready for change. If we wait for them, we will wait a long time”

Below: Peter Robinson who said: “There is a lot of interest in IAQ, but it is not translating into usage”

in terms of IAQ it is very generic. How you could do it? In this case would probably be through demonstration and education. Sadly, through demonstration people don’t believe us, you can’t smell it or see it.

It depends on how you convince them. It is very easy to demonstrate, there is an ISO test that I mentioned earlier. There is this formaldehyde meter that test the formaldehyde in the air, and you could show that to people. But it is still not exceptional because when you come into a room you can’t really see it. So there is a lot of interest in IAQ but it is not translating into usage.

Q. Do you think the problem in the Middle East is worse than other parts of the world?

Peter Robinson: I think IAQ is a global concern and it ventured from Europe where buildings were built in this envelope for thermal performance.

Buildings became more and more enclosed. And that is where the problem lies. We spend more time inside. Here, we use air-conditioners all the time, we don’t concentrate on environmental cleaning products and environmental solutions in general. I think that is where the challenge lies.

Amer H Shehader: Sometimes it is not the problem with just the products use but also the users.

Q. What do you think we will see in the future?

Stephan Smith: In the Middle East, a shift in the managerial approach with regards to compliance in terms of VOCs. Not only in terms of materials used during construction but also after the project is done. So maybe managing building flush outs, and flushing out all the contaminants that are still living in the building. A flush out is a pre-occupancy procedure where fresh air is flushed into the space. We don’t let occupants into the space till the flush out is done, which in some cases take one or two months depending on how the HVAC system has been designed. So maybe we can make this a yearly flush out.

Amer H Shehader: If authorities are involved for 20 years of the lifecycle of the building, it would be better. They are usually only involved for the two years of the construction period, which is why they miss out on all these details.

To learn more about the full range of services call us on 04-88 500 33 | Fax 04-88 549 09 | P.O.Box 91812 or email sales@grakonet.com | Dubai, UAE | www.grakonet.com

36

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nergy Savers Corp. FZE is Dubai Silicon Oasis-based company that specialises in Energy Efficiency solutions for the built environment. We provide turn-key solutions allowing our hospitality, retail, industrial, residential and public sector customers to reduce operating costs by improving the energy efficiency of their premises.

Nowhere has the greening trend seen a bigger sway than in our target markets. Existing buildings consume 40% of the total amount of energy produced worldwide.

Much of that energy is needlessly wasted through inefficient design and operation. In the UAE the savings potential is even higher, due to the high amount of hospitality and

January 2014

“The creature that wins against its environment destroys itself.”

Gregory Bateson retail assets, the high amount of built space per resident and visitor, the penchant for ambitious architecture, as well as the ambient conditions of the Gulf Region.

With our solutions we can realise significant savings in energy costs of up to 60% at current costs levels.

Energy Efficiency in this context does translate directly to real, tangible and sustainable cost savings. Energy Efficiency is here not just a “good

“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us” Winston Churchill

thing” to do, but a smart move with direct impact on your bottom line.

Evidence demonstrating retrofit value beyond energy costs savings is substantial, and examples abound, from direct cost savings on your utility bill to more “advanced” cost savings, such as reduced CO2 levels, improved life span of electrical devices, increased rental rates for energy-efficient buidlings to reputation, environmental leadership and decreased financial and regulatory risks.

Martin Feustel, Energy Savers’ CEO, said:“The Middle East is pretty fertile ground for technologies and companies that can demonstrate ‘practical innovation’. The UAE has a proven track record as growth, mindset and technology pacemaker for the entire Gulf Region and here, more than anywhere else, it is evident that the only way to grow without consuming more resource is through efficiency improvement. Our solutions are proven and we are ready to back them up with clear, tangible contractual savings and service level guarantees”.

Against this backdrop, Energy Savers Corporation has come into being in 2013, set up by a

ENERGY SAVERS advertorial

team with more than 20 years of experience in Power Generation and Energy Efficiency: Feustel said: “We’re entrepreneurs and energy efficiency practitioners.

We’re inventing a new space within the energy sector, or more specifically, the ‘resource efficiency’ sector, helping clients with their commercial decisions to consume ‘substantially less energy and cost less’ building. Because reducing consumption via efficiency is significantly more cost-effective than “just” using alternative energy sources, Energy Savers translates sustainability into a profitable business model where efficiency is a form of supply and promotes savings.

We believe net zero energy buildings can and need become the norm within a generation, and for that, we see ourselves as catalysts”.

OUR VISION Energy Savers aspires to be the leading deep green engineering practice in the GCC, by applying an integrative approach to achieve energy savings, improved efficiency and ultimately lower running costs for our clients.

We believe that optimisation of isolated parts is a futile exercise, as integration and synergy are lost and results will neither be predictable, nor easy to achieve, due to the lack of “the big picture”.

“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”

Buckminster Fuller

Our approach allows optimising not only specific loads but the entire building. Naturally, this holistic approach requires extensive analysis and knowledge of the current situation and of underlying issues, won through detailed and diligent in-depth analysis, long-term measurements and energy/ consumption audits. Based on this data and hands-on knowledge of the facility we can develop a road-map, which does allow us to map out a step-by-step plan designed to optimize results, while incorporating also natural boundary conditions, such as CAPEX and OPEX budget limitation and the requirement to minimize impact on the ongoing operations.

ESC aim to be the go-to strategic partner when dedicated owners in the building sector are looking to either increase their profit margins through reduction of operating costs, or improve their environmental responsibility with a more green approach, or – ideally – aim to achieve both.

January 2014

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ENERGY SAVERS advertorial

“We are going to go from green versus gold to green equals gold” James B. Moody SOLUTIONS Energy Savers offers proven, leading-edge turn-key solutions which provide high return on investment for the owner.

Electrical System Optimisation This is our “basic” solution portfolio, addressing Over Voltage Elimination, Voltage Stabilization, Phase Balancing, Harmonics Filtering and Power Factor Optimization at an LV-Room/MDB level. We find that we can realize cost savings of 10% - 20% across the entire electrical load with these solutions.

Using Voltage Optimisation with electrical equipment such as refrigeration or air cooling devices, 3-phase motors, high-intensity discharge or fluorescent lighting, will reduce energy consumption and create real financial savings. Voltage Optimisation also increases the service life of electrical equipment.

Thermal Efficiency Optimization The thermal efficiency of a building is a key “building block” for any Energy Efficiency measures, specifically here in the Gulf Region, where Air-Conditioning loads often are responsible for more than 50% of total energy consumption. Energy Savers can provide an array of proven thermal films and cool roof coatings that are both aesthetically pleasing and effective in performance. Films can be combined with Security/Kinetic Films.

Cooling ESC propose to reduce cooling costs by as much as 70%. Our patented design addresses fresh air intake into the facilities AHU. By way of reducing the incoming temperature, the rate of internal compressor operation is reduced resulting in direct savings for the building. The unit is unique in its field and is able to work efficiently in high humidity environments

January 2014

“We should all be concerned about the future as we have to spend the rest of our lives there.”

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Natural Daylight A revolutionary solution to an age old method. Deliver healthy natural daylight inside buildings. Natural daylight has far better light quality than electric lighting in terms of distribution, colour rendering and modeling. It is also proven to enhance human wellness and productivity, while rending energy consumption and carbon footprint.

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Monitoring & Management system Our main focus when meeting our clients for the first time is to understand the facilities current situation. Identify the key issues, high consuming areas and take action. We offer a real time monitoring software for Electrical, Water, Gas, Renewable Energy performance and even waste.

Reporting live feeds back to the user that can be easily compiled by day, week month or year.

We are able to work with our clients directly through our management support. Goal setting yearly consumption targets. Alarm system for surpassing peak loads, and identifying leaks or performance issues. By monitoring as well as taking action with our support we envisage this approach to save our clients 50% off their Utility bill.

40

Oman in focus

Sultanate’s billion dollar plan Oman is undergoing infrastructure investment on a scale to equal any country in the GCC as it strives to create jobs for its people and build an infrastructure fit for the 21st century

O

man is undergoing one of the most exciting transformations in the GCC with billions of dollars of its oil wealth being pumped into infrastructure projects.

The Sultanate has a population of 3.2 million of whom 1.3m are foreigners and a key focus for the government’s huge investment – and for any company wishing to succeed there – is the employment of Omanis.

The country is midway through its eighth five-year plan, launched in 2011 in the wake of the Arab Spring with an $11 billion budget, which will bring airport and seaport expansion, hospitals, roads and a rail network.

During 2013 the government simplified its tender process in an effort to support the construction industry, widely regarded as the most important growth sector.

January 2014

Sustainability in Oman does not have the visibility of its neighbours in Saudi and the UAE but the big oil companies have recognised their responsibility for several years, arguably because they are scrutinised internationally. Orpic (Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company) launched its Annual Sustainability Report for the first time last year using the Global Reporting Initiative.

Orpic is aiming to raise its sustainability performance in four different ways: by extending

its Environmental Improvement Plan; improving its economic achievements; continuing with social policy across its immediate communities, and by supporting growth projects to promote economic development.

“Sustainability is at the heart of our business as Orpic’s report shows that placing sustainability at the heart of policy and decision-making is not only right for the environment and our communities, but will also drive future growth and prosperity for our business,” said Orpic’s CEO Musab Al Mahrooqi.

And Petroleum Development Oman, the country’s biggest oil and gas producer has made huge strides to meet sustainability targets and set standards copied around the world (see our PDO Special Report starting on page 42).

Unlike the UAE, most of the construction in the Sultanate is by Omani companies, many of which have been long established. They are introducing sustainability policies even though they say profit margins are being squeezed, especially following the pressure in 2012 from an enforced 47% increase in Omani wages.

Urban migration over the past 40 years has seen hundreds of thousands move out of the countryside and almost 90% of people now live in Oman’s cities and towns.

Oman is the 84th largest country by area in the world (212,460 km2) - making it almost as big as the UK and three times larger than the UAE - but it is 75% is desert with mountains in the north and south.

As residential areas grow, land for agriculture decreases putting

Oman in focus

pressure on scarce water supplies and the environment.

In January 2013, Oman’s Council of Ministers appointed a consultancy to evaluate the country’s property industry “in terms of organsational, legislative and commercial aspects”.

It is charged with producing recommendations for a regulatory framework following the huge growth of the country’s construction industry with the aim of increasing the size of the sector.

Current government investment in infrastructure has seen an explosion in multi-million rials projects across the country including a 288km fence and wall along the border with Yemen, worth $300 million which is expected to go to an Indian contractor.

Tourism The capital city Muscat is a main focus of investment as the government seeks to alleviate pressure on its port and airport moving heavy industry out and encouraging tourism.

In 2012 1.6m visited the country and tourism is a major focus for income and job creation and the government is aiming for 12 million visitors a year within a decade, boosting its current 3% of GDP for the sector. Oman recognises its pristine beaches must remain that way to attract foreigners.

Tourism Minister Ahmed Bin Nasser Al Mehrzi called in an international agency in 2013 to formulate a long-term strategy and defy the World Travel & Tourism Council’s forecast of 2.83m by 2022 and meet the ambitious target.

At the time he said “weakness in basic infrastructure” was holding back both domestic and international tourism. The sector has spent more

than $260m in the “past few years” but returns had not lived up to expectations. Al Mehrzi admitted: “There was no clear vision for the sector, so the government began evaluating it to find out why it did not reach its set goals and decided to set a long-term strategy for the next 30 years.”

Railways Rail investment is coming too with a target date for operation of 2018, the design stage is expected to be completed by 2014 and the first stage due to begin by the third quarter of that year.

In February last year more than a dozen companies had collected tender documents to grab a slice of the $15.6bn project, according to the Oman Daily Observer. The mainly dual track phase one is 1,061km with nine tunnels, extending to six to kilometres and 130 flyovers, 17km of viaducts, 20kms of bridges and 15km of wadi bridges.

It will be partially funded by a GCC grant of $10bn and as well as linking the main industrial centres in of Sohar, Duqm and Salalah, the new railway will link with the wider GCC network.

Airports Muscat’s airport was built in 1973 and the new International Airport where work began in 2009, is the biggest single construction project in the Sultanate.

The Omanis ’think big’ vision has been questioned by The Times of Oman, which asked “Can Oman airports projects justify spiraling costs?’ in an article in October last year when it examined the $4.29bn spend over five years on airports alone.

It said: “Oman is upgrading two airports and building four new ones though such projects have already proved to be very expensive but the question remains whether such ambitious plans can justify the spiralling costs.

“The overall air transportation plan suspiciously seems based on an exaggerated prediction

about passenger numbers. Official statistics show that about 7.5 million passengers flew in and out of Oman in 2012, a growth of 16.5% over the previous year. When completed, the Muscat airport is expected to handle 12 million passengers per year.”

Hospitals A $1bn Medical City is set to be built just east of Salalah developed

by The Apex Medical Group. The International Medical City will be the country’s first major hospital build in more than 20 years.

Apex president Dr Abdullah Al Joaib said: “Building on the rising trend of medical and health tourism, the International Medical City will be developed in a serene setting on the coast.”

The 530-bed multi-speciality hospital will include a transplant and dialysis centre along with rehabilitation and diagnostic care facilities.

Foreign trade Seaports are also receiving a $1.3bn spend, $1.17bn on water and $1.16bn for housing projects.

And in a country where personal transport still relies heavily on the car, there is $3.2bn set aside for roads.

As well as focussing on job creation, foreign trade is another area the government is keen to encourage. A short drive from the new Muscat International Airport is the $1bn Oman Convention Centre, which had been due to open this year but is now delayed until 2016.

Economic forecasters say so long as there is no crash in oil prices, Oman can easily sustain its ambitious plans. But as one observer remarked: “The real challenge for the government is turning oil money into employment.”

January 2014

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42

PDO Special report

Maximum oil... minimum effect Petroleum Development Oman has set a benchmark in sustainable oil and gas production that is now recognised around the world. In this special report managing director Raoul Restucci talks to BGreen about sustainability at the sultanate’s biggest oil producer – from new ways to extract oil and treat water, to education and staff development – and in the run up to Omani Environment Day on January 8 we look PDO’s flagship projects.

By Gary Wright

S

Right: PDO Managing Director Raoul Restucci: as production becomes more complex, ‘there is an onus on us to do what we can to improve energy efficiency.’

January 2014

u stainability is integral to everything that we do and is implemented on a macro and micro level,” says Raoul Restucci, the managing director of Petroleum Development Oman.

Raoul started his career with Shell in1980, and worked in senior positions across the Midcle East including head of economics and planning at Qatar Petroleum and engineering manager in Syria for Al Furat Petroleum, before his current appointment in 2010.

The father of three, who lists sailing and golf (playing ‘off the fairway’) among his hobbies, says sustainability is a key foundation of the current PDO set up.

He said: “It starts with our vision: ‘To be renowned and respected for the excellence of our people and the value we create for Oman and all our stakeholders’ and goes right the way through to delivering best practice and leadership in sustainability.

“It is about going beyond the delivery of oil and gas to making sure that the communities in which we operate succeed and progress in a safe and sustainable manner in the long term.”

Restucci really believes that PDO’s success is not about production volumes or unit costs. He said: “First and foremost, it is about ensuring that every employee returns home each day to their families and loved ones safely and that the communities in which we operate believe in and support what we are doing.”

PDO has a strong sustainability and green record but in 2010 it introduced the current programme.

“We recognised that we had best practice within the company but that we could do so much more outside our functional boundaries,” he said.

“This is because we are a proud and influential constituent of Oman – the Sultanate’s largest oil and gas company – and we want to help this country to grow and raise the pride of the organisations and people who are touched by PDO. “As far as the environment is concerned, attention is rightly focussed on how oil and gas companies operate. So, for us, greenhouse gas management and energy conservation are core business as well as environmental priorities. PDO has adopted a Greenhouse Gas and Energy Management strategy.”

But sustainable measures, which mean efficiency are good for the bottom line as well as minimising environmental damage.

“Production processes are becoming more resource-hungry, requiring more gas and water, as they grow in complexity so there is an onus on us to do what we can to improve energy efficiency,” he said.

“We have addressed this by using waste heat from our power stations for steam generation, which can be used to extract heavy oil from deep and difficult reservoirs. By 2027, 60% of steam is set to come from co-generation - the use of a power station to simultaneously generate electricity and useful heat. It will benefit PDO since the company will realise a 20% reduction in fuel gas consumption with a corresponding 20% reduction in greenhouse gas, in

particular CO2 emissions. In total, a gas conservation of some 4 million m3 a day of gas could be expected.”

He explained that PDO is also reducing flaring – cutting greenhouse gas emissions - by investing in new infrastructure, improvements in maintenance and availability of compressors and dedicated asset flaring strategies.

“We have introduced detailed gas flaring reduction projects at six of our main fields – Fahud, Qarn Alam, Nimr, Marmul, Birba and Lekhwair –strategies which allow us to close production from certain wells during an outage of the gas processing system.”

The treatment of contaminated water produced by the oil extraction process is another area of focus and its successful Nimr Reed Beds project (see separate story), has “created an opportunity out of a challenge” transforming a 2.4 million m2 desert area into lush greenery by planting two million reeds.

Alongside this, PDO is perfecting it electromechanical treatment of water before it is put back into the sea.

“This sends an electric current through the water to release ions and destabilise colloidal particles followed by a series of skimming, filtration and mixed oxidation processes to target the remaining soluble organics and nitrogen compounds,” said Restucci.

“In addition, we are recycling a lot of water for use in hydraulic fracking and drilling operations and looking to optimise the use of water by diverting it from the south of our operations to the north by pipeline.”

PDO has also pioneered the use

PDO Special report

For us, greenhouse gas management and energy conservation are core business as well as environmental priorities.” of alternative energy sources, such as with its Amal Solar Steam Trial where it is producing steam for enhanced oil recovery using only the sun (see separate story, page 46).

Restucci said: “Oman is obviously endowed with an incredible solar potential and the progress at Amal is exciting in proving how viable and competitive renewables can be. It is by far much more efficient and cost effective than most projects I have seen around the world, adopting a very simple concept and smart engineering using a glasshouse to protect solar panels.”

And Restucci produces the statistics to back the PDO improvements. “Over the last seven years, on a business plan to business plan comparison, we have achieved a 44% efficiency improvement in terms of our gas consumption per barrel of oil produced, in spite of the rising complexity of our operations (from 0.18 barrel of oil equivalent (boe) gas/barrel of oil to 0.1 boe gas/barrel of oil). In terms of power station efficiency we have delivered 9% improvements between 2010 and 2013 and expect to deliver a further 10% efficiency improvement between 2013 and 2016.”

Next he points out the savings that have been made through its lighting policy: “We believe being environmentally sustainable goes hand-in-hand with economic efficiency. One of our most recent initiatives is a massive conversion from conventional lighting to LED lighting which is set to reduce across operation our power consumption for lighting from around 20 megawatts/ hour to six megawatts/hour – also saving around $6 million a year.”

The managing director then turns his attention to the management policies and educational programmes

January 2014

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PDO SPecial Report Greater flamingo at the PDO Nimr Wildlife Project in southern Oman

it supports in Oman.

He said: “We play an active role in environment days. For example, staff saved 6,765 sheets of paper on World Environment Day on 5 June this year – a 9.5% reduction over the average daily use – after cutting back on their use of printers. We have also rolled out a network of collaborative work environment offices – equipped with latest communications technology where field staff work seamlessly together with head office staff.

This is dramatically reducing the volume of paperwork and rework through shared ownership and co-creation, and of course, cutting down on travel.

“We are also looking forward to Omani Environment Day coming up on 8 January, we are mobilising staff to plant trees and clean up the Ras Al Hamra beach near our HQ in Muscat. We are anxious to spread the word on sustainability and encourage others to take an interest in the environment.”

PDO presented the EcOman Centre in Muscat as a Gift to the Nation to mark the 40th National Day of Oman in 2010. The attraction offers a journey through the evolution and future of energy and aims to help visitors understand the possibilities

January 2014

of harnessing sustainable energy resources. It also underlines the PDO’s commitment to society and sustainable development.

BGreen asked whether Restucci thought his company was different from similar organisations and whether it sets an example for others and he believes it sets the standard for both his country and the oil industry.

He said: “Because of our scale and expertise – and our close relationship with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs - we are able to increasingly drive change on environmental management. We champion best-in-class technology, which has been recognised in regional and global awards, to reduce our footprint and impact on the environment. For example, PDO successfully introduced geared centrifugal pumps. These devices have motors on the surface of a reservoir and are expected to be 20% more energy efficient than some existing artificial lift technologies.

“We work extensively with international and national academic institutions on such research projects and technologies and have a strong, collaborative relationship with Sultan Qaboos University in Muscat.”

On a wider scale he believes PDO’s policies help bring suppliers,

contractors and customers closer to a sustainable goal.

He said: “PDO works on enhancing environmental awareness and training within the company and among its extensive network of contractors and contract staff as well as the greater community in the Sultanate.”

PDO has made environmental awareness and training for all employees an integral part of competence. All company ISO focal points conduct awareness and training sessions, usually interactive workshops, for all employees at the PDO headquarters and at the fields in the interior.

Workshop participants identify significant environmental issues related to their work activities. They are also expected to reveal potential solutions for minimising or preventing such environmental impacts.

Additionally, PDO offers a five-day environmental auditor training course to employees. Course participants take two written class exams and need to complete assignments.

PDO facts: •

PDO has been exporting oil produced in its concession area known as Block 6 since 1967

•

It has discovered over 189 fields, of which 126 are currently producing oil and 14 producing gas

•

It accounts for more than 70% of Oman’s crude oil production and nearly all of its natural gas supply

•

In 2012, it capital expenditure was $3.8 billion and operating expenditure $1.3 billion

•

In 2012, it set a new production record of 1.24 million barrels of oil equivalent per day

•

It has more than 5,000 active wells

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46

PDO Special report: five sustainable projects

Amal steams into the sunset

E

xperts working on the Amal West Solar Steam Generation Pilot scheme have started producing steam for thermal enhanced oil recovery (EOR) using only the sun.

The site, the largest plant in the world using such technology, has now started a one-year performance monitoring period where the benefits of this exciting new technology will be assessed.

Head of New Technology Implementation Syham Bentouati said: “The aim is to use concentrated thermal energy from the sun to produce low-cost, low-emission steam that will be fed directly into PDO’s existing steam distribution network and used as a thermal EOR method to extract heavy oil.

January 2014

“The steam heats up the oil making it flow more easily towards the producing wells.”

PDO has several oil fields that are ideal candidates for such treatment.

However, even though the extra oil production is potentially large, so too is the energy required to boil water for steam.

“PDO is widely recognised as the EOR pioneer throughout the Middle East,” said Rod MacGregor, GlassPoint CEO. “Deploying the region’s first solar EOR project further underscores its leadership and commitment to advancing new technologies that will economically expand production of existing reserves.”

The Solar Steam Generation Pilot uses 12 rows of specially designed, lightweight reflective mirrors, enclosed in a 96m wide by 180m long, 6.2m high glasshouse which protects the system from dirt, dust, sand and humidity and these are used to capture the sun’s rays. The incoming sunlight is concentrated by a factor of 122 onto receiver tubes containing boiler feed water, creating high-pressure steam. The unit delivers a peak output of over 11 tonnes of steam per hour and an average across a year of 50 tonnes of steam per day.

Syham said: “We realised we had to become more energy efficient at heating water. Capturing waste heat from neighbouring power plants is one option but using solar energy to generate steam is another.

“What we are aiming to do is secure greater recovery of oil while at the same time reducing our energy consumption and our

costs. This could be a win, win, win situation for PDO.” The Amal pilot is small in scale but a potential large scale installation could generate huge benefits for the Company and for the country in terms of anticipated In-Country Value.

Amal Steam project manager William Lindsay said: “In close collaboration with both the main contractor, Glasspoint LLC and its Omani construction sub-contractor Arabian Industries Projects, the PDO execution team has proven that safe, on time, under budget delivery is possible.

“Expedient execution of new technologies can put PDO ahead of its competition and valuable lessons learned from this project such as the benefits of constructability reviews, night-time working, use of international technical specifications and interface management can be readily used in other projects.

“The contractor starting steaming within 16 months from the contract award, completing construction in 355 days and there were no significant HSE incidents.

The challenges of integrating this new technology into the existing PDO “oil field” operations were addressed extremely well.

The balance between PDO’s involvement in key areas only and allowing the contractor to perform was also a key success factor in delivery.”

The experimental complex, which integrates into the existing Amal West steam facilities, was visited by the Minister of Oil and Gas Dr Mohammed al Rumhy on March 16.

48

PDO Special report: five sustainable projects

LEDs save PDO $8m every year P

etroleum Development Oman (PDO) is saving $6 million a year by switching its lighting system to one which is more environmentally friendly.

The conversion from regular incandescent lights to Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs is the biggest of its type in Oman. It is taking place over the next two years and is being carried out by the Company’s Power System Department.

About 300,000 incandescent bulbs and lamps will be replaced with LED alternatives which consume up to 70% less energy. The new bulbs also have a longer average life of 100,000 hours - 10 times that of a regular light - and don’t contain any unsafe substances, which can be found in conventional ones, such as mercury.

Infrastructure Power System Department manager Mohammed al Aghbari said: “The use of traditional lighting products is always associated with enormous maintenance costs and requires time and labour because they need to be replaced so frequently.

Oman’s biggest oil and gas producer plans to pay for its LED light replacement programme through cost savings made by 2015.

However, LED lights, besides their efficient energy consumption, also have the benefit of lasting longer and being cost effective.

“This greener approach is all part of meeting the challenge of maintaining power stability and reliability with less consumption and cost.”

The switchover has started at the Company’s Mina Al Fahal estate and the Interior and should be completed by 2015 with the aim of recovering the initial $10 million outlay on the LED replacements through power savings by then.

January 2014

The energy saving means less gas is needed to produce electricity for PDO’s lighting requirements and so the annual gas production bill for this will fall from $9 million to $3 million. By 2028, the projected savings are targeted to rise from $6 million to $8 million a year.

Head of Power Systems Operations and Maintenance, Humaid al Amri, said: “This move is in line with the company’s strategy to optimise operating costs and improve energy efficiency which benefits shareholders, the whole of Oman and the environment.”

PDO Special report: five sustainable projects

Tree survival tops Ras Al Hamra development plan T

he Ras Al Hamra Development Project (RAHDP) has launched a major initiative to save trees which are obstructing the building programme.

So far, more than 500 have been uprooted and moved to a special nursery where they will be nurtured until they are ready to be replanted in new locations. Overall, approximately 60% or more of the trees onsite are being conserved and replanted.

The preservation effort underlines the desire to ensure that the welfare of the environment remains one of the key drivers of the massive development.

Around 1,200 trees have been pulled up in the first phase of the scheme with around 700 being chopped up for mulch which will be used to improve soil equality. However, 550, including 320 palms, have been conserved for the future along with hundreds of shrubs including bougainvilleas and frangipanis.

They are part of the Ras Al Hamra development which houses 1,600 PDO workers, over 280 hectares in the hills overlooking the Gulf of Oman on the northernmost tip of Muscat where the redevelopment programme will be carried out in phases expected to take up to nine years before completion.

Many of the buildings at the site were built in the 1960s but the multi-million USD development has been organised to cause minimum disruption to existing residents in the mountain site and preserve the terrain – approximately 60% or more of the trees onsite are being conserved and replanted. Initial groundwork began a year ago but teams of contractors are now working around the clock.

Golf and Landscape superintendent Brett Merrell said: “In the plan, there was always a desire to move and save trees during the construction but we

have probably saved an additional 200 trees so far on what we envisaged.

“This is good for the environment and shows how hard we are trying to preserve the greenery which is having to make way for the building work.”

The trees, the tallest of which are around 15 metres, have been uprooted from Sayyala Terrace where the new school is being built, the golf course area and from either side of Ras Al Hamra Street and Al Fahal Street to make way for new housing.

Contractors have cut the bigger trees down to about 8m high before manually excavating a metre around the base of each one. They were then lifted carefully out of the ground using a crane before being transported them to the RAHDP tree nursery.

The aim is replant many of them around the 27-hectare golf course as part of the landscaping which should all be completed by December. Fifty have already been moved to the rear of the new Bait Mina al Fahal headquarters.

Brett said: “When you transplant

trees like this you have to get them to acclimatise to their new surroundings so they will need at least three months in the nursery before we can even consider moving them again.

“This shows the level of care and consideration we are putting into the Ras Al Hamra development. With any large project like this there is some upheaval but we have gone to painstaking lengths to minimise the impact on the environment.”

Species saved include washingtonias, date palms, neem, acacia, callistemon and ficus.

January 2014

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PDO Special report: five sustainable projects

How water salvage brought a wildlife haven to the desert

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few years ago, any talk of increasing oil yields, decreasing costs and energy consumption and turning an area of arid desert into a natural oasis for wildlife would have been for the birds.

However, in just over three years the Nimr Reed Beds Project Team has achieved all of this and is now gearing up for an exciting year in which its experts expect to break new boundaries.

The project is at the Nimr oil field, 700 milometres south of the Omani capital. It is the largest industrially constructed wetland system is the world, which has seen a desert area of 2.4 million square metres transformed into lush greenery by planting two million reeds to naturally absorb oil and other contaminants from produced water.

The 1.5 million square metres of evaporation ponds have been instrumental in reducing the amount of hydrocarbon-polluted produced water and now provide a valuable habitat for migratory birds, with more than 100 different species being identified at the site to date.

January 2014

These include flamingos, sand martins, cuckoos, wagtails, barn swallows, red-necked phalaropes black-crowned sparrow larks, Turkestan shrikes, western marsh harriers, brown-necked ravens, desert wheatears, little stints, ortolan buntings, slender-billed gulls, spotted flycatchers, desert whitethroats, and the exotically named Eastern olivaceous warbler.

The majority of oil producers all over the world are challenged by the great volumes of water they produce along with the oil and PDO is no exception. “This associated water poses several challenges to all oil producers, and especially when fields reach maturity,” PDO’s managing director Raoul Restucci said at the ceremony.

“The produced water is contaminated with oil and other pollutants and much of it has a salinity higher than seawater, making it unusable for domestic or agricultural purposes,” he added.

Senior project engineer Benoie Mathew said: “The wetland habitat is just one of the positive results of the pioneering green scheme which

has now garnered nine awards for its innovation and operational excellence. The success of the natural water treatment system means that Nimr is now handling 95,000 cubic metres of produced water each day and has been able to shut down five of its 12 deepwater disposal pumps, drastically cutting energy use. The below data with regard to the reduction in power demand of 21,054 megawatt hours from January 2010 to December 2012 is a clear evidence of sustainably reducing the carbon foot print.

On top of these environmental benefits, PDO has been able to recover an extra 327 barrels of oil per day – 120,000 barrels per year.

The achievements have been matched by an exemplary safety record. As of 15 December 2012, the project celebrated having worked 2.3 million manhours without a lost time injury and 5.3 million kilometres without a road traffic accident.

Nimr Cluster Engineering manager Badar Sharji said: “We have devised and implemented a novel solution to the issue of produced water but have >>

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PDO Special report: five sustainable projects

>> seen many other environmental benefits.All of the team are genuinely proud of what has been achieved and we are determined to maintain our momentum in 2013 with more exciting initiatives, including maximising In-Country Value.”

The Nimr Cluster is currently negotiating with Nimr Bauer (the project operator) to move to the next level and is looking at a greater use of produced water, possibly for reverse osmosis, enhanced oil recovery, steam generation, drilling, industrial salt or even bio-saline agriculture. There is also a proposal to handle an additional

TOP OF THE A CLASS

PDO School won the Green Innovation Award in the Oman Green Awards for its pioneering environmental features at the first school in the country to be certified by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

The new school at Sayyala Terrace should be ready for the start of the new academic year in September 2014 and incorporates many state-ofthe-art green features including solar powered street lighting, windows designed to maximise daylight inside but minimise heat from the sun and surrounded in landscape which minimises the usage of water.

January 2014

150,000 cubic metres of produced water a day.

Nimr Cluster leader Junaid Ghulam said: “The Nimr Reed Beds Project has been a win-win for PDO and has set new global standards for the oil and gas industry by developing an innovative, environmentally-friendly ways of treating produced water.”

“As well as championing biodiversity by greening the desert, this landmark scheme has squared the circle of reducing energy consumption and costs and increased our oil production.”

The learning environment will boast more daylight and more fresh air than the old school and will have more efficient toilet and recycled water supply systems.

Project manager Abdul-Amir al Ajmi collected the trophy from H.E. Mohammed al Toby, the Minister of the Environment and Climate Affairs, under the patronage of H.H. Sayyida Tania bint Shabib al Said.

Abdul-Amir said: “Everything about the fabric of the building is about energy efficiency and the Ras Al Hamra Development Project Team is delighted to receive this prestigious award.”

The building, which will host over 30 classrooms catering for pupils aged 2-11, has been based around the concept of “The School as a Learning Tool” and children will be able to learn about sustainability from its very fabric.

Protect our natural heritage.

With the help of your business, we can do ours.

Make a change as corporate member with EWS-WWF and help us in our mission to conserve and protect our natural environment. Together, we can make a difference. www.ewswwf.ae

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Oil & Gas

Green power from Dubai’s householdwaste The conversion of the Al Qusais landfill site in Dubai from a waste dump to an efficient power production facility has set a new standard for the Middle East. Editor Gary Wright meets Anita Nouri, Business Development Director of Green Energy Solutions & Sustainability LLC and Zak Nouri, Director of Operations. Anita and Zak are the leading people on the ground behind Green Energy Solutions & Sustainability LLC, the company that won the Energy Efficiency Project of the Year in the BGreen Awards 2013

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or 28 years Al Qusais has been home to the Dubai’s biggest rubbish dump where more than 1,000 trucks arrive daily to dump 6,000 tonnes of city’s waste.

The site became operational in January 2013 when Green Energy Solutions & Sustainability LLC (GESS) along with the Director General of Dubai Municipality, H.E. Hussain Lootah, commissioned

January 2014

the first landfill gas flaring project, ultimately turning the landfill into an environmental, well managed and maintained site.

Historically Al Qusais was a waste mountain, on the border of Sharjah – but in two years a transformation has taken place.

“Today through an innovative design of the piping system, GESS was able to keep the landfill active

and create a more environmental, healthier landfill that is no longer a smelly eyesore for the surrounding residents,” said Anita Nouri, Business Development Director.

She arrived in Dubai with her husband Zak from Canada in 2008 with their family determined to do something good for Dubai and the UAE. With Zak’s background in construction and their joint knowledge of environment, recycling and the sustainable possibilities in the waste mountain at Al Qusais, they began their five-year journey.

“Landfill produces a huge opportunity for sustainable energy projects and no one was doing anything with the landfill here in the Middle East,” said Zak who is Director of Operations.

They set up GESS in 2011 and along with their financial investors began the development of the Al Qusais site. Anita said: “It was always in line with the vision of Dubai Municipality to provide a safe and healthy living environment. Their goal was not to create more landfills but to make this landfill a more environmental place that can find value in the waste and provide power for the surrounding community.”

Four years ago carbon credits were very bankable and a good investment but today with the fall of the carbon market worldwide it has become a challenge that GESS plans to meet and overcome with

Oil & Gas

the implementation of the power generation project.

“True waste to energy is the utilisation of the landfill gas that is harming our environment and producing power out of this waste gas to generate electricity” said Anita Nouri. When the project was commissioned, H.E. Hussain Lootah dubbed the Al Qusais site: 20/20 with a vision towards the future.

Al Qusais has been transformed into a well-managed landfill site and the passengers of cars that travel daily on E311 Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road from Sharjah to Dubai now see only a sand covered mountain about 30 metres high where they would have seen discarded waste only a few years ago.

Carbon credits Carbon credits accumulated with the Al Qusais project are the equivalent of removing 60,000 cars from the road each year and can be sold to help other companies meet

their carbon reduction targets. This goal of GESS and the Dubai Carbon Centre to be able to help reduce Dubai’s overall carbon footprint.

“The waste is now carefully managed – there have been no major incidents on site and it is a safer place for the workers and the neighbouring community” said Zak. “We have organised events on site and have even hosted ‘Feed the Workers’ during the Eid Al Atah where we fed over 400 labours and truck drivers that are impacted by the Al Qusais site.”

Site construction started in January 2012 and was fully completed and operational

by January 2013 with the commissioning of the flare equipment and the registration with the United Nations as a large scale CDM project.

Anita said: “We are leaders in the region with the implementation of innovative green technologies and sustainable solutions and along with our technology partners combined

True wAste energy is the utilisation of the landfill gas that is harming our environment and producing power out of this waste,” Anita Nouri, Business Development Director GESS

our team has been involved in over 1,500 landfill project globally.”

On July 29 2013, Dubai Municipality and GESS marked a “green” milestone when the Al Qusais landfill became fully powered by the landfill gas.

January 2014

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Oil & Gas BGreen Editor Gary Wright (left) at the Al Quasis landfill site in Dubai where he congratulates Zak Nouri GESS Operations Director for winning Energy Efficieny Project of the Year 2014

We consider there to be limited effect on rated GCC oil producers at present. The more immediate effects of US shale production, in our view, centres on GCC-based natural gas producers.”

Dubai’s Eng. Lootah said: “This is a significant milestone in Dubai’s journey towards being a sustainable city and is inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to undertake initiatives that conserve our environment.”

Anita told BGreen: “Now with the hosting of the World EXPO 2020 GESS is proud to support and work with Dubai Municipality towards that goal of achieving Sustainable Energy Strategies and the exploration of alternative energy sources that will reduce the demand on existing power generation and fossil fuels.”

Flare and generator at the Al Quasis landfill site

January 2014

The collection system collects the landfill gas through an intricately laid network of 22 kilometres of horizontal and vertical pipes. The collection system is around the parameter of the landfill enabling the top of the landfill to remain clear and keep the site active for many years to come.

A Hofstetter Umwelttechnik AG high-efficiency enclosed flare, which safely disposes the flammable constituents of the landfill gas, particularly methane.

The Al Qusais project is a success and as the only landfill gas recovery system in the region to produce electricity, it has become a showcase for what can be achieved.

Municipalities and governments are queuing up to consult with Green Energy Solutions & Sustainability LLC (GESS).

On site The BGreen team visited the site where Anita and Zak Nouri allowed them to tour the facility and the site.

Zak Nouri’s pride in what has been achieved at the two-km by three-km landfill site is evident as he drives the BGreen team around. Mr. Nouri pointed out the pipe collection points and showed how more than 1,000 trucks are able to dump the waste daily without being hindered by the gas collection system or plant operations. He emphasised that the waste is compacted and covered to ensure the safety on the site, reduce the smells, and reduce the risk of fires. GESS is working alongside the Waste Management Team of Dubai Municipality to follow the best standards.

We sit in his 4x4 on a 30m high mountain of waste looking down on the new deliveries some 20m below,

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Oil & Gas Al Qusais landfill site has become a showcase for what can be achieved with the millions of tonnes of waste produced across the world and GESS is now looking at other sites across the region Anita said: “Qusais is a prime example of how we can create Global Stewardship while we combat global warming by capturing and flaring the landfill gas that was naturally being vented into the atmosphere - site is reducing GHG to the equivalent of over 300,000 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere.“ As an added benefit GESS is utilising a portion of the gas to power a modified landfill gas generator (GE Jenbacher J320) to power the full load of the site and the GESS equipment.

This has enabled the site to be sustainable and provide its own power from the landfill gas while it has reduced the amount of diesel that was previously being used by the Municipality to power its site offices and the GESS site works.

Al Qusais is a registered CDM Project with the UNFCCC that will reduce GHG emissions from Top: Diggers on site at Al Quasis, working on top of 20 metres of waste and below, Anita Nouri at her desk with her BGreen Award

the landfill by over 350,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year. The project is registered as

and we see the GESS Flaring plant with the Proud Flags of the UAE waving and feel the pride of achievement that Green Energy Solutions & Sustainability LLC has been able to achieve.

He said: “Once the new waste reaches this height, it will be sealed and then more waste will be laid across the top to a maximum height of 42 metres.

This site will be producing electricity for the next 20 to 25 years but as it grows it will be able to continue to produce more potential power.”

Al Qusais is a success and will become the blueprint for waste sites across the region and GESS is set to be a leader on both a consultant and contractor level. It makes commercial sense, it has

January 2014

dramatically improved the lives of people around the site and it works.

The last word should go to Anita Nouri, Business Development Director of Green Energy Solutions & Sustainability LLC: “We are thankful to Dubai Municipality for the opportunity to be part of this landmark project that sets a First in the GCC region.

“Our vision was never to create more landfills but to optimise the existing ones and tap into a source of energy that is currently being vented into the atmosphere. Dubai Municipality’s 2020 vision clearly demonstrated this city’s thought leadership in promoting Environmental Sustainability and GESS is proud to be a part of that future.”

CDM Project No 8269 LFG Flaring Project, Dubai UAE for the reduction of CH4 (Methane) which is 21 times more harmful than CO2.

Zak said: “GESS is proud to be part of the Dubai initiative of environmental awareness and by constructing this landfill gas project at the Al Qusais Landfill site we are achieving many goals; drastic reduction in fires, control odour nuisance, reduce health risks and adverse environmental impacts.”

In the future GESS is hoping to connect to the grid and provide 12 Mw of power to DEWA from the landfill gas.

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LEisure

Green building trends in the Middle East

Carrier and Otis convened their Distinguished Sustainability Lecture Series in the Middle East last month to inform participants about green building opportunities. John Mandyck, chief sustainability officer at UTC Building & Industrial Systems, speaks to Lorraine Bangera about emerging green practices in the UAE

T

he lecture series provided participants the opportunity to obtain LEED training, learn more about green building and gain insight into world green building trends from experts. It was held in Kuwait City, Riyadh and Dubai, connecting over 350 industry

January 2014

professionals, local building owners and operators with international green building experts.

John Mandyck, also one of the experts, said: “Green building is a smart, long-term business decision with equal economic and environmental value.”

Looking at the popular construction trends in the UAE, Mandyck said: “According to McGraw-Hill, environmental regulation is the number one trigger driving future green building activity in the UAE, which is a rate significantly higher compared to other parts of the world.

This result confirms the key role that government is playing. In the United States, federal, state and local governments are some of the strongest green adopters and help move the early green market. The UAE could see the same result with the government’s commitments making the case for green buildings in other sectors.

Leisure LEisure

Below: John Mandyk, chief sustainability officer at UTC Building & Industrial Systems

“Rapid global urbanisation also strengthens green building. In fact, green building activity is doubling every three years on a global stage and it’s not just new buildings – industry research shows that existing buildings are going green, too. In the UAE both new and retrofit projects offer payback for investment within six years. The same data shows up to 7% operating cost savings for green retrofit projects in five years and up to 12% for new green building projects.”

It is important for developers, contractors, architects and engineers to attend such lectures and seminars which highlight sustainability.

Mandyck said: “According to a recent report by McGraw-Hill Construction, client demand, both private and public, among UAE firms for green building construction is a strong driver of green building activity –

Systems believe that green building will accelerate with education. According to Mandyck, there is no better platform to raise the profile of sustainability than the World Expo. He said: “The event offers a valuable opportunity for Dubai to not only demonstrate sustainability before a global audience, but to educate them as well. The fact that Expo 2020 includes sustainability as a main theme illustrates the seriousness with which Dubai is working to establish itself as a green building leader.”

Dubai winning Expo 2020 also influences other cities in the region to take up sustainable practices. Mandyck said: “During the lecture series, we spent three days meeting with nearly 400 industry professionals in the Middle East.

Given the level of engagement in green practices during that visit coupled with the fact that this was our twelfth lecture in the area, I can tell you that there is already a great deal of interest in the region. I think that strong baseline will only be magnified by the Dubai Expo 2020. Since this marks the first time the Expo will be held in the Middle East, I imagine the entire region will take great pride in the event and hopefully support it through additional sustainability initiatives. “ The construction industry taking up energy efficiency is inevitable, concludes Mandyck. He said: “The business case is clear – there are real, proven financial, environmental and human health benefits from green building. For those who are still unsure about the advantages of green building, I encourage them to educate themselves and I personally extend an invitation for them to attend our lecture series the next time we are in the area.”

significantly more so than in other parts of the world. Seminars such as our recent Distinguished Sustainability Lecture Series connect international green building thought leaders with local professionals. They share best practices, learn the latest trends and even gain LEED training – all of which can help position them to better address their clients’ needs.”

Dubai Expo 2020 As sustainability is one of the main themes of Dubai Expo 2020, it would play a major role in driving sustainable practices in the construction industry. Companies like UTC Building & Industrial

January 2014

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Personality

Hollywood A-lister with a genuine passion for the environment With his latest bid to encourage drivers to embrace electric vehicles, movie star Leonardo DiCaprio continues a decade-long campaign for a greener world

Leonardo DiCaprio

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ollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio is to enter a team in the new electric motor racing championship Formula E, it was announced last month.

He has co-founded a Monacobased team with Gildo Pallanca Pastor, owner of electric carmaker Venturi Automobiles.

January 2014

Formula E racing series will compete in 10 of the world’s leading cities including Beijing, Los Angeles, Miami, Buenos Aires, Berlin and London showcasing electric car technology and encouraging faster development in the sector.

This is the glamorous side to DiCaprio’s commitment to a more

sustainable world that has developed over the past 16 years to make him one of the world’s leading green campaigners.

The 39-year-old star, who shot to international fame in the film Titanic in 1997, has become one of the hottest properties in Hollywood with a succession of box office hits and invited to work with top directors including Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorcese and Quentin Tarantino.

He became a campaigner after he was himself a target for environmentalists while filming The Beach in 1998 in Thailand where the production team was accused of damaging pristine beach.

DiCaprio’s involvement ensured the protest made headlines around the world.

DiCaprio established the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, which has since collaborated with the likes of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, Oceana and the Natural Resources Defence Council.

His primary aim is awareness, not to preach: “It’s about just being aware of this issue - that’s the most important thing - and really trying to say: ‘Next time I vote, next time I buy something, I’m just going to be aware of what’s really going on.’“ In 2000, he was the US chair of Earth Day, the annual celebration of the environment, and in Washington DC he told the crowd: “We must set an example…

We are entering an environmental age whether we like it or not.”

He went on to interview President Clinton on ABC News and included questions about the science of climate change, reducing the use of SUVs and the dangers to New Orleans from rising sea levels – all this in 2000.

Subsequently DiCaprio has earned his recognition as a genuine environmental campaigner – and he shows no sign of stopping.

Farnek Avireal

Total Sustainable Facilities Management Contact Us Over 30 years in the UAE 1700 employees 7 oďŹƒce locations 1 contact number

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

Abu Dhabi | Dubai | Sharjah | RAK | Zurich | Geneva | Basel

DIARY Dates

Save the date BGreen’s guide to events and conferences taking place in the coming months

International Water Summit 2014 January 20-22, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, UAE IWS brings together world leaders, field experts, academia luminaries and business innovators to accelerate the development of new sustainable strategies and technologies. Hosted

by Masdar and organised by Reed Exhibitions, IWS 2014 is endorsed by the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water, Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority, and the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi among other government entities.

World Future Energy Summit 2014 January 20-22, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, UAE WFES is an event dedicated to renewable energies, energy efficiency and clean technologies. It includes a conference, an international exhibition, the Project & Finance Village, the Young Future Energy Leaders programme, as well as a number of corporate meetings and concurrent social events. The event will present energy sector stakeholders with a unique opportunity to meet with their peers, exchange technology, and share best practices.

EcoWASTE 2014 January 20-22, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, UAE EcoWASTE is a new regional platform that brings together leading local and international providers, buyers and industry professionals from the

sustainable waste management and recycling sector to support the waste disposal needs of, and challenges in, the Middle East. Through its targeted exhibition and seminars, EcoWASTE will unveil new projects and source cutting-edge technologies and solutions in waste management.

Spirit of Giving January 29, DIFC Gate, UAE The Spirit of Giving gala is organised

by Phantom Events. After attending, contributions made will go towards EWSWWF species conservation efforts, which protect the unique and diverse species in the marine and terrestrial habitats of the UAE. Be part of the UAE’s environmental movement by implementing change.

To attend the event, contact arianne@ phantomeventsmgmt.com Solar middle East February 11 to 13 Dubai International Exhibition Centre, UAE The exhibition provides the opportunity for technology manufacturers and system integrators to build relationships with industry influencers and key decision makers within the solar market in the GCC and wider MENA region.

In 2013 it welcomed 2,846 unique

visitors from 74 countries who came to see 84 exhibitors from 21 countries.

With the current industry growth and expected developments in the region, the 2nd edition of Solar Middle East promises to be an essential event in the solar industry calendar. www. solarmiddleeast.ae middle Middle east electricity Running alongside Solar Middle East Show, Middle East Electricity is the region’s longest running exhibition.

Established as a global leader in the power industry, the exhibition provides a platform for networking, business development, learning and debating key subjects in the power, lighting, nuclear, new and renewable industry.

Last year 1,085 exhibitors from 54 countries and 18,000 visitors attended.

As an ideal platform to reach the Middle East region and the surrounding Africa and Asia regions, the 2014 exhibition stands to increase in both size and number creating a gateway for companies to promote their business.

Visit website for more details: www. middleeastelectricity.com

January 2014

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sustainable past

Right: A dustman, taken from George Cruikshank’s London Characters (1829) Below: Author Charles Dickens

Why London was a recycling magnet Today most people recognise recycling helps reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to sustainability.

But 200 years ago in London, it was a way of life

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ecycling was an important part of life for thousands of people in Victorian England. But it had nothing to do with sustainability – it was the only way poor people could survive.

From animal bones to dog excrement, there were specialised scavengers who collected the waste and sold it to a complex market that had built up, supplying industries that relied on them.

Two authors reveal how important recycling was to the city’s economy and the survival of hundreds of thousands of people: Henry Mayhew’s 1861 work London Labour and the London Poor, written after five years of interviews, and the works of Britain’s most famous 19th Century writer and journalist Charles Dickens.

In the 1800s English homes were heated by burning coal and household waste was burned in the fireplace. ‘Dustmen’ collected the ash in a high-sided wagon then dumped into a mound.

It was sorted into dirt (fine ash) and larger breeze or clinker by mainly women ‘sifters’ who worked through the mound recovering

January 2014

unburned coal, metal, bones and other items, to resell.

Large dust mounds were often auctioned by the city and for a time, dustmen actually paid to collect householder’s ash. Finally the sifted ash was bought by brickmakers a vital part of providing the means to build the growing metropolis. In Dickens’ novel Our Mutual Friend, Nicodemus Boffin is the Golden Dustman – an eccentric who got rich from waste.

Today in Britain, almost 200 years later, rubbish collectors are still called dustmen (and their trucks ‘dustcarts’) a name that recalls their Victorian history, though they rarely collect dust.

Dustmen also cleaned streets where horse manure enriched the ‘street mud’ that was sold to farmers as fertiliser.

Homeless scavengers, known as ‘totters’, did much of the other recycling work that went on, each with known by a name according to their speciality.

‘Purers’ or ‘pure hunters’ were boy totters who collected dog excrement, used as an astringent in leather tanning, while girls doing the same work were known as ‘bunters’ for time.

‘Hogwash carters’ collected edible kitchen waste, while ‘nightmen’ cleaned out cesspits also to be used as fertiliser. Staff in service at the big homes could earn extra cash by collecting bones, grease, and tea dregs, which were dried and resold.

And ‘hardups’ gathered cigars and tobacco waste to repack for lessaffluent smokers.

Rag and bottle (R&B) shops, run by ‘dollys’, were widespread in the capital, buying grease, drippings, leather, rags, paper, clothes, bones, bottles, and scrap metals.

‘Ragmen’ bought used clothes from wealthy households and resold them to the poor. This was a major business, and London had two major Old Clothes Exchanges that served as wholesale markets.

In the 20th century most of these ‘trades’ disappeared. As natural gas replaced coal for home heating there was less ash, the proliferation of the car ended horse manure on the streets and a modern farming switched to chemical and industrial scale food production.

But the rag and bone man survived until well into the 1960s in Britain, with his horse and cart and his familiar cry of ‘rang and bone’, inviting people to sell their unwanted items. The trade features in a celebrated British TV (and radio) sitcom Steptoe and Son well into the 1970s.