Sustainable technology and environmentally friendly products are taking centre stage at this year’s CityBuild Abu Dhabi, a new trade show for the region’s building and construction industry.
CityBuild Abu Dhabi 2010 opened yesterday (18 April) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and runs alongside Cityscape Abu Dhabi.
“Masdar’s sustainable development, which aims to achieve zero carbon emissions, has clearly set the standard for sustainable design leading the way in the UAE, and now a number of forward-thinking organisations are highlighting the need to go green and invest in the latest building materials and products that help to reduce a building’s carbon emissions,” said Graham Wood, Group Director of CityBuild Abu Dhabi.
Firms specialising in everything from basic building materials to secondary finishings are currently showcasing the latest initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable development.
Reem Emirates Aluminum has developed a new window system, which saves up to 50 per cent of energy costs with an initial outlay just 2-3 per cent higher than conventional windows.
“We are the first company in the Middle East to demonstrate this concept of an integrated facade system that uses MEP,” said Reem Emirates’ Senior Structural Engineer Imthias Mohamed. “Specially designed duel pane window units allow outside air in through special ducts. The hot air is then forced out of the unit before it enters the building, leaving cooler air to circulate providing consistent temperatures throughout the room.”
But not all developments require a higher initial outlay to recoup costs. Tyco is promoting its latest energy efficient hot water system, that is cheaper in every aspect than traditional systems, said Pramode Nair, Regional Manager – Middle East.
“We are revolutionising the market because our system only needs one set of hot water pipes. A heating cable attached to the pipe keeps the water at the desired temperature. Any heat losses through the water pipes are compensated for by a self-regulating temperature maintenance cable, which keeps the water at the selected temperature. You therefore save money in every aspect from design, to build and on future bills,” added Nair.
Another company, Mapei, which supplies building materials to the construction industry, is demonstrating its latest range of innovative building solutions, including the new Ultraflax S2 mono adhesive, which provides 20 per cent more coverage than its competitors.
“There is a theme of getting more for less and we realise that in the current market situation people are trying to extract as much value from products as they can,” said Laith Haboubi, Business Development Director at Mapei. “We are trying to show the market that it’s not about price per kilo but overall value and this product reduces transport costs, contractor costs and waste.”
