Saturday, Sep 15, 2012
The construction sector will be operating in a new environment starting next year when building regulations mandating the use of eco-friendly best practices are due to be implemented. However, the shift toward greater sustainability may prove challenging for some, according to Economic Update issued by Oxford Business Group.
Scheduled to come into force at the beginning of 2013, the proposed building regulations will require new developments to be constructed using international environmental standards. Current guidelines for greener building practices include making better use of natural lighting; widespread use of high-efficiency light bulbs, air conditioning and heating; improved ventilation; noise and emissions reduction; and green building materials, among others.
As set out in the new code, new developments must also incorporate a minimum 50% of greenery in their total land space, which should include the planting of palm trees and indigenous vegetation. Additionally, each new development’s rooftop must have a green zone that makes use of at least 50% of available space. When the draft legislation was unveiled in July, Abdulrazzak Al Hattab, the chairman of the Central Municipal Council, said that once the code is in place, the Kingdom will become a leader in sustainable building practices. “The law is so comprehensive and detailed that pollution rates would sharply drop, whatever their sources are,” he said. “It includes strict criteria for new buildings, which for now excludes villas and homes, and will reduce the level of all pollution, whether noise, gas, sewage, electricity, water, eyesores and others.” While the finishing touches are being finalised by various state agencies, the code and its criteria is expected to be presented well in advance of January 1, the date of implementation.
Bahrain’s green building credentials will be showcased in a major new development project, which could serve as a model for future projects. In mid-June, plans were unveiled for the construction of a new town development comprising an area of 356 ha, divided almost equally between the Northern and Central Governorates. In addition to high-end villas, the township will also have schools, a library, a theatre, a health centre, and office and commercial complexes, all of which will be built to eco-friendly industry standards. According to Joel Oana, the senior urban planner at the Ministry of Municipalities and Urban Planning, the green community will attempt to provide the better of two worlds. “Our plans are eco-friendly … while at the same time enabling urbanisation and modern development,” Oana said.
By Mahmood Rafique - www.twentyfoursevennews.com
24x7 News 2012. All rights reserved.
