Muscat - The Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources (MRMWR), in cooperation with the General Secretariat of GCC, is planning to promote construction of green buildings in the country as part of its sustainable environmental development drive.
As part of this initiative, a two-day workshop to discuss development of green buildings organised by Dhofar Municipality in cooperation with GCC General Secretariat, began in Salalah on Wednesday.
Addressing the workshop, H E Hamad bin Sulaiman al Gharibi, Undersecretary in MRMWR said that the sultanate is making great efforts to preserve the balance between development and environment by focusing on green buildings.
"The workshop is focusing on sustainable urban planning. There will be an exhibition on models of green buildings and equipment used in modern architecture," a spokesperson from MRMWR said.
The workshop-cum-exhibition is showcasing latest development techniques and challenges in green building concept. "A session will be dedicated to discussions on site selection, design efficiency, construction materials, economic feasibility, efficient use of energy, water and waste reduction and recycling and green building legislation," she said.
She also said that the ministry will look into themes such as climate and housing in the sultanate, constraints of green architecture and effectiveness of passive cooling in residential buildings and application standards for buildings in tourism projects. "Legislations, reuse of water, renewable energy, sustainability and the economy of green buildings are also being studied by the ministry."
H E Gharibi added, "Green buildings can reduce energy consumption and support natural ventilation for cooling and also make use of solar energy, so that there is harmony between the building and the surrounding environment."
© Muscat Daily 2013
