Integrated design key to reducing costs in sustainable buildings, delegates hear at WORLD ecoConstruct Summit

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 24 April 2012: Core elements of the design phase of construction projects are the key ingredients to reduce building costs, while also maximising long-term sustainability and energy efficiency of the built environment, experts have advised today.

Delegates at the WORLD ecoConstruct Summit currently taking place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre were told that implementing sustainable building practices does not have to be expensive, while adopting simple design principles is the key factor to keep costs down.

"It is a misunderstood notion that sustainable buildings are more expensive to develop," said Saeed Alabbar, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Green building Council, and a speaker at the WORLD ecoConstruct Summit. "While there are costs associated with introducing energy efficiency and sustainability elements, the critical factor here is the design considerations."

According to the International Energy Agency, buildings are responsible for nearly 40 per cent of the world's primary energy consumption and about 24 per cent of the global carbon dioxide emissions, making them a critical component in any sustainable development initiative.

Alabbar said that when designed to the highest standards and by taking into consideration sustainability practices, building costs can be managed effectively: "A simple example is a better insulated building, which will call for a smaller air-conditioning unit, resulting in less investment on electrical infrastructure," he added. "Thus, through proper design, sustainable buildings can benefit from capital savings in addition to operational savings.

"In fact, the operational savings that can be accrued over the long run will offset any additional costs that may be incurred in developing the energy efficient building."

Alia Javed, Honorary Secretary for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Gulf Chapter, and Senior Architect at Atkins, UAE, who also addressed delegates at the WORLD ecoConstruct Summit, added that architecture plays a crucial role in integrated design to deliver a completely holistic sustainable building approach.

"A sustainable business plan, for any development project must integrate the architectural design values from project inception and pre-concept stages, to ensure that design is commercially viable and conceptually valuable," said Javed, who was speaking about the difference architecture can make towards sustainable building practices.  "Environmental, social and economical design strategies, from project outset to delivery, are a must, not an additional plus."

WORLD ecoConstruct is the region's only dedicated exhibition focusing on sustainable design and construction for the built environment. Co-located at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre with the 6th edition of Cityscape Abu Dhabi, it provides a crucial sourcing and knowledge platform for the billions of dollars committed to major projects within Abu Dhabi and the surrounding region.

The four-day exhibition runs until Wednesday 25 April, and also features the infrastructure ARABIA Summit, providing a focused platform for public and private sector engineering and infrastructure professionals in the region to identify opportunities and discuss the latest issues affecting the industry.

WORLD ecoConstruct is supported by Foundation Partner, the Department of Municipal Affairs, Sustainable Knowledge Partner Masdar City, Strategic Partner Emirates Green Building Council, Principal Sponsor Emirates Steel, Platinum Sponsor Rajhi Steel, Gold & Future Build Sponsor BASF and is endorsed by the UAE Business Council for Sustainable Development.

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About WORLD ecoConstruct
WORLD ecoConstruct and infrastructure ARABIA is a collaboration of Abu Dhabi's two leading building and construction events, CityBuild and Arabian Construction Week and is jointly organised by Informa Exhibitions and Clarion Events Middle East.  More information can be found at www.worldecoConstruct.com.

About the Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA)
The Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) was established in May 2007, as the main focal point of all municipal planning and to oversee public works projects in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The DMA aims to produce efficiencies and higher customer satisfaction in accordance with the national Policy Agenda, representing a new era in municipal services to the general public.

For further press information please contact:
Lindsay Johnston / Gareth Wright
Total Communications
Tel: +971 4 336 9909 Mob: +971 50 152 3368
Email: lindsay@totalcompr.ae  gareth@totalcompr.ae

© Press Release 2012