Abu Dhabi’s existing buildings to be sustainably enhanced 10.04.2012: ...for the benefit of the economy Turning ‘old’ into ‘gold’ outlined by Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs at WORLD ecoConstruct

...for the benefit of the economy




Turning ‘old’ into ‘gold’ outlined by Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs at WORLD ecoConstruct



Abu Dhabi is forging ahead with sustainable renovation projects for existing buildings that will have a significant impact on the Emirate’s economy, according to an official from the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA).


Matthew Plumbridge, Consultant for Environment and Sustainability Planning at the DMA said that there are a number of ongoing projects in Abu Dhabi that are setting the sustainability benchmark, citing the Comprehensive Cooling Plan (CCP) by the Executive Affairs Authority as a prime example.


“The CCP is an exemplary project, approaching the sustainability of existing buildings from an economic rather than environmental viewpoint,” said Plumbridge, a headline speaker at the summits being held at WORLD ecoConstruct, the pioneering ‘green’ construction industry event taking place from 22-25 April 2012 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.


“The DMA’s building code and Environment Health & Safety Management system for the construction sector provides a robust regulatory framework to deliver safe, quality and environmentally sustainable buildings,” he said.


“A key component of the codes is the Abu Dhabi International Energy Conservation Code which achieves energy efficiency targets established by the United Nations for ‘extremely hot climates”.


In one of the panel discussions at the WORLD ecoConstruct Summit, Plumbridge will outline how to turn ‘old’ into ‘gold’, where he will assess the extent to which sustainable methods of output can be cost-efficient as well as environmentally beneficial for existing buildings in Abu Dhabi.


WORLD ecoConstruct, a crucial collaboration between Abu Dhabi’s two leading building and construction events, CityBuild and Arabian Construction Week, is the region’s only dedicated exhibition focusing on sustainable design and construction for the built environment.


Co-located with the 6th edition of Cityscape Abu Dhabi, WORLD ecoConstruct provides a crucial sourcing and knowledge platform for the billions of dollars committed to major projects within Abu Dhabi and the surrounding region. Together the events attract more than 30,000 visitors.


Fatma Amer, Advisor of Building Code and Construction, Municipal Regulations Divisions at the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) is also in favour of sustainable enhancement to existing buildings and will speak alongside Plumbridge at the WORLD ecoConstruct Summit. She believes New York’s iconic skyline could hold important clues as to what can be achieved in the Gulf region.


Highlighting New York’s Greener, Greater Building Plan (GGBP) in particular, Amer says that the sustainable model is aimed at ensuring all construction projects in the city require annual energy efficiency benchmarking.


“By 2030, the GGBP will achieve citywide energy cost reduction by US$ 700 million annually and create roughly 17,800 construction-related jobs over 10 years,” said Amer. She is confident that similar results can be achieved in Abu Dhabi by transforming existing buildings to conform to new energy standards.


Having served the City of New York Municipality in various capacities for more than 25 years, Amer will provide an assessment of the GGBP as part of her presentation at the WORLD ecoConstruct Summit later this month.


“WORLD ecoConstruct is very reputable in the area of green construction where I can meet the best in the industry and get the latest in the field of sustainability,” added Amer.


“As a representative of Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs and formerly of New York City, this conference is an opportunity to clarify the role that the Municipal System plays in order to make the concept of sustainability a reality.”


WORLD ecoConstruct is supported by its 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, and is endorsed by the UAE Business Council for Sustainable Development.




- Gareth Wright, Total Communications Dubai also photo