Sustainable construction has been a major trend in the GCC construction industry, emphasizing eco-friendly buildings to ensure a promising future for the planet. This shift has been led by the UAE, which has seen a dramatic increase in environmental business and has passed numerous legislation to support green projects and the country’s sustainable development goals.
To coincide with this shift, real estate developers have quickly embraced the concept of net-zero buildings and accelerated the shift to eco-friendly buildings.
Sustainable operations have become a priority for almost all sectors in the UAE.
The UAE’s Vision 2050 plan aims to make the country the first in the MENA region to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Likewise, the UAE remains strategic with its construction projects, minimizing construction spending in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The country’s real estate industry has also increased its focus on sustainable structures to comply with the country’s current green building standards, such as Dubai’s Green Building Code and Abu Dhabi’s Estidama Pearl Rating System.
Additionally, developers are focusing on the energy efficiency of their buildings through energy benchmarking, identifying best practices, and developing strategies to improve efficiency.
Overall, the construction industry is increasingly focusing on a strategic approach to development. Industry trends predict that consumers will place an increasing emphasis on sustainability and efficiency.
Additionally, technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, computer vision, and modeling could have a huge impact on the industry in driving sustainable buildings as technology becomes integrated into many aspects of construction.
The use of 3D printing in construction is also growing, ensuring projects are completed faster, with lower labor costs, less material waste and on a tighter budget. As such, the construction industry is currently witnessing an increase in technology-driven practices and updated machinery, which is helping it achieve realistic and achievable zero-carbon emissions targets, thereby paving the way for a sustainable future.
It is also important to understand that sustainable architecture must also consider minimizing energy waste, making rational use of the natural environment without altering it, and allowing other forms of life to exist and preserve.
As the construction industry advances, it is increasingly clear that strategic actions taken today will define the next generation of green buildings and lay the foundation for a cleaner and sustainable future.
PNC Menon is the founder and chairman of Sobha Group
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