22 | In Practice
Zeroing in on Net Zero Jason Saundalkar talks to four regional experts about the region’s journey towards net zero, the challenges that have to be overcome and the approaches that could have a pronounced impact Climate change, due to global warming, is an existential threat to our way of life. The 2016 Paris Agreement sought to take on climate change by ensuring action was taken to limit global warming to below two-degrees Celsius, but preferably to 1.5-degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. To achieve this goal, countries must reach the peak of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible, so they can achieve a climate neutral world by mid-century. As the built environment is responsible for an estimated 40% of global carbon emissions, it’s vital for the sector to do its part to limit global warming. Commenting on where the key GCC markets of the UAE and Saudi Arabia are in terms of their respective journeys to net zero buildings, Engi Jaber, MD at Climatize Engineering Consultants explains, “While the net zero topic was brought forward recently within GCC markets, we’ve witnessed exponential growth in awareness, dedication and projects since then, especially those driven by the governments. However, results are still far off - some cities are way behind, others are lacking the infrastructure or necessary actions in the matter, and we find developers and owners not willing to join the drive unless a mandate is in place, as part of the built environment codes. Considering the commitments made towards achieving net zero energy by 2050 in the UAE and 2060 in KSA, the public and private sectors will need to push forward on the topic urgently, the latter more so.”
May 2022
Farah Naz, lead of specialist services, sustainable ESG solutions, AECOM Middle East and Africa adds, “The region is waking up towards a net zero transition but getting to net zero is politically challenging just as it is socially, economically and structurally challenging. It will require policy changes to reduce embodied and operational carbon emissions in addition to generating renewable energy to power the assets.” Lindsey Malcolm, associate Sustainability director, AESG notes, “The significance of recognition at the highest levels of government around achieving net zero for the built environment cannot be understated. The aspirations of regional government, coupled with increasing numbers of multi-nationals with strategic net zero plans in place, will help drive the focus and action in the market. It’s clear from the findings of the latest IPCC report that significant action needs to be taken and that it needs to happen faster than it currently is, in order for us to secure a healthier, cleaner planet. This urgent action applies to all of us within the industry, particularly given the immense potential impact that we can have on the strong pipeline of development that is going to happen in the next five to ten years.” Samar Hussein, associate, senior architect, co-leader for design resilience in the APME, Gensler remarks, “GCC cities are some of the most vulnerable to the impact of climate change, to sea level rise and extreme heat waves. I think there is
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