3 bgreen march 2014

Sustainability in the Middle East Issue 43 | March 2014

Inside

PReview: bgreen awards 2014 desalination industry’s sustainability agenda siemens sets new green office standard

thirst for power

Water is vital for future power — without one, you cannot have the other P u b l i c at i o n l i c e n s e d b y I M P Z

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EDITOR’S PAGE

GROUP GROUP CHAIRMAN AND FOUNDER DOMINIC DE SOUSA GROUP CEO NADEEM HOOD GROUP COO GINA O’HARA PUBLISHING DIRECTOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5471 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5713 EDITORIAL SENIOR EDITOR GARY WRIGHT gary.wright@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5473 CONTRIBUTING EDITOR ANOOP K MENON anoop.menon@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5473 ADVERTISING COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR JUDE SLANN jude.slann@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 433 2857 Senior Sales Manager Junaid Rafique junaid.rafique@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5716 MARKETING MARKETING MANAGER LISA JUSTICE lisa.justice@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5498 MARKETING ASSISTANT BARBARA PANKASZ barbara.pankasz@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5499 DESIGN ART DIRECTOR SIMON COBON SENIOR DESIGNER MARLOU DELABEN CIRCULATION AND PRODUCTION CIRCULATION AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGER ROCHELLE ALMEIDA rochelle.almeida@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 368 1670 DATABASE AND CIRCULATION MANAGER RAJEESH M rajeesh.nair@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 440 9147 PRODUCTION MANAGER JAMES P THARIAN james.tharian@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 440 9146 DIGITAL DIGITAL SERVICE MANAGER TRISTAN TROY MAAGMA WEB DEVELOPERS JOEL AZCUNA JANICE FULGENCIO

stress on water

W

ater is a topic close to the heart of people in the Middle East, and we all know why – this region enjoys only a miniscule share of the world’s fresh water resources relative to population.

Among the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) members, dependence on seawater desalination for potable water is near total. The primary source of seawater for their desalination plants is the Arabian Gulf, which looks like an enclosed lagoon on the world map. As huge volumes of post-desalination remnants (like brine, chemicals) are dispersed in this ‘lagoon,’ and more desalination plants come up on its periphery, the adverse impact on marine environment is becoming a serious cause for worry. But it’s more than just marine pollution because the majority of the desalination plants are integrated with power plants, which means they are indirect contributors to air pollution as well.

The newly elected President of International Desalination Association (IDA), who is from the region, has set sustainability as the priority for his two-year tenure. He is also a senior executive with the organisation which manages 40% of the desalination capacity installed at the world’s largest producer of desalinated water. Turn to Page 23 to learn more about his agenda.

Our cover story looks at the water-energy nexus, and how soaring energy demand compels government to invest in energy production without taking into account existing and future water constraints. The World Bank has launched Thirsty Energy initiative to educate governments to think across both sectors when planning for the future. Diego Rodriguez, Senior Economist and Team Leader of Thirsty Energy, whom we interviewed for this story, says that this initiative, while targeted mainly at developing nations, will help GCC countries understand fiscal and natural resource trade-offs and climate implications in managing water security issues.

The trade-offs are already clear on the oil and gas front, where the spectre of domestic consumption eating into export revenues is crystal clear. A similar clarity is needed with regard to water as well.

Published by

REGISTERED AT IMPZ PO BOX 13700, DUBAI, UAE TEL: +971 4 440 9100 FAX: +971 4 447 2409 WWW.CPIMEDIAGROUP.COM Printed by Printwell Printing press LLC Printed on wood-free paper © Copyright 2014 CPI. All rights reserved While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.

March 2014

Gary Wright Senior Editor

www.bgreen.ae

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contents

Contents March2014

Cover story

14 Thirst for Power

The World Bank’s new Thirsty Energy initiative aims to educate governments around the world about the vital link between water and energy generation – without one, you cannot have the other

14

Leisure 20

bgreen Awards return in 2014

The third edition of Middle East’s only sustainability awards launched; winners to be announced in November

News 8

23

Energy & Water

UAE: Dubai developer promises sustainable city

22

Desalination’s direction

Dr Abdullah Al-Alshaikh, President of the International Desalination Association (IDA) and Deputy Governor for Planning and Development, Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC), Saudi Arabia on sustainability trends in the industry

Philips says the future of light in the UAE is digital 10

MENA: Rare Houbara finds new home in Qatar NGS Architects to sell sustainable materials 12

Really

20

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www.bgreen.ae

Sugar cane can help make cement more environmentally friendly and reduce greenhouse gas emissions

34

23

SmarTech 2014 Preview

With SmarTech Shopper, SmarTech extends its sustainability umbrella to include endconsumers, in addition to business and industry

March 2014

THE MOST POWERFUL CLEANING AGENT COMES DIRECTLY FROM THE TAP.

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Next time you talk about long-term facility

The floor is yours.

Visit our website at www.nora.com/corp or talk to our Dubai office at +971 (4) 450 8175.

plans, meet these issues head-on and ask for unique materials like nora® flooring— which cleans up with little more than water.

You deserve a clean environment without all the side effects.

52

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March2014

Contents

contents

40

39 Business

Society

28

38

Siemens sets new green office standard for the region

Green Personality

Spider-man joins the green crusade

Masdar City in Abu Dhabi is home to the greenest office building in the region, which heralds the start of a new chapter at the world’s most sustainable city

39

Diary Dates

Events, conferences and roundtables

Construction

40

30

The Romans manufactured cement that performed better in saltwater conditions… and it was more environment-friendly

Green concrete

Big 5 Saudi gets bigger

Organisers are predicting Big 5 Saudi, which runs from March 9–12 in Jeddah, is going to be the largest ever in the Kingdom

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March 2014

expert panel His Highness Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi Environmental Advisor Ajman Government Chief Executive Officer Al Ihsan Charity Centre Chairman International Steering Committee for the Global Initiative Towards a Sustainable Iraq (GITSI), based in the UAE

expert panel The BGreen Expert Panel provides a platform for those who are active in encouraging sustainable practices across a wide sector of industries. real experts who can share their views, analyses, and research with our informed readers.

Saeed Alabbar LEED AP, Estidama PQP Vice Chairman Emirates Green Building Council Director Alabaar Energy and Sustainability Group

Thomas Bohlen NCARB,LEED AP, BD +C, ESTIDAMA PQP Chief Technical Officer Middle East Centre for Sustainable Development

Abdulrahman Jawahery President Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company Chairman GPCA Responsible Care Initiative

Dr Michael Kr채mer Senior Associate Taylor Wessing (Middle East) LLP Legal Counsel Middle East Solar Industry Association

Dr Mutasim Nour Director of MSc Energy Heriot Watt University School of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Ivano Iannelli Chief Executive Officer Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence

William Whistler Managing Director Green Building Solutions International

Roderick Wiles Director - Africa, Middle East, India and Oceania American Hardwood Export Council

Tanzeed Alam Policy Director EWS-WWF

Alan Millin LEED AP, Chartered Engineer consultant/trainer Middle East Facility Management Association

Jose Alberich Partner AT Kearney

Paolo Cervini Vice president & General manager Philips Lighting Middle East & Turkey Philips

Our panellists meet every few months to discuss news, strategies and solutions on focussed topics related to sustainability.

Our panellists write for the magazine - opinions and analyses - as well as on our website in a portfolio format documenting their contributions.

The panel is growing as we seek to form the ultimate taskforce of decision makers, academics, consultants and engineers that contribute and encourage a sustainable watershed across industries.

If you would like to nominate an expert to join our panel, please email anoop.menon@cpimediagroup.com SUPPORTED BY:

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March 2014

P il st l a r s of Su

a

in

ab

ility

Sustainability is also about social responsibility and the global community Operations

Creating a cleaner, healthier future for all the world begins at our own doorstep.

At Diversey, we have made a public commitment to challenging, measurable reductions in our environmental impact. We know that the kind of innovative thinking that drives success is what will also drive continuous improvement in our operational profile, for profits, for people and for the environment.

OPERATIONS

Customers

We help our customers examine and reduce the environmental and operational impact of their businesses. With our expertise in cleaning and hygiene and our superior products, we help customers save water and energy and reduce labor costs while making their facilities safer, cleaner and more hygienic.

Our innovations in product packaging, dispensing and dosing reduce waste, protect workers and improve the efficiency of product transport.

We’ve reformulated products to remove chemicals that harm aquatic life or damage the environment and to provide solutions that contribute to better indoor air quality than conventional products.

CUSTOMERS

Partners

We collaborate with other industry and thought leaders around the globe to promote a sustainability mindset within our industry and to advocate for a cleaner, healthier future. Around the globe, we’ve established vital partnerships with government agencies, non governmental organizations and industry groups. We share our expertise and draw on the value that results when creative, passionate people unite their talents toward common goals.

PARTNERS

Workforce

It is through our employees’ talent, creativity and passion that Diversey is creating a cleaner, healthier future. We invest in our employees’ safety, well-being, training and career development. And we engage them actively in continuously improving our operational effectiveness and reducing our environmental impact.

They are our company’s greatest asset.

WORKFORCE

Communities

We believe every place in the world that we do business should be better because we are there. Our emphasis on volunteerism and our employees’ generosity with their time and talent are helping Diversey create a cleaner, healthier future for the people whom we are privileged to serve as our customers’ customers. We encourage volunteerism through our Global Children’s Initiative to help children who live in poverty and through a host of regional and local efforts organized and implemented by employees who want to improve lives in their communities.

COMMUNITIES

Governance

At Diversey, we hold ourselves to the highest standard of ethical and legal behavior in everything we do - because we believe the right way is the only way to do business. We follow our detailed Code of Ethics and Business Conduct. The governing principle and theme of all our ethics training and compliance programs, "Ethics is Good Business," expresses our view of the fundamental role those high standards play in everything we do. We audit all our business practices regularly and rigorously, and engage a practice of continuous improvement.

GOVERNANCE

For more information please contact: Diversey Gulf FZE • P. O. Box: 61485, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, United Arab Emirates • Tel: +971 4 8819470 • Fax: +971 4 8819488 customerservice.uae@sealedair.com • www.sealedair.com

news UAE

Dubai developer promises sustainable city model for the region

D

evelopers behind Dubai’s Sus-

mittee for sustainability to study

tainable City have revealed am-

green initiatives, Dubai Electricity

bitious plans to build more en-

& Water Authority (DEWA), the Gov-

vironmentally friendly communities

ernment of Dubai Land Department

across the UAE and to export the idea

and the Road & Transport Authority

across the MENA region.

(RTA), which plans to start an electric

Wassim Adlouni, a board member at Diamond Developers - the

Philips says the future of light in the UAE is digital

shuttle service between the community and Mall of the Emirates.

company behind Dubai’s Sustain-

Construction of the first 100 of 500

able City – said that the success of

townhouses at the site at Dubailand

the development will play a key role

is expected to be completed this

in Dubai’s aims to establish itself as

year, with all residential buildings

one of the most sustainable cities in

and the community centre built by

the world by 2020.

2015. The $300m (AED1.1bn) com-

Speaking at the Centre of Excel-

munity will also include a school, a

lence for Green Development at the

university, a planetarium, a country

Canadian University of Dubai last

club and a community centre with

month, he said: “The Sustainable

retail and coffee shops.

P

hilips, the world’s leader in light-

$300m

ing, has pledged its support to Emirates Authority for Stand-

ardisation and Meteorology (ESMA) for

City project will allow people to see

The community also features a

an example of how sustainable liv-

green belt with 20,000 trees and a

ing benefits residents, communities

464sq.m water canal, a 55,742sq.m

and businesses, and that it can be

solar park and a water management

repeated all over the region.

system that will recycle 100% of

not only help save the environment,

waste water.

it will also allow people to create in-

“Our ultimate target is to use the successful Sustainable City here in

Noting that the project is much

Dubai as a platform to build other

more than a beacon of sustainabil-

cities here and in other parts of the

ity, but a catalyst to change how

world, like the rest of the Middle

people live their lives in Dubai and

East and North Africa.

around the region, Adlouni said:

Cost of 100 townhouses in new Dubailand development

its indoor lighting standard.

Philips

believes

that

adopting

more energy-efficient lighting solutions such as LED technology will

20,000

spiring environments that can im-

Number of trees at the Sustainable City

Philips Lighting Middle East said:

prove lives.

Rami Hajjar, General Manager “We are at the forefront of a digital

“We can share our knowledge

“The biggest challenge here and

revolution in lighting. At Philips, our

and experiences about the cutting

in other countries is that the end

commitment is not only to create a

edge technology used to build this

users are always looking to re-sell

healthier and more sustainable world,

Dubai community, with other com-

their units and get the benefits for

but also to create breakthrough inno-

munities in other countries.”

the short term. Our target is to keep

vations that will change how people

The project has the support of

the residents for a long time. This

think about light. The Government

Dubai Municipality’s special com-

will only happen when the commu-

has taken a great step to help provide

nity really benefits them and the

greater energy efficiency for all in the

environment.

UAE and we would like to help make

“Of course, incorporating green

8

www.bgreen.ae

that change even more exciting.”

features is very expensive,” he con-

Philips has pioneered many of the

tinued. “But we have managed to re-

key breakthroughs in lighting over

duce costs to around those of tradi-

the past 121 years, beginning with the

tional construction by properly re-

traditional light bulb. The company

searching different elements in the

claims to offer a full range of replace-

design, everything from insulation

ments for end consumers including

and energy-saving air conditioning

halogen, compact fluorescent (CFL)

units, to the direction of the sun

and LED that are all retrofit solutions

and predominant wind direction.”

for existing lighting fixtures.

March 2014

To learn more about the full range of services call us on 04-88 500 33 | Fax 04-88 549 09 | P.O.Box 91812 or email sales@grakonet.com | Dubai, UAE | www.grakonet.com

news uae

1,399 Number of Asian Houbara provided to Qatar by ABU DHABI

Rare Houbara finds new home in Qatar very happy to share our knowledge of the

NGS Architects, a Dubai-based multidisciplinary prac-

bird with partners across the range. I want

tice specialising in the residential, commercial, retail,

to express my thanks to the government and

landscape and multi-use sectors, has launched a new

the people of Qatar for helping us spread the

sustainable materials subsidiary called NGS Materials.

effort to conserve the Houbara.”

The new subsidiary aims to assist clients and designers

The 1,065 Asian Houbara provided to Qatar are in addition to an initial 334 provided

A

NGS Architects to sell sustainable materials

in creating beautiful and organic design elements for residential, retail and commercial projects.

to the Gulf state in March 2013. As a result,

Sustainable materials offered include reclaimed

the 1,399 birds will form a significant initial

wood for flooring, beams and walls; reclaimed bricks

breeding flock, from which to produce Hou-

that can be used for exterior architectural design as

bara chicks for future breeding and release.

welll as an urban yet organic interior décor; reclaimed

As well as providing live Houbara, Abu Dhabi

metal, reclaimed stone as well as a wide variety of

has also offered its expertise, in areas such as

landscape pavers.

new flock of Asian Houbara birds

breeding protocols and building specifications,

“Sustainability from a construction standpoint can

have been taken to their new home in

to all countries in the Houbara range states to

be defined as an approach in which atmospheric de-

Qatar thanks to an Abu Dhabi-based

support the expansion of the programme initi-

struction from construction is minimised in order

ated by the Emirate in the 1970s.

to provide an eco-friendly environment for today’s

breeding programme.

world while preventing harming to future genera-

The Qatar home now houses an addi-

Mohamed Saleh Al Baidani, Director

tional 1,065 Asian Houbara from the Inter-

General of IFHC said: “IFHC’s Houbara pro-

tions,” says Founder and Head Architect of NGS Ar-

national Fund for Houbara Conservation’s

gramme is at the cutting-edge of conserva-

chitects Nabil Sherif.

breeding programme.

tion. As a result of the great success we have

Approximately 50% of global resources are con-

The Rawdat Al Faras Houbara Breeding

achieved in breeding the Houbara in captiv-

sumed by the construction industry; buildings are

Centre in Qatar received the birds in order to

ity, we are able to share our unparalleled

also the greatest producers of environmentally harm-

establish a full breeding flock. The provision of

knowledge and understanding of the Hou-

ful gases such as CO2. Therefore, it is important that a

the birds to another country for captive breed-

bara with other conservation projects in the

sustainable approach is employed in the selection of

ing represents a considerable expansion of the

bird’s range, which, subsequently, increase

materials. The process of recycling materials incurs a

strategy of HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al

the chances of ensuring we reach our ulti-

smaller carbon footprint than the use of new materials

Nahyan, President of the UAE, to ensure that

mate objective for wild populations of the

with their associated production and firing processes.

there are sustainable, wild populations of the

Houbara to thrive in the future.”

The Building Research Establishment’s ‘Green Guide to

iconic bird across its entire range.

The move to supply Houbara for breeding

Specification’ suggests that a greater capacity exists

HE Mohamed Al Bowardi, Deputy Chair-

in Qatar follows last year’s move by IFHC to

for recycling materials such as reclaimed bricks/wood

man of the IFHC Board, said: “We have a duty

give 1,000 Asian Houbara to the same coun-

and metal.

to ensure future generations can continue to

try for release into protected zones. In 2013,

Sherif believes that ultimately, sourcing re-claimed

experience the Houbara in the wild, while

captive-bred birds were provided to Kuwait

material achieves a balance between the benefits of

also preserving our cultural values, and the

and Yemen in a coordinated attempt at re-

using renewable resources and the associated cost.

Abu Dhabi holistic model for conservation

storing resident, wild populations of Hou-

He has consulted several companies on the use of

is proving to be the most effective approach

bara across the Arabian Peninsula, which

reclaimed materials including Touchline (Abu Dhabi

to achieving these objectives. International

were in historical decline as a result of

– Twofour54), Fred Perry (Dubai Mall – Shoes district),

cooperation is a vital component of Abu

poaching, unregulated hunting and habi-

Cotton On (Worldwide + Deira City Centre) and St

Dhabi’s strategy for the Houbara and we are

tat degradation.

Tropez Bistro (Mall of the Emirates).

10

www.bgreen.ae

March 2014

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news really

Mexico’s sweet spot How sugar cane can help make cement more environmentally friendly and reduce greenhouse gas emissions

turned to ash,” says Garcia. “This waste ash is the key to greener cement.”

In the chemical composition of the waste’s ash, silicon oxide predominates with contents of alumina and iron oxide, which can react with calcium hydroxide in the hydration of the cement and produce materials that improve the mechanical and durability properties of the concrete.

In layman’s terms: it works by reducing the amount of Portland cement used in any construction project and now researchers are investigating how the concrete structure lasts over time.

García said field tests to evaluate the durability properties of concrete continue and his team is investigating the use of cane waste ash, which he says can be much more durable than

F

ew places in the world can equal

friendly concrete is being investigated,

the huge amount of cement be-

this time in Mexico: sugar cane waste.

ing used for concrete in the Mid-

The Mexican National Polytechnic

dle East and every new villa, office or

Institute (IPN) is pushing for a reduc-

tower is responsible for tonnes of C02

tion in the amount of cement used in

being emitted into our atmosphere.

concrete and is looking at replacing

alternative materials.

“Additional tests in reinforced con-

700,000 Sugar cane farms in Mexico

crete are required. This includes samples submerged in a marine environment using electrochemical resistance tests,” he said.

Garcia admits that putting it on sale

Portland cement, the glue that

it with industrial byproducts, such as

holds most modern concrete to-

ash from sugar cane. Mexico is the

is still some way off; consistent burn-

gether, is made by sintering lime-

fifth largest producer of sugar cane

ing temperature of the waste is one ar-

stone and clay at 1,450 degrees

in the world.

centigrade. Later in this issue, you

Research is being performed at the

can find out how scientists are look-

Interdisciplinary Research Centre for

ing at how the Romans solved the

Integral Regional Development (CIIDIR),

problem 2,000 years ago with less

at Oaxaca, in the south of Mexico under

environmental damage.

chief researcher Pedro Montes García.

But in the 21st century, another

“When juice is squeezed from the

source of a more environmentally

cane, around 30% is waste, which can be

12

www.bgreen.ae

30% of the sugar cane waste can be turned into asH and used in the cement mix

ea that is being investigated further. He points out that cane waste has several applications, one of which is as a base for the manufacture of compound materials; it has even been called the compound material of the future. Another application is the stabilisation of compacted soil blocks.

March 2014

cover story thirsty energy

Thirst for power The World Bank’s new Thirsty Energy initiative aims to educate governments around the world about the vital link between water and energy generation – without one, you cannot have the other

By Gary Wright

energy requires reliable water supplies, whether it is from hydropower or the cooling of power plants to its use in the extraction and process of fuels.

Equally, a reliable energy supply is vital for the water sector so that it is able to extract, treat and transport that water, which is vital for the production of crops, including those used to make biofuels.

The World Bank says that energy planning and production is often made by governments without taking into account existing and future water constraints.

“Planners and decision-makers in both sectors often remain ill-informed about the drivers of these challenges, how to address them, and the merits of different technical, political, management, and governance options,” it says.

“The absence of integrated planning between these two sectors is socioeconomically unsustainable.”

The new Thirsty Energy Initiative backed by the World Bank specifically aims to educate governments to think across both sectors when planning for the future.

The initiative was launched at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi in January with four aims:

Increasing awareness regarding the water requirements of energy projects among political decision makers.

Enhancing stakeholder capacity to plan and manage energy and water resources to help assess the economic, environmental and social implications

W

of water constraints in energy expansion plans.

ater shortages have affected

threatening cooling processes during

power supplies across the

heatwaves. In Sri Lanka, China and

developed and developing

Brazil, droughts are seriously threat-

laboration between the energy

ening hydropower capacity.

and water sectors and promot-

world. For example, in the USA, power

Fostering interdisciplinary col-

ing knowledge exchange.

plants have been affected by low-wa-

The worldwide demand for energy

ter flows or high water temperatures.

will increase by more than a third over

In India, a thermal power plant was

the next 20 years, and it is a central

nical tools and approaches

shut down due to severe water short-

requirement for continued growth in

and policy-oriented material

age and in France, energy production

developing countries.

to help countries develop and

in nuclear power plants has been re-

The balance between energy and

duced by high-water temperatures

water is straightforward: generating

14

www.bgreen.ae

Developing innovative tech-

manage their energy and water resources sustainably.

March 2014

cover story thirsty energy

Satisfying the thirst for power Diego Rodriguez, Senior Economist and Team Leader of Thirsty Energy, Water Unit, The World Bank speaks to BGreen about its new Thirsty Energy initiative

Why did you choose to launch the Thirsty Energy initiative at the World Future Energy Summit?

The process to develop Thirsty Energy as a global initiative took some time as we needed to ensure that we had a good understanding of the main challenges. One key aspect we found is that we lack a thorough understanding of energy in the water sector and vice versa. It is clear that we required an unconventional way of thinking in which we do not tackle the interlinkages from a water perspective but rather from an energy perspective.

As such, the Thirsty Energy initiative needs to work initially with the energy community and then bring the water community to ensure that we develop integrated planning and integrated investment solutions. Hence, we decided to launch Thirsty Energy at a large global energy event. The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which included the World Future Energy Summit and the International Water Summit, presented the ideal venue for this and the organisers of the WFES embraced the idea when we presented Thirsty Energy to them in summer 2013.

March 2014

“before addressing additional supply side options, it is important to improve efficiencies�

Diego Rodriguez, Senior Economist and Team Leader of Thirsty Energy, Water Unit, The World Bank

www.bgreen.ae

15

cover story thirsty energy

Furthermore, Water & Energy is

We look forward to expanding this

objective is to assist and collaborate

the theme of World Water Day, which

work amongst GCC partners, given

with all growing economies in various

is celebrated on 22nd March as well

their increasingly important role in

world regions in which energy produc-

as the Stockholm World Water Week

convening discussions on sustainabil-

tion and water risk will increase in the

this year. WFES presented the perfect

ity issues globally as well as regionally,

next decades.

opportunity for promoting the water-

and to support the next step which

energy topic and the Thirsty Energy

is to demonstrate leadership in

initiative early in the year.

moving towards more sustainable natural resource and climate man-

The aim of Thirsty Energy is clear for developing nations but how does the World Bank use its expertise to help GCC nations?

The World Bank has been working for several years with GCC countries on their strategies for managing water, energy and food security nexus issues in the context of both our advisory services, as well as through regional studies such as our work on Renewable Energy for Desalination. We have

agement in the context of rapid economic development.

Available financial resources are a

780 million people lack access to potable water

Which nations are already being assisted by the World Bank’s Thirsty Energy Initiative?

necessary but not sufficient condition

Thirsty Energy is a brand new initia-

current water supply systems have

tive and we want to ensure that it is

high inefficiencies in terms of water

demand-driven, not a top-down ap-

losses, low collection rates, insuffi-

proach. By this, we mean that we must

cient operational and financial man-

ensure that our client countries and

agement, etc.

governments are the ones demanding

So before addressing additional supply side options, it is important to improve efficiencies. Water infrastructure requires lumpy investments and high operations and maintenance costs. Once decisions on expansion of the supply side have been made, governments must have proper allocation mechanisms, and institutional, legal and regulatory

been encouraged by the increasing in-

support in order to address interde-

terest of GCC partners to develop more

pendent energy and water challenges

sustainable approaches to managing water, energy and food security issues in ways that explicitly recognise fiscal and natural resource trade-offs, as well as the climate implications. Our experience to-date has emphasised the value to GCC partners of the three

Do wealthy nations face potential problems in decades to come if they believe hard cash is the simple answer to water supply?

1.2

billion people live in areas suffering physical water scarcity

in a more integrated approach. We have started collaboration in South Africa, and we are having ongoing discussions with Morocco and Brazil.

The Bank aims to provide continuous support to other countries and we expect that the demand will grow. Our

to manage water resources properly.

The problems in water are complex and require complex responses. Many

elements of our support: •

Analysis of current and alternative approaches to managing water, energy and food security which highlights the real costs and trade-offs in a way in which it can be discussed across sectoral interests.

•

Dialogues amongst different sectors - such as water, agriculture and energy - to facilitate common understanding and work towards consensus on necessary changes in strategies, regulations and institutional approaches.

•

Providing access to relevant, global experience in addressing similar issues so that GCC countries can benefit from that experience in designing approaches that are appropriate to their own country.

16

www.bgreen.ae

March 2014

cover story thirsty energy

Established in 1944, the World Bank Group is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and employs over10,000 people in more than 120 offices.

The World Bank Group has set two goals for the world to achieve by 2030: End extreme poverty by decreasing the percentage of people living on less than $1.25 a day to no more than 3%. Promote shared prosperity by fostering the income growth of the bottom 40% for every country The World Bank is a source of financial and technical assistance for developing countries. Its mission statement says: “We are not a bank in the ordinary sense but a unique partnership to reduce poverty and support development.”

“It is clear that we required an unconventional way of thinking in which we do not tackle the interlinkages from a water perspective but rather from an energy perspective.”

Diego Rodriguez, Senior Economist and Team Leader of Thirsty Energy, Water Unit, The World Bank

frameworks in place. The economic, environmental and social aspects of future expansion in supply must be properly analysed in order to understand the potential impacts of new infrastructure. Desalination, for example, is providing water supply in many regions of the world. But these technologies can still be rather expensive, in terms of initial capital investments and recurrent operations and maintenance costs. The costs of mitigating environmental impacts must be properly incorpo-

18

www.bgreen.ae

rated in the costs of the investment.

High costs can impact the poor, as tariffs structures may need to be adjusted upward to reflect the increasing costs of service provision. If social policy is not adequate, increasing tariffs can have a regressive impact on the poor by increasing expenditures as the poor will not be able to spend more on water services. It is crucial that nations think about the long term sustainability and have a clear understanding of the importance of water to equitable economic growth.

93% of the middle east’s onshore oil reserves are vulnerable to water quantity risks

583 billion m3 of water withdrawals took place in 2010 for energy production

The World Bank Group is: • the world’s largest funder of education • the world’s largest external funder of the fight against HIV/AIDS • a leader in the fight against corruption worldwide • a strong supporter of debt relief • the largest international financier of biodiversity projects • the largest international financier of water supply and sanitation projects

March 2014

leisure awards preview 2014

bgreen Awards return in

2014

The third edition of Middle East’s only sustainability awards launched; winners to be announced in November

C

ome November 2014, compa-

The second edition of the Awards,

nies who have demonstrated

held last year, attracted an impressive

ple from the private and government

leadership and best practices

number of nominations from a cross

sectors. For the first time, there were

in their approach towards sustaina-

section of the region’s sustainability

government delegations from Dubai’s

bility will be recognised at the bgreen

industry. The awards ceremony and

Department of Tourism and Commerce

Awards, the Middle East’s only sus-

gala dinner, held at the Jumeirah Beach

Marketing (DTCM), Dubai Municipality

tainability awards.

Hotel in Dubai, welcomed over 300 peo-

and Emirates Transport.

20

www.bgreen.ae

March 2014

leisure awards preview 2014

For the DTCM delegation, the

This year too, the awards will

awards night was special as Dubai had

promote knowledge sharing and

been declared as the winner of Expo

innovations

2020 the previous evening. In her key-

panel discussions and seminars.

note, DTCM’s Shaikha Al Mutawa not-

The

2014

through

pre-event

awards

will

be

ed that “the people are united, not just

judged by a panel of top sustain-

the emirates but all the nationalities.”

ability experts from the region; a

At 12, the number of categories is

full list follows in the April 2014

the same as last year but far more di-

issue of bgreen.

verse with green buildings, manufac-

Supporting the 2014 edition

turing, waste management and green

of bgreen Awards are BASF (Gold

consultancy. A few existing categories

Sponsor); Kone (Silver Sponsor);

from 2012 have been replaced with

Bee’ah (Silver Sponsor) and Brook-

brand new ones. (For a complete list,

field Multiplex (Awards Partner).

refer to Bgreen Awards 2014 Categories).

Winners at the 2013 event were

Bgreen Awards 2014 Categories

unanimous in their observation that

•

Green Business of the Year

such awards go a long way in spread-

•

Green SME of the Year

ing the sustainability message while

•

GCC Business of the Year

spurring them to do better. After win-

•

Green Building Pro-

ning the Most Sustainable Large Corporation award last year, Steven Pratt,

•

Regional Director for Interface Middle East, said: “Interface has been on

•

a path towards sustainability since 1994 and our Mission Zero pledge – to

•

eliminate our impact on the environment by 2020 – influences every aspect

•

of the business, inspiring each of us to continually push the boundaries.”

•

Chetna Pandita, Head of Marketing and Communications at The Change

• •

company’s objective was to engrave sustainable solutions in everyday life for everybody.

March 2014

Nominations are open

Energy Efficiency Pro-

through October 15, 2014.

ject of the Year

There is no fee to enter.

Sustainable NGO of the Year

For more information on enter-

Sustainable Manufac-

ing the Awards and Awards

turer of the Year

Sponsorship, contact:

Waste Management Project of the Year

Jude Slann

Sustainable Initia-

Commercial Director

tive of the Year

+971 4 433 2857

Sustainable Consult-

Jude.slann@cpimediagroup.com

ant of the Year

Initiative, which won the Green Building Project of the Year 2013 said her

ject of the Year

•

Most Sustainable

Junaid Rafique

Government Depart-

Senior Sales Manager

ment of the Year

+ 971 4 375 5716

Editor’s Choice

Junaid.rafique@cpimediagroup.com

www.bgreen.ae

21

technology smartech

water consumers and enhance their awareness about the importance of rationalising consumption.”

Under the theme of ‘Better Life,’ SmarTech

Shopper

will

support

Dubai’s Smart City initiative, which seeks to manage the emirate’s facilities and services through intelligent and interconnected systems.

“We have signed during previous editions of WETEX and up to this event,

Green solutions for sustainable future

a series of agreements and MoUs to

With SmarTech Shopper, SmarTech extends its sustainability umbrella to include end-consumers, in addition to business and industry

highlighting new developments, tech-

provide these products to consumers with the goal of reducing electricity consumption and conserving resources,” said Al Tayer.

“We recognise the importance of providing environmentally friendly products and solutions as part of our vision to raise awareness among consumers about the importance of sustainable environment for future generations.”

The three-day event will include an exhibition with lectures, educational seminars and specialised workshops nology solutions, innovation and research in the field of energy efficiency and the rational use of energy and water consumption.

The World Green Economy Summit, support of Dubai Green Economy Partnership, will be held alongside WETEX

W

2014. Prominent experts from the enerith Smartech Shopper 2014,

International Convention and Exhi-

gy, finance and business sectors along

SmarTech, which focuses

bition Centre.

with government officials and leaders

on products, solutions and

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer,

from around the world will take part

green building-related technologies

Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme

in the event under the theme ‘Global

for commercial and industrial sec-

Council of Energy and Managing Di-

Partnerships, Sustainable Future.’

tors now extends its scope of cover-

rector and CEO of DEWA, said: “SmarT-

WETEX is organised under the di-

age to the end-consumer too. The in-

ech is in line with our vision to become

rective of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin

augural SmarTech Shopper and the

an international sustainable entity.

Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and

fourth annual edition of SmarTech,

The event offers an ideal platform to

Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler

will be co-located with the 16th Wa-

enhance awareness and highlight eco-

of Dubai and under the patronage of

ter, Energy, Technology and Environ-

friendly solutions. Moreover, it opens

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Mak-

ment Exhibition (WETEX) 2014, to be

dialogue channels with all society seg-

held from April 14–16, 2014 at Dubai

ments which are major electricity and

22

www.bgreen.ae

toum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer

of Finance and DEWA President.

March 2014

advertorial gulf eternit

Pioneers in Fibreglass Pipes With its huge product portfolio of large diameter fibreglass pipe systems, Dubai-headquartered Gulf Eternit Industries (GEI) is the only company in the world which provides bespoke solutions across the three sectors; oil & gas, water and industrial.

Vice President GCC Sales Mounib Hatab discusses his company’s competitive differentiators in the GCC’s water sector As a member of Future Pipe Industries Group, what have been the key milestones in GEI’s journey towards the top position in the market for fibre glass pipes in the region’s water sector?

grated engineering solutions and beers, by providing manufacturing, supply,

Where are you seeing the strongest demand for your products and solutions?

engineering, site installation, field sup-

The strongest demand is coming from the

port and fabrication support.

water distribution and transmission sec-

spoke products to support our custom-

As we always work in close partner-

tor. Thanks to fast growing population and

ship with our customers, we are able to

increasing urbanisation, there has been a

GEI has played a pioneering role in con-

anticipate and respond to their changing

surge in the demand for power and water

verting pipe demand in the GCC region

needs and schedules to develop prod-

across the region, which is already ranked

into fibreglass; today, the GCC has one

ucts and solutions that answer their

the largest in terms of consumption.

of the largest penetration rates for fiber-

requirements, on time and on budget.

Last year, during the meeting of the GCC

glass pipes at 22%. Over the last10 years,

Today, the technology has matured

Electricity and Water Co-operation Com-

the use of fiberglass pipes has increased

and the industry appreciates the prod-

mittee, a $10.5bn water network project

dramatically due to their advantages

uct’s advantages, from reliability to low

including two desalination plants to serve

over pipes made out of traditional ma-

cost of maintenance, greater life span

the entire GCC was discussed. Therefore,

terials, whether it is their superior anti-

and anti-corrosive attributes.

the increase in demand for pipelines is also

corrosion properties, safety, longer life cycle or cost-effectiveness.

The group has manufacturing facili-

likely to be fuelled by the massive growth

ties across the region, and can increase

One of our biggest achievements

its production capacities as per project

was the introduction of GRE H20 pipes

requirement in relatively short periods.

of the desalination sector.

introduced them in UAE through Dubai

model gives it the opportunity to con-

What are your plans for investment and growth for the next 2-3 years?

six years ago. This is a unique offering as

trol the complete process, from quality

We want to invest in R&D. We are con-

no other company offers it.

of the materials to end product testing.

stantly striving to expand the envelope

in water lines, a first for the region. We

The

group’s

integrated

business

GRE H20 pipe systems minimise

Our testing facility in Abu Dhabi is the

on pressure and diameter, the two critical

water losses in the network to the

largest in the region and utilises the

components of a pipe, where we already

maximum. They are flexible, corrosion-

latest state- of-the-art equipment. The

enjoy the highest product capabilities in

resistant and styrene-free, and were

facility is assessed and certified by the

the world.

developed mainly to serve potable wa-

independent agency, TÜV Rhineland. We

ter transmission and distribution net-

offer both short term and long term test-

explore

works. The H20 pipes range from 80mm

ing for optimised quality and long term

Through a strong focus on customer ser-

to 4,000mm in diameter and are able to

performance. Our pipe systems have a

vice, we strive to offer sustainable and

withstand pressures up to 25bar, making

50-year lifespan.

reliable integrated solutions and further

We will also focus on strategies to customer-driven

innovations.

them suitable for use in a wide range of

Our engineered products have also

develop and improve our technologies

applications for both underground and

been recognised for their quality and ex-

and leverage our existing capabilities.

above-ground installations.

cellence, receiving the first ever Kitemark

Customers can help us identify the prob-

award in the region for Glass Reinforced

lems we need to focus on solving and pro-

In a highly competitive market, what does your company do better than any of your competitors?

Polyester (GRP) pipe systems. The group

vide new insights on how to better deliver

also spends considerable time and mon-

our products and services.

Our strategy is based on offering inte-

that support our quality offering.

March 2014

ey acquiring and maintaining international certifications and accreditations

Contact sales@gulf-eternit.com Mounib Hatab

Visit us at WETEX 14-16 April at Stand MS-01

www.bgreen.ae

23

energy & water

But many among us have been consistent, seeing in sustainability an opportunity to overcome the challenges of high costs and shortage of energy supply. A great example of a technology being driven by cost reduction is Reverse Osmosis (RO). Some companies have embraced sustainability to get, what they hope, would be a jump start on the raft of regulations and mandates coming out of the corridors of government. A few, who were already put on notice, are racing to meet compliance by embracing sustainability. But what is missing in this conversation is an understanding of the great opportunity before us.

Desalination’s direction

What have been the opportunities thrown up by this drive towards sustainability?

I subscribe to the viewpoint that sustainability equals innovation, first put forward by the late business thinker C K Prahalad. Innovation is the outcome of sustainability, which is the way for-

Nearly 50% of the world’s desalination capacity is located in the Middle East, or more accurately, in the Gulf region where dependence on desalination as the primary water resource is the highest. Dr Abdullah Al-Alshaikh, President of the International Desalination Association (IDA) and Deputy Governor for Planning and Development, Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC), Saudi Arabia spoke to Anoop K Menon on the industry’s new direction markers

ward for everybody, including the desalination industry. I see the industry moving towards more energy efficient methods of desalination like RO, while also perfecting them, as exemplified by the gains in nanotechnology and nanofiltration over the past two years. Sustainability-led innovation could even re-invigorate our traditional mainstay of thermal desalination through the use of renewable energy.

In your keynote during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, you repeatedly emphasised that sustainability is one of the most important paradigm shifts of the modern era. To what extent is this universal trend impacting the desalination industry, which is a key part of the region’s critical infrastructure?

sued sustainability by appealing to

How is the industry addressing the challenges of energy efficiency and cost reduction?

I have little doubt that sustainability

the higher senses, whether it is social

I think renewable energy is poised to

will determine our future. The change

responsibility, humanity or common

induce a paradigm shift in the way we

it is driving is as major as the industri-

good. Unfortunately, once the confer-

al revolution of the late 18th century,

ences and workshops ended, we re-

the manufacturing and electrification

turned home to our work and worries.

24

www.bgreen.ae

revolutions of the late 19th and early

We will also need to rethink and

20th centuries. In our region, espe-

redesign training, manpower plan-

cially among the Gulf States, it is a

ning and management systems in our

strategic choice; it is not a question

industry. In fact, sustainability will

of supplementing any existing wa-

reshape our business models, rede-

ter resource because technically, we

fine our practices and transform our

don’t have any other source besides

industry.

desalination and water demand in the region is growing steadily.

In recent years, our industry pur-

The industry is moving towards more energy efficient methods of desalination like RO

approach desalination in the Gulf. How to be sustainable while providing the power to desalinate water is a big chal-

March 2014

energy & water

March 2014

www.bgreen.ae

25

energy & water

TOP 5 COUNTRIES IN sea water DESALINATION Commissioned capacity m3/d

Country

Saudi Arabia 9,170,391 UAE 8,381,299 Spain 3,781,314 Kuwait 2,586,761 Algeria 2,364,055 Australia 1,823,154

lenge, and renewable energy could be a solution. Power constitutes 40% of the cost of desalinating water. Masdar in the UAE and K.A.CARE in Saudi Arabia are already working on harnessing solar energy for desalination. In fact, renewable energy can also address concerns about air pollution from

environmental impact of desalination

digm shift with local manufacturers

power plants that help run desalina-

through RO.

entering into joint ventures with inter-

tion plants.

national companies to manufacture

pacity, a clever option would be to add

Coming to the business of desalination, do you feel the region has missed the bus in terms of developing an industry around the largest desalination market in the world?

RO so that you can blend water with

As a region, we woke up late to under-

less cost and the same power.

standing the benefits of developing an

There is a debate on whether RO is suitable for the Gulf but I feel that RO has a lot of scope in terms of hybrid systems. We have a lot of investment locked up in thermal desalination technologies; therefore, to increase ca-

valves, pumps and other equipment for the industry. We will be seeing more

45%

of new desalination plants ordered since 2010 were by industrial users

and more value addition taking place in the region which will also help reduce the costs.

R&D activities focusing on desalination are on an upswing in the region, especially in the UAE and also in Saudi Arabia, where my organisation SWCC

I think Japan’s Mega-ton Water Sys-

industry around this strategic source

has been particularly active, getting

tem project, which aims to develop the

of water. But coming in late is better than never. In fact, water technology

million m3/day) desalination plant

leaders like Toray and Dow are build-

(equivalent to the daily needs of about

ing membrane manufacturing plants

30%

a few patents to its name. I think the

world’s first megaton per day (or one

four million people), could herald a

in Saudi Arabia. Also, in the new contracts being awarded, there is a con-

the project is its use of low-pressure

dition that selected bidders have to

membranes with bigger element sizes.

manufacture most of the equipment

The project’s overall objective is to

and spare parts in the region. In the

improvement in energy efficiency of best performing plants over the past 10 years

lenge is to move the technology from

new desalination era. A key feature of

reduce the energy requirements and

past five years, there has been a para-

government and industry would like to arrive at a point where we can carry out advanced research here. The chalthe lab to the industry for which you need a solid industry base. That is now coming up, and who knows, the Gulf region could end up exporting desalination knowledge.

Any concluding thoughts?

Desalination plants with a total capacity of six million cubic metres per day (m3/dAY) are expected to come on line during 2013, compared with four million m3/day in 2012.

This takes the total capacity of all 17,277 commissioned desalination plants in the world to 80.9 million m3/ day, which is nearly 32 years of rain for London

I think the future of desalination and renewables are intertwined, at least in the Gulf. This is the only way forward because with renewables, you kill two birds with one stone – first, you leave the environment better; second, you will have more benefit from the oil you are blessed with, and your economy will be much better.

26

www.bgreen.ae

March 2014

Welcome to the future of environmental technology

May 5–9, 2014

Register now online!

Save up to 30% and gain time at the venue! www.ifat.de/tickets/en

World’s Leading Trade Fair for Water, Sewage, Waste and Raw Materials Management Be a part of this get-together of the worldwide environmental technology sector— at IFAT 2014 in Munich. Come and experience innovative new products and learn about successful strategies for the future. And benefit from the exclusive supporting program at IFAT and the opportunity for international networking.

www.ifat.de Visit IFAT’s sister events around the world: May 20–22, 2014 www.ie-expo.com

October 9–11, 2014 www.ifat-india.com

Information: German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK) | Dubai Tel. 04 447 0100 | sruthi.s@ahkuae.com

business siemens

Siemens sets new green office standard for the region

Top:Harald Waiti, Siemens ME head of SRE. Below: Architect David Ardill, of Sheppard Robson

Masdar City in Abu Dhabi is home to the greenest office building in the region, which heralds the start of a new chapter at the world’s most sustainable city. Words and pictures by Gary Wright

sation and water droplets, a constant problem in desert.

Inside the new structure, Harald Waiti, Siemens’ ME head of SRE, explained how there are ‘practically no internal light switches’ and that everything is controlled through movement sensors to ensure energy is used only when people are inside.

“Desk lamps are light sensitive and dim according to the amount of external light coming through the windows,” he explained.

Waiti even joked how at night someone could run through an empty office and be followed by a trail of

T

he first LEED Platinum certified

dividually designed to provide 100%

office building in Abu Dhabi

shading to 95% of glazed surfaces.

was officially inaugurated last

Ardill explained how the original

month at a lavish opening ceremony.

design brief has been met to reduce

Electrical engineering giant Sie-

energy demand by 65% and water by

mens’ new Middle East headquarters,

50%. The building is a ‘box-within-a-

which will accommodate 800 employ-

box’, with a highly-insulated, airtight

ees, has been constructed in Masdar

facade internally, which is then cov-

City alongside Masdar Institute.

ered by a lightweight external shad-

Architect David Ardill, of Sheppard

ing system. “The design was led by

Robson, won a competition in 2011 to

the computer model that met the sus-

design the building, which uses 50%

tainability requirements,” he stated

less energy than a similar-sized con-

The airtight internal structure

ventional building. The distinctive

has allowed it to use passive cooling

façade is dominated by aluminium

methods channelling air throughout

shades over the windows, each in-

the building but avoiding the conden-

28

www.bgreen.ae

40 number of years Siemens has been in the UAE

light. “I have tried it,” he joked with the assembled journalists.

The actual cost of the project is under wraps but Siemens said it was comparable with a similarly sized conventional office building.

The opening ceremony was attended by board members from Siemens

50% energy saving compared with same size conventional building

AG — including Michael Suess and Roland Busch, shareholders of Siemens in the UAE, Dr Sultan Al Jaber and other dignitaries from Abu Dhabi.

In a statement, Siemens said: “The company’s strategic partnership with Masdar extends far beyond the opening of a new office and is in line with Abu Dhabi’s National Vision 2030.”

March 2014

business siemens

Masdar City has more than 120,000 sq.m of buildings already developed in what is the world’s first planned sustainable city to run entirely on renewable energy.

The Siemens HQ is the first major building to be delivered from conception since the onset of the financial crisis, which caused many to revisit their loftier ambitions.

Michael Suess, board member of Siemens AG and CEO of Siemens Energy Sector described the Middle East as a “key region” for the company and around 800 Siemens’ employees will be relocated to the new office over the next few months.

March 2014

www.bgreen.ae

29

Construction Big 5 saudi review

He continues: “This is not a recent development. Even during the financial downturn a few years ago, Saudi Arabia maintained steady growth, as the construction sectors in many other countries were struggling. The government has actually increased its investments inrecent years to the various ministries involved in construction and infrastructure development.”

Joining Spitz on the panel will be Andrew Johnson of Mace Group, who is serving as project manager of Jeddah’s Kingdom Tower, which is set to unseat Dubai’s Burj Khalifa as the world’s tall-

Big 5 saudi gets bigger

est tower at one-km high.

Organisers are predicting Big 5 Saudi, which runs from March 9–12 in Jeddah, is going to be the largest ever in the Kingdom

Insight sessions, one of which will fo-

Also on the panel will be Jesdev Saggar, Managing Director for Capital Projects & Infrastructure, Deloitte; and Oliver Plunkett, Buro Happold’s Saudi Arabia Country Manager.

The free-to-attend seminar series will also include a number of Market cus on the market fundamentals driving the push for affordable housing in Saudi Arabia, which already boasts of an allocation of over one billion dollars, dedicated to developing eight new housing developments across the country.

ith the construction market on

W

Big 5 Saudi will also launch a series of

Also new for this year is a series of

track to become the Kingdom’s

free-to-attend seminars. Running across

sessions devoted to sustainable building

fastest growing economic sec-

two days of the show, the seminars will

design, including methods for minimis-

tor by next year, The Big 5 Saudi will fea-

discuss industry topics including Fore-

ing post-project waste while improving

ture a new series of educational events

casting growth and new opportunities

energy efficiency targets. The sessions

for visitors to gain greater access and an

in the Kingdom’s residential sector, a

will cover steps for integrating recycled

understanding of the many opportuni-

highly relevant area, given that housing

content in building materials and how

ties that the country offers.

is expected to be a driving force behind

Developed in coordination with the

construction in 2014 and Sustainability:

country’s leading construction and

The vision, materials and the technolo-

building experts, the Sustainable Design

gies, addressing how to bring aesthetic

and Construction Seminar Series during

and technical innovation together in

the show will look at rapidly changing

one sustainable design.

$1BN dedicated to eight new affordable housing developments in saudi arabia

best to present green building designs to clients from a business and savings perspective.

“The seminar series is a result of Saudi’s growing influence in the region’s construction industry and the demand for access to insight and information

technologies, materials and techniques

“Growth across the Kingdom has

of the global construction industry

been phenomenal,” says John G Spitz,

whilst focusing on the local market’s

Senior Vice President, Saudi Arabia, Hill

ket,” says Nathan Waugh, Event Direc-

key drivers and identifying solutions to

International, a global construction con-

tor, The Big 5 Saudi.

potential challenges.

sultancy that handles over $40bn in pro-

Under the Patronage of HRH Prince

jects across the country. Spitz, who will

Mansour bin Mutaib bin Abdulaziz Al

join the opening leaders in the construc-

Saud, Minister of Municipal and Rural

tion panel session, believes that the

Affairs the show opens daily at 4pm and

growth outlook for the next five years

runs until 10pm from March 9-12 at Jed-

in the Kingdom remains extremely posi-

dah Centre for Forums and Events.

tive for all sectors of construction.

30

www.bgreen.ae

$40BN value to company of key speaker john g spitz’s saudi projects

from experts working within the mar-

“Our visitors expressed a desire for more education content, and as a response to this we aim to bring expertise from local, regional and international sources to highlight the Kingdom’s exciting development in the coming years.”

More details www.thebig5saudi.com

March 2014

KNAUF

Knauf ORGANISES FIRST OF ITS KIND CUSTOMER AWARDS NIGHT IN DUBAI Knauf Middle East hosted its firstever annual customer awards at a gala dinner event, held at the Armani Hotel on February 7, 2014. Senior executives from Knauf’s key customers, distributors and partners across the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent came together to celebrate the winners

A

mer

bin

Ahmed,

Managing

Director, Knauf Middle East

Emerging Dealer of the Year

& India pointed out that the

customer event is a very important

Knauf Premium Partner 2013

Materials, Bahrain

milestone in Knauf’s leadership in the drywall market, acknowledging the

Al– Yusuf Building

critical importance of the company’s

Sadeer Trading &

Qatar Gypsum Products Industry (QGIPS), Qatar

Gemini Building

Contracting, Kuwait

Materials, UAE & Gemini

Global Gypsum Industries,

International, Oman

Bangalore, India

Special Recognition 2013

customers to its ongoing success.

Drywall Qatar, Qatar

He said: “Working closely with our

Modec Building

New BK Super Impex, Nepal

Materials Trading, UAE

Adora Carpet Splendour, India

Mount Décor, Oman

Glory Products,

suppliers, we have made significant progress in key programmes such as

supplier performance management, risk management, supplier quality and sustainability over the past year.

Kolkata, India

Best System Seller

I would like to take this opportunity to thank them sincerely for their efforts.”

Promer Qatar Contracting

ers such as dealers, contractors and

SEG Qatar, Qatar

FINO International, UAE

Al Turki Enterprises, Oman

Building Department,

R R India Plasters,

Department, Dubai Municipality

Association, Qatar

34

www.bgreen.ae

Dubai Central Laboratory

Croatian Technology

tion of their dedication and commit

Dubai Municipality

Bangalore, India & Business

Knauf and its customers.

Company, Qatar

Materials, UAE

East with ‘special awards’ in recogniment to drive collaboration between

HBK Contracting

Sub-contractor Heradesign 2013

partners. The awards also acknowledged key employees of Knauf Middle

Mainline Building

celebrate superior performance, Knauf egories recognising various stakehold-

ASHGAL, Qatar

Company, Qatar

As part of its efforts to recognise and presented awards across different cat-

AW Rostamani Building Industries, UAE & Oman

Special Appreciation

Late Mrs Kezban Onay, Promer Qatar

March 2014

KNAUF

Employee Awards

human touch ensures that everybody

Al Hussain Habeeb Mohammed

they work with progresses in terms of

Fazil Zafar

meeting the market’s as well as Knauf’s

Ghassan Ibrahim

expectations.”

Jasper Balajadia

N Srinath of Bangalore-based Glob-

Lee Evans

al Gypsum Industries, which was be-

Michael Ray

stowed with Emerging Dealer of the

Nicolas Neusuess

Year award said: “This award is very

Pravin Guthale

important to us because it recognises

Mrs Richelle Tuliao

our hardwork and efforts to establish

Ms Rodalyn Camayang

the Knauf brand in South India.”

Mrs Rosaline Lingat

Praising

the “excellent

support

“extended by Knauf in this regard, he “I am very proud to win this award as it was unexpect-

pointed out that growth can be accel-

ed,” said Hassan Abu Gheida, Managing Director, Qatar

erated still further with on-the ground

Gypsum Products Industry (QGIPS), whose company

technical and field staff support from

was awarded the Knauf Premium Partner 2013 award.

Knauf.

He continued: “Thanks to the excellent support ex-

“As Knauf is a global company with

tended by Knauf for the past 12 years, we have been

a strong products and a reputation for

able to ensure that Knauf is a well-known brand in

loyalty and hard work demonstrated by

quality and delivery, customers in In-

Qatar and is specified in all the major projects. For

his company in growing Knauf’s busi-

dia always look forward to interacting

2014, we are planning to further increase our activi-

ness in the UAE and Oman.

with the principal,” he explained.

ties and grow the sales. With the technical and com-

He said: “They are the largest gypsum-

Commenting on future plans, he

mercial support of the Knauf team, we are confident

based building material manufacturer in

said: “We will continue to focus on

of improving our turnover in Qatar.”

the world and to be associated with them

growing Knauf’s market in South In-

Vineesh Babu of Gemini Building Materials said the

is a privilege for us. However, Knauf’s

dia. I believe that future growth will

Premium Partner Award was a great recognition of the

emphasis on providing support with a

come from complete solutions rather than just boards, and we are keen to work towards this direction.”

March 2014

www.bgreen.ae

35

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Delta faucet COMPANy LAUNCHES 2014 sustainability Challenge • •

Delta Faucet Company Sustainability Challenge 2014 highlights need for conservation of water in the hospitality sector Campaign endorsed once again by the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development

D

elta Faucet Company, a worldwide leader in residential and commercial faucets, launched

the second edition of ‘The Delta Faucet Sustainability Challenge’, which aims to promote future sustainability of water resources in the region. The 2014

its daily water needs. In addressing

Interior Design and Architecture

challenge was launched at the Ameri-

this challenge, this year’s campaign

students at the American University

can University in Dubai (AUD) with

will ask students to submit original

in Dubai are invited to submit origi-

representatives from the University’s

designs to conserve water specifically

nal designs satisfying specific design

Interior Design and Architecture facul-

within the hospitality sector.

criteria including water conservation,

ty and students, as well as its strategic

“Building on the success of last

energy efficiency, water quality, align-

partners, Alabbar Energy and Sustain-

year’s campaign, ‘The Delta Faucet

ment with government regulations and

ability Group (AESG) and the Associa-

Sustainability Challenge’ will expand

durability of design. ‘The Delta Faucet

tion of Professional Interior Designers

to include more students and will also

Sustainability Challenge’ will run un-

(APID). The competition is endorsed

focus specifically on water conserva-

til mid-April, when the top 10 entrants

by the United Nations Decade of Edu-

tion in the hospitality sector. The cam-

will be selected to present their designs

cation for Sustainable Development,

paign aims to drive awareness and be-

before a expert panel of judges.

(UNDESD) for a second year running.

haviour change with regards to water

“The UAE continues to have one of

The UAE is among the largest con-

consumption. Delta Faucet Company

the highest rates of water consumption

sumers of water in the world and is list-

is a long-standing pioneer in the ad-

globally, and with this year’s campaign,

ed by the United Nations as a high-rank

vancement of performance standards

we hope to highlight the opportunity to

country when it comes to water stress, a

for water-saving products, and we

incorporate sustainable design within

situation which occurs when the avail-

have developed several groundbreak-

the hospitality sector. We are delighted

ability of water is not in balance with

ing technologies that help to promote

to work with our partners from last

the demand for water. This creates a

water conservation,” said Ross Jack-

year’s competition, AUD and AESG and

unique challenge where the country is

son, General Manager, Delta Faucet

we are honoured to welcome a new

dependent on various sources to meet

Company, Middle East.

strategic partner, APID,” Jackson added.

34

www.bgreen.ae

March 2014

advertorial

“Together with our partners AUD,

AUD’s aspiration in driving real action

in the second year of ‘The Delta Fau-

AESG and APID, we want to engage the

as we strive to empower our students

cet Sustainability Challenge’. Manag-

decision makers of the future at an

to take responsibility when it comes

ing our water resources is a vital step

early stage to ensure they are active-

to the environment.”

towards preserving our planet for future

ly thinking about sustainable design.

Mrs. Farida Kamber Al Awadhi, Association

of

generations. By thinking globally and act-

We are also extremely appreciative of

President,

Profes-

ing locally, the competition aims to give

the support we have received from all

sional Interior Designers (APID), said:

young designers the opportunity to show-

of our partners including UNESCO.”

“A professional interior designer is

case their innovative strategies to conserve water within the built environment.”

Dr Albert Fakhoury, Chairman of

knowledgeable about ways to en-

the Department of Interior Design

sure that home, hotel or office fitouts

at the American University in Dubai,

meet

targets.

tions General Assembly (UNGA) adopt-

commented: “Our duty as individu-

With thoughtful and careful selec-

ed resolution 57/254 to put in place a

als and within our community is to

tion of the products specified in our

United Nations Decade of Education for

preserve and safeguard the qual-

designs, efficiencies in water use can

Sustainable Development (UNDESD),

ity of life for future generations. Our

be gained. This message, emphasised

from 2005 to 2014, and designated UN-

continued support of the ‘The Delta

by ‘The Delta Faucet Sustainability

ESCO to lead the Decade. The United

Faucet Sustainability Challenge’ is

Challenge’, serves as a good reminder

Nations Decade of Education for Sus-

a testament to our efforts to make

for the professional community.”

tainable Development seeks to inte-

water

conservation

In December 2002, the United Na-

AUD an example of both innovation

Scott Coombes, Principal Consult-

grate the principles, values, and prac-

and sustainability. We strongly en-

ant and founder of AESG, said: “Fol-

tices of sustainable development into

courage sustainable initiatives within

lowing last year’s success, we are very

all aspects of education and learning,

the university community to reflect

pleased to be a contributing partner

in order to address the social, economic,

March 2014

www.bgreen.ae

35

advertorial

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There is a philosophy at the heart of every Delta® product: there is a better way to live with water. It goes beyond excellent design to incorporate smart thinking that anticipates people’s needs.

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cultural and environmental problems faced in the 21st century.

transform oneself and society.

The Decade on Education for Sustainable

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During this decade, education for sustainable

Development will draw to a close later this

a faucet. A 2013 WaterSense® partner

development will contribute to better preparing

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citizens to face the challenges of the present and

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the future, and decision-makers who will act re-

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36

www.bgreen.ae

March 2014

Under the Patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mansour bin Mutaib bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs.

THE LARGEST CONSTRUCTION EVENT IN SAUDI ARABIA

9 – 12 March 2014 ‫ﻫ‬1435 ‫ ﺟﻤﺎدى ا�ول‬11 - 8

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Register for FREE entry at: www.thebig5saudi.com/bgm1 Under the Patronage of:

Supporting Organisations:

Host Venue:

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personality Spider-Man

Spider-Man joins green crusade

of the crowd to inspire change for the good of the planet, imagine the possibilities when we come together and do

This month’s green personality is a fictional character, but his effect on the worldwide sustainability movement will be felt this month as the superhero entangles himself in Earth Hour

more,” said Webb.

Jamie Foxx who plays the villain Electro in the film says: “Earth Hour isn’t just about lights off; it’s about people across the world coming together throughout the year to join forces to improve the planet. Never underestimate your power, never underestimate what you can do.”

Earth Hour’s crowdsourcing platform

C

omic book hero Spider-Man is the

will also enable people to add their voice

new ambassador for Earth Hour,

to some of the biggest environmental

which will see lights go off around

campaigns across the world; includ-

the planet on March 29 for 60 minutes.

ing an Instagram campaign for people

Earth Hour is organised by the WWF

to share their love of Australia’s Great

(World Wide Fund for Nature) and 2014

Barrier Reef, as part of WWF-Austral-

is its eighth year. In 2013, more than

ia’s ‘Lights Out for the Reef’ theme for

7,000 cities, towns and municipalities

Earth Hour 2014.

took part in more than 150 countries

Global participants in the movement

and territories. Many of the world’s best

will also be able to sign the Shark Saver’s

known human and natural landmarks

“I’m FINished With FINS” pledge, which engages celebrities and public figures

were plunged into darkness – including The crowdfunding section of the new

throughout Asia to help end shark

“What is most important is the ever

platform will allow participants to help

finning in marine waters for the con-

increasing extent to which Earth Hour’s

deliver energy efficient stoves to fami-

sumption of shark-fin soup.

supporters are participating in or taking

lies in Madagascar, help communities in

actions themselves,” says Earth Hour

the Philippines build fibreglass boats to

CEO and co-founder, Andy Ridley.

withstand climate impacts, like Typhoon

the Burj Khalifa and the Pyramids.

Ridley announced Spiderman’s in-

Haiyan, and raise funds to expand and

volvement this year when he also re-

conserve the iconic Table Mountain Na-

vealed Earth Hour Blue – a new digital

tional Park in South Africa, with many

crowdfunding and crowdsourcing plat-

more projects to come.

form for the planet.

Marc Webb, Director of The Amazing

“I’m proud Spider-Man is the first

Spider-Man 2 is the first celebrity am-

superhero ambassador for Earth Hour

bassador to announce an Earth Hour

because he shows we can all be super-

Blue project. His project aims to pro-

heroes when we realise the power we all

vide better equipment for WWF Rang-

have,” says Andrew Garfield, who plays

ers protecting Indonesia’s endangered

Spider-Man in the upcoming film. He

wildlife such as the Sumatran tiger, el-

continues: “Earth Hour is a movement

ephant, rhino and orangutan and their

that has created massive impact around

forest habitat.

the world, so imagine what we can do this year with Spider-Man by our side.”

38

www.bgreen.ae

“Earth Hour is a movement full of superheros – people harnessing the power

7,000 cities, towns and municipalities took part in more than 150 countries and territories in 2013

60

minutes duration for which lights will go off around the planet on March 29

Ridley says: “The idea of Earth Hour has grown beyond anything we could have dreamed. This year with the help of Spider-Man, we are taking the movement to the next stage. It’s about harnessing the power of the crowd. That’s what Earth Hour Blue is all about.”

Movie maker Sony Pictures Entertainment will join by contributing to a WWF-China and Earth Hour Blue project that provides efficient cookstoves to prevent deforestation in the habitat of the Giant Panda. Through its efforts, the studio will receive Gold Standard carbon offsets that render the entire physical production of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 as well as its publicity tour, carbon-neutral.

March 2014

society diary dates

Diary Dates Congress of Hamdan Bin

3rd Ajman International

time live product demonstrations.

as well as residential and commercial

Mohammed e-University

Environment Conference

A UFI-certified event, The Big Show

green‐building solutions.

March 3—5,

April 7—8, Sheikh Zayed Centre for

opened up avenues in the building

The Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

Conference & Exhibitions, Ajman

and construction, interiors and in-

project qatar 2014

The fifth Health and Environment

The third Ajman International Envi-

frastructure sectors in Oman when

12—15 May Qatar National

Conference features a compre-

ronment Conference will primarily

it was launched in 2002, setting the

Convention Centre, Doha

hensive programme that reflects

focus on four major issues: renew-

stage for other shows of a similar na-

Sustinability is a key theme of this

the current health reforms taking

able energy, sustainable buildings,

ture to follow suit.

year’s 11th International Construc-

place in order to improve the un-

water technology and transportation.

derstanding of the health and en-

Conference attendees can expect to

WETEX 2014

Exhibition, which moves to the Qatar

vironment transformation. Speak-

hear practitioners and specialists pre-

April 14—16, Dubai International

National Convention Centre (QNCC)

ers from international organisa-

sent their findings on renewable en-

Convention & Exhibition Centre

for the first time. Project Qatar’s 2013

tions, governmental and private

ergy technology, innovative solutions

Held under the directives of His High-

hosted 2,100 local and international

health and environmental insti-

for future buildings and sustainable

ness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid

exhibitors from 50 countries spread

tutions, scholars and researchers

transport, with dedicated sessions

Al Maktoum, Vice President and

across 62,000m2 of indoor and out-

and related industry leaders will

and workshops based on their indi-

Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler

door exhibition space with more than

address best practices and key

vidual preferences. “The conference

of Dubai, and under the patronage

3,000 brands and marked a record in-

elements required for initiating

is a big achievement for Ajman and

of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid

crease of 16% in surface area, and 45%

and implementing transforma-

the UAE and This is based on the

Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai,

in international participation.

tion in health and environment,

directives of His Highness Sheikh

Minister of Finance of the UAE and

Vice President of International Mar-

throughout plenary and concur-

Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, the

President of DEWA, the 16th Water,

keting and Sales at IFP Group, Fadi

rent sessions, and post conference

President of the Department and the

Energy, Technology, and Environ-

Kaddoura says: “Since its first edition,

workshops.

follow-up by the Director General

ment Exhibition (WETEX) 2014 will

the show recorded a 50% growth in

of the Department, Yehia Ibrahim

take place at the Dubai International

exhibition space from one year to the

Qatar Projects 2014

Al Reyaysa,” says Engineer Khalid

Convention and Exhibition Centre

next; a 73% increase in the number

March 17—19,

Moeen Al Hosni, Executive Director

(DICEC). Last year’s edition saw more

of exhibitors; a 45% rise in participat-

Grand Hyatt, Doha, Qatar

of Public Health and Environment.

than 1,360 exhibitors from 32 coun-

ing countries; and a 20% growth in the

tries participating and showcasing

number of visitors. The first show had

MEED’s Qatar Projects Conference

tion Technology & Building Materials

has grown to be the largest and most

the big show 2014

their latest technologies and equip-

267 exhibitors across 10,000 sq.m of

significant annual meeting for key

March 17—20, 2014, Muscat

ment and raising their corporate pro-

exhibition space; and in its 10th edi-

Qatari stakeholders and international

The Big Show will be held at the Oman

files and building awareness about

tion, the event proudly welcomed 2,100

service providers looking to do busi-

International Exhibition Centre, con-

products and services while sharing

exhibitors from 50 countries, covering

ness in Qatar. Building on the success

tinuing the four-day tradition started

ideas and best practices with the

67,000 sq.m of exhibition area.”

of the 2013 conference and following

in the 10th edition. The extra day was

world’s leading players in the water,

More than 60% of the total number

extensive research, the Qatar Projects

added in response to previous exhibi-

energy, and environment technology

of participants is international, with

2014 Conference features two dedi-

tors’ need to leverage the opportuni-

industries. Co-located with WETEX

23 pavilions, including Austria, Bel-

cated tracks; one which covers Qatar’s

ties presented by this landmark show.

and now in its fourth year, SmarTech

gium, China, Egypt, France, Germany,

Infrastructure & Transport sector and

The exhibition includes a conference

exhibition will showcase the latest

Greece, India, Iran, Italy, Korea, Ku-

another which covers Qatar’s Energy

themed “Oman Future Buildings”

products, technologies, and solutions

wait, Malaysia, Portugal, Spain, Tur-

& Utilities sector.

with high-calibre speakers and first-

related to energy and water efficiency,

key, the UAE and the UK.

March 2014

www.bgreen.ae

39

society sustainable past

Green concrete... from 2,000 years ago

of the Gulf of Naples (Pliny died in the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius that buried Pompeii), especially from sites near the present-day seaside town of Pozzuoli.

Ash with similar mineral characteristics, called pozzolan, is found in many parts of the world.

Berkeley

Lab’s

Advanced

Light

Source (ALS) worked alongside experts at the King Abdullah University of Sci-

Cement production is vital to 21st century building but causes up to seven per cent of greenhouse gas production. Scientists now say that the Romans manufactured cement that performed better in saltwater conditions…and it was more environmentfriendly

ence and Technology in Saudi Arabia and found that Roman concrete differs from the modern kind in several essential ways, essentially the ratios and mix of calcium, silicates, hydrates and the addition of aluminium and silicon.

Rather than fight the marine elements, Romans utilised saltwater and made it part of the concrete. The result

T

he chemical secrets of a concrete

canic ash were mixed to form mortar,

was lower greenhouse gas emissions

Roman breakwater that spent

and this mortar and volcanic ash were

and stronger structures.

2,000 years submerged in the

packed into wooden forms. The seawa-

While Roman concrete is durable,

Mediterranean Sea may help modern

ter instantly triggered a hot chemical

the researchers claim it is unlikely to

builders help cut pollution.

reaction. The lime was hydrated – in-

replace modern concrete because it is

Paulo Monteiro of the US Depart-

corporating water molecules into its

not ideal where fast hardening is need-

ment of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley

structure – and reacted with the ash

ed. But the discoveries are being exam-

National Laboratory says, “It’s not that

to cement the whole mixture together.

ined by researchers around the world.

modern concrete isn’t good – it’s so good

Descriptions of volcanic ash have

we use 19 billion tonnes of it a year. The

survived from ancient times. First Vit-

concrete, made with less fuel and less

problem is that manufacturing Portland

ruvius, an engineer for the Emperor Au-

release of carbon into the atmosphere

cement accounts for seven per cent of

gustus, and later Pliny the Elder record-

may be the legacy of a deeper under-

the CO2 that industry puts into the air.”

ed that the best maritime concrete was

standing of how the Romans made

Portland cement is the source of the

made with ash from volcanic regions

their concrete.

Stronger,

longer-lasting

modern

“glue” that holds most modern concrete together. But making it needs very high temperatures and that releases carbon and Monteiro’s team found that the Roman method used half the heat.

“In the middle 20th century, concrete structures were designed to last 50 years, and a lot of them are on bor-

30BC

The recipe for Roman concrete was described by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, an engineer for the future Emperor Augustus

rowed time,” Monteiro says. “Now we design buildings to last 100 to 120 years.

Yet Roman harbour installations have survived 2,000 years of chemical attack and wave action underwater.

The Romans made concrete by mixing lime and volcanic rock. For underwater structures, lime and vol-

40

www.bgreen.ae

1,450°C

The temperature needed to burn limestone and clay to make modern Portland Cement

March 2014

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