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The Middle East region faces unique environmental and socio-economic challenges including hot weather conditions, water shortage, environmental degradation and abundance of fossil fuels. Buildings in Middle East region consume more energy than any other region in the world mainly due to its hot climatic conditions, extensive use of glass exteriors and heavy dependence on AC. Owing to this, in the recent years, the building industry in the region has witnessed extensive usage of environmental friendly architecture, sustainable construction practices as well traditional building techniques.
The demand for green buildings in the region is increasing owing to high energy prices, and need for reasonable energy efficient solutions. The development of green building in the region has been backed by self-sustained urban planning, net zero carbon buildings and culture incorporated in the traditional Islamic architecture.
Green buildings have become a top priority for several countries in the region. The number of LEED-registered buildings has reached 2,500+ in 2020 as compared to 623 a decade ago. Among various countries in the Middle East, UAE is ranked among the top 10 countries with LEED certifications. Also, among cities with maximum LEED-certified buildings, Dubai ranks third. UAE reported maximum LEED-certified projects at 600, leaving behind Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
The green building construction market in Qatar has seen rapid progress in the recent years which is evident from the rise of sustainable construction in the country. The country has one of the highest LEED-registered and certified buildings outside the US.
Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS), previously Qatar Sustainability Assessment System (QSAS) system, is a green building rating system developed by Qatar. GSAS rating system is one of the most extensive one as it was developed after thorough analysis of about 40 green building codes globally. Additionally, GSAS has established a standalone building energy standard to support the country’s building energy ratings and address regional sustainability aspects.
The UAE is focusing on retrofitting and net zero carbon buildings to lower emissions. The country has committed to Paris Agreement to reduce GHG emissions. Other initiatives such as UAE Green Agenda 2015-2030, UAE Vision 2021, and UAE Energy Strategy 2050, will also help reduce carbon emission in the country. Also, in 2019, the government pledged to the Zero Carbon Buildings for All initiative, a global initiative headed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and endorsed by the UN Secretary General. The UAE government is working on a roadmap to achieve net zero carbon buildings by 2050.
To improve sustainability levels for new constructions, adoption of international green building certifications has been on the rise. Some of the certifications and regulations adopted in the UAE include Barjeel Green Building Regulation (2019), Dubai Green Building Regulations and Specifications (2011), Al Safat Rating System in Dubai, Estidama Pearl Rating System (2010) in Abu Dhabi. Due to such regulations in place, a domestic market for green building technologies and materials has developed, further improving awareness regarding green buildings.
