Eco buildings in Dubai

Green building is increasing in busy areas like the United Arab Emirates as property developers realise the benefits of saving energy.

Such is the interest in new techniques that best practice energy management and green building is a major feature at the Property & FM conference and FM Expo in Dubai next month.

'Property developers in the UAE and throughout the Middle East now have a greater understanding of green building and energy management principles, and are seeking expert advice on how to save energy over a building's life-cycle,' said Khaled Bushnaq, CEO of Energy Management Services, a Dubai-based energy management company.

His company has witnessed a huge shift in mindset in the last two years, as property developers learn more about the benefits of energy management, including the huge cost savings that can be achieved.

'Two years ago we had to convince property developers to go green and think about efficient energy. The majority didn't know what "green" meant and assumed there was an extra cost attached. Now developers want to go green and some are achieving LEED (Leadership of Energy and Environmental Design) certification, an internationally recognised green building rating system,' he added.

Many large developers are creating their own green design guidelines to be followed by smaller developers building on their plot of land.

Challenges that developers are currently grappling with include the preservation of essential resources and how to create customised water, energy and environmental programmes that can deliver major savings. Property developers can save millions by incorporating energy efficient technology at the design stage.

FM Expo runs from 8-10 June at Zabeel Hall, Dubai International Exhibition Centre. The event features companies from property and facilities management, energy management, environment, maintenance, IT and security in the Middle East, Europe and worldwide.

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