A green building expert has called on Middle East developers to retrofit more sustainable technologies into buildings in order to cut costs.
Dr Sadek Owainati, founder and former chair of the Emirates Green Building Council, commented: “Existing buildings are major parts of the built environment, and this is the right time to look at improving the behaviour of existing buildings by doing whatever is needed.”
The current economic crisis and the subsequent slowdown in construction has created the ideal circumstances to consider retrofitting, according to Owainati. “I think it is an excellent opportunity to look at it, because people are looking at ways to reduce costs, and there is no better way than to conserve energy. Energy conservation means you are going to save dirhams and dollars at the end of the month.”
He added that one of the most important ways of doing this was to look at leaking pipes in order to save water, and to introduce dual-flush systems in toilets. “If you have a dual-flushing system in an existing apartment or an existing office, you will be able to save 50% or more. So it is a minimal investment, but you can turn it to your advantage,” stressed Owainati.
In order to set an example for developers, Owainati believed that this push for sustainability through retrofitting should start in the public sector: “Schools can start this; hospitals can start this; public places can start this. Developers will look at that and see they are wise and green investments.”
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