Developers using sustainability as 'PR stunt'

The price of green building is discouraging construction companies from helping the environment

Green building organisations and suppliers are aiming to change mind-sets as developers show a “lack of interest” in building a sustainable environment.

Groups, councils and green solution manufactures have said that the ‘price’ of green building is discouraging construction companies from helping the environment.

“[Developers see] sustainable developing as more of a PR stunt,” said Ramboll associate for environment and nature Dr Wael Al Sheikh Khalil.

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“In the past, developers were keen to be sustainable as it was a marketing ploy which helped them to stand out. Now, however, they just want to finish projects for as cheaply as possible and we're seeing less interest.”

Swedish-based company Swegon supplies chilled beam technology, which is designed to consume less energy when cooling a building down.

Swegon Middle East regional manager Gunnar Svensson promotes the use of these energy saving products through presentations and conferences.

“So far in the region, developers have focused on investment cost but they need to look at life-cycle costs,” he said. “Cheap solutions are being used but they need to think about the long-term affects these systems have on buildings.”

Ramboll also actively encourages environmental building; “We have a whole department that specialises in environmental building and we're always looking a step ahead - not just what's being done now but what can be done next,” Khalil added.

“There's certainly the expertise in the region but most developers just aren't really serious about it.”

Certain construction companies, however, oppose this view and say they are doing what they can to help the environment.

“We have dealings with Unibeton, who are pioneers in green concrete,” insisted Al Fara’a Properties director Natasha Gangaramani.

“We are trying to enhance our knowledge in green technology and give it back to the UAE. A lot of our group companies have the same approach.”