DSI wins Most Sustainable Design of the Year

Hussam S. Sbayteh and Ahmad Al Naser from DSI

Drake & Scull International PJSC (DSI) has won the Most Sustainable Design of the Year category at the MEP Awards 2009 for its cutting-edge work at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia.

KAUST is the first LEED-certified project in Saudi history, as well as being the largest LEED Platinum rated project in the world. “This has been a great opportunity for us to get our foot in the door, to demonstrate our capability, to be able to transfer our skills into that market and to help our business grow,” said DSI MEP director Charles Lever.

DSI corporate communications manager Mariana Missakian said the award was a valuable reflection of the company’s commitment to sustainability and its support of the green building agenda, which is expected to receive regulatory legs in Dubai soon.

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Inaugurated in September 2009, KAUST was designed and built to become a major centre for global hi-tech research, housing some of the most advanced research equipment and facilities in the world. In order to assure that the project attained LEED Platinum level, DSI had to eschew conventional design in favour of various engineering solutions, including:

• Designing a system to sustain a lifecycle of 100 years;
• Maximising the efficiency of installed systems and using specific special materials to construct the laboratory buildings;
• Adopting photovoltaics for power generation;
• Installing solar towers and solar water heaters;
• Using low-emission sealants;
• Minimising construction waste; and
• Using recyclable materials whenever possible.

The engineering office of DSI worked out of the Saudi Oger engineering offices in Paris, France to ensure that the designs were finalised as per DSI team input and requirements. “This is a great example of how we engage with our clients to help them derive alternative solutions that might cut costs and boost performance. The award is due recognition of this approach,” said Lever.