Construction Week Riyadh

CONFERENCE SUMMARY OF THE CONSTRUCTION WEEK ‘BUILDING SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY INTO THE MIDDLE EAST’

The 2011 Building Sustainability & Security in the Middle East Conference saw more than 100 senior construction professionals gather at the Radisson Blu in Riyadh to hear about best practice for reducing energy consumption throughout the lifecycle of a building. Three main themes were tackled; security, sustainable construction and infrastructure.

The event opened with a discussion on the real estate market, looking at the outlook for residential and commercial property, and whether the emphasis on new developments needs to be balanced with upgrading of existing neighbourhoods.

The rest of the morning focused on security, with presentations and panel discussions devoted to access control and building management. The need for security of construction sites from development stage to handover was the topic of much discussion, and an area where it was recommended that contractors in the Kingdom concentrate their attention.

The main topic of discussion throughout the day was how sustainable construction methods can be implemented without additional cost. There seems to be a gradual shift towards the acceptance of sustainable as a potential cost saver. Securing the supply of the Kingdom’s natural resources was also a hot topic, with many voicing their concerns that without the construction industry taking a leading role, securing the supply of water and energy will be compromised in the future.

Improving infrastructure is a major focus for the Government of Saudi Arabia, and the afternoon was dedicated to this issue, discussions ranged from railways and roads, through to airports and sewerage networks.

The 2011 Building Sustainability & Security in the Middle East Conference provided a platform for contractors, developers and architectural consultants to share ideas on how sustainable construction practices can be improved, network with their peers, and meet vendors whose products and services can help them achieve green objectives.

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KEY SPEAKERS

The speaker line-up for the Building Sustainability & Security in the Middle East Conference comprised an impressive mix of 25 experienced construction and real estate professionals.

Speakers and panellists included:

• John Spiers, Executive Board Member, Hyder Consulting
• John Harris, Country Head, Jones Lang LaSalle
• Shadi A. Noori, Telecom Manager, Inma Trading
• Raed Omari, IT Senior Specialist (PNUW), CCC
• Tony Marshallsay, Chief Mechanical Engineer, Omrania
• Whysal Haddad, LEED In-Charge, Saudi Bin Ladin Group
• Jacob Kurek, Principal, (Middle East), Partner, HenningLarssen
• Douglas Quade, KSA Market Development Director, Parsons
• Geoff Leffek, Regional Rail Director (MENA), Hyder Consulting
• Stuart Arndt, Country Manager – Saudi Arabia, EC Harris
• Ed Mayer, Managing Director, FXFowle
• Desmond Pike, Project Director (CMA Tower), Cyril Sweett
• Ramzi Nawfal, Regional Director (KSA), Cyril Sweett
• Khaled Awad, Founder, Grenea
• Sultan Faden, Founder, Saudi Green Building Council
• Heath Anderson, Director, Ramboll
• Phil Dalglish, Regional Director, Buro Happold
• Steven Miller, Director, Managing Director and Architect, Planning and Design Consultants Ltd