More and more developers in the UAE are now implementing cutting-edge green building technologies in the construction of super-tall structures thus replacing the conventional architectural styles, said an expert ahead of a major industry event in Dubai.
The Smart Skyscrapers Summit will be held from May 16 to 17 at Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, where construction and engineering specialists from across the globe will debate on the need to develop buildings with sustainable features and green supertall structures.
According to experts, sustainable architecture is vital to green urban planning and building cities of the future and the need of the hour is climate-smart infrastructure.
The UAE is home to some of the most noteworthy and prominent innovative skyscrapers and super-tall structures in the world. While high rise buildings offer an arresting visual, sustainability has become the key factor that is borne in mind while designing buildings, they pointed out.
Across the globe, developers are promoting sustainable growth by incorporating top-of-the line energy efficient technology, solar powered systems, wind turbines and innovative structural techniques that allow natural ventilation, they added.
The most recent addition to the list of sustainable skyscrapers is the recently-opened Shanghai Tower that holds the coveted title of being the world’s second tallest building.
Apart from its height, it is also known for its unique design that enables energy savings of 21-22 per cent over a skyscraper of comparable size, the experts said.
Promoting green or energy-efficient buildings is integral to the surrounding natural environment, they added.
A few months back, US Green Building Council (USGBC) named UAE as one of the top 10 markets for green building space.
According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), UAE hosts over 66 per cent of the total number of skyscrapers in the Middle East region.
With 990 projects, UAE is ranked fifth internationally in terms of Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified and registered projects.
It is a widely used green building rating system globally and achieving the Leed certification is a sustainable goal for organisations.
Indicative of progressive architecture, the UAE has a number of innovatively designed buildings using modern technology that meet the standards of sustainability.
During the summit, Christopher Brown, the design director of global architectural and consulting practice Woods Bagot, will elaborate on the topic of 'Sustainable Innovations in Building Facades, Design & Technology.'
According to him, high-rise buildings, especially commercial buildings consume a significant amount of energy.
It has been reported that buildings contribute over 30 per cent of total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, chiefly through the use of fossil fuels during their operational phase, stated the expert.
To mitigate GHG emissions from buildings, it has become vital to introduce climate-smart infrastructure projects, he added.
