With the aim of dramatically improving the sustainability of the built environment, EHS, the Environment, Health and Safety regulatory arm of Dubai World and Pacific Control Systems LLC (PCS) have joined forces to establish the world class Middle East Centre for Sustainable Development (MCSD). This announcement was made on Thursday (October 25) at a press conference hosted by both companies in Dubai.
The new international centre, the first of its kind in the Middle East, will cater to the needs of Dubai World companies before being rolled out to other businesses in the region to help them obtain ‘Green Building’ certification under the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Rating System aiming at achieving a sustainable green built environment built around a set of core environmental goals.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is the international benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.
Mr. Ahmed Abdul Hussain, CEO of EHS said: “The goal of this centre is to equip companies within Dubai World and other companies at a later stage with the necessary tools to make their premises energy efficient, healthier, and green. Establishing this world class centre plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives of the future generations through providing an environmental friendly setting takes into consideration the dramatic changes of the planet and the finite resources we are facing."
"This announcement is inline with the initiative of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai for sustainable development and with the resolution he issued yesterday, under which all new buildings must meet international guidelines for construction and design from January 2008.
“EHS will be ready with all necessary guidelines, rules and regulations stated in H.H. Sheikh Mohammed’s resolution and will ensure that the Centre highly contributes to the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015. It is the manifestation of our core mission, which is to create and sustain a cleaner, healthier environment, and a more eco-friendly country. With the support of our partners, Pacific Control Systems, we will be doing our part in preserving UAE’s valuable resources, and making them available for future generations. The MCSD, which is a policy certification and research institution, is merely the beginning. More initiatives on these lines will certainly follow," he added.
The Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 places significant emphasis on wise utilisation of resources to build a firm foundation of qualitative and quantitative achievements, forming a fertile environment for sustained growth in the era of globalisation.
Designing, certifying and implementing development projects will no longer be three different processes for EHS clients because via the green house building concept EHS will provide a whole package of services to the clients.
Mr. Dilip Rahulan, Chairman and CEO of Pacific Controls Systems (PCS) said: “With the increase in the number of green companies in the market, and the public’s growing awareness of global warming, rising energy costs, and health related issues, we can’t stress more on the importance of such issues. The real estate market in UAE and the region is exponentially growing and it is crucial to cope to this growth with the right greening rules and practices."
"The establishment of The Middle East Centre for Sustainable Development is a historic event, which marks the beginning of a new era in development in the Middle East. Pacific Controls Systems is committed to making MCSD the focal point of all future sustainable development initiatives, which will put Dubai on the global map in regard to environment protection and energy efficient practices,” he added.
“MCSD shall establish benchmarks and guidelines that will assist all developers in the region to adapt to sustainable development guidelines, establishing a fresh approach to regional development,” he said.
The Centre will be a focal point for sustainable development in the Middle East. Various initiatives with like-minded organisations throughout the region will result in major gains in reduction of energy consumption, and carbon emissions. The Centre will put guidelines, technical support and Green Certification within the reach of all interested parties that wish to progress on sustainable development projects in the region.
Pacific Controls’ five-storey solitary structure at TechnoPark, which was inaugurated on October 24, stands out as one of the most intelligent buildings in the world. It is globally one among only 16 such structures that has earned the enviable LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum rating. LEED is a universally accepted benchmark developed under the LEED Certification Programme of the United States Green Building Council for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.
Mr. Hussain concluded: “Sustainable green building concept is becoming increasingly imperative for companies in the Middle East as they seek to maintain the environmental resources. While construction activities in the region are increasing, enrolment to this concept will expand remarkably. We are aware that demonstrating our commitment to green through sustainable buildings can inspire other companies in the industry to adopt similar measures via this world class centre”.
