Environmental Issues Facing the Construction Industry in the Middle East

Wherever they are located, construction industries will always face the issue of environmental factors and the way in which they are affected due to construction work. Nowhere more so, however, than in the Middle East. Due to the increasing importance being put upon environmental and sustainability issues across the Middle East (areas such as Bahrain, in particular), the construction industry is now looking to ensure that greater emphasis is placed on both the assessment and management of the risks associated with environmental liability.

 

Think fast.

In order to mitigate – or ensure effective management of – environmental liability, it is essential, firstly, that consideration is given to potential environmental factors as early on as possible. Sufficient assessment of environmental risk from the offset ensures that you are in the best possible position to face – and react to – environmental issues further down the line. Furthermore, it demonstrates essential professionalism and promotes the idea that Middle Eastern construction companies are, indeed, on par with those around the world – supported by activity such as the newly adopted Part E building regulations.      

 

Time to go green?

Mario Seneviratne, Director of Dubai-based Green Technologies, has said that if Middle Eastern industries embrace 'green building' technologies instead of conventional ones, they could "significantly help in tackling environment problems in addition to long-term financial returns". With this in mind, it is essential for construction firms to start considering the most eco-friendly ways to build, thus reducing their environmental impact and, potentially, seeing higher long-term ROI. Notably, Middle Eastern countries – and the construction firms within them - appear to be responding favourably to the idea of going green with countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia becoming members of the WorldGreen Building Technology Council (WGBC) that looks to ‘facilitate the global transformation of the building industry towards sustainability through market driven mechanisms’. However, the concept that greener buildings inevitably mean more costly buildings is still a myth that many firms need to dispel; with green technology increasingly becoming widely available and, more importantly, usable, it should not be long before more construction firms are open to the possibility of going green. 

Middle East Adopt Part-E Building Regulations

The Middle East has recently adopted the Part-E building code relating to noise control in buildings for residential use, as currently used in England and Wales. The regulation applies to any kind of building used as a dwelling, including houses, apartments and rooms for residential purposes, such as student and nurse accommodation, nursing homes and hotels.  The regulation is designed to protect residents from noise in other rooms or adjoining property, which has been recognised as a major cause of tension between residents. The regulation also extends to school buildings.

It’s essential to note the benefits that will arise from this adoption; ultimately, the regulation helps to provide safer residential buildings across the Middle East. More specifically, however, the building code ensures that all companies are compliant, providing their clients – and potential clients – with the knowledge that the company adheres to the strictest building regulations. It is no secret that, in the past, the Middle East has received a lot of negative press with regards to building regulations and soundproofing – you only had to turn on a radio or open a newspaper to discover the latest bout of complaints referring to noisy neighbours and paper-thin walls. Fortunately, however, in the past few years, companies have started to take note and implement the soundproofing changes and regulations that were long overdue.  The adoption of the Part-E building code is merely the icing on the cake; the assurance that all companies will be up to the same standard.

There are, however, disadvantages that arise with the new regulations. Whilst it is, of course, an advantage (and a necessity) to be compliant, the journey to reach that compliance may be tricky for many companies; consider, for example, the extensive work that will have to be carried out to ensure that all products and services are in line with the new regulations, or the concern that may arise from clients with regards to whether they are compliant or not. Regupol Acoustics Middle East is proud to be fully compliant already and looks to support all clients with knowledge and advice on the new regulations.

So, the road to compliance may not be an easy one – as with anything that’s worth doing, it will, undoubtedly, require effort and time. The results, however, will be massively beneficial – to all relevant companies, clients and the reputation of the Middle East.