Reducing Global Carbon Emissions – Design Middle East
Embodied carbon and the construction industry’s role in reducing global carbon emissions Reducing Global Carbon Emissions.
BY MATTHEW ANTHONY Associate – Advisory at AECOM
The chances are that you are reading this article on an electronic device rather than in printed form. But which medium produces the least carbon emissions? You may firstly think the electronic device is the least sustainable way to read the article as it requires power to operate, so you may reasonably conclude that the printed matter is responsible for less carbon emissions, however, it is not as simple as that when you consider the embodied carbon. A study by Alma in Finland determined that it takes between 150-190kg of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent, the common scale for measuring the climate effects of different gases) to produce a newspaper or magazine. Apple, the producer of iPads on which millions of publications are read every day, claim that the total lifecycle emissions of a typical model is 130kg CO2e of which only 30% are associated with customer use (iPad Environmental Report, Apple). There are many factors that could influence these findings, such as where the energy is sourced for production and the use of sustainable materials. So, whilst these figures cannot be taken as absolutes, they do provoke holistic thinking about carbon emissions.
It also suggests that whilst the printed media may have zero ‘operational’ emissions, its carbon footprint can be higher than an electronic device. Turning this thinking to the built environment, we know that this sector has an important role to play in reducing global emissions. According to the World Green Building Council and the UN Environment Global Status Report, buildings are currently responsible for 39% of global emissions; 28% from operational emissions from energy required to heat, cool and power them and 11% from materials, construction and maintenance activity. These figures are not likely to decline either. As the world’s population continues to grow, the International Energy Agency predicts that the total global building stock will double by 2050. Plans for action achieving net-zero carbon emissions have been announced by governments and organizations worldwide. However, if these targets are going to be met, the embodied carbon responsible for 11% of global emissions from the construction industry alone must be understood, measured, and minimized where possible.
EMBODIED CARBON IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
The lifecycle carbon impact of a building can be split into four stages: production, construction, operation and end-of-life. The production stage accounts for approximately 33% of a building’s carbon impact and includes the extraction of raw materials, transportation and manufacturing into buildings products. The construction stage accounts for a further 8%, and includes all construction activity, including transport of materials and labor to site, installation and commissioning. This means that before a building is ready for occupation, it has already incurred approximately 41% of the total carbon impact ‘upfront’. During occupation, we enter the operation stage where all direct emissions from energy consumption are incurred, accounting for around 42% of lifecycle carbon impact, with embodied carbon seen in maintenance, repair, refurbishment and asset replacement activity accounting for a further 11%. The remaining 6% of carbon impact is found in the end-of-life stage where demolition, waste processing and disposal is undertaken. The greatest potential for a reduction in the carbon impact of a project is therefore found not only in the operation stage, but in the design stage where upfront carbon can be reduced. Research by C40 Cities, Arup and the University of Leeds suggest ways in which a reduction in embodied carbon can be achieved and highlights the importance of switching to lower carbon materials and using materials more efficiently to reduce the upfront carbon incurred. This can only be substantially achieved with an understanding of a material’s embodied carbon, quantified by an embodied carbon assessment. More general practices during the design stage can be implemented, such as decreasing reliance on duplication in specifications and ensuring buildings are not over-specified either for intended loads or use.
MEASUREMENT CHALLENGES
There is currently a reliance on stated embodied carbon quantification from environmental information on the lifecycle of a product, for which a standardized Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) process has been outlined by the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) in ISO 14025. However, there are several challenges with using EPDs, not least because they are constantly being updated as manufacturing processes and material selections change, resulting in complex and inconsistent databases. Further complications are found in the methodology for creating an EPD, which relies on the definition of the product using appropriate Product Category Rules (PCRs) that use Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies. LCA studies vary in terms of assumptions and considerations depending on the availability of data and can therefore lead to inconsistencies in comparing products that fulfil the same function. Factors such as location, production methods, supply chain conditions and lack of third-party review create additional inconsistencies in EPDs that see various databases being used and no clear benchmark data available.
DEMAND AND PRACTICE IN THE UAE
In the UAE, the Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC) is taking the lead in establishing working groups and raising awareness of embodied carbon in the construction industry, but they acknowledge there is a way to go. The EGBC Embodied Carbon Working Group has been formed to provide useful guidance to the industry with the aim that some legislation may follow to compel the sector to meet targets. While no specific legislation exists, the UAE National Climate Change Plan (2017-2050) and a recent declaration of UAE becoming a net zero carbon country by 2050 – the first Middle East country to make such an announcement – provides a framework to which the issue of embodied carbon cannot be ignored if these targets are to be achieved. The plan itself, which does not explicitly mention embodied carbon, positions the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment as leader in raising awareness in partnership with stakeholders to act. Perhaps the most exciting opportunity to incentivize embodied carbon reduction is found within project financing, where performance against sustainability goals influence the interest rates available and access to loans. Widely referred to as ‘Sustainability Linked Loans (SLL)’ and guided by principles such as those published by the Loan Market Association (Sustainability Linked Loan Principles, May 2021), these financial products reward borrowers for achieving pre-determined sustainability targets, which rely on the ability to measure, quantify and convey performance against them. This way of financing also meets the ESG demands of lenders who are under scrutiny for lending to fossil fuel industries. In the Middle East, Aldar Properties announced in July 2021 that they secured a 300 million AED SLL with HSBC linked to KPIs, becoming the first MENA company to do so.
SUMMARY
Conversations around reducing our carbon impact are usually focused on emissions resulting from direct user activity. We all need to drive and fly less, use less electricity, produce electricity from sustainable sources, recycle and reuse where possible. However, the traditional focus on operational carbon reduction and a misunderstanding of the true impact of embodied carbon remains and needs to be addressed. Direct emissions from any built asset can be roughly equivalent to the embodied carbon incurred ‘upfront’ during the manufacturing and construction phase alone – and continue to be incurred throughout the asset’s lifecycle. The need for the industry to understand, measure and reduce embodied carbon to meet the demands of an informed client is therefore critical to the effort to reduce global carbon emissions if current targets are to be met. Raising awareness of the issue is just the first step
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Saudi developer Dar Al Arkan opens office in China to drive global growth
Dar Al Arkan, the leading real estate company in Saudi Arabia, continues its dynamic growth momentum by announcing the opening of its office in Beijing, China. The announcement is in line with the Dar Al Arkan’s strategic expansion and builds on spreading the leading Saudi Arabian brands globally.
Dar Al Arkan’s Beijing office will serve multiple functions to allow for joint ventures between Dar Al Arkan and leading Chinese real estate developers for the Chinese and the Saudi market, further increasing and facilitate collaboration between Saudi Arabia and China and enhance investment and knowledge sharing opportunities. The office will primarily promote cooperation and partnerships within the real-estate and technology sectors to exchange and implement global best practices in these respective industries
Dar Al Arkan recently appointed Guo Jiancheng as General Manager for Dar Al Arkan’s office in Beijing to lead the company’s operations in China. Following the announcement Jiancheng commented: “Over its 27-year history in Saudi Arabia Dar Al Arkan has pioneered a distinctive approach to development, introduced new technologies, and raised the benchmark for the real-estate and technology sectors in the Kingdom. With this expertise and industry know-how, the company is well-positioned to take this knowledge and creativity to a global level and promote it as best practice. By entering into the Chinese market, Dar Al Arkan is also well positioned to enhance relations between the Kingdom and China across multiple fronts.”
Dar Al Arkan’s office will act as a hub to support Chinese companies and investors seeking expansion, company formation and investment opportunities in the Kingdom. By providing access to required information, permits, legal and financial knowledge, as well as support on partnerships and other requirements, Dar Al Arkan is making entry into the Kingdom more accessible.
Likewise, the office will support Saudi Arabian companies to explore expansion opportunities and gain entry into the Chinese market. Furthermore, will encourage other areas for mutual collaboration, especially in tourism and cultural exchanges.
Starting in 2021, Dar Al Arkan has embarked on a global expansion drive starting with the announcement of its Sidra project in Bosnia last March, followed by the launch of two luxury co-branded towers in the United Arab Emirates in collaboration with luxury fashion brand, Missoni, and hypercar manufacturer, Pagani Automobili, respectively. The company also announced expansion into the Qatari and Omani markets through premium residential and commercial projects.
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Sedar Global X Swarovski’s latest limited-edition pillow collection is all about class and crystals
Sedar Global has collaborated with Swarovski to create a luxury limited edition capsule pillow collection and is ideal for gifting or adding a special touch to home entertaining during Eid celebrations and beyond.
Whether your guests are enjoying al fresco dining on the terrace, a more formal dining occasion inside, or you would just like to add a little light and individuality to your living space. This contemporary yet classic line is inspired by two trending palettes, including comforting earth tones and positive bright colour pops.
Nahel Selo, creative director at Sedar Global comments: “We have teamed up with Swarovski since 2010 to bring unique and fully customisable crystal soft furnishing home accessories to the region and are thrilled to bring this limited-edition pillow capsule collection to our shoppers in time for Eid Al Adha.”
“Our focus was to create a line for those who are still spending more time at home and reflect the increasing desire for shoppers since the pandemic to transform a space through accessories or art alone, whilst incorporating elements of relaxation, recharge and comfort through the designs,” further adds Selo.
This collection made to order and pillows start from AED116. The collection will be available from 18th July 18, 2021, till close of 2021 in Sedar Global stores located in KSA, Bahrain, UAE, Oman, and Qatar and online at www.sedarglobal.com
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Dubai Chamber series highlights global connectivity role of Expo 2020 Dubai
Alex Lecanuet, Regional Manager of Accenture Middle East, shares his expectations for Expo 2020 Dubai, as well as the company’s contribution to the mega-event.
Expo 2020 Dubai, as one of the first global events to be held in the Covid era, creates an exceptional opportunity for people around the world to experience the latest in virtual reality, and connect and collaborate at the hybrid mega-event, Alex Lecanuet, Regional Manager of Accenture Middle East said in a message published as part of the En Route to the Expo video series.
Part of Dubai Chamber’s Business Connect, the video series features industry leaders discussing the array of business focused programmes, services and experiences that Expo 2020 Dubai offers the private sector, governments and individuals around the world.
Developed in collaboration with Entrepreneur Middle East, the En Route to the Expo series provides a platform for public and private sector stakeholders to share their thoughts on what they are expecting from the mega-event, as well as their own contribution to the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.
“I would tell them to come – as simple as that. Come because you have the opportunity to experience the largest post-pandemic hybrid event, combining physical and digital experiences. Come because you will see the world in one incredible destination. This is the first Expo with so many countries represented physically and digitally. Dubai is now the melting pot of the world – this is a unique opportunity to experience the post-pandemic world,” he said.
As part of its role as Official Business Integration Partner for Expo 2020 Dubai, Dubai Chamber is running a series of commerce and trade initiatives throughout the event, including three of its flagship events held as part of its Global Business Forum series, namely GBF Africa, GBF Latin America and the inaugural GBF ASEAN. During the mega-event, the chamber will also co-organise the 12th World Chambers Congress, which is the largest event of its kind, bringing together chamber leaders and representatives from around the world.
“As the first World Expo be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, Expo 2020 is an ideal platform to see the latest innovations and solutions addressing global challenges in the Covid era, while it also offers a glimpse into what business will look like in a post-pandemic world,” said Hassan Al Hashemi, Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chamber.
“As the official business partner to Expo 2020 Dubai, Dubai Chamber will play a pivotal role in creating new connections and fostering cross-border collaboration. The Chamber will provide an ideal platform for UAE companies and their international counterparts to network at its dedicated on-site facility at Expo 2020. In addition, it will host and support several high-profile events during the mega event, which aim to expand Dubai’s economic cooperation with promising markets around the world,” Al Hashemi added.
Videos released as part En Route to the Expo and Business Connect series, can be viewed here, or on the websites and social media channels of Dubai Chamber and Entrepreneur Middle East.
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Ideal Standard’s Joy & Conca from Atelier Collection and Intellimix win global design awards
Ideal Standard’s Joy & Conca, two products from its Atelier Collections and Intellimix have won two coveted international design awards, the Red Dot Award for Product Design 2021 and the iF DESIGN AWARD 2021.
Aesthetically, Joy draws from botanical grafts, with a single cast design ensuring a clean and modern piece that is easy to clean and available in four striking finishes: chrome, silver storm, brushed gold and magnetic grey. The sheer simplicity of Joy makes it extremely versatile, complementing both square and round ceramics and suiting a variety of bathroom styles.
The Conca Ceramics range is part of the wider Conca collection, which includes brassware, furniture and bathtubs.Organic curves and sensual details are central to Conca, with advanced technologies enabling not only new levels of purity in design due to the basin’s thin lines, but also an optimised and environmental conscious use of raw materials.
Roberto Palomba, co-founder of PS+A and Chief Design Officer at Ideal Standard, said: “We are delighted to have won these two very important awards, which recognise the hard work and dedication that has gone into cementing Ideal Standard’s position as a leader in design. These awards encourage us to continue along this path.”
Designed to dispense both soap and water with every use, Intellimix is 100 per cent touch-free, guaranteeing improved hygiene standards in public washrooms. Ideal for offices, leisure facilities and other high-traffic environments, such as shopping centres, hotels and restaurants, the fitting has a clean, modern design and is also environmentally friendly, saving on resources and reducing waste.
Frederick Trzcisnki, Marketing & Innovation Director at Ideal Standard MENA, said: “We are delighted that Intellimix has been recognised by awarding bodies so revered in the design community. For years, these awards have shone a light on the very best in design and we’re proud to be amongst their recipients this year. Now, more than ever, shared spaces need to be designed to protect users’ health and well-being. Winning these awards is a clear acknowledgement that Intellimix represents an important step forward when it comes to raising hygiene standards in public washrooms, while of course improving sustainability and enriching the handwashing experience for end users.”
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Sedar Global opens two new stores in Dubai
Sedar Global launches two new stores at Dubai Festival City and Dubai Festival Plaza respectively after 12 months of record revenue.
Having launched their e-commerce site in February 2020, just before the first worldwide COVID-19 outbreak, Sedar were able to cater to a significant change in consumer behaviour in shopping over the past 12 months. The brand saw a 33% increase in their Whatsapp chat service, which offered a more interactive and visually engaging platform for Sedar customers to purchase products from home. Bringing this demand for autonomy into the new retail stores, interactive screens give visitors the freedom to fully customize and purchase curtains as well as wallpaper, blinds, pillows and folding doors.
The two new retail stores will also showcase stunning SS21 collections from Sedar’s favourite house brands Fujikawa and Marco Polo; as well as internationally renowned brands Missoni Homes, The Versace Home, Armani/Casa, Swarvoski, Somfy and Jannelli & Volpi. While interiors continue on themes for 2020 based around nature, texture and softness, homes in 2021 are set to make an impact, with futuristic styles and sustainable techniques. Another key trend for this year will see homeowners continue to find ways to bring their holidays into their living spaces while travel remains limited for most, this is reflected in an increase of over 300% in Google searches for panoramic or mural living room wallpaper ideas over the past 12 months.
Having spent much of 2020 monitoring consumer trends and customer habits closely, Nahel Selo, creative director at Sedar noted a number of significant findings, which helped to inform Sedar Global’s 2021 strategy and shaped the design set-up of the new Dubai retail stores.
Selo commented: “People didn’t know what to expect in the first wave of the pandemic so were holding off investing in home improvements but as they began to accept working from home as the new normal, we started noticing a 30% increase in sales by September 2020. In addition, we saw an increase in revenue for folding doors because our customers needed their privacy during lockdown to create their own offices and personal spaces.”
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