Gulf Construction Online - Saudi building sector urged to go greener

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Robinson ... aiming to construct sustainable building envelopes.

Saudi building sector urged to go greener

01 February 2020

Hydro Building Systems Middle East recently hosted a conference in the Saudi capital Riyadh to discuss building solutions in compliance with Saudi Building Code that will help position the kingdom as a leader in green buildings.

A provider of Technal systems, Hydro Building Systems said the event saw industry leaders from the building and construction sector highlight the need to lower its carbon footprint in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Speakers from Zaha Hadid Architects, Kuraray Europe, Hydro Building Systems Asia, KEO International, Priedemann Facade Experts, AGC Obeikan Glass and Jotun Powder Coatings discussed key issues such as energy efficiency and conservation which is essential for economic growth.

They also put the spotlight on how sustainable building designs and construction materials will boost the kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to generate 30 per cent of the total energy required through renewable resources.

The conference addressed the transition of cities into ‘sustainable cities’ of tomorrow.

Sam Robinson, managing director, Middle East and India, Hydro Building Systems Middle East, said: “With the mega trillion-dollar construction activities expected in the region in the coming years, sustainable construction practices and materials will be the driver for a safe carbon-free future. Our goal is to construct sustainable building envelopes, in compressed urban spaces, where more people will live per square km.”

One of the highlights of the conference was the launch of Hydro Circal, a revolutionary aluminium alloy with more than 75 per cent end-of-life recycled aluminium.

Using Hydro Circal aluminium alloy for building facades helps to reduce the carbon footprint by 50 per cent and this supports sustainability demands of Saudi Vision 2030, he said.

Dr Werner Jager, the director of marketing and technology, Hydro Building Systems, said: “Use of recycled aluminium for windows, doors and curtain-walls will reduce the carbon footprint of buildings. Today, the building skin just reduces the impact of the exterior climate on the interior climate conditions, by acting mainly as a separation layer. In the future, it can, also, minimise the environmental impacts of the urban ambient areas, by active and passive design measures and products.”

“Today’s building envelopes should also be designed to face threats such as fire, blast and ballistic attacks. Security for end users is of prime importance in today’s buildings. The building envelope of tomorrow will become a ‘connecting layer, providing a link between the interior and exterior whenever possible and truly enriching the ‘user living experience’ in buildings,” he added.

Fabian Hecker, the senior associate at ZHA, talked about the importance of sustainability in architecture.

Sandro Casaccio, Kuraray Europe, discussed climate change, harsh weather and improving safety. KEO International’s senior sustainability manager Francis Porter highlighted the latest technological developments in façades; while Micha Pawelka, managing director of Priedemann Facade Experts, spoke about the challenges of implementing sustainable façade solutions.

Nikolay Kolomiychenko, managing director of AGC Obeikan Glass, highlighted the importance of ensuring energy efficiency; and Essam Aridi, country sales manager, Jotun Powder Coatings spoke about latest powder coating technologies.