The global smart buildings market is poised for solid growth and is expected to increase in value from $96 billion in 2023 to an estimated $408 billion by 2030, said an expert at the ongoing Light + Intelligent Building Middle East expo being held in Dubai.

 

Spanning three halls and denoting a 75% growth in event space and a 128% growth in exhibitor numbers from last year, over 400 international exhibitors will showcase the latest trends, innovations and technologies in the lighting, electrical engineering and smart building sectors during the three-day showcase.

 

The Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, the region’s largest exhibition for lighting and building technology, kicked off yesterday (January 16) and will run until January 18 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

 

The second edition of the Smart Building Summit is also being held on the sidelines of Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, with insights from a range of experts highlighting the potential growth of the industry and the path to creating sustainable smart buildings. 

 

Speaking at the event, Grace Najjar, CEO of Align Management Solutions, said as construction and real estate account for 40% of carbon emissions, government support of sustainable building sectors could save around $4.8 trillion globally over the next three years, and the building sector will see an average CO2 emissions reduction of 6% per year until 2025.

 

"We have a unique opportunity to delve into why the era of smart buildings is upon us and how it is reshaping our environment for the better. Dubai, one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, is home to more than 150 skyscrapers, including the world's tallest building," she stated. 

 

Under Dubai’s Clean energy strategy, the country will produce 75 per cent of its energy from clean energy sources by 2050, noted Najjar. 

 

"Dubai aims to become the city with the smallest carbon footprint in the world. Developing smart and sustainable buildings will be critical to this success," she added.

 

According to her, the Middle East stands out at the forefront of this global shift, with forward-looking cities and countries known for benchmark setting. 

 

"Smart buildings are leaving a positive legacy as they focus on long-term success on wellbeing, technical excellence, ambition, contemporary and flexible design, outstanding innovation, user experience, as well as digitalisation and collaboration," observed Najjar. 

 

Meanwhile, Dr Ali Jassim, Chairperson, Emirates Green Building Council, discussed the path to sustainable smart buildings during the Smart Building Summit opening session at Light + Intelligent Building Middle East. 

 

As well as highlighting their potential to reduce emissions and resource consumption, he also discussed COP28’s role in shaping building regulations.

 

Elsewhere on the Smart Building summit agenda were sessions including Healthy Buildings and Communities Contribute to a Healthier Planet; Smart Cities, Smarter Buildings: Expo City’s Sustainable Development Story; Unleashing the Power of AI in Buildings; Revolutionising Energy Efficiency and Occupant Satisfaction; and Dark and smart cities of North.-TradeArabia News Service