By Nidhi DhullReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Aug 7 2024A recent review article published in Sustainability evaluated the usage of sustainable construction materials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A literature survey across the Scopus index was conducted from 2014 to 2024, and the regional regulations were reviewed.
The life cycle of sustainable construction materials. Image Credit https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/15/6565
Background
Global projections indicate a significant rise in building demand by 2050, emphasizing the need for sustainable construction with improved eco-friendliness, quality, and project outcomes. The UAE’s construction industry forms a vibrant and dynamic part of the overall economy. The quality and efficacy of infrastructure often influence the decisions of potential investors.
Apart from its economic significance, the construction industry substantially impacts climate change due to its significant resource consumption. Consequently, the UAE is transitioning towards sustainable construction practices to promote environmentally responsible economic development. It has reconsidered the widely accepted principle of sustainability, the triple bottom line, which extends to social, environmental, and economic aspects.
The UAE aims to foster long-term sustainability with enhanced living standards for current and future generations by integrating social, environmental, and economic aspects within construction projects. This study, therefore, reviewed sustainable construction materials, knowledge, and practices within construction projects in the UAE.
Methods and Materials
The sustainable construction materials in the UAE were studied using the keywords "sustainable building construction materials" across Scopus research data. The retrieved data from 2015 to 2024 were filtered specifically for the UAE region. Other relevant information was gathered from textbooks, magazines, news sources, industry papers, government documents, and reports.
Various definitions of sustainability in construction and their impact throughout a project’s lifecycle were explained. Notably, the UAE categorizes construction materials and essential components sourced from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as regional materials.
The feasibility of integrating permissible waste, recycled, and reusable materials such as manure, silica fume, roofing shingles, citrus peels, cement kiln dust, fly ash, foundry sand, glass, plastic, carpet, tire scraps, and concrete aggregates in construction was explored.
The sustainability of prominent construction materials was evaluated using solar reflective index (SRI), light reflectance value (LRV), and thermal transmittance. Materials containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants, were also analyzed. Other hazardous elements considered in this study included asbestos and lead- or heavy-metal-containing materials.
The UAE has established a sustainable concrete baseline to address the environmental impact associated with concrete. Additionally, regulations have been stipulated to ensure that at least 25 % of timber and timber-related products used in construction projects originate from certified sources. Other internationally recognized schemes adopted in the UAE include the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).
Results and Discussion
The UAE’s sustainable materials sector and sustainable construction industry have grown considerably over the last two decades. However, the transition of the UAE’s construction sector towards sustainability is largely driven by government mandates, necessitating better access to sustainable resources for professionals.
By implementing sustainable practices in construction projects, the building sector can transform from a significant environmental degrader to a facilitator of environmental stewardship. Sustainable construction materials sourced and produced locally reduce transportation distances and vehicular emissions while supporting regional economies. Such materials are well-suited to local climatic conditions, generate negligible or no toxic emissions, and have low maintenance requirements.
Recycling both construction and non-construction waste is considered in the UAE. Construction waste is reduced and reused, while non-construction waste is repurposed as an alternative to conventional construction materials, thereby decreasing landfill waste.
Energy-efficient materials reduce the energy consumption of buildings, as revealed by sustainability metrics such as insulating capability, shading coefficient, solar heat gain, limiting coefficient, and infrared radiation transmission. Additionally, materials with limited VOC content improve indoor air quality, protecting the health of occupants. Water-efficient fixtures with restricted flow rates save both energy and natural resources.
Choosing the right materials during construction defines the structural integrity of the building in terms of sustainability. Eco-friendly materials are preferred for their long-term functional, technical, and financial benefits. Renewable resources emit limited harmful substances, require less energy, and are more thermally efficient and economical than conventional materials.
Conclusion
This review recognized the construction industry’s significant resource consumption and environmental impact, which can be mitigated using sustainable materials and practices. Current sustainability perspectives in the UAE’s construction sector consider regional sourcing, recycling, waste reduction, lifecycle assessments, durability factors, and reusing construction waste.
Other alternative sustainable construction materials include recycled cement blocks and concrete aggregate. These recycled materials significantly reduce environmental impact due to their lower embodied energy and carbon footprint, promoting a circular economy and resource efficiency. Passive strategies like insulation, glazing, and natural ventilation also contribute to reducing buildings’ energy consumption.
Overall, the perspectives on the UAE’s sustainable construction industry presented in this study can serve as a model for other developing nations in the Middle East and beyond.
Journal Reference
Sadar Din, K. M. & Ishak, M. S. (2024). Sustainable Building Construction Materials in the United Arab Emirates: A Review. Sustainability, 16(15), 6565. DOI: 10.3390/su16156565, https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/15/6565
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