An Exclusive Interview With Speaker Of Big 5 Exhibition Engi Jaber


Interviewee
Engi Jaber
Architect/Sustainability Programme Specialist
Dewan Architects & Engineers


Standfirst
 

Engi Jaber will speak on day 2 of the Sustainable Design & Construction Conference, held on 18-19 November, as part of this years The Big 5. She will address issues such as designing, constructing and operating sustainable buildings and master plans for infrastructure, cities and communities; regenerating existing facilities to meet new sustainability standards; and re-defining smart sustainable built environments. Jaber was part of the project team that delivered the Premier Inn Hotel in Abu Dhabi, the first hotel to receive a two-Pearl Estidama certification in its category.

Pull quotes

The good thing is the market started off with very little that was green, but now we find that we can actually get more from within the region, rather than importing it, which saves costs and time. We are actually at the stage where we can do green buildings with a conventional budget.

As the years pass, we now hear developers wanting to exceed the minimum requirements because they became more educated about the topic and have, to a certain extent, witnessed the savings and returns of their investment, so the fear is now gradually disappearing from the market.

Body copy

Why do you take the time and energy required to give conference presentations?

As someone who's dedicated to the cause of sustainability, its always a pleasure to raise awareness. Conferences are the best place to meet people who are like-minded and interested in the subject.

They are there to understand more about sustainability in the region and learn what they can do to help their projects become sustainable.

It is also about people getting to know our company and the efforts that we make in our projects.

Since you first spoke about sustainability at a conference, have you seen an increase in audience knowledge?

Yes. At my first conference, people were vague about sustainability. But with all the regulations that have come out over the last few years, its now a group of people who have become more aware. Nowadays, even if you get technical, people understand what you are talking about and if they dont, they come up afterwards and ask.

How do you see the state of sustainable building?

Its growing positively, as people are becoming more aware. It started with Estidama as a mandatory requirement. On our first project it was difficult to get everyone on the same table and satisfy them that, beyond it being mandatory, it is actually beneficial to create a green building.

The good thing is that the market started off with very little that was green, but now we find that we can actually get more products from within the region, rather than importing it, which saves on time and costs.

When do you think it became possible to develop green buildings within a conventional budget?

I think it was when people really understood the concept behind sustainability, rather than treating it as a set of add on criteria. Of course, the availability of materials played a role, but it was mainly when people understood the concept of an integrated approach; how we can actually design and construct within a budget, rather than going through the conventional method of building, then doing value engineering.

How have changes in the regulatory environment made the creation of sustainable projects such as the Premier Inn possible?

When you talk about sustainability, you get different opinions from key industry developers and decision makers. Some pro- and some anti-sustainability. Not because they dont believe in its benefits, but because cost is the key driver.

Therefore, when given the option whether to deliver a sustainable development or not, the tendency was to skip it. When Estidama and other regulatory authorities mandated sustainability, everyone was forced to deliver green buildings.

 

Now we get contractors who are willing to do more than their scope, in order to achieve a higher level rating. Developers want to exceed the minimum requirements because they are more educated about sustainability and have witnessed the savings and returns on their investment.

Sustainability is on the rise, not because of regulatory compliance, but because people are convinced that it is well worth their investment.

How has the supplier sector responded to his change?

Since all projects have to meet the regulations, the supply market expanded and a new segment of green product lines is now available.

I recall our first Estidama project where we, the consultant, were asking for products that the suppliers just couldnt deliver easily. Now, especially with strides made by large construction exhibitions such as The Big 5 Show to bring more sustainable products into the market, we can practically call up any supplier and they would be able to communicate on the same level and provide you with materials that meet your needs, if not exceed them.

Why do you think people are looking to exceed the regulatory minimums?

Some are boldly trying to state that they are developing green projects, rather than being interested in sustainability.

But the tendency is heading more toward people who are actually interested in sustainable projects and what they do for the environment. These are the ones who are really committed. They are the ones who come in wanting more than the mandatory requirement. Even if they dont go for certification, they want a green building for operational reasons: healthy environment, efficient systems, et cetera.

How do you think things will changes over the coming years?

Because people are becoming more open to the idea of sustainability, we will find a lot of the optional credits will become mandatory. I believe we will see more requirements and the regulations will become more stringent. 

Since we were able to achieve Estidama - which is tougher than LEED on energy and water consumption - people are realising that, even if regulatory requirements are increased, people will still be eager to do it, because at the end of the day, everyone benefits.


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