Greener products for the construction industry

Mr. Laith Haboubi,Business Development Director, Mapei (UAE)

The United Arab Emirates is one of the largest economies in the Middle East. The country has seen heavy investment in the construction industry in recent years, making it the largest construction market in the GCC in 2008, with 20.3% of the total industry in the region. However , it carries growing environmental concerns. With alarming levels of carbon emissions and global warming, countries across the region are aggressively pursuing strategies to curb the production of refuse and waste material.

While many manufacturing industries are contributing towards waste production, the construction industry is leading the way with estimated 66 million tonnes of waste materials produced annually, accounting for 55% of the total 120 million tonnes of waste generated within the region. Hence, this industry, by far, is the largest contributor to the growing refuse figures in the GCC region.

Wi th such concerns calling for stringent actions , Mapei has been developing and supplying eco-friendly construction products and materials which not only curb the production of building refuse but also improve on-site installation efficiency. Leading global manufacturer of adhesives, sealants and chemical materials for buildings, Mapei is represented in the UAE by its subsidiary Innovative Building Solutions L.L.C.

Building environment-friendly structures

Mapei has been involved in some of the most prestigious projects such as the Atlantis Hotel, the Emirates Palace Hotel, Burj Al Arab, Dubai International Airport, Qasr El Sarab and Burj Khalifa, the world''s tallest building, amongst others. Burj Khalifa, standing at over 828 metres opened to spectacular fireworks giving UAE the honour of hosting the world''s tallest free-standing structure. With massive surplus funds, the country''s capital is not far behind. Abu Dhabi recently inaugurated Ferrari World, the Ferrari themed amusement park at the grand Yas Island which is home to Formula Rossa, the world''s fastest roller coaster. Yas Island also features the Yas Marina Circuit, which held the prestigious Formula One race, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, weeks back.

The construction industry while giving UAE a new dimension, has also burdened it with grave environmental concerns. Construction waste is detrimental since it contains byproducts that cause soil and water pollution. To foster a "greener building" concept and minimise the environmental impact of using building material, non-toxic substances and furnishings such as low and/or zero volatile organic compound paints and sealants need to be used.

Mapei has always given its environmental responsibilities priority. Securing €1.7 billion in sales for 2009, About 70% of its annual R&D budget, which sums up to $105.5 million, is deployed for developing sustainable and environment-friendly products, supporting the local government''s policies on environmental protection.

"Mapei''s commitment to environmental protection is very clear and focused; we believe that the industry in general needs to contribute more in promoting and encouraging sustainable products and practices. We will continue to develop and deploy environmental friendly products and materials which would help minimise the environmental impact of the construction industry in the Middle East," said Mr. Laith Haboubi, Business Development Director.

Mapei products are developed in compliance with global standards. It follows ISO 13007 for tile adhesives and grouts, EN13813 for screeds and self leveling compounds and EN1504 for concrete repair materials. Mapei''s locally produced materials also hold the GEV EMICODE certification for low and very low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions while the company has included antimicrobial agents inNike news