SageGlass has won The Big 5 2016’s Gaia Award for the most innovative green construction product in the Middle East, which recognises efforts to create a more sustainable built environment.
An electronically tintable, dynamic glass that prevents heat and glare, increases occupants’ comfort, optimizes daylight while maintaining the view to the outdoor, SageGlass was selected as the winner by a panel of industry experts headed by Dr. Alaa K. Ashmawy, professor of Civil Engineering and Dean of the School of Engineering at AUD.
SageGlass can reduce energy consumption up to 20% and is a sustainable solution that contributes to LEED certification points, said a representative from SageGlass while receiving the award at the Big 5 Gaia Awards forum in Dubai’s World Trade Centre. “In 2015 we started working on the first project in the Middle East and the Gaia Awards is our first recognition in the region; I am truly happy of this achievement,” he added.
Gaia Awards judging panel member Mario Seneviratne, who is managing director of Green Technologies, said: “The Gaia Awards are a platform to identify sustainable products in the Middle East. The UAE is one of the top 10 markets for green building space according to US Green Building Council, and Dubai ranks eighth in Solidiance’s list of top-10 global cities for green buildings.”
Josine Heijmans, Big 5 event director, said that with the UAE’s and region’s focus on delivering sustainability in construction, it was important to choose sustainability as a key theme at this year’s event.
“It’s with this backdrop that the Gaia Awards are more relevant than ever. Visitors to The Big 5 are constantly looking for innovative products that are environmentally friendly and the Gaia Awards helps us uncover these products and technologies and share them with the construction and design industry,” she added.