Green buildings market to drive region’s economy
The Middle East will eventually take Europe’s sustainability lead, says World Business Council
The green building market will be the next major economic driver in the region, according to World Business Council for Sustainable Development co-chair Constant Van Aerschot.
Speaking at a conference at The Big 5, Van Aerschot, who is also director of French company LaFarge, said the scale of retrofits required in the market is “not overwhelming but a chance for job creation and economic growth.
“It’s the next growth engine, which needs to be filled by all construction industry professionals, not only the architects or material suppliers, but everyone,” he added.
LaFarge invests 170 million euros (US $226 million) annually into sustainable research and development projects and owns the largest building research facility in the world.
Up to 10 years ago, the company also made a commitment to reduce its carbon emissions by 20%, in conjunction with the WWF.
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$226m
LaFarge
The amount invested in green research
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Saying end users, developers, designers and the authorities all need to increase their demand for green-build solutions; he added that the Middle East will eventually take Europe’s lead, once technology and practices are better established.
“Europe is leading the way in this because their regulations are more developed and building users’ awareness is better.
“For example, recycling in Europe is now extremely common, you see recycling bins everywhere. In a few years the Middle East will be the same,” he explained.
