Polymer developer launches green supplier network
A network of sustainable companies has been established to assist decision makers in the Middle East construction industry
European polymer developer, Bayer MaterialScience has established a network of sustainable services and suppliers designed to promote adoption of green-build practices in the region.
Aiming to enhance the adoption of official green-build regulations, the “eco-commercial building programme” aims to assist designers, developers and engineers in introducing sustainable concepts from the earliest possible point in a project.
The programme was introduced during a roundtable seminar at The Big 5.
Explaining how the programme differs to recently enforced legislation and established codes, managing director Stephan Rosenthal commented: “In the majority of projects that seek LEED ratings, accreditation is sought too late in the day.
“In reality, to achieve such sustainbility, this level of planning should be part of the design conversation; our specialist network will help decision makers achieve this.”
Part of the Bayer Climate Programme, the initiative is already established in Europe, America and China.
According to the firm’s head of programme Dr Thomas Braig, it is a “global initiative which needs to operate to regional and local needs”, promoting “a local supply chain with worldclass scientific solutions.”
Bayer said that current solutions on the market do not combine ecological and economical aspects and are therefore ineffective. The project has been developed in the EcoCommercial Building prototype at Masdar City.
Bayer also operates its Al Falah Ready Mix facility at the Masdar site, to pioneer the development of sustainable building materials. Membership to the programme is held by the United Nations Environment Programme and the US, German, Russian and Emirati Green Building Councils.
“This is an exciting region where we have the opportunity to bring good ideas and valuable solutions to this part of the world and help to meet some of its challenges in this regard.
“We strive to provide solutions to global challenges,” said Rosenthal.
The programme incorporates four elements; the ecology, economy, design and social impact of buildings.
“Construction is a very local market and this programme allows for maximum flexibility to source special market needs. It aims to support decision makers and investors and increase competitiveness across all areas of construction,” said Dr Braig.
“Over the past couple of months we have been building our network here in the Middle East and now we are ready to make a contribution through our joint expertise,” he added.
