Dubai, UAE: According to Imdaad, the GCC region is continuing to bolster its smart building solutions sector with the implementation of strict environmental regulations, such as the Abu Dhabi International Building Code (ADIBC) and Dubai’s recently launched Green Building rating system, Al Safat .

As per a recent report, the international smart building market, the company said, is expected to touch USD 36,398.7 million by 2020 from USD 7,260 million in 2015, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38%.

The United Arab Emirates, the company claimed, is leading the way in the collaboration with more than two-thirds of the 1,236 Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)-certified projects, and is reportedly the front-runner in the region in implementing unified building codes for new buildings. It added that it has been made compulsory for all projects in the Emirate to adhere to ADIBC standards since 2014.

The company explained that in the Al Safat system, every building constructed in the Emirate after 2014, has to adhere to the minimum Bronze requirement to receive a permit, with facilities being certified under other such categories as Platinum, Gold and Silver, as well.

The new building codes, the company highlighted, not only support Dubai EXPO 2020’s theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ through ‘Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability’ but also facilitate Dubai’s move towards becoming a smart city and complements Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050.

Citing a recent study by technology firm Honeywell International, Imdaad said that the Middle East’s average smart building score is 48 out of 100, with Doha leading with 70 points, followed by Dubai at 65 and Abu Dhabi at 48. Elaborating further, it said that the survey also reported that airports in the region have a score of 80 while hotels are second at 57, followed by hospitals at 56 and retail at 52. Those with the lowest average scores are private offices at 46, high-rise residential buildings at 45 and educational facilities at 41, added the company.

“Initially, building owners were not aware of the numerous benefits of smart building technologies, such as energy efficiency, building longevity, and enhanced living experiences for residents,” said Jamal Abdullah Lootah, CEO of Imdaad. “Moreover, due to a lack of incentives and the cost involved, even facilities management (FM) companies were not enthusiastic to adopt energy saving solutions. However, the implementation of the new codes in the UAE have brought about a definite change in the mind-set of people, including our clients who have started requesting for green building solutions.”