THE UAE is hosting COP28, where the emphasis is on Global Stocktaking in the context of greenhouse gas emissions. Does the building construction industry – MEP industry, including – need to do its own form of stocktaking, or self- auditing, to ascertain whether it is substantially improving energy efficiency in Existing Buildings and New Construction or not?

Absolutely, the emphasis on Global Stocktaking in the context of greenhouse gas emissions at COP28
is a critical call to action for industries worldwide, including the building construction sector, encompassing

MEP services. As a company deeply embedded in this industry, we recognise the need for our own form of stocktaking and self-auditing, such as assessment of current practices, energy audits for Existing Buildings, integrating sustainable design principles, lifecycle assessments, employee training and awareness, collaboration with stakeholders and integration of technology.

In essence, COP28’s emphasis on global stocktaking aligns with our commitment to self-auditing
and continuous improvement. By scrutinising our practices and proactively seeking ways to enhance energy efficiency in Existing Buildings and New Constructions, we not only contribute to global sustainability goals but also position ourselves as leaders in an industry that is pivotal to mitigating climate change.

Broadly speaking, what does COP28 mean to you as the leader of a company offering a bouquet of building-related engineering services, inclusive of civil, structural and MEP?

For our company, COP28 underscores the growing importance of incorporating sustainable and environmentally friendly practices into our engineering services. As the world intensifies its efforts to combat climate change, the construction and engineering industry plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable design, reducing the carbon footprint and enhancing energy efficiency.

As an engineering firm, what unique approaches are you adopting to improve energy efficiency and, at the same time, address the need for better Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?

As a company, we adhere to the need for integrating Green Building practices. We emphasise the integration of green building practices in our designs, ensuring that structures are energy efficient, utilise renewable resources and minimise environmental impact.

We also are keen proponents of renewable energy solutions. We actively promote the incorporation of renewable energy solutions in our MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) designs to reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources and contribute to a cleaner environment. We are also very particular about using sustainable materials and sustainable construction methods in civil and structural engineering projects, considering lifecycle assessments and environmental impacts.

Yet other key components in our projects are adaptation and resilience. We assiduously address climate change adaptation and resilience in our engineering plans, recognising the importance of designing structures that can withstand changing environmental conditions.

We also are fastidious about regulatory compliance. We regard it as crucial to stay abreast of evolving environmental regulations and standards that will result from COP28, ensuring that our engineering services align with the latest requirements and contribute to global sustainability goals.

Just when we were thinking that COVID-19 is largely a thing of the past, there has been a spike in infections in some pockets of the world. As an engineering firm, do you have a strategy in place
to minimise the spread of bio- aerosols in the built environment, thus lowering the possibility of infection in the event of another pandemic?

We certainly do. The resurgence of COVID-19 and the ongoing global concerns about pandemics highlight the importance of proactive strategies in the built environment. As an engineering firm, we prioritise the health and safety of occupants, and to that effect we have implemented the following comprehensive strategies to minimise the spread of bio-aerosols and enhance infection prevention in our projects:

Ventilation systems and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): We focus on optimising ventilation systems to ensure adequate air exchange rates, filtration efficiency and ventilation rates per person. We ensure the installation of high-quality air filters to capture bio-aerosols, and we adhere to industry standards for IAQ.

 Advanced HVAC technologies:We explore and integrate advanced HVAC technologies that promote air purification and disinfection. This includes UV-C germicidal lamps, HEPA filters and other technologies designed to eliminate or reduce airborne pathogens.

Design for social distancing: In our designs, we consider spatial layouts that facilitate social distancing measures. This involves thoughtful space planning to reduce congestion, and allow for safe distancing in various environments, from offices to public spaces.

Touchless systems and automation: The incorporation of touchless systems and automation is a key element of our strategy. This includes touchless entry systems, automated doors and sensor-based technologies to minimise physical contact with surfaces that could harbour pathogens.

Flexible and resilient design: We prioritise flexibility and resilience in our designs to adapt to changing circumstances. This includes the ability to quickly reconfigure spaces to accommodate social distancing requirements or other health protocols.

Collaboration with health experts: We maintain a collaborative approach with health experts to stay informed about the latest developments and recommendations related to infection control. This ensures that our strategies are aligned with current scientific understanding.

Employee training and awareness: Our team is regularly trained on best practices for infection prevention and control. This includes understanding the principles of bio-aerosol transmission and the proper use of personal protective equipment, when necessary.

By integrating these measures in our projects, we aim to create built environments that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also prioritise the wellbeing of occupants. Our strategy reflects a commitment to public health and safety, with the agility to respond to evolving challenges, including the potential for future pandemics.

The building industry is embracing digitalisation like never before. How can Building IoT and AI improve civil, structural and MEP functions?

In our company, embracing Building IoT and AI has revolutionised civil, structural and MEP functions. IoT sensors offer real-time data on structural integrity, occupancy and energy usage, enabling predictive maintenance and the optimising of resource allocation. AI enhances design processes, automating complex calculations and simulations. This synergy improves efficiency, sustainability and overall project performance.

What specific strategies are you adopting to offer your engineering expertise across the GCC region – particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has rapidly become the hotbed of construction activity?

In expanding our engineering expertise across the GCC, with a focus on Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning construction sector, we prioritise strategic partnerships with local firms, stay abreast of evolving regulations and tailor our solutions to meet the specific needs of the region. This includes leveraging advanced technologies, fostering local talent and ensuring that our projects align with the Kingdom’s vision for sustainable and innovative development.

How have you scaled up as a company, in terms of human resources, to grow your business more rapidly across the GCC region, especially Saudi Arabia?

To accelerate growth in the GCC region, particularly Saudi Arabia, we’ve strategically expanded our human resources by hiring local talent, fostering a dynamic workplace culture and investing in continuous training programmes. This approach ensures we have the expertise and agility to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving construction landscape in the region.

What is it that sets you apart as an engineering firm, besides the fact that you offer the entire gamut of building engineering verticals? What is your business philosophy, and how does it allow you to differentiate yourself from the competition?

Our differentiator lies in not just offering comprehensive building engineering services but in our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Our business philosophy revolves around client collaboration, cutting-edge technology integration and a relentless pursuit of eco-friendly solutions.
This approach not only sets us apart but positions us as industry leaders dedicated to shaping a sustainable and resilient future.