The world is still at the beginning of the eco-construction movement that started in developed countries and gained momentum in the 1970s. And as the world is witnessing an increasing environmental awareness, this might be the norm tomorrow in many other countries.
Khalid Al Ali is one of many Emiratis who is building his own house in Dubai. But he has not incorporated green building solutions into his house in Al Barsha - mainly because, when he was designing his house eight years ago, no-one suggested the idea.
Mr Al Ali is not alone in this. As The National reported yesterday, few Emiratis are including eco-construction when building their homes.An architect at EMSquare Engineering Consultants said that only four of the 180 villas they had built in the UAE implemented some sort of green building solutions.
The UAE ranked third in the latest global ecological footprint chart of the Living Planet Report. The country's per capita environmental footprint is several times higher than the global average. There is a great need for eco-construction to have more efficient architecture that reduces negative impacts on the environment and lower energy consumption, which will help greatly in reducing the ecological footprint.
In the last few years, the government has strongly encouraged green building solutions such as greywater systems, solar panels, and water-flow limiters. It has taken some measures such as introducing renewable-energy targets in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and applying efficiency standards for some air-conditioning units. Abu Dhabi municipality requires all villas to have thermal insulation and solar water heater.
Abu Dhabi has also introduced the Estidama's rating system to ensure the green performance of buildings in design and construction. Since 2010, compliance has been compulsory and all government projects must attain at least a two "pearl" standard (out of a total of five).
This is an important step by the capital to save the environment. But the initiative need to be expanded to the other emirates. And since the high cost prevents many from taking the decision of green sustainable building, authorities can also introduce incentives for individuals to encourage them to consider it when building private homes. Protecting the environment should be a national priority.
The biog
Favourite food: Tabbouleh, greek salad and sushi
Favourite TV show: That 70s Show
Favourite animal: Ferrets, they are smart, sensitive, playful and loving
Favourite holiday destination: Seychelles, my resolution for 2020 is to visit as many spiritual retreats and animal shelters across the world as I can
Name of first pet: Eddy, a Persian cat that showed up at our home
Favourite dog breed: I love them all - if I had to pick Yorkshire terrier for small dogs and St Bernard's for big
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
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NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group C
Liverpool v Napoli, midnight
The specs: 2019 GMC Yukon Denali
Price, base: Dh306,500
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Power: 420hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque: 621Nm @ 4,100rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.9L / 100km
Brief scoreline:
Manchester United 0
Manchester City 2
Bernardo Silva 54', Sane 66'
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
The team
Photographer: Mateusz Stefanowski at Art Factory
Videographer: Jear Valasquez
Fashion director: Sarah Maisey
Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory
Model: Randa at Art Factory Videographer’s assistant: Zanong Magat
Photographer’s assistant: Sophia Shlykova
With thanks to Jubail Mangrove Park, Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi
MATCH INFO
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Ajax v Juventus, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Match on BeIN Sports
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The biog
Hobby: "It is not really a hobby but I am very curious person. I love reading and spend hours on research."
Favourite author: Malcom Gladwell
Favourite travel destination: "Antigua in the Caribbean because I have emotional attachment to it. It is where I got married."
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
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