Construction

The Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) is using its 20-year legacy to spearhead the next chapter of sustainable development within the nation's built environment as the United Arab Emirates accelerates its ambitious journey towards achieving Net Zero by 2050.

The Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) is using its 20-year legacy to spearhead the next chapter of sustainable development within the nation's built environment as the United Arab Emirates accelerates its ambitious journey towards achieving Net Zero by 2050

Recently, the Council hosted an anniversary gala, ‘Celebrating 20 Years of Sustainable Impact’. This milestone event brought together industry pioneers, partners, and government leaders to commemorate two decades of landmark achievements. The gathering launched a renewed mission that focuses entirely on future-proofing buildings across the UAE for a resilient, decarbonised world.

Driving environmental transformation

As a cornerstone of the UAE's sustainable building movement, the Council is doubling down on its commitment to drive environmental transformation. With the building sector currently causing a significant portion of the country's carbon emissions, EmiratesGBC's future focus plays a critical role in meeting national climate goals. The organisation's work will drive the deep retrofitting, new construction standards, and circular economy principles that the UAE needs to successfully achieve its Net Zero by 2050 ambition.

Khalid Bushnaq, chairman of EmiratesGBC, emphasised the urgency of this new chapter: “The immediacy of our climate goals means sustainability no longer serves as a luxury or an afterthought, but as a core responsibility we owe to the world and future generations. We feel immensely proud of the foundational role EmiratesGBC has played, but the challenge ahead requires us to act bolder. Our focus remains squarely on the future, as we ensure the built environment enables an equitable and sustainable life for all.”

Expanding the conversation

EmiratesGBC used the event to announce the upcoming launch of ‘The Sustainability Lounge’ to actively accelerate public engagement in this vital mission. EmiratesGBC designed this new podcast series to extend the critical conversation surrounding sustainability beyond industry professionals. This initiative will bring important discussions about green buildings and sustainable living directly to the people who live and work in these spaces, making the wider public active participants in the sustainability journey.

Two decades of impact

Two decades of foundational achievements solidly support EmiratesGBC’s forward-looking mission. Since its inception in 2006, when the World Green Building Council recognised it as the eighth green building council, EmiratesGBC has acted as a pivotal force.

Key historical milestones include:

• Regional Leadership: The Council’s instrumental role in establishing the WorldGBC MENA Network, alongside launching the respected MENA Green Building Awards, has firmly solidified its leadership position.
• Regulatory Influence: Furthermore, EmiratesGBC has played an instrumental role in shaping the UAE’s broader regulatory landscape over the years.
• Policy Development: Its collaborative work alongside major governmental bodies—including the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and Dubai's Supreme Council of Energy—has produced tangible policies. These successes include national retrofitting guidelines and vital energy benchmarking frameworks.

During her keynote address, Dr Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder, Vice Chair, and Treasurer of EmiratesGBC, noted the Council's pivotal role in decisively shifting sustainability from a niche concept to a core industry principle. She stated that EmiratesGBC fundamentally changed the conversation around green buildings in the UAE, marking its greatest achievement. Looking ahead, she called for continued collaboration to build resilient, regenerative communities for future generations.

A collaborative future

Outlining the Council's strategy, EmiratesGBC chief executive officer, Abdullatif Albitawi, commented: “Our role as a convener remains more critical than ever. We are creating the platforms where we forge the solutions for our Net Zero ambitions. The MENA Green Building Awards will continue to spotlight the tangible innovations our region can produce, while our Annual Congress will provide the space where the industry collaborates, challenges, and learns, ensuring we all leave better equipped to build the future.”

Arabian Gulf Steel Industries provided Platinum Sponsorship for the 20th-anniversary celebration, which served as the official launchpad for an intensified focus on the future, reaffirming shared commitments to meeting the UAE's ambitious climate targets.

Modern safety tech now includes obstacle detection systems, reversing alarms, and mobile digital recorders (MDRs).

Construction machinery is no longer just about the brute force required to complete strenuous labour.

Today, intelligent construction equipment possesses the technological 'brains' to help work crews operate more efficiently and safely. This advancement significantly relieves the immense pressure often placed on stressed or inexperienced workers.

Dana Wuesthoff, show director for CONEXPO-CON/AGG, highlighted, “The amount of equipment that's designed to be more intuitive and easier to operate, and sometimes even capable of thinking and acting on its own, continues to grow at a rapid pace,”

This evolution extends far beyond core machinery like excavators and wheel loaders. Specialised plant such as pavers, support equipment like mobile generators, and safety systems are now being engineered with smart features to make daily operations smoother.

Adapting to changing conditions on site

One of the most significant challenges construction crews face is managing constantly fluctuating jobsite environments. Paving contractors, for instance, require highly adaptable machinery to keep up with shifting operational parameters.

As one industry expert noted regarding the demands placed on paving machinery:

“Paving contractors need a machine that will stand up to the rigorous demands of their projects, and also be capable of meeting the strict concrete consolidation specs demanded by owners.”

To address varying owner specifications, Metal Forms has developed a roller screed featuring hydraulic vibrators. This innovation makes it remarkably easy to adjust spacing on the fly. A digital display allows operators to closely monitor vibrator output and depth, ensuring proper concrete consolidation throughout the programme.

Similarly, mobile generators are deeply impacted by changing power demands throughout the day. Frequent periods of underloaded operation mean the generator fails to run at its optimum capacity.

To combat this, Echo Industrial Power Equipment has developed Smart Emissions Technology (S.E.T.). Ryan Fredrickson, senior product marketing manager at Echo IPE, explained the mechanism:

“S.E.T. adds a small electrical load to the generator during light and underloaded operating conditions,”

“This assures that the generator and emission control equipment run efficiently at proper operating temperature.”

The rise of smarter jobsite safety systems

When construction schedules are tight, deploying the latest safety technology is highly advantageous for reinforcing site protocols. Vehicle safety technology is a primary focus for modern developers.

Akvile Willmore, group marketing communications lead for Brigade Electronics, stated that new technologies are actively solving major site risks. Key risks mitigated by these systems include:

• Blind spots and poor visibility for operators.
• Excessive noise pollution that hinders communication.
• The theft of vehicles, tools, and crucial fuel supplies.

Enhancing visibility with AI-powered cameras

Modern safety tech now includes obstacle detection systems, reversing alarms, and mobile digital recorders (MDRs). Furthermore, AI-powered cameras can now determine whether vehicles and objects are stationary or actively moving. These advanced systems can even specifically recognise when nearby obstacles are human beings, dramatically reducing the risk of collisions.

Automating emergency lighting for protection

Emergency lighting manufacturers are also taking significant steps to make vehicles safer.

Chris Watkins, technology sales manager at Whelen Engineering, detailed their automated approach:

“Lighting adjustments are then made automatically based on what will be the most effective in a given situation,”

“The operator doesn't have to fool with pressing buttons all the time. All they have to do is activate the lighting system, and automation handles the rest to keep that vehicle and those around it as safe as possible.”

Terex Washing Systems is set to introduce its latest wet processing technology at Hillhead 2026 with the public debut of the AggreScrub P80 Logwasher with PreScreen.

The new system, which will be showcased on Stand L6 during the exhibition from 23–25 June, has been developed to process challenging materials including construction and demolition waste, excavated material and aggregates. Designed as a compact modular solution, the AggreScrub P80 combines several processing stages into a single chassis to simplify plant layouts and improve operational efficiency.

The plant integrates pre-screening, intensive scrubbing, contaminant removal, post-screening and slurry handling within one unit, enabling operators to process heavily contaminated feed material while maintaining throughput and product quality.

Paul Carolan, Business Line Director at Terex Washing Systems, said the launch reflects growing market demand for more compact and efficient washing solutions capable of handling increasingly difficult material streams.

He explained that combining multiple functions into a single modular system can help operators reduce plant complexity while delivering more consistent washed products.

The AggreScrub P80 has been engineered to remove clays, silts, organics and lightweight contaminants from feed material. Central to the system is the PowerScrub twin-shaft logwasher, which uses spiral blade technology to create intensive stone-on-stone scrubbing action. Adjustable operating angles allow retention time to be adapted according to material conditions, while independent high-torque drives support reliable start-up and minimise operational interruptions.

Following the scrubbing stage, material passes through a triple-deck inclined aggregate screen that can produce up to three separate washed products. Integrated spray bars provide additional rinsing to improve cleanliness before final sizing.

The system also includes a dedicated trash screen to remove lightweight contaminants such as plastics and organic matter. An integrated sump tank and pump help maintain stable slurry levels throughout operation.

Terex Washing Systems said the equipment has also been designed with maintenance and operator safety in mind, incorporating galvanised access walkways, non-slip flooring and wear-resistant components suited to demanding quarry and recycling environments.

Alongside the AggreScrub P80, the company will also display the FM60C compact sand recovery unit, designed to recover fine sand fractions using hydrocyclone technology. The unit combines dewatering, slurry pumping and sand recovery processes within a compact chassis aimed at improving efficiency while reducing energy consumption.

Carolan added that Hillhead 2026 would provide an opportunity for customers to explore how the company’s latest technologies can be integrated into modern aggregate and recycling operations.

ALEC Engineering and Contracting has secured a Letter of Award from Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi for the delivery of Sphere Abu Dhabi, a major entertainment and tourism development valued at US$1.7bn.

The project marks one of the largest additions to ALEC’s infrastructure portfolio and further strengthens the contractor’s position in delivering complex, high-profile developments within the UAE.

Inspired by the success of the original Sphere venue in Las Vegas, the Abu Dhabi project is expected to become a major attraction for international visitors and support the emirate’s ambitions to expand its tourism and entertainment offering. The venue is planned as a large-scale immersive destination featuring advanced digital technologies, specialised engineering systems and distinctive architectural design.

Under the award, ALEC will oversee the full design, procurement and construction process. The development will include sophisticated structural and mechanical engineering, bespoke manufacturing and installation works, alongside integrated sustainability features.

Barry Lewis described the award as a major milestone for the UAE-based contractor.

He said: “Receiving the LOA for Sphere Abu Dhabi represents a defining moment for ALEC and reflects the confidence placed in a homegrown UAE company to deliver a globally recognised destination. The project will contribute to Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading centre for immersive entertainment and cultural experiences.”

Lewis added that the award demonstrated the capability of local companies to deliver world-class infrastructure projects at an international standard without relying solely on overseas contractors.

Sean McQue said the project would require careful coordination across all stages of delivery due to its technical and architectural complexity.

“The Sphere Abu Dhabi will require precision in design integration, supply chain management and on-site execution,” he said. “Our engineering expertise and integrated delivery model position us strongly to manage a project of this scale while maintaining quality, programme and cost control.”

Once completed, the venue is expected to support Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy of developing globally competitive tourism, entertainment and cultural infrastructure.