Seawater Desalination – A Better Choice for MENA

Water scarcity is a major problem in many parts of the world affecting quality of life, the environment, industry, and the economies of developing nations. The MENA region is considered as one of the most water-scarce regions of the world. Large scale water management problems are already apparent in the region. While the MENA region’s population is growing steadily, per capita water availability is expected to fall by more than 40-50% by the year 2050. Also, climate change is likely to affect weather and precipitation patterns, and the consequences of which may force the MENA region to more frequent and severe droughts.

desalination in MENA

Technology trends in desalination industry

Growth in desalination has increased dramatically as countries seek solutions to water scarcity caused by population growth, climate change, pollution and industrial development. In addition, the industry has done much to lower the cost of desalination. Advances in technology have led to increased energy efficiency, and greater economies of scale have also helped lower costs. The majority of new commissioned capacity is seawater desalination.

Existing desalination plants work in one of two ways. Some distil seawater by heating it up to evaporate part of it. They then condense the vapour—a process that requires electricity. The other plants use reverse osmosis. This employs high-pressure pumps to force the water from brine through a membrane that is impermeable to salt. That, too, needs electricity. Even the best reverse osmosis plants require 3.7 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy to produce 1,000 litres of drinking water.

Recent researches indicate that we can produce that much freshwater with less than 1 kWh of electricity, and no other paid-for source of power is needed. This process is fuelled by concentration gradients of salinity between different vessels of brine. These different salinities are brought about by evaporation.

desalination in middle east

The process begins by spraying seawater into a shallow, black-bottomed pond, where it absorbs heat from the atmosphere. The resulting evaporation increases the concentration of salt in the water from its natural level of 3.5% to as much as 20%. Low-pressure pumps are then used to pipe this concentrated seawater, along with three other streams of untreated seawater, into the desalting unit.

Perspectives for MENA

Seawater desalination powered by renewable power offers an attractive opportunity for MENA countries to ensure affordable, sustainable and secure freshwater supply. The MENA region has tremendous wind and solar energy potential which can be effectively utilized in desalination processes. Concentrating solar power (CSP) offers an attractive option to power industrial-scale desalination plants that require both high temperature fluids and electricity.

desalination plant in uae

The renewable energy potential is now starting to be more seriously considered in the MENA region, driven by rapidly increasing energy usage, high insolation rates, a young and empowered workforce, and an increasing awareness of the costs of burning natural resources.

The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Tunisia and Morocco, have ambitious solar power generation goals as well as evolving policies and regulatory frameworks to support these goals. Demonstration projects are being deployed in some countries, while large scale projects are being deployed in others.

Conclusion

Water demand and supply have become an international issue due to several factors: global warming (droughts are more often in arid areas), low annual rainfall, a rise in population rates during last decades, high living standards, and the expansion of industrial and agricultural activities. Freshwater from rivers and groundwater sources are becoming limited and vast reserves of freshwater are located in deep places where economical and geological issues are the main obstacles.

Therefore, it has turned into a competition to get this vital liquid and to find more feasible and economical sources that can ameliorate the great demand that the world is living nowadays and avoid water restrictions and service interruptions to domestic water supply. And, desalination powered by renewable energy resources seems to be an excellent alternative for getting fresh water and electricity in MENA countries.

What Size Solar System Do I Need For My Home?

Are you ready to transform your home into a hub of eco-friendly energy and take control of your power usage? Making the switch to a solar power system is a game-changing decision that promises both environmental benefits and energy independence. But with this exciting change comes a crucial question: “What size solar system do I need for my home?” In this article, we’ll guide you through the key factors to consider, helping you determine the perfect solar setup to meet your household’s unique energy needs.

solar system for your home

How Energy Providers Can Help

Energy providers such as Smart Solar Energy can help you determine the right size of a solar system for your home by conducting a thorough assessment of your energy needs. This typically involves analyzing your past electricity bills to understand your average monthly and yearly energy consumption. By assessing your energy usage patterns, they can recommend a solar system size that will meet your needs without overestimating, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

Additionally, energy providers can offer tailored solutions by considering factors unique to your property. They will evaluate the available roof space, orientation, and tilt of your roof, as well as local weather conditions, to maximize the efficiency of your solar panels. With their expertise, energy providers can design a custom solar system that optimizes energy production, ensuring you get the most out of your investment and contributing to a greener environment.

Analyze Your Energy Consumption

The first step in determining the size of the solar system you need is to understand your current energy consumption. This can be achieved by reviewing your electricity bills over the past year. Look for the kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage on each bill and calculate the average monthly and daily energy consumption.

If you use 12,000 kWh of electricity in a year, here’s how to break it down:

  • Your monthly use is about 1,000 kWh (12,000 divided by 12). 
  • Your daily use is about 33 kWh (12,000 divided by 365). 

It’s also essential to consider any future changes in your energy needs. If you plan to buy an electric vehicle, install a pool, or expand your home, these factors can significantly increase your energy consumption. Make sure to account for these changes in your calculations.

Solar Panel Efficiency and Sunlight Availability

Solar panel efficiency measures how much sunlight is converted into electricity, typically ranging from 15% to 22%. Higher-efficiency panels produce more electricity in the same space, making them ideal for smaller roofs. Choosing these efficient panels boosts your energy output and saves you money over time.

Assessing sunlight availability is crucial for determining the right size of your solar system. Key factors include geographic location, roof orientation and tilt, and potential shading from trees or buildings. Homes in sunnier areas with south-facing, properly tilted roofs receive more sunlight, enhancing solar panel efficiency.

installing a rooftop solar plant

Energy calculators or talking to local solar installers can help you figure out how much sunlight your home gets each day. Knowing this helps you choose the right solar system size for the best energy production and efficiency.

Calculating the Size of Your Solar System

Once you know your average daily energy use and the average amount of peak sunlight your home gets, you can use a simple formula to figure out the size of the solar system you need:

Average Peak Sunlight Hours / Average Daily Energy Consumption (kWh) =  Solar System Size (kW) 

Using our earlier example, if your average daily consumption is 33 kWh and you receive 5 peak sunlight hours per day:

Solar System Size=33 kWh / 5 hours =6.6 kW 

It’s important to know that the actual power your solar system produces can be affected by various factors, such as the efficiency of the panels and losses from the system, inverter issues, shading, and dirt on the panels. A common practice is to multiply the calculated system size by a factor that accounts for these inefficiencies. This factor is typically around 1.25 to 1.35.

Using a factor of 1.3 for our example:

Adjusted Solar System Size=6.6 kW×1.3=8.58 kW 

Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Solar System Size

Below are the important considerations when you are choosing the right solar system size for your home:

1. Roof Space and Panel Placement

The physical space available on your roof will impact the size of the home solar system you can install. Standard residential solar panels are about 1.7 square meters (18 square feet) and generate approximately 300-400 watts each.

To estimate the roof space required, you can use the following formula:

Required Roof Space (sq. meters)= Solar System Size (kW)×1,000 W/kW / Panel Wattage (W) × Panel Area (sq. meters)  

For an 8.58 kW system using 350 W panels:

Required Roof Space= 8,580 W / 350 W/panel ×1.7 sq. meters/panel = 41.8 sq. meters 

2. Budget and Incentives

The cost of a solar system is another critical factor. While prices have decreased significantly over the years, the upfront cost can still be substantial. However, many regions offer incentives, rebates, and tax credits to offset the cost.

Additionally, financing options such as solar loans and power purchase agreements (PPAs) can make solar installations more affordable.

3. System Maintenance and Lifespan

Solar systems require minimal maintenance, but regular cleaning and periodic checks are essential to ensure optimal efficiency and performance. Most solar panels come with a warranty of 25-30 years, and inverters typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years.

tips to choose a solar panel

Example Scenarios

Here are some example scenarios to help you calculate the size of a solar system for your home:

1. Small Household

For a small household with an average daily consumption of 15 kWh in a region with 5 peak sunlight hours per day, the calculation would be:

Solar System Size= 15 kWh / 5 hours =3 kW 

Adjusting for efficiency and losses:

Adjusted Solar System Size = 3 kW×1.3 = 3.9 kW

This system would require approximately 19 square meters of roof space and around 10-13 panels.

2. Large Household

For a large household with an average daily consumption of 50 kWh in a region with 4 peak sunlight hours per day, the calculation would be:

Solar System Size= 50 kWh / 4 hours = 12.5 kW 

Adjusting for efficiency and losses:

Adjusted Solar System Size = 12.5 kW×1.3 = 16.25 kW 

This system would require approximately 79 square meters of roof space and around 45-55 panels.

Conclusion

Figuring out the right size solar system for your home means considering your energy use, the efficiency of the solar panels, and things like roof space and budget. By following these steps and talking to a professional installer, you can make a smart choice that will give you the best performance and save you money in the long run.

Prospects of Algae Biofuels in GCC

Algae biofuels have the potential to become a renewable, cost-effective alternative for fossil fuels with reduced impact on the environment. Algae hold tremendous potential to provide a non-food, high-yield, non-arable land use source of renewable fuels like biodiesel, bioethanol, hydrogen etc. Microalgae are considered as a potential oleo-feedstock, as they produce lipids through photosynthesis, i.e. using only CO2, water, sunlight, phosphates, nitrates and other (oligo) elements that can be found in residual waters.

Algae also produce proteins, isoprenoids and polysaccharides. Some strains of algae ferment sugars to produce alcohols, under the right growing conditions. Their biomass can be processed to different sorts of chemicals and polymers (Polysaccharides, enzymes, pigments and minerals), biofuels (e.g. biodiesel, alkanes and alcohols), food and animal feed (PUFA, vitamins, etc.) as well as bioactive compounds (antibiotics, antioxidant and metabolites) through down-processing technology such as transesterification, pyrolysis and continuous catalysis using microspheres.

Microalgae are the fastest growing photosynthesizing organism capable of completing an entire growing cycle every few days. Up to 50% of algae’s weight is comprised of oil, compared with, for example, oil palm which yields just about 20% of its weight in oil. Algae can be grown on non-arable land (including deserts), most of them do not require fresh water, and their nutritional value is high. Extensive R&D efforts are worldwide, especially in North America and Europe, with a high number of start-up companies developing different options for commercializing algae farming.

Prospects of Algae Biofuels in GCC

The demand for fossil fuels is growing continuously all around the world and the GCC countries are not an exception. GCC’s domestic consumption of energy is increasing at an astonishing rate, e.g. Saudi Arabia’s consumption of oil and gas rose by about 5.9 percent over the past five years while electricity demand is witnessing annual growth rate of 8 percent. Although GCC countries are world’s leading producers of fossil fuels, several cleantech initiatives have been launched in last few years which shows the commitment of GCC countries in exploiting renewable sources of energy.

Algae biofuels present a good opportunity for Middle East countries to offset the environmental impact of the oil and gas industry. The region is geographically ideal for mass production of algae because of the following reasons:

  • Presence of large tracts of non-arable lands (deserts) and extensive coastline.
  • Presence of numerous oil refineries and power plants (as points of CO2 capture) and desalination plants (for salt reuse).
  • Extremely favorable climatic conditions (highest annual solar irradiance).
  • Presence of a large number of sewage and wastewater treatment plants.
  • Existence of highly lipid productive microalgae species in coastal waters.

An algae photobioreactor at a power plant in Germany

These factors makes it imperative on GCC countries to develop a robust Research, Development and Market Deployment plan for a comprehensive microalgal biomass-based biorefinery approach for bio-product synthesis. An integrated and gradual appreciation of technical, economic, social and environmental issues should be considered for a successful implementation of the microalgae-based oleo-feedstock (MBOFs) industry in the region.

What Football Clubs Can Do To Be More Eco-Friendly

It’s common knowledge in the modern-day that our environment is in serious trouble. Everyone in every corner of the globe needs to make a conscious effort to live a greener and more eco-friendly life. You may be thinking since it’s such common knowledge, why doesn’t everyone do it? You think it would be that simple, but unfortunately, it is not.

But what can football clubs do? After all, they are a major part of a lot of communities. They host dozens of people on a weekly basis and can be one of the stand out parts of a community. The most popular sport in the world has influences on millions of lives every day. It’s such an important thing to people, which is why we see so many football movies in the modern-day.

A football club becoming more eco-friendly is a massively beneficial thing. By investing in playground funding, clubs can provide a safe, green environment for kids to enjoy, while also making a positive impact on the environment. Not only will the effects of what they are doing have massive advantages, but it will also prove to be influential for members of the club and younger players. But what can football clubs do to be more eco-friendly? Here is our easy guide to an eco-friendly football club:

how to make football club eco friendly

1. Use Renewable Energy

First off, football clubs should look into using renewable energy. They tend to require a lot of energy to function efficiently. Floodlights and dressing room requirements alone are enough to be extremely demanding of energy. Although clubs could probably cut down on their energy usage in some places, it is probably more beneficial to change the source.

The likes of solar panels, wind energy or battery storage are all more eco-friendly ways to power a football club. This renewable energy is far more beneficial to the environment. Not to mention it could save the club some money also. They will be able to sell the surplus of energy that their power source generates. This will allow them to reduce the overall cost of powering the club.

solar-lights-parking-lot

2. Cut Down on Waste

Waste is a massive problem when it comes to maintaining the health of our environment. There are methods football clubs can use to cut down on waste and help reduce this negative element.

The club can look to have more recycling facilities as well as encouraging club members to be more aware when throwing away items. Just by making club players more aware of their waste could make a huge difference.

plastic bottle recycling

Plastic bottles accumulates on land but culminates its journey in water bodies.

3. Electric Car Facilities

A football club that can help encourage its players to go green is truly on way to become a carbon-neutral football club. What better way to do so than to encourage the use of electric cars? It will set a great example for people around the club and area to have the likes of electric car charging ports on hand in the football club. It will also be great for spectators if there are electric car facilities available to them on match days.

electric car

4. Shop Local

Football clubs should try to source their produce locally. Taking away massive shipping distances is a great way to reduce your club’s carbon footprint and make it a truly eco football club. Try to buy your food and drink supplies locally. This means the products have less distance to travel. It may also lead to clubs having better quality produce.

3 Important Environmental Metrics For Your Company

For companies that are focused on ESG (environmental, social, governance) sustainability reporting, one of the most important things is the metrics. They help demonstrate that the report is accurate and stakeholders can use it to make the right decisions, whether for investment or buying targeted products.

With the right metrics, it is also easy for companies to evaluate their progress and track goals that demonstrate their operation efficiency and impacts. There are four main areas of sustainability that companies focus on: human, economic, social, and environmental, and each comes with its own metrics.

In this post, we will look at the environmental metrics that are worth looking at for your company.

Important Environmental Metrics

The Main Benefits of Sustainability Reporting

The benefits that come from focusing on and correctly tracing sustainability efforts can be manifested in a different way, such as:

  • Better investor confidence in your company: With correctly drawn ESG sustainability reports, investors are able to understand the companies of interest effectively. They can check the staff satisfaction, long-term goals, and financial performance in the long term to make a better prediction about where to invest.
  • ESG sustainability reporting helps to reduce the risk of company failure: After adopting an appropriate ESG reporting program, the first step is a careful evaluation to identify the major risks and opportunities. Then, they create goals and strategies to achieve them while imagining ESG issues in the future. This is likely to result in better strategic planning and higher rates of success.
  • Better stakeholder engagement: When creating a esg report, companies are required to try and be specific about the targeted clients. If you are targeting investors, it means liaising with them to understand what they prefer. The enhanced communication helps to build better engagement, which translates to higher investor confidence and brand image.

Note that for your company to enjoy these benefits and others, you need to prepare the ESG sustainability report in line with the guiding principles of ESG reporting.

sustainability-communication

Make sure also to have appropriate sustainability reporting software for easier data gathering and report gathering. One option that works pretty well with most companies is Diginex. It is easy to use, integrate with other management systems and allows for automation.

Important Environmental Metrics for Your Company

From UNEP to World Bank, most organizations appear in agreement that every effort is needed to try and reduce the current environmental impacts on society.

Corporate organizations’ roles are more significant because of the large impacts on different spheres of the environment. Therefore, here are some of the most important metrics to target with your ESG sustainability reporting efforts:

1. Climate Change

The changing climate is a threat to all, from plants to animals that we know of today. Indeed, even the people are not spared, and companies are now putting more effort into trying and address this challenge that is threatening to get out of hand. So, you should also think of internal and external ways that can help address the problem. Then report about it to the targeted stakeholders.

2. Energy Consumption

The energy that companies use has a direct impact on greenhouse gases and, ultimately, climate change. To make a difference, one of your focuses on ESG sustainability reporting efforts should be the adoption of eco-friendly energy consumption strategies. For example, you might want to install solar panels to cut down fossil fuel use in your company. Remember to make the efforts more specific for stakeholders to understand the resultant goals and impacts.

energy-conservation

3. Water Usage

Because of its prevalent and daily usage, water is a crucial metric for most companies. Here, your ESG sustainability reporting can target a number of things, such as cutting down water use, recycling, and promoting the generation of fresh sources. So, try to weigh what will have a greater impact on the targeted stakeholders. For example, you might want to work with government agencies to promote water treatment to increase access by more people or recycle water from your plant.

Conclusion

The environment is and will always remain an important component in ESG sustainability reporting. Therefore, you need to carefully review your company’s operations and set clear goals to help make the globe a better place for all. Remember to use the metrics about the environment and sustainability report to build a better image, drive sales and profits for your company.

4 Negative Environmental Impacts Of Air Conditioners

In most seasons, air conditioners are extremely sought after. They can either cooled up a place or warm it up, but we have all heard of its side effects on our health. Air conditioners have detrimental health effects on our bodies, though that is not the only problem with air conditioners. It also has many negative impacts on the environment itself. Read on to know more about the negative environmental impacts of air conditioners:

negative impacts of AC

 

1. CFCs/ HFCs

Air conditioners are complex machines that are made up of many different parts which work in several ways. CFCs and HFCs are both cooling agents that are in the air conditioners which, when released, increases the holes in the ozone over time.

Older air conditioners rely on CFC and HFC and contribute to global warming in a major way. Even newer models, which rely more on HFCs and HFOs play a large role in ozone depletion.

2. Energy use

Air conditioners require lots of energy to function properly. It consumes so much electricity and therefore releases pollution. When fossil fuel is burned, carbon dioxide is also released into the air, more commonly known as a greenhouse gas, which is a major contribution to ozone depletion.

The average and typical air conditioner will consume about 3000 to 5000 watts of electricity every hour, depending on the season – the warmer, the more power used. This is clearly very harmful to the environment, as well as extremely expensive.

3. Unclean ducts

It is important to note that air conditioners do not only affect the environment in a global way, it also affects it on a small scale as well. The ducts in each air conditioner, over time, collect dust and bacteria and every time the air conditioner is turned on, both are released, and are toxic for humans, especially children.

There are ductless mini-split brands though that focus more on the environment and safety of people. Ductless mini-split brands are actually more durable and work in warmer climates such as Middle East, Asia and Central and South America.

Regular maintenance plays a vital role in the optimal functionality and long life of an air conditioner. On the Gold Coast, professionals offer full system evaluations for these cooling systems that prevent minor problems from becoming major concerns. To ensure your unit operates at peak efficiency, it’s advisable to seek professional air conditioning service on the Gold Coast. These cooling system specialists carry out thorough checks, clean important parts, and ascertain that there are appropriate levels of refrigeration gas. Regular servicing can also enhance energy saving, hence reducing utility bills, besides avoiding unexpected machine failure. Consequently, it is prudent to engage qualified people for your comfort and reliability.

4. Materials used

In the past air conditioners were mainly made out of metals. Though over the years, people decided that metal is too expensive and too heavy, so they opted for plastic. Although metal and plastic are both harmful to the environment, plastic is completely non-biodegradable, which makes it an enemy of the environment. The production of plastic alone is extremely detrimental, as it too releases carbon dioxide into the air and causes what we now know as the greenhouse effect.

It is important to note that air conditioners can sometimes be vital for mere survival. There are places, due to global warming, that are extremely warm and need the presence of coolant. Though this turn into a cycle since ACs contribute to global warming, we undoubtedly still need them in order to survive the rising temperatures, whether it’s at home or in our working spaces.

However, all is not lost as we still have the option of going with more eco-friendly air conditioners can be both beneficial for your health as well as the world’s health, and as technology advances, so do the efforts to make them less harmful to our environment.

Could Electric Vehicles Lead to Safer Roads? Insights and Innovations

Have you noticed the buzz around town isn’t just about the latest fashion or hit movie, but rather about something quite electrifying?  Yes, we are talking about electric vehicles (EVs)! They are everywhere nowadays: whether it’s a glossy new Tesla or a chic Nissan Leaf being charged up.

Amidst the fanfare and futuristic design, a fundamental question sparks interest – can EVs make our roads safer? Let’s kick the tires on this idea and see if these electric powerhouses can actually usher in an era of safer commutes.

electric vehicles and safe commute

The Lowdown on Safety Features

Electric vehicles come with a host of tech-fuelled safety enhancements that go beyond the conventional. Amazing innovations like automated emergency brake systems, lane-keeping assistance, and top-notch visibility tech not only create a fortress of protection for passengers but also make a notable dent in road accident rates.

Let’s take a closer look at these protective features.

1. Lower Center of Gravity

Have you ever had a ride in a lofty SUV feeling like a rollercoaster at the top of its loop? Your typical combustion engine vehicles can be prone to rollovers during sharp swerves or sudden diversions due to their higher center of gravity.

EVs, on the other hand, with their weightier batteries snugly fitted low in the frame, flaunt a lower center of gravity. Think of it as having a sumo wrestler anchored at the base of your vehicle – steadying and stabilizing your ride.

2. Autonomous Driving Elements

Here’s where we step into the realm of sci-fi. Many EVs are armed with high-tech driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that merge features like lane-keeping support, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking.

Picture smoothly gliding down the freeway, your vehicle subtly nudging itself back into the lane when you veer off, or autonomously easing up when traffic swells. These space-age marvels aren’t just nifty – they might prove to be life-savers.

3. Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking – an impressive buzzword that simply translates to your vehicle replenishing its battery every time you step on the brakes.

But there’s a bonus twist: regen braking also lowers the wear and tear on conventional braking systems, translating to fewer brake failures – a potential life-saving characteristic. Plus, every time you decelerate, you’re metaphorically hugging the environment by conserving energy. It’s a win for you and Mother Earth!

4. Enhanced Visibility

Enhanced visibility tech transforms your drive into a journey full of clarity and self-assuredness. Using superior lighting systems and cameras, these features light up the road with precision, adjusting to conditions for optimum safety.

Imagine maneuvering through fog or rain, your vehicle’s lights auto-adjusting, casting a wider beam to uncover hidden obstacles. This advancement doesn’t just amplify your vision, it creates a more tranquil and secure driving ambiance.

Environmental Impact of Electric Vehicles

Real World Impacts

The emergence of EVs and their high-tech arsenal are reshaping how we commute daily. From amplified safety to environmental gains, understanding these impacts shines a light on how they can revolutionize not just our driving habits but also our bond with the earth.

1. Reduced Accidents

Statistics alert! A study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reveals that EVs generally have 40% fewer accidents than their gasoline counterparts. The reason? All those advanced safety features we just discussed. Moreover, those adopting EVs early often tend to be tech-savvy and more safety-conscious.

2. Your Legal Safety Harness

Despite the advanced tech, accidents can still occur – EVs aren’t immune to them. Should you find yourself in an unfortunate accident, it’s vital to know your legal options.

In the case of an accident in Evansville, IN, for instance, you can seek compensation and advice from a seasoned car accident attorney. Firms like Vaughan & Vaughan specialize in these situations, ensuring you receive the aid you need when the going gets tough. Remember, it’s always wise to have a legal safety net in place when life pulls a fast one on you.

3. A Safer Planet

Electric vehicles are making hefty strides towards reducing our carbon footprint. They rely on electricity, not fossil fuels, aiding in cleaner air, and fewer greenhouse gasses. Moreover, many EVs incorporate eco-friendly materials, further shrinking their environmental impact.

With a design focus on sustainable materials and a shrinking carbon footprint for charging, thanks to renewable energy, EVs signal a future where our drives also reflect our commitment to Mother Earth’s preservation.

A Glimpse into the Future

Bright times lie ahead with technology and sustainability joining forces to reshape our transportation panorama. Future mobility isn’t just electric; it heralds a movement towards an eco-friendly, more efficient lifestyle. Let’s peek into what the future holds for EVs.

The Wonders of V2X Technology

Ever heard of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology? It’s not a page from a sci-fi novel, but a present reality. This tech aids vehicles in communicating with each other and road infrastructure. Visualize traffic lights that adapt based on real-time traffic flow or cars sending out warnings about forthcoming hazards. It’s a neighborhood watch on wheels.

Seamless Blend of Human and Machine

The horizon looks promising for seamless human-machine interaction. Imagine this scenario: You’re driving, and your car’s AI assistant (like an advanced Siri or Alexa) alerts you about slippery roads ahead and recommends slowing down.

Or, it senses you’re getting tired and gently proposes a coffee break. These intuitive interactions significantly reduce human error, a major contributor to accidents.

Greener Roads, Cleaner Air

The environmental upsides are significant. Cleaner air means fewer respiratory issues, fewer distractions, and ultimately, safer driving conditions.

Plus, the emergence of smart roads that charge your EV as you glide along is becoming a reality. Picture cruising down the road, your car refueling on the go. It’s like an eco-friendly pitstop without the pit or the stop!

Wrapping Up

Electric vehicles are spearheading a transformative shift in how we perceive transportation. They deliver advanced safety features, improved stability, and potential for diminishing accidents, demonstrating they are more than just a fad – they are a step towards a safer, cleaner future.

While they may not be infallible, understanding your legal safeguards, like reaching out to a personal accident attorney, ensures you’re protected in all scenarios. Ready to join the movement? Power up and let’s navigate into the future together!

King Post Walls – Uses and Benefits

Whether you are involved in a wall retaining project for the first time or the nth time, you may have already heard of king post walls and what they can do. The proper retaining wall will make a vast difference in your property and the safety of your location, effectively preventing soil erosion and water buildup. But whilst you may have different choices regarding your retaining wall system, king post walls have more than a few qualities and characteristics that make them stand out.

So if you are planning and building a retaining wall for your property, here’s our guide to king post walls.

uses and benefits of king post walls

What is a King Post Wall

A king post wall is a wall comprised of in-fill panels and king posts, and many construction specialists and builders make use of them whenever they have to work with hard ground. These walls are cost-effective at retaining earth or soil, and you can also use them on a temporary or permanent basis.

If you cannot work with sheet piles because the ground is too hard, you can drill the ground and insert posts at pre-determined spots or centres. You can then in-fill them horizontally using a system of panels lined together. Your system for panel lining can be made of pre-cast concrete, architectural pre-cast, steel sheet piling, timber, or cladding.

Pre-cast concrete is easy to customise as you can have it made to suit the precise size you want, whilst architectural pre-cast often has a formed and sleek finish that can also meet your requirements. Steel sheet piling is lighter than pre-cast concrete panels, and you can extract them and reuse them. Timber is another option, and you can choose either recycled wood or new wood. You can also select cladding, where you can clad the panels with various products made from brick, stone, or even coloured glass or plastic.

The Uses of King Post Walls

As mentioned, king post walls are beneficial for earth or soil retention, although you can also use them for other purposes and applications. More often than not, however, king post walls are the best option for retaining walls if the ground is too difficult to manage, especially if you are dealing with rock. In terms of uses, you can use king post walls for embankments, basements or cellars, and flood defence.

The Benefits of King Post Walls

King post walls have some premium benefits, and one of these is the fact that they are fast to install. They are also cost-effective, as stated, and they are highly versatile. King post walls are often the best option for challenging ground. Another benefit of king post walls is that they are vibrationless and silent. It is easy for anyone to construct them even in tight boundaries where you have to set them upright against other structures.

You can use king post walls as bearing piles, particularly for support for superstructures made of steel frame, eliminating the need to build on-site pile caps. Another advantage of the king post wall is that you can construct it from lower-level platforms, and this allows you to save on the cost of building different platform levels for the construction of adjacent piled wall systems.

Green Building Rating System in Jordan

Building consume 21% of the primary energy and 43% of the electricity generated in Jordan, according to a recent report by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. Efforts started in 2009 to develop a rating system for buildings that will reduce the energy and water demand and provide an efficient and healthier environment.

Jordan has several LEED registered buildings since 2009. One of them is LEED Silver and two are LEED Gold, and around 20 more building are registered online and are in the process of applying for LEED. The energy crisis started in Jordan in 2008 after the sharp increase in energy prices. Subsequently the attention to the energy consumption in building increased, and the building officials started implementing the local building codes related to energy. About twenty seven National Building Codes in Jordan are directly related to building envelop, natural ventilation, natural lighting, mechanical and electrical systems.

The Ministry of Public Works and Housing (MoPWH) has the Jordan National Building Council (JNBC) division which is responsible for the development of the Building Codes in Jordan. The Jordan Green Building Guide (JGBG) technical committee was established in 2009 to develop the Green Building Rating System in Jordan with the help of specialist in the public and private sectors under the leadership of the technical arm at the Construction and Sustainable Building Center (CSBC) at the Royal Scientific Society. International references from leading sustainability rating systems were used as references such as LEED and BREEAM, with emphasis on the local conditions in Jordan pertaining to energy and water scarcity.

The JGBG was issued in 2013, and it became available to everyone to use. An incentive program for the adoption of green buildings in Jordan based on the JGBG rating system was approved in 2015 and it was launched on the 3rd of September 2015.  And the first building under the JGBG requirements is under development.

Owners and developers that adopt the JGBG rating system will be entitled to an increase in the Floor Area Ration (FAR). The JGBG has four levels;

  • Level A (25% increase in FAR allowed)
  • Level B (20% increase in FAR allowed)
  • Level C (15% increase in FAR allowed)
  • Level D (10% increase in FAR allowed)

The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM), Green Building Unit, is in charge of managing the registered buildings under the JGBG. After the Owner or Developer registers the green building with the CSBC for the implementation of the JGBG at certain level, the Issued for Construction drawings are forwarded to the GAM. GAM has developed a one stop shop to process the registered buildings under JGBG and it follows up with the different entities like the Civil Defense Department, Jordan Engineers Association, and others until the building permit is issued. Periodic visits and reviews are done by the CSBC throughout the project until the team achieves the requirements of the JGBG. Subsequently the certificate of compliance is issued for the new green building.

The Jordan Thermal Insulation Code, Jordan Energy Efficient Building Codes and the Jordan Green Building Guide are all working towards improving the energy use in buildings. The table below shows the development of requirements in the thermal transmittance (U-value) for walls in buildings. The Thermal Insulation code and the Energy Saving Building Code calls for the mandatory requirements of U-value = 0.57 W/m2.K for walls and U-value = 1.60 W/m2.K for the overall U-value for walls with all openings. The Jordan Green Building Guide will give one point for the buildings with walls U-value below 0.50 W/m2.K and two points for buildings with walls U-value = 0.40-0.50 W/m2.K

التعليم البيئي والتربية البيئية

على العكس من الأنماط التقليدية للتعليم، يعتبر التعليم البيئي (التربية البيئية) عملية تعليمية شمولية تمتد مدى الحياة, وهي عملية موجهة نحو خلق أفراد مسؤولين لإستكشاف وتحديد القضايا والمشاكل البيئية القائمة والمشاركة في حلها وإتخاذ إجراءات فعالة لتحسين أوضاع البيئة, والعمل على الحيلولة دون حدوث مشكلات بيئية جديدة. ونتيجة لذلك، فإنه يمكن للأفراد تطوير وعي أعمق وفهم أوسع للقضايا البيئية, بل ويمكن لهم إكتساب مهارات فعالة تساعدهم على إتخاذ قرارات واعية ومسؤولة وغير منحازة تؤول إلى حل التحديات البيئية.

environment-education-arab

لا يعتبر التعليم البيئي عملية إستشارات بيئية, ولكنه حقل متنوع يرتكز على العملية التعليمية والتي يجب أن تبقى محايدة من خلال تعليم الأفراد التفكير النقدي وتمكينهم وتعزيز مهاراتهم على إتخاذ القرار وقدرتهم على حل المشكلات بإتباع النهج التشاركي, ومن الجدير بالذكر أن المبادئ التوجيهية للتعليم البيئي تشمل الوعي والمعرفة والسلوكيات والمهارات والتشارك.

يمكن للتعليم البيئي أن يأخذ شكلاً رسمياً  كما في المدارس والكليات والجامعات، كما يمكن تطبيقه عن طريق قنوات التعلم غيرالرسمية من خلال المنظمات غيرالحكومية، والشركات، ووسائل الإعلام، والمتاحف الطبيعية, والحدائق النباتية، ومراكز مراقبة الطيور, ومراكز التجديف والغوص. إلى جانب ذلك، فإنه يمكن تطبيق التعليم البيئي من خلال برامج التعليم غير النظامي الذي يدمج التعليم مع العمل مثل التعليم التجريبي والتعليم في الهواء الطلق، وورش العمل، وبرامج التوعية وتثقيف المجتمع.

يجب على المربي البيئي تقديم التعليم البيئي بطريقة فريدة من نوعها حيث يقتضي الأمر أن لا يعتمد على العلم فحسب، بل يجب أن يهتم بالجوانب التاريخية والسياسية والثقافية تزامناً مع البعد الإنساني والعوامل الإجتماعية والإقتصادية,كما يستلزم أن يستند أيضاً إلى تطوير المعارف المتعلقة بالنظم البيئية الإجتماعية. يرتكز عمل المربين البيئين المؤهلين على العمل الميداني وتطبيق البرامج عملياً، كما يشمل عملهم التعاون مع المجتمعات المحلية وإستخدام إستراتيجيات لربط الوعي البيئي وبناء المهارات والأداء المسؤول, فمن خلال التعليم البيئي يمكن للمواطنين إختبار مختلف جوانب القضايا البيئية لإتخاذ قرارات مستنيرة وفعالة ومسؤولة وغير منحازة ومبنية على أساس علمي, حيث يوفر التعليم البيئي فرصاً للأطفال لبناء مهاراتهم بما في ذلك مهارات حل المشاكل والبحث والإستقصاء.

التعليم البيئي في الإسلام

يعتبر الإسلام طلب العلم فريضة على كل مسلم, كما ينظم الإسلام العلاقة بين البشر والطبيعة حيث أنه يدعو إلى حمايتها من خلال عملية تربوية شاملة, إذ تعزز التعاليم الإسلامية الحساسية والشعور بالمسؤولية تجاه الحفاظ على العناصر البيئية المختلفة, كما يُعلم الإسلام أتباعه الحفاظ على نظافة الشوارع، والرفق بالحيوان والكائنات الحية الأخرى, فضلاً عن ذلك, تحض التشريعات الإسلامية على زراعة الأرض والإستفادة منها وعلى الحفاظ على مكونات البيئة في الوقت الذي تحظر تلوث المياه وقطع الأشجار. كما تعتبر تعاليم الإسلام تعاليماً صارمة لمنع التدهور البيئي الناجم عن التنمية الصناعية والتوسع العمراني والفقر إلى ما دون ذلك. إن كل ما ذكر هو أمثلة على تعليمات الإسلام للحفاظ على مكونات الطبيعة وهي تعاليم ريادية في الوقت الذي لم تكن تعاني البيئة آنذاك الضغوطات التي تعاني منها في الوقت الحاضر.

أنماط التعليم البيئي في الأردن

بالرغم من إهتمام الأردن في التعليم البيئي، إلا أن جهود التعليم البيئي الوطني لا تزال مركزة إلى حد كبير على البرامج التي تنظمها المنظمات غير الحكومية, إذ تلعب البرامج التي تطبقها منظمات المجتمع المدني دوراً أساسياً في تعزيز التغيير الثقافي لحماية الطبيعة, فعلى سبيل المثال، أصبحت الجمعية الملكية لحماية البيئة البحرية من المنظمات الوطنية غير الحكومية الرائدة في التعليم البيئي وهي المنظمة التي تمثل الأردن في المؤسسة العالمية للتعليم البيئي(FEE), حيث تنفذ الجمعية حالياً ثلاثة برامج والتي تتضمن: العنونة البيئية الدولية-المفتاح الأخضر، العلم الأزرق والمدارس البيئية. أما الجمعية الملكية لحماية الطبيعة فهي منظمة غير حكومية أخرى تعمل على تصميم وتطبيق برامج التعليم البيئي لتحسين الفهم الشعبي العام وتعزيز الوعي الحقيقي بالقضايا البيئية وأهميتها, ولقد أطلقت الجمعية عدداً من برامج التوعية المتخصصة التي تستهدف المجتمعات المحلية التي تعيش حول المحميات الطبيعية، لحث هذه المجتمعات على المشاركة والإنخراط في جهود حماية الطبيعة في المناطق المحيطة بهم .

يمكن للمواطنين المثقفين بيئياً  أن يلعبوا دوراً فعالاً في الحد من تأثير المشاكل البيئية عن طريق تبني سلوكيات خضراء, مثل شراء المنتجات الخضراء وإستخدام البدائل الطبيعية للمبيدات الحشرية. ومع ذلك، فإنه وعلى المدى البعيد, سيكون من الصعب الحفاظ على نجاح البرامج البيئية المعتمدة من قبل المنظمات غيرالحكومية ليستفيد منها الأجيال القادمة دون تشريعات تضمن إستمرارية التعليم البيئي.

آفاق مستقبلية لمحو الأمية البيئية في الأردن

يعتبر نظام التعليم الأردني نظاماً مركزياً حيث أنه لا يتم التشاور مع المعلمين حول المناهج الدراسية, كما تتميز المناهج الدراسية الأردنية بأنها أحادية التخصصات، مما يؤدي إلى صعوبة تطبيق التعلم متعدد التخصصات. وعلى الرغم من دمج المواضيع البيئية في المناهج مؤخراً، إلا أن هذا الدمج لا يزال مجزءاً, لذلك, فإن أمام الأردن طريقاً طويلاً لتقطعه قبل أن يمكن لها أن تنفذ إستراتيجية وطنية شاملة للتعليم البيئي في نظامها التعليمي.

environmental-education

يحتاج الأردن إلى تبني برنامج تعليم بيئي شامل يتبني مبادئ التنمية المستدامة، ويقدم الأفكار الخضراء التي تنظر للتعامل مع القضايا البيئية على أنها هدف مركزي لتقديم مختلف الحلول للمشاكل البيئية المختلفة. لذا, يتحتم على وزارة التربية والتعليم دمج المعرفة التقليدية التي تركها لنا الأجداد بشكل فعال مع القيادة البيئية نظراً للإرتباط بين الإثنين،كما أنه من المهم العمل على تمكين الشباب والتأثيرعلى سلوكيات الجمهور الأردني نحو الهدف المنشود ألا وهو المشاركة في تحسين الواقع الصعب للمشاكل البيئية في البلاد. ولا يمكن إستثناء العلماء والباحثين من هذه العلمية التعليمية, حيث ينبغي للمجتمع العلمي المشاركة في الجهود الوطنية وتبني عملية إتصال فعالة من شأنها أن تنقل أبحاثهم العلمية إلى لغة سهلة ومفهومة للعامة والمنظمات المسؤولة عن التعليم حتى يتمكن المجتمع من الإستفادة منها وتطبيقها.

بالإضافة إلى كل ما ذكر، فإن ينبغي للأردن أن يعتمد نهجاً شاملاً لتبني المدارس البيئية عديمة الإنبعاثات في جميع أنحاء البلاد، حيث يجب أن تعتمد سياسة التدريس المدرسي على تطوير الأخلاق البيئية في المجتمع المدرسي ككل, ودمجه مع تعزيز ربط الطلبة بالطبيعة المحلية والتي تعتبر جزءاً من الهوية الوطنية والإرث الوطني, كذلك يجب أن تكون هذه المدارس مدارساً بيئيةً مكتفيةً ذاتياً من حيث الإعتماد المطلق على الطاقة المتجددة، في حين يستوجب الإعتماد على الطاقة الجوفية الحرارية لغايات التكييف والتدفئة, أما تصميم البناء فيجب أن يكون أخضراً من حيث تبني البناء بالطين وإستخدام المواد الطبيعية المحلية، وعلاوة على ذلك، فإن مياه الأمطار التي جمعت من الحصاد المائي ستستخدم لري حديقة المدرسة والتنظيف وإستخدامات أخرى, هذا عدا عن تطبيق برنامج متكامل للتقليل من النفايات وإعادة تدويرها. هذا نموذجٌ مبسط لمدرسة بيئية يحمل في ثناياه مستقبلاً مشرقاً لطلبة رياديين سيحصلون على التعليم الأخضر رفيع الثقافة والذي يعتبر في نهاية المطاف لبنة الأساس لمستقبل مستدام زاهر.

أفضل خمس طرق لتخفيف البصمة البلاستيكية

عندما نقرأ التقاريرالاخيرة التي تتحدث عن الكم الهائل من النفايات البلاستيكية العائمة في محيطاتنا، والأنهار والبحيرات، فإننا ندرك تماماً بانه قد حان الوقت أن نبدأ في إيجاد حلول لهذه المشكلة. كلنا نعلم بأن إعادة التدوير أمر جيد، لكن لأسباب كثيرة، ليس الحل الأمثل لتلوث العالم بالبلاستيك. يجب علينا جميعا أن نتعلم كيفية تقليل كمية النفايات البلاستيكية التي نقوم نحن بإنتاجها في المقام الأول. إليك طرقي المفضلة الخمسة لتقليل البصمة البلاستيكية الشخصية:

plastic bags

استخدم حقيبة/ كيس التسوق الخاص بك

يتم استخدام المليارات من أكياس التسوق البلاستيكية في جميع أنحاء العالم كل عام. حيث توفرها المحال التجارية مجانا لزبائنها، إلا أن تكلفتها البيئية عالية. فان القليل من هذه الاكياس يعاد تدويرها والكثير منها ينتهي في البحار حيث  ان قنديل البحر والسلاحف والحيوانات البحرية الأخرى تعتقدها طعاما فتقوم بابتلاعها. نستطيع المساعدة بتقليل عدد الأكياس البلاستيكية المستخدمة من خلال استخدام الأكياس أو الحقائب الممكن إعادة استعمالها وأخذها معك إلى محلات السوبر ماركت ورفض استخدام الاكياس البلاستيكية التقليدية.

لست مضطراُ لشراء أكياس/ حقائب جديدة، استخدم الحقائب التي لديك بالفعل: حقائب الظهر، المحافظ ، السلال على الدراجة الخاصة بك. أيضا فإنه بإمكانك إعادة استخدام الأكياس البلاستيكية التي لديك بالفعل، قم بغسلها إذا لزم الأمر. وإذا كنت بحاجة لشراء حقائب جديدة، فقم بشراء أكياس مصنوعة من القطن وتجنب أكياس البوليبروبلين التي تبدو وكأنها نسيج حيث أنها في الواقع مصنوعة من البلاستيك، وهي ليست قابلة للغسل ووتتلف بسرعة.

وبمجرد الحصول على بعض الحقائب، فإنه من السهل أن تجعلها عادةً بإحضارها معك للتسوق كخطوة تالية. ضع بعض هذه الأكياس في أماكن يسهل الوصول اليها وقريبة من محفظتك أو مفاتيحك أوحتى علقها في مقابض الدراجة الخاصة بك. ضع قليلا منها في أماكن حفظ القفازات، فانك مع الممارسة، سوف تصبح معتاداً على استخدامها!

لا تشتري المياه المعبأة

إن زجاجات المياه البلاستيكية هي من أكثر المواد وجوداً وتكاثراُ في القمامة الموجودة في المسطحات المائية. قد يكون من الصعب ان تتوفر مياه الشرب في غالب مناطق الشرق الاوسط وهذا يعتبر تحدياً وللأسفمن الصعب ضمان أن تكون مياه الصنابير نظيفة! لذلك استثمر في فلاتر المياه وقم بتركيبها  في منزلك بأكمله  أو على الاقل استخدم الفلترعلى صنبورالمياه في المطبخ. ابحث في السوق عن هذه الفلاتر واختر ما يناسبك حيث ان هنالك العديد منها وتلبي جميع الرغبات. بعد ذلك، قم باستخدام زجاجة ماء قابلة لإعادة الاستخدام حيث يمكنك تعبئتها قبل مغادرة المنزل. إذا تمكنت من العثور على الفولاذ المقاوم للصدأ stainless steel  فهو الافضل، اشتر واحدة لكل فرد من أفراد عائلتك.

إذا كان يجب عليك شراء المياه المعبأة في زجاجات، فابحث عن شركة توفر العبوات الكبيرة القابلة للإعادة وإعادة التعبئة.

قل لا للقشة

نعم، هذه القشة البلاستيكية الصغيرة التي نحصل عليها مع مشروباتنا تشكل مشكلة كبيرة، أخبر النادل أنك لست بحاجة إلى قشة لمشروبك المفضل عندما تقوم بطلب في مطعم ما، أما اذا كنت لاتستطيع أن تشرب من دونها، فقم بشراء القشة التي يعاد استخدامها، وهذه متوفرة على الإنترنت بأشكال وأنواع مختلفة كالفولاذ المقاوم للصدأ والزجاج والورق.

استخدم أدواتك الخاصة بك

عندما تقوم بطلب وجبات الطعام الجاهزة قم بإحضار أدواتك (أوعيتك) المعاد استخدامها واطلب من المطعم أن يضع طعامك في تلك بدلاً من البلاستيك أو البوليسترين. فكر في الاستثمار بمجموعة من الأدوات القابلة لإعادة الاستخدام إذا كنت تطلب الكثير من الوجبات الجاهزة، ويمكنك أيضًا رفض الأدوات البلاستيكية التي يمكن التخلص منها وسيكون أسهل ان تحمل الادوات الخشبية مثل الشوك والسكاكين والملاعق في حقيبتك أو حقيبة الظهر.

واذا قمت بطلب القهوة لتأخذها بطريقك فأحضر الكوب او التيرمس الخاص بك  حيث انا نعتقد بأن الكؤوس التي تستخدمها المقاهي ورقاً ولكنها بالفعل تكون مبطنة بالبلاستيك وغطاءها ايضاً بلاستيكياً. تجنب البلاستيك عن طريق إحضار الكوب الخاص بك!

اشتر بالجملة 

تنتج معظم نفاياتنا البلاستيكية من المطبخ بالاجمال والسبب الرئيس في ذلك هو التعبئة والتغليف البلاستيكي للأغذية. بامكاننا تجنب الكثير من هذا البلاستيك عن طريق التسوق من أماكن بيع الجملة، حيث تعتبر هذه الأماكن وسيلة لبيع البضائع بالوزن، حيث يتم تخزين المنتج في حاويات كبيرة ويمكن للعملاء وزن وشراء أي كمية يرغبون فيها: بالعادة يعطى العميل أكياسا بلاستيكية لتعبئتها ويقوم العميل بملئها، أما أنت فقم بإحضار الكيس الخاص بك، قم بوزنه فارغا ثم املئه بما تريد وقم بوزنه مرة أخرى حتى تحصل على وزن البضاعة فقط.

وللعلم فان المنتجات والبضائع التي تباع بكميات كبيرة أقل تكلفة من تلك المعبأة بالبلاستيك. قم باستخدام الحاويات الزجاجية للأرز والمكسرات والدقيق والبقوليات وغيرها!

ابحث عن محال قريبة منك وتأكد من انهم يبيعون بالجملة وأنك تستطيع استخدام الكيس/ الحقيبة الخاصة بك. على الأرجح ستجد هذه الخيارات متاحة في محلات السوبرماركت الصغيرة أكثر من المحال الكبيرة.

ترجمه – ماجدة هلسة

أردنية متعددة الاهتمامات، لديها من الخبرة ما يقارب العشرون عاماً في مجالي المالية والإدارة في المؤسسات المحلية والدوليةوتعملماجدة حالياً مع الوكالة الألمانية للتعاون الدولي كموظفةٍ ماليةٍ في برنامج البيئة و المناخ في الأردن، والذي يعمل لصالح وزارة البيئة في الأردن. ومع ذلك كله وعلى الصعيد التطوعي، فإن لديها شغفاً كبيراً بالترجمة في كافة المواضيع والمجالات، وقد بُني هذا الشغف بالخبرة الشخصية والعملية على مر السنين.

What You Need to Know About The Top Green Building Trends

With green building movement sweeping across the world, innovative technologies are being developed to keep pace with increasing shift towards sustainability. In this article, we will provide an overview of the top green building trends from across the world.

Integration of biodegradable, recycled, recyclable and renewable building materials in the construction of buildings is attracting great attention worldwide. Natural paints, recycled steel, cellular concrete, clay bricks, wood, bamboo etc. are getting huge popularity in construction of green buildings.

Another interesting innovation is zero-energy building which utilizes solar cells/panels, wind micro-turbines, fuel cells and biofuels, among others, to meet electricity and HVAC requirements of the building.

Likewise, net-zero-water-use buildings make use of water conservation systems to efficiently manage water consumption, rainwater harvesting, waterless toilets, greywater reuse, smart landscaping and on-site sewage treatment.

top green building trends

Net Zero Energy Buildings rely on exceptional energy conservation and on-site renewable generation to meet energy requirements..

Low-emitting windows, coated with metallic oxide, to block sun’s harsh rays during summer and keep the heat inside in the winter are also gaining popularity. Such windows have the potential to significantly reduce heating and cooling costs of buildings.

According to Dubai-based green buildings expert Sunanda Swain, “Transparent solar window panels can also be incorporated into awnings, curtain walls, retaining wall, glass facade or as overhead glazing units.” She explains, “These increase access to direct sunlight while providing additional architectural benefits such as passive shading.”

Another promising innovation is in the form of cool roofs which is made of special tiles and reflective paints to reflect sunlight. Cool roofs have high levels of solar reflectance and thermal emittance, and help in reducing the heat island effect in urban habitats, especially in arid areas like the Middle East.

green roofs

To sum up, green buildings can not only contribute towards environment protection but also bring loads of advantages to building occupants and users. Lower development costs, reduced operating costs, healthier indoor environment quality and less maintenance costs are major benefits associated with green buildings.

To sum up, green building technologies can serve as catalysts for smart urbanization and sustainable development of urban centers, besides ensuring energy security, climate change mitigation, and opening new economic and job opportunities.

Useful Resource: Wood Wool Cement Board – Features and Benefits