Green concrete must in Sharjah

sharjah — All contracting companies and consultancies are now required to use ‘green concrete’ in all new and upcoming building projects, instead of traditional concrete which contains cement. This has been made mandatory by the Sharjah Housing Department.

The new concrete will resist the spread of fire, ensure sustainability and reduce power consumption in the summer. Fines will be imposed on those who violate the new regulations.

The decision was approved by the Sharjah Executive Council during its meeting No. 824 in May 2017.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Abdullah Mahmood, deputy director of Innovation and Future Foresight with the department, said: “The decision aims to upgrade the emirates’s construction system and apply

The new concrete will resist the spread of the fire, ensure sustainability and reduce power consumption in the summer. It will also reduce cracking of concrete. ” Abdullah Mahmood, Sharjah Housing Department

modern standards of sustainability and of environment-friendly materials in the building process.

The use of green concrete will also increase the durability of the facilities by up to 20 years, improve fire resistance and resistance to salt content, and reduce cracking of concrete and permeability of water and moisture.”

Mahmood said the department held meetings with the Sharjah Municipality and concrete producers, to instruct them to make green concrete. “Its production process does not require skilled or specialised labour; therefore, it does not burden the contractors or building owners, especially since the price is almost equal to that of regular concrete,” he said.

Contractors and consultants have also been briefed on the mechanisms of using green concrete in the construction process. The housing department will also organise awareness sessions and sessions for those involved in the building sector, in all areas of the emirate.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com