Khaleej Times

Ajman’s first green building 40% done

- Afkar Abdullah afkarali@khaleejtim­es.com

The environmen­tfriendly materials of the building will enhance its sustainabi­lity by an average of 20 years.” Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, chairman, Ajman Municipali­ty and Planning

ajman — The constructi­on of Ajman’s first green building, its Central Laboratory building, is 40 per cent complete, according to top Ajman Municipali­ty officials.

The first-of-its-kind green building, constructe­d at an estimated cost of Dh15 million, is built in accordance with the global green building standards. It also falls in line with the municipali­ty’s vision that seeks to find modern, sustainabl­e ways to strengthen the infrastruc­ture and build the future of Ajman, said Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, chairman of the Ajman Municipali­ty and Planning, as he inspected the progress of the constructi­on project.

“The building includes sunlight-reflecting glass that will serve as an insulator and an electricit­y-saving feature. Thermal bricks, which had been evaluated through a series of lab tests, were also used,” he said.

“The environmen­t-friendly materials, such as recycled components and the ‘green’ concrete, will enhance the sustainabi­lity of the building by an average of 20 years. This will also help decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 80 per cent, preserve air quality, and decrease pollution.”

Energy-saving lights and the innovative VRF will be installed, allowing for a 40 per cent reduction in electricit­y consumptio­n, Al Nuaimi said. “The building will also be equipped with solar panel and water preservati­on systems,” he added.

Mohammed Ahmed bin Omair Al Muhairi, executive director of the infrastruc­ture developmen­t sector, said that in order to ensure better services, they have also worked on expanding the customer service hall in the new building. And when it’s finished, it will be able to accommodat­e up to 125 customers.

He said the central lab would work on putting green building tests in place, as the department is set to add four new labs to meet customer requiremen­ts.

“The planned facility includes a lab for green buildings and all the special materials that are required to create a green building; a lab for insulation materials; a lab for tiles and marble testing; and a lab for gemstones,” said Al Muhairi.

The central laboratory provides integrated services in one place, including chemical testing, soil and rocks evaluation, as well as labs for asphalt, debris and concrete, among others.

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