‘Greener’ building products needed to reduce Gulf’s 66 million tonnes of annual construction waste

The construction industry is a leading contributor to growing waste levels in the GCC, producing a reported 66 million tonnes of waste material a year or around 55 per cent of the 120 million tonnes of waste generated within the region.

MAPEI, leading global manufacturer of adhesives, sealants and chemical products for buildings, has revealed that it now sets aside 70 per cent of its annual R&D budget, which translates to USD 105.5 million, for the development of eco-friendly construction products and materials, which not only reduces waste, but also improves installation efficiency at site. The move is intended to support new government policies on sustainability and environmental protection.

Construction waste can contain materials that lead to soil and water pollution due to harmful byproducts such as solvents, plastics and chemical treatments. The use of non-toxic building materials and furnishings, such as low- and zero- volatile organic compound paints and sealants, is essential to constructing or renovating ‘green buildings', ensuring that they have minimal environmental impact.

MAPEI's concrete admixture product line, for example, can produce ‘greener' concrete which minimizes energy use during mixing, application and finishing and reduces cement and water content, resulting in lower carbon footprint. MAPEI has also been including antimicrobial agents in its ECO line of Floor Covering Installation Systems. MAPEI is an active member of the US Green Building Council and participates in the environmental programmes of the council's 25 member countries, as well as its local involvement with the Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC).

"Our commitment to environmental sustainability is very clear, as we believe that industry needs to play a greater role in promoting sustainable practices. For our part we will continue to develop and introduce eco-friendly products that aim to address the challenges of the construction industry throughout the Middle East," said Laith Haboubi, Business Development Director for MAPEI in the UAE.

Founded in Milan, Italy in 1937, MAPEI began as a manufacturer of paints, plasters, and interior and exterior covering materials. The company quickly expanded when it started focusing on floor installation products. MAPEI currently comprises 63 subsidiaries with 56 production facilities.

Innovative Building Solutions LLC, MAPEI's UAE subsidiary, manages a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located on a 40,000 sqm plot and has a commercial and technical training centre in Dubai. MAPEI's involvement in the region's top developments includes the Armani hotel in Burj Khalifa, Qasr El Sarab resort, Atlantis Hotel on Palm Jumeirah, the Emirates Palace Hotel, Burj Al Arab, and Dubai International Airport's Terminal 1, 2 and 3, among others.

MAPEI's products are formulated and manufactured to comply with the most stringent of international standards such as ISO 13007 for tile adhesives and grouts, EN13813 for screeds and self levelling compounds and EN1504 for concrete repair materials. Importantly many of its locally manufactured products also carry the GEV EMICODE certification for low or very low VOC emissions.