Sustainability is Only a Click Away

Transcription

1 Sustainability is Only a Click Away 1 Future build flyer_version_v3.indd 1 7/4/11 15:48:42

2 We re building a greener world, one product at a time Green buildings need green products The Knowledge Centre at Masdar Institute Campus, Masdar City 2 Future build flyer_version_v3.indd 2 7/4/11 15:48:49

3 thefuturebuild.com A New Green Building Portal Focused on the UAE, the Gulf and Beyond The Future Build is a new green building materials portal that helps architects, engineers and contractors particularly in the UAE and wider region confidently select and source environmentally sustainable, third party-certified products to meet their projects environmental objectives. The first such portal to originate in the region, The Future Build lists products that have been assessed and selected according to standards and criteria set by Masdar City. These are the same assessment criteria that Masdar City uses to understand the full cradle-to-cradle lifecycle of the products and materials that go into building and operating one of the most sustainable cities on earth. The Future Build is a rich multimedia directory with an easy-to-use interface that makes it simple for users to find environmentally preferable products. Each product is listed alongside its images, brochures, specifications and CAD details. The portal has a number of powerful search features and links to all relevant divisions and the most updated Construction Specification Institute (CSI) categories. In addition, it provides the latest news on green products and materials, as well as other related services. While The Future Build has been developed to serve specifiers and contractors in the UAE and wider region, the strength of its assessments and user-focused design make it a valuable tool for users worldwide. The Future Build portal is a natural step to reach a comprehensive sustainable platform where demand can meet supply in a fully trustful and certified environment established by Masdar s experience and knowledge. UAE Business Council for Sustainable Development is fully supporting this initiative. Van T. Tran, UAE BCSD 3 Future build flyer_version_v3.indd 3 7/4/11 15:48:55

4 It is crucial to facilitate the development of a more sustainable construction sector in order to help tackle the UAE s high per capita ecological footprint. Developing such portals and tools are an important step in this process and I hope this is used by professionals in the construction industry to find more sustainable materials as well as to innovate and advance the adoption of green building materials and products. Ida Tillisch, Acting Director General. EWS-WWF The Future Build Difference In the eyes of architects, engineers and contractors, The Future Build is unique among sustainable building product portals because Masdar, the company behind the portal, is building one of the world s leading green developments the first buildings of which are already occupied and has investments and operations across a broad spectrum of renewable energy, clean technology and sustainable development activities around the world. 4 This unique experience across the global cleantech industry is reflected in The Future Build s assessment and selection criteria, while the quality and reliability of each assessment is assured by the strategic importance to Masdar City of a green supply chain that accurately assesses the environmental impact of the products and materials used to build the city. Specifiers using The Future Build can be confident that all products listed on the portal have been independently assessed to ensure they deliver their manufacturer s stated environmental performance and are of high quality. Future build flyer_version_v3.indd 4 7/4/11 15:48:57

5 thefuturebuild.com A concerted approach that encompasses all aspects of the supply chain is critical in driving environmentfriendly growth initiatives. Future Build Portal is an effective process that enables sustainable practices across the entire building sector, and it complements Emirates GBC s overarching goal of promoting thought-leadership strategies that drive the development of greener buildings in the country. Mr. Adnan Al Sharafi, Chairman Emirates Green Building Council 5 Future build flyer_version_v3.indd 5 7/4/11 15:48:59

6 Foster + Partners have found the Masdar Sustainability Product Directory an extremely useful resource. Moving it to an online system would be a positive step forward, making it a more user friendly and accessible resource. Liz Westgarth, Associate, Foster + Partners 6 Future build flyer_version_v3.indd 6 7/4/11 15:49:00

7 thefuturebuild.com Your first stop for greener building products Making it easier to build sustainably 7 Future build flyer_version_v3.indd 7 7/4/11 15:49:07

8 The Information You Need, at Your Fingertips As well, because The Future Build was born of Masdar City s experience working with specifiers and contractors building the city, the portal s design addresses their needs. In particular, the product guide highlights the specific characteristics that make each product green, so that when the product is implemented properly in a project, it will deliver the expected environmental benefits and play its expected role in helping achieve whatever targeted building rating, if any, being sought. For suppliers, The Future Build provides a unique product directory placement opportunity that is unmatched in the industry, whether locally or globally; for architects, engineers and contractors particularly those working in the UAE and wider region The Future Build is a must-have work tool for sourcing and selecting green building materials and products. 8 Future build flyer_version_v3.indd 8 7/4/11 15:49:09

9 thefuturebuild.com The Assessment Process The Future Build assessment process begins with suppliers completing a product sustainability questionnaire developed by Masdar City and which asks for details about the manufacturing process and component materials. Through the questionnaire and follow up work, the process seeks to assess each product according to five core green criteria: Is the product made with salvaged, recycled or agricultural waste content? Does the product conserve natural resources? Does the product avoid toxic materials or emissions? Does the product save energy or water? Does the product contribute to a safe, healthy indoor environment? The questionnaire should be supported by any prior certifications from national or international standards bodies; independent environmental certification from organisations such FSC, Greenguard, Green Seal, Energy Star, Cradle to Cradle and others; and any lifecycle assessments or environmental product declarations performed by reputable firms. Once the questionnaire is received, The Future Build team validates the product s environmental claims and even looks beyond certifications when evaluating the environmental impact of a product. This process helps purchasers, who may not be technical experts in any particular field, to buy a product with confidence that it has been tested, delivers the environmental benefits claimed, and itself is produced sustainably. I would fully support the continued development of the directory and its implementation throughout the construction industry both within the UAE and across the wider GCC. Craig Kirkcaldy, Environment & Sustainability Manager. Louis Berger Group, INC 9 Future build flyer_version_v3.indd 9 7/4/11 15:49:12

10 Why Now? As sustainable building becomes increasingly prevalent in the Middle East for a variety of reasons including increased awareness that green buildings save money and provide better working and living environments, and government mandates regarding minimum green building standards architects, engineers and contractors in the UAE, and wider region, are increasingly in need of a trustworthy resource to help them identify, assess and select sustainable building materials and products. A directory focused on this region is particularly useful by listing products that they can source for regional projects. However, with the increasing demand for green building, the problem of greenwashing the making of misleading claims about the environmental benefits of a product is also a growing problem in the building materials industry. The Future Build helps both suppliers and specifiers. Suppliers enjoy a listing environment that helps them stand above the confusion about what s truly green, as well as the more deliberate problem of greenwashing. For specifiers, The Future Build provides a userfriendly directory where they can confidently source building products that will deliver the listed environmental benefits. energy reduction recycled content water reduction reusable waste reduction biobased content durability availability renewable energy recycled packaging VOC content code of conduct By providing information on the sustainability features of various materials and products, designers and contractors can easily see the merits and advantages of choosing a product that can meet both technical and environmentally friendly standards. maintenance /cleaning indicative price TBF ranking Carlos Amaya, Sustainability Manager, Parsons Brinckerhoff 10 Future build flyer_version_v3.indd 10 7/4/11 15:49:12

11 Founding Members Future build flyer_version_v3.indd 11 7/4/11 15:49:16

12 The Future Build, Masdar City, PO Box 54115, Abu Dhabi, UAE T E thefuturebuild@masdarcity.ae Printed on 100% recycled paper made with post consumer fibre. Ver2 April 2011 Future build flyer_version_v3.indd 12 7/4/11 15:49:31