Dubai Municipality has stipulated that starting from tomorrow (April 1) all the landlords and contractors will have to use environment-friendly cement for the construction of new buildings in the UAE emirate, said a report.

The use of 'green cement' for the construction of new buildings is part of Dubai government's strategy to protect the environment and reduce gas emissions, reported the Emirates 24/7.

Green cement, which was developed in Germany about three years ago, is a material that meets or exceeds the functional performance capabilities of Ordinary Portland cement by incorporating and optimising recycled materials, thereby reducing consumption of natural raw materials, water, and energy, resulting in a more sustainable construction material.

The new legislation will help protect the environment by reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other toxic gases, the report quoted Dubai Municipality director Hussein Lootah as saying.

“The municipality will inspect new construction sites and check the cement used in buildings after the decision is enforced. Using green cement will be a prerequisite for granting construction permission,” he stated.

The companies which fail to abide by the new decision will be fined and their projects stopped, the report added.