A panel of industry experts have shortlisted nine green construction products - currently being distributed in the region - for the Gaia Awards 2017. The winner will be announced at the upcoming Big 5 construction expo in Dubai.

A panel of industry experts with acclaimed credentials have shortlisted the top green construction products that are currently being distributed in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.

The winner will be announced on November 28, at the Dubai World Trade Centre during the Big 5 construction expo.

Adding a global perspective from the judges table, Professor of Civil Engineering & Dean of the School of Engineering American University in Dubai Dr Alaa K. Ashmawy said the construction industry worldwide is responsible for a large proportion of carbon dioxide emissions and greenhouse gases.

"The inclusion of the Gaia Awards within The Big 5 exhibition and The Big 5 Solar conveys a strong message that the construction sector cares about sustainability and the environment," stated Dr Ashmawy.

As a part of The Big 5 (November 26 to 29), the judges will have plenty of opportunity to see the competing products on show, and to quiz the brands on what sets them apart from the pool of competing applicants.

Pulling ahead of 100+ companies that initially applied, the Gaia Awards 2017 winner will receive a prize of $50,000 in marketing value as well as continued support and exposure across The Big 5 brand.

Anwaar Al Shimmari, the director of the Design Department - UAE Ministry of Infrastructure Development, and also the chair of the judging panel, said: "The Gaia Award is a reflection of the maturity level The Big 5 has reached and the new path drawn to immerse renewable energy solutions. It’s the best way to recognize and award the companies and innovative solutions that might be known in a limited profile."

The top nine finalists for the Gaia Awards 2017 are:

*Castolin Eutectic - dyomix: Its product helps in easily producing a clean high-performance fuel from the oxygen and hydrogen naturally present in water.

*Climasys Controls Equipment Trading: Its product, Accutrol AVC Fume Hood Control System with the Insight Graphical User Interface provides for precise sustainable low energy airflow control, lower cost of installation and operation, safety and ease of use.

*Cospicon SA – Its product CospiBio pergola is designed in a way to make the most of sun's radiation and the natural circulation of air. This system enables energy reductions while setting and maintaining a pleasant temperature and favouring natural light.

*Doby Verrolec – Its product Aeroseal is a duct sealing technology that can easily access leaks throughout the entire duct system without the demolition or disruption associated with manual sealing.

*Glen Dimplex – Xpelair C4: Its product the simply silent contour range of axial extract fans effectively eliminates humidity, condensation and odour to improve air quality in bathrooms, shower rooms, cloakrooms and toilets.

*Greenstudios – Living Wall System
Green Studios aims to occupy roof spaces and vertical walls to bring back nature to the cities, decrease air pollution, asthma, obesity depression, stress and create a more active green public sphere.

*Hidrostank – PP Access Chambers: Hidrostank modular manholes can be installed by a single man in very little time compared to concrete access chambers, they do not need a crane for transport and handling and are made out of raw materials from recycled polypropylene.

*KDK Company - Its product, Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) helps to achieve a green Lifestyle; outdoor air will be filtered and ventilated indoors and it will also effectively filter the indoor polluted air to outdoors.

*Private Join Stock Company (Ventilation System): Its product, TwinFresh Expert RW1-50 is the most state-of-the-art and efficient solution for a comfortable indoor climate and required air exchange in renovated premises, brand new recently inhabited houses or reconstructed apartments.

Josine Heijmans, the portfolio event director of The Big 5, said: "We have proudly hosted the Gaia awards since 2008 in a consistent effort to honour those construction equipment and products that have truly integrated the concept of moving towards a more sustainable built environment."

The increasing demand for sustainable building solutions is becoming a global requirement and an unavoidable challenge for the construction industry," stated Heijmans.

"It is essential that we notice the top innovative products in order to allow a market growth that is free of interruption" she added.-TradeArabia News Service