The World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi, a major event dedicated to renewable energies, is introducing a new exhibition promoting water- and energy-efficient solutions in urban environments.

A star attraction at the Sustainable Living Expo (SLE) attractions is an actual-size home incorporating sustainable technologies.

Organised in partnership with Abu Dhabi Electricity and Water Authority, supported by Abu Dhabi Quality & Conformity Council, Future Build, and designed and built by Genesis Manazil, the SLE eco-home will display organic paint, insulating windows, and low-flow water fixtures, among other advanced products and services that reduce waste and use natural resources more responsibly.

The home is designed on a recycled steel frame and incorporates more environmentally building materials such ECOMAG boards, a lightweight non-toxic structural covering used for walls and floors.

Overall, the SLE eco-home produces less waste, is cheaper to cool, and is as much as 80 per cent quicker to build than regular homes.

The UAE is endeavouring to set a benchmark for sustainable development in the Mena region: producing less waste, reducing water and energy consumption, and increasing energy efficiency.

Abu Dhabi aims to produce 7 per cent of its power requirements from renewable energies and divert as much as 85 per cent of solid waste from landfill sites.

GCC governments are also introducing a raft of new regulations to enforce stricter energy efficiency requirements and Saudi Arabia is a case in point. The Kingdom is introducing new building codes to help reduce the staggering volume of oil – as much as 4 million barrels per day -- diverted to meet domestic energy needs.

Hosted by Abu Dhabi’s Masdar, the renewable energy company, the 7th annual WFES will be held from January 20 to 22 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

WFES 2014 also features the Project and Finance Village and the Young Future Energy Leaders programme. – TradeArabia News Service