A delegation from Washington’s Central Bank recently visited Bahrain’s Ministry of Works (MoW) to discuss the use of green buildings system and renewable energy applications.

The delegation was headed by Mena energy expert and specialist Waleed Al Sarih and included energy expert Sameera Al Khamleshi, environment expert Piere Bailargion, environment expert Erick Makaila and Saleh Ouf from the Ministry of Finance.

The delegation was received by MoW’s assistant undersecretary for Construction & Maintenance Mona Al Motawa, Roads Planning & Design director Kadhim Abdul Latif and Materials Engineering director Sameer Affouni.

Al Motawa expressed the Ministry’s appreciation towards the Central Bank’s efforts in many countries. She also highlighted the Ministry’s efforts and achievements in implementing optimal use of energy in Bahrain; explaining that a number of projects employing optimal use of energy require collaboration with the Ministry of Works, including street lighting and green buildings.

Al Motawa’s presentation referred to the Ministry’s strategic plan, in addition to that of the construction & maintenance sector and the Bahrain Centre of Excellence programs and projects. In her presentation, she explained that all such initiatives reflect the sector’s commitment to applying the best practices in project management to ensure quality, save time and cost and satisfy the project owner.

Also, such projects adhere to international standards with regards to the application of green buildings, safety requirements and attending to the needs of women and people with special needs, Al Motawa said.

She presented the delegation with two studies that took place to evaluate the Minister’s old and new building and Wadi Al Sail Primary School, which is presently under implementation in collaboration with the Electricity & Water Authority and Gulf Organization for Researches & Development (GORD).

She highlighted possible proposals for energy conservation, and also discussed with the Central Bank’s delegation the possibility of putting in place a code for optimal use of renewable and sustainable energy, and green buildings in order to protect the environment and maintain natural resources.

The presentation also highlighted the application of green buildings on the projects implemented by the directorate itself.  – TradeArabia News Service