Dow Chemical Company (Dow) and Dubai Central Laboratory (DCL), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to partner on initiatives that drive sustainable building & construction in Dubai through joint research programmes, trainings and technical support.

As part of the MoU, Dow will cooperate with DCL to provide technical assistance in the areas of interior air quality and energy efficiency, with the aim to develop standards and test methods for waterborne, volatile organic compound (VOC)-free and formaldehyde-abatement coatings, as well as reflective roof coatings and exterior thermal insulation composite systems (ETICs).

Dow and DCL will also collaborate on R&D trainings, joint studies and technical workshops to build industry awareness on sustainability, a statement from the company said.

Research, testing and certification will take place at a dedicated space at DCL’s Green Materials Testing Laboratory. It will also offer training and certification services to Dow, the statement said.

The signing ceremony was held in Dubai, with the director of DCL, Hawa Abdullah Bastaki, and Dr Ilham Kadri, the general manager of Dow Advanced Materials Division (AMD), Middle East & Africa.

It was attended by Ali Elian, head of engineering materials laboratory section, and other DCL and Dubai Municipality officials, as well as global and regional Dow business leaders, including Dr William E Jackson, global R&D director for Dow Building and Construction.

“We are pleased to partner with Dubai Central Laboratory to address the growing area of sustainable practices and regulations in Dubai’s Building & Construction industry,” said Dr Kadri. “We at Dow are dedicated to using science and technology to solve regional challenges.”

“DCL is a true pioneer in researching, drafting and supporting the enforcement of Dubai Municipality regulations in the building & construction sector. We look forward to our mutual collaboration to develop regionally-tailored solutions and to advance Dubai’s sustainability agenda together,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service