Construction & Real Estate

Provis' initiative helps cut CO2 emissions, double utility savings

Leading estate management company Provis has announced that it has achieved substantial energy and cost savings worth over AED6.5 million ($1.76 million) across 12 managed communities in 2020 owing to its key sustainability measures.
 
These communities are Gate & Arc Towers, Sun & Sky Towers, Al Muneera, Al Zeina, Al Bandar, Al Raha Gardens, Golf Gardens, Alghadeer, Al Bateen Park, Al Gurm, Ansam, Golf Gardens and Al Hadeel.
 
The significant achievement was realized after implementing several sustainability initiatives that led to the reduction of more than 16,000 tons of carbon emissions and conserving 36 million kWh of total energy from electricity and chilled water consumption, enough to power 5,000 rural homes for a whole year, said its CEO.
 
"Provis consistently implements high impact sustainability initiatives that help preserve our natural resources and reduce unnecessary carbon emissions while also driving down operating costs," explained HP Aengaar. 
 
"This achievement is a testament to our team’s in-depth expertise and reflects our commitment to work smartly and efficiently to benefit our clients, the environment and the wider community," he noted.
 
Sustainable projects implemented include water and electricity optimization initiatives, data analytics of assets and cooling optimization, installation of energy efficient LED lights and use of water conservation techniques employing weather-based irrigation systems and the use of Treated Sewage Effluent for irrigation purposes that led to water savings worth AED 1.3 million. 
 
The company also made use of its real-time cloud-based Building Management System (BMS), which alone is projected to save 4% to 6% of energy and operating costs annually.
 
"By adopting sustainable practices during 2020, starting from design all the way through to implementation, we were able to save AED6.5 million worth of energy, doubled utility savings and decrease carbon emissions by 50% compared to last year, and achieved 16% in electricity and chilled water consumption during the last two years," stated Aengaar.
 
"We also aim to increase the energy savings in our communities by more than 15% during the next two years," he added.-TradeArabia News Service

Construction & Real Estate

World’s largest Courtyard by Marriott to open in Makkah

Marriott International on Wednesday announced it has signed an agreement with Al Qimmah Hospitality Company and Amwaj Real Estate Company, both subsidiaries of BinDawood Trading, to open a 2,179-room Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in the Holy City of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. 
 
Anticipated to open in 2026, the Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem would become the brand’s largest hotel in the world, providing exceptional hospitality, modern comfort and unparalleled convenience for visitors and pilgrims alike, the company said.
 
Dr Abdul Razzaq BinDawood, Chairman of Al Qimmah, commented: “The signing of the agreement reflects the the kingdom’s Vision 2030 framework which aims to position the country as a global hub for religious and cultural tourism and continues to promote cultured real estate development. We are constructing high-quality towers within the Al Naseem District, as part of our ongoing commitment to serve guests and travelers to the Holy Mosque. This will be one of our largest developments to date and continuation of our strategic collaboration with Marriott International.”
 
“We are pleased to build on our relationship with Al Qimmah Hospitality and BinDawood Trading with this landmark agreement to open the world’s largest Courtyard by Marriott in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Chadi Hauch, Regional Vice President, Lodging Development, Middle East, Marriott International.  “This agreement underscores Marriott International’s commitment to supporting the growth of the Kingdom’s tourism sector and reinforces the continued demand we are seeing for our portfolio of brands in the Holy City of Makkah.”
 
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The Courtyard by Marriott brand has the largest global footprint among Marriott’s portfolio of over 30 brands, focusing on thoughtful, sophisticated design elements and amenities, providing travelers with an elevated experience to relax and recharge.
 
Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem is anticipated to comprise 2,179 guestrooms spread across seven inter-connecting towers. The hotel is slated to include a restaurant with capacity to accommodate more than 1,800 guests, a lobby lounge and The Market - brand’s signature Grab n’ Go market.  Design plans include the brand’s timeless, classic style with inviting spaces and service that is above and beyond expectations.
 
The Courtyard by Marriott Al Naseem supports the kingdom’s Vision 2030 framework, which aims to position the country as a global hub for religious and cultural tourism. As part of its plans, the kingdom plans to host 30 million religious tourists by 2030. - TradeArabia News Service
 

Construction & Real Estate

Yellow Door Energy leads with 27 solar projects in 2024

Yellow Door Energy, a leading sustainable energy partner in the Middle East and Africa, achieved significant project milestones in 2024, adding 32.7 megawatts-peak (MWp) to its portfolio and acquiring five Oman operating projects, the company said.
 
Jeremy Crane, Group CEO of Yellow Door Energy, said: “In 2024, Yellow Door Energy commissioned 27 solar power projects across the UAE, Bahrain, Oman and South Africa. Our swift project execution reflects the exceptional collaboration amongst our teams and contractors, and aligns with the Net Zero ambitions of governments in the region. I extend my gratitude to all who contributed to accelerating the Just Energy Transition. We look forward to unveiling even more projects and reaching new milestones in 2025.”
 
As part of its efforts to drive a sustainable future, Yellow Door Energy published its second sustainability report, titled “From Promise to Progress: Our Journey Towards a Just Energy Transition”, detailing its initiatives and progress in this space. Alongside this, the company issued its second carbon footprint report, underscoring its commitment to decarbonising its operations.
 
The company’s achievements were recognised with six prestigious industry awards, including the Excellence in Solar Project Management award from SolarQuarter and Bahrain’s Al Bilad Award for Corporate Social Responsibility in the Environmental Excellence category.
 
As part of its ongoing thought leadership and community development initiatives, Yellow Door Energy’s team conducted seven educational workshops for students across the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan and South Africa. Notable initiatives include:
 
Project Daw in Jordan – Co-funded by Actis Acts, this programme delivered free training to 20 Jordanian youths on solar power system design, installation and maintenance. It also provided a solar power system to a community center in Mafraq free of charge.
 
INJAZ Solar Plant Tour in Bahrain – Yellow Door Energy hosted 20 secondary-level school students for an educational tour at its solar power plant at City Centre Bahrain.
 
With over 350 MWp of projects in operation, under construction, in planning or awarded, Yellow Door Energy continues to lead the solar sector in the region. Its projects are developed through innovative solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs), enabling business owners to transition to solar power and significantly reduce electricity costs without incurring any upfront capital expenditure.
 
The newly commissioned solar power plants feature 61,500 solar panels, utilising rooftop solar, ground-mounted solar and carport solar applications. More than 550,000 person-hours were dedicated to building the solar power plants, all completed with zero recordable incidents. This achievement highlights the company’s commitment to rigorous quality, health, safety, security and environmental (QHSSE) practices and their strict implementation across all its projects.
 
To date, Yellow Door Energy’s operational projects in the region have generated 842,000 megawatt-hours of clean electricity, equivalent to reducing carbon emissions by 328,000 metric tons. This achievement supports the Net Zero and clean energy ambitions of governments in the countries where the company operates. -TradeArabia News Service