Dubai: Eco-Structures International has been selected as the national winner for the UAE in two categories. From an impressive pool of candidates, Eco-Structures International won the UAE Sustainability Medal for the Dubai American Academy (DAA) in this year’s 2019 MEED Projects Awards, in association with Mashreq. Eco-Structures International received a second award for DAA under the category of Educational Project of the Year (Dubai).
“The year 2019 has been a continuation of the remarkable success being enjoyed by Eco-Structures International in Dubai and this award crowns our celebration of 11 years in the UAE.”
Over the past year, the focus has been on familiarizing the public and private sector with TermoDeck’s innovative thermal energy storage HVAC system that provides an affordable low-energy alternative for building construction. Director of Eco-Structures International, Dr. Ghassan Al-Nimry, held a series of talks and seminars to introduce TermoDeck to the Dubai Municipality, the Ras Al Khaimah Energy Efficiency and Renewables Office, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, and Ministry of Infrastructure Development, and to discuss the implementation of transitioning from conventional construction with HVAC to building-integrated AC and thermal storage.
“We continue to attract interest in our thermal storage building design and advisory services that create a cash surplus for clients while cutting installed AC capacity in half, and reducing annual energy consumption. Eco-Structures’ expertise lies in designing low energy, high indoor air quality buildings with thermal storage capacities at reduced costs. TermoDeck has received project approval and is seeking system approval from the Dubai Municipality based on the success of the award-winning DAA project. These awards mark the start of another great year following growing recognition of the TermoDeck system. Last year, Eco-Structures won the Climate Control Awards for Indoor Air Movement/ Ventilation and for Best Building Envelope of the year and won in the Indoor Air Quality category from the World Green Building Council at the 2018 MENA Green Building Awards. We are optimistic that after 40 years of proven successes worldwide, the regional market is evolving toward standardizing thermal storage in concrete structures,” concluded Dr. Al-Nimry.
The MEED Awards celebrate excellence across the GCC – one of the world’s fastest moving, most diverse and vibrant markets – and recognize each winning company for the success of its business achievements, work environment sustainability programs, workforce culture, innovative practices and client service.
Among DAA’s sustainability and high performance measures, the implementation of TermoDeck is the most significant, reorganizing the entire HVAC system and creating a low energy structure. Since 2016 the campus has operated with reduced energy requirements, a reduced carbon impact and award-winning IAQ that positively impacts productivity and performance.
Reputed project management companies welcome the collaborative method that this integrated method of building requires. Managing Director of Aspect Project Management and former Director of Design and Infrastructure for GEMS Education Steve Hextall reported, “as this
technology gains more recognition for its achievements and capabilities, I expect TermoDeck to become more commonplace and accepted throughout the region.”
“Maximizing value to the client involves incorporating proven innovative designs. And when we can holistically integrate the HVAC design within the structure, we can reduce the installed AC capacity significantly. The TermoDeck system efficiently called for close collaboration between the whole design team and client to implement the design across all disciplines,” said Sean Murphy, MEP project director. Director of Derby Design, the structural engineer for DAA, Nevenka Eror noted “with little additional effort we made a contribution in saving energy and protecting our environment. This is a great achievement for all.”
Sinclair Hutcheson, Head of Architecture at Al Fanar Group Dar Engineering and then Director of Aedas, architect for the project, also commented: “after initial interrogation of the system, it was an easy buy-in from the final architectural/ interior (& Lead Consultant) position.” Consolidating MEP, structural and architectural into DAA’s efficiently integrated structure has earned TermoDeck a reputation for constructing sustainable, high performance buildings.
“This year the judging panel reviewed a record number of entries from across the GCC, which affirms yet again the robust projects market in the region, amidst the challenging business landscape. Competition has been tough, and it’s great to see a strong commitment not just in completing projects, but also in meeting very stringent quality standards. Congratulations to all our national winners,” said Richard Thompson, Editorial Director, MEED.
Dubai American Academy will now be reviewed against its Gulf rivals for the GCC honours to determine the final winners of the 2019 MEED Projects Awards, in association with Mashreq.
About Eco-Structures International:
Eco-Structures International is a UAE-based international specialist engineering advisory firm in construction, energy and environment, founded in 2008 and committed to a sustainable future. It sources, develops and partners with leading international firms with proven technologies that reduce energy consumption, speed up construction, reduce/reuse/recycle waste, treat water, improve indoor air quality and human health.
About MEED:
MEED is a remarkable senior management media brand that encompasses a subscription website and magazine, more than 30 C-level executive conferences and summits hosted by MEED Events, the MEED Quality Awards for Projects and two high-value content businesses, MEED Projects and MEED Insight. MEED Projects is the Middle East’s premium project tracking database and MEED Insight offers tailored research and in-depth analysis.
Established in 1957, MEED, has been integral to delivering business information and news, intelligence and analysis on the Middle East economies and activities ever since. Attracting a key senior management audience through its content and activities, MEED is a media brand and publication that covers a spectrum of services that inform.
About Mashreq:
Established in 1967, Mashreq is the oldest privately held Bank in the UAE with award winning financial solutions and services. Throughout its 50 years’ history, Mashreq has differentiated itself through innovative financial solutions, making it possible for its customers to achieve their aspirations. Today, Mashreq has a significant presence in 11 countries outside the UAE with 21 overseas branches and offices across Europe, USA, Asia and Africa.
Mashreq launched its new Vision and Mission recently, outlining its commitment towards its clients, colleagues and the community. In line with its new Vision to be the region’s most progressive bank, Mashreq leverages its leadership position in the banking industry to enable innovative possibilities and solutions for its customers across Corporate, Retail, International, Treasury and Islamic Banking. Mashreq is proud to be the first financial institution in the UAE to be awarded the Gallup Great Workplace Award for four consecutive years from 2014-2017. Mashreq also continues to invest in recruiting, training and developing future generations of UAE National bankers.
