Business & Money | Thursday 26 December, 2019 3:06 am |

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) has become the first entity to support Ras Al Khaimah’s Energy Efficiency and Renewables Strategy 2040. With its upcoming developments, the economic zone has committed to complying with Barjeel, the green building regulations of the emirate, which will soon be mandatory to all building constructions. 

Currently, RAKEZ is constructing new warehouses and labour accommodations in its Al Hamra Industrial Zone. These two projects are being rolled out in compliance with Barjeel regulations and standards, which are expected to increase the efficiency of buildings while reducing energy consumption.  Significant water savings are also anticipated.

The facilities were designed with PV solar system provision which RAKEZ clients can use to provide electricity to their machineries and equipment to save on energy. In addition, the warehouses will have insulated external walls to decrease the absorption of heat during the day, thus reducing the energy required to cool the facility, and providing better indoor conditions for the occupants.

“The project will play a significant role in reducing energy and water bills by giving our clients the opportunity to install and use alternative energy resources, such as renewable energy from PV solar panels,” said Ramy Jallad, Group CEO of RAKEZ. “While this provides an economic benefit to our clients, our objective is also to take a step further in educating the business community on the benefits of energy efficiency for the preservation of the environment and for future generations.”

RAKEZ will arrange awareness and training sessions for its stakeholders to familiarise them with Barjeel standards and regulations, as compliance to Barjeel is expected to be mandatory from 2020.

Earlier this year, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality had issued Barjeel, the green building regulations of Ras Al Khaimah, which introduce sustainability standards for new buildings in the emirate. The regulations are undergoing a phase of voluntary application before becoming mandatory in 2020. When consulted on the RAKEZ initiative, HE Munther Mohammed bin Shekar, Director General of Ras Al Khaimah Municipality and Chairman of the RAK Energy Efficiency and Renewables Committee, said: “We value the outstanding efforts that RAKEZ is making in the field of energy efficiency, and we welcome their adoption of Barjeel, as this will contribute to raising design and construction standards in Ras Al Khaimah”. 

In line with Ras Al Khaimah’s Energy Efficiency and Renewables Strategy 2040, RAKEZ will continue to find ways to save energy in its facilities. “Our target is to keep improving the energy performance of our buildings through the application of Barjeel and other measures. We always strive to provide a better work environment for our clients,” Jallad added.