Getting Construction in UAE to Net Zero by 2050

The UAE has recently set out its pledge to achieve Net Zero status by 2050. It’s time for the construction industry to think seriously about how we get there. 

As COP26 wraps up its final days in the UK, the conversation around climate among world leaders and beyond has certainly intensified. Net Zero pledges, targets and goals are being set out across the globe. One thing is clear; this is certainly going to require a joint, collaborative effort. 

Here in the UAE, 2021 has been a pivotal year in the mission to improve climate standards. As well as the organisation of the UAE Regional Climate Dialogue and the UAE’s participation in the Leaders Summit on Climate, they have successfully won their bid to host COP28. 

The UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative

In as little as two years, the global audience may turn its eyes to our shores to demonstrate a strong example in sustainable living and working. The UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative sets out what that looks like:

Stakeholders in key sectors, such as energy, economy, industry, infrastructure, transport, waste, agriculture, and the environment, will update relevant plans, strategies, and policies, and implement initiatives and projects to achieve net-zero by 2050 in line with their needs and growth requirements. – u.ae

Construction’s Crucial Role in Net Zero

The key sectors listed in the strategic initiative, namely energy, economy, industry, infrastructure, transport, waste, agriculture, and the environment all have something in common; construction affects them all.

Which is why it is time for construction companies to start thinking about making improvements to their own activities and infrastructure to support Net Zero by 2050 in the UAE. This can be done in a number of ways:

• Working practices/infrastructure
• Energy output
• Transportation
• Specification of materials