“Every dollar you spend . . . or don’t spend . . . is a vote you cast for the world you want.”  L.N. Smith

Sustainable refurbishment is not a new concept, however, recognition of the importance of considered sustainability within renovation or rebuild projects is fast accelerating.  Be it growing concerns of high energy use leading to climate change, or more recently, the increased need for healthy internal environments, or even perhaps the environmental damage associated with materials production and overall waste of construction which ends up in landfill, we need to come together and rebuild sustainably for the future. 

Globally, governments are beginning to realize the importance of sustainably renovating existing building stock, rather than just raising standards for new buildings and developments.  This is great news, ultimately leading to a range of initiatives, guidance, and stimulation activities aligned to future goals, which will become even more prevalent in the Middle East markets. 

However, governments alone cannot be the only advocates within these changes.  We, as Consultants, Architects, Designers, Engineers, Contractors and importantly, the Supply Chain need to act. 

Compass Co-Founder & Director, Luke, was recently invited to contribute his insights during the enlightening 2021 Virtual Value Engineering Summit, held online over the 7 – 9 June, where he shared how evolved Project and Cost Management strategies are making positive impacts to green retrofitting.

Luke joined a panel of esteemed industry leaders moderated by Engi Jaber of Climatize Engineering Consultants including Nathan Cartwright from NV5, Malcolm Macleod from U+A , and Ryan Hendricks from Turner & Townsend, with each contributing stimulating perspectives and considered solutions to improving sustainability within refurbishment projects.

A major takeaway of the discussion addressed the perceived concerns of implementing sustainability practices vs financial investment factors, and how to bridge this gap.

In our experience, as Project and Cost Management Consultants, this is where early education on actual costs invested vs actual costs saved – perhaps taking into account outside-of-the-box financial aid – needs to be thoroughly relayed as a strategy, understood and appreciated by project stakeholders during early project feasibility planning and the re-setting of asset lifetime goals.

We’re happy to share this knowledge with project owners and industry peers, if you’d like to find out how we set projects on the right track, drop us a note here.

To the CPI Trade Media Team, thank you once again for your incredible efforts at highlighting progressive developments within the Middle East built environment!