Dubai Central Laboratory conducts consultative meeting with 200 government clients to strengthen green building program

Dubai Central Laboratory conducts consultative meeting with 200 government clients to strengthen green building program

MAPEI sponsors high-profile gathering and outlines company's contributions to sustainable development of Dubai

May 11, 2010
The Dubai Central Laboratory (DCL) department of Dubai Municipality has recently concluded a consultative meeting wherein more than 200 current and potential clients of DCL joined key government officials in discussing challenges and opportunities in promoting Dubai's sustainable development. MAPEI, global leader in the production of adhesives, sealants and chemical products for buildings, participated as sponsor of the event and provided a presentation of the significant contributions of its premium range of products to Dubai's green building initiative as well as the special properties that make MAPEI the ideal solution for the region's climatic conditions.

DCL announced during the event that it is deploying new testing equipment to ensure strict compliance of contractors to Dubai Government's green building regulations. Moreover, the test facilities will be further expanded to include advanced tests for detecting heavy metals in paint and coating by using ICP, Volatile Organic Compound through Gas Chromatography, Light Reflective Values of external surface and coatings, and solar reflective index for external coating.

Speaking at the event, Eng. Hawa Abdulla Bastaki, Director of DCL, discussed the expanding range of DCL's services: "The Engineering Material Laboratory section of DCL received accreditation for 25 more tests from Dubai Accreditation Centre as per ISO 17025, and this makes a total accreditation of 51 tests. This accreditation covers tests related to materials such as thermal insulations, asphalt, soil aggregate, concrete, steel etc. We are also in the process of implementing new services, including testing of car tyres, timber and timber products, ceramic tiles, paints and coatings."

"As per the directions and vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Municipality and other departments in Dubai are implementing green building regulations to address the emirate's long-term environmental challenges," added Eng. Bastaki.

Laith Haboubi, Business Development Director, IBS-MAPEI, said: "MAPEI's participation at the meeting was in line with the company's commitment to support Dubai Government in its efforts to protect and conserve the environment and ensure a clean and healthy living community. MAPEI is fully prepared to address all environmental requirements of the emirate as we have more than 150 products that are recognised to contribute to LEED certification and comply with most environmental and green building certification systems. Moreover, as Dubai moves ahead with its green building program, MAPEI will continue to focus on a parallel initiative to develop environmentally conscious products that complement the government's environmental advocacy."

The meeting was also attended by Eng. Salem Mohammed Bin Mesmar, Assistant Director General for Environment, Health and Safety Affairs; Eng. Khalid Abdelrahim Abdalla, Director of Customer Relations; Eng. Ali Ahmed Elian, Head of Engineering Material Section of Dubai Central Laboratory; and representatives from the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). An open forum was also held during the event wherein DCL received suggestions and ideas from customers, contractors and consultants.

Selected consultants and contractors were also honoured during the event for their contributions to Dubai's green building program. Certificates were distributed to all recipients by Eng. Bastaki.

About Mapei

Founded in Milan in 1937, Mapei is today the world leader in the production of adhesives and complementary products for the installation of all types of floor and wall coverings. The company is also specialized in other chemical products for building: from water-proofing to special mortars, from admixtures for concrete to products for the restoration of ancient buildings.

Mapei Group’s production may be summarized as follows: previewed sales in 2009 are 1.7 billion euros and the total number of Mapei Group employees is 6100.

The Group now counts 63 subsidiaries with 56 production facilities in operation in the 5 continents in 25 countries.

Mapei’s UAE subsidiary is Innovative Building Solutions LLC (IBS-Mapei). As part of its long-term commitment to the Middle East, the company commenced production in February 2009, at its 40,000 square metre facility at Dubai Investments Park.