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JEDDAH: According to the organizers of Saudi Build 2010 and Saudi Stone-Tech, two major construction exhibitions in the Kingdom, Smart Buildings, the term used to describe buildings distinguished by one central system that operates by communicating amongst components to control the function of the home, are planned to go up all over the country at a total cost of SR150 billion.
The source also said that the construction of the buildings was expected to be fully completed by 2018. The Kingdom, suffering from a rapidly growing population and demand for housing must construct at least 2.9 million housing units by 2015 and 4 million housing units by 2020 to satisfy market needs.
Saudi Arabia, according to organizers has decided to invest in Smart or Green Building Technology as a means of promoting long-term sustainability and energy efficiency in the country.
Studies have shown that smart buildings can reduce energy consumption by 30 percent, cut emissions and water consumption by 50 percent as well as reduce building waste by 90 percent when compared to their conventional counterparts.
“Building owners are increasingly becoming interested in making their facilities more energy efficient to save money and decrease operating costs,†Shahid Bhatti, project manager of Saudi Build 2010 of Riyadh Exhibition Company said.
He added that smart building solutions provide a convenient way to improve energy efficiency and optimize the performance of buildings.
In addition, there has already been talk that the smart building industry not only in the Kingdom but also in the GCC is expected to reach new heights in the next couple of years. Currently the Smart Building industry in the GCC is estimated to be worth 1.2 trillion riyals. Companies from India, China, Singapore, among others have already forged tie-ups with several Saudi firms to provide, smart, building materials to supply the local market.
See full story at http://arabnews.com/economy/article106217.ece
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