Latest news with #greenbuilding
Zawya
11-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
'Jordan advances green building agenda with new EV infrastructure code'
AMMAN — Jordan is emerging as a regional leader in developing green building codes, with a new initiative aimed at incorporating electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure into future urban planning, according to Secretary-General of the Arab Renewable Energy Commission Mohammad Taani. Taani noted that the 'Electric Vehicle Building Code' would be launched during the 5th Arab Renewable Energy Dialogue Workshop, set to take place in Amman from September 21 to 22, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 'This step reaffirms Jordan's commitment to sustainable development and energy efficiency,' Taani said, adding that the new code would introduce mandatory requirements for EV charging infrastructure in newly constructed buildings. These regulations are part of a broader legislative package aimed at promoting green, environmentally friendly buildings across the Kingdom, he added. Taani stressed that the initiative supports Jordan's national strategy to transition to a low-carbon economy and expand the country's electric transportation infrastructure. 'It will help enhance urban environmental quality, reduce harmful emissions, and serve as a prerequisite for licensing new buildings under advanced safety and sustainability standards,' he added. Taani also highlighted that Jordan is already a regional frontrunner in the use of solar water heaters, photovoltaic systems and electric vehicles, both at the residential and institutional levels. As part of the preparations, a key meeting was held between Minister of Public Works and Housing Maher Abul Samen, Ministry Secretary-General Jamal Qutaishat, Arab Renewable Energy Commission Secretary-General Mohammad Taani, and President of the Jordanian Renewable Energy Society Kamel Daqamsa, to discuss the implementation of the EV code. The meeting is part of Jordan's broader efforts to position itself as a regional leader in renewable energy and sustainable urban development, while also facilitating knowledge exchange with fellow Arab nations, Petra reported. During the upcoming workshop, the Ministry of Public Works will present its achievements in the development and application of green building codes as a model for the Arab world. Discussions will also focus on ways to replicate Jordan's approach across other Arab countries, in support of regional integration in clean energy and sustainable development. The 5th Arab Renewable Energy Dialogue Workshop will feature wide participation from Arab countries, as well as regional and international organisations involved in the energy and sustainable building sectors. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
25-06-2025
- General
- Zawya
Qatar: Pilot project to transform mosques into green buildings launched
Doha, Qatar: In a pioneering step toward environmental sustainability, Al Wakrah Municipality has launched a project to convert one of its mosques into a green, sustainable building. The initiative, carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, is part of the broader campaign titled 'Al Wakrah on the Path to Carbon Neutrality.' The project aims to enhance the operational efficiency of mosques while significantly reducing carbon emissions. This will be achieved by integrating renewable energy sources and adhering to the Gulf Building Code's sustainability standards—all without compromising the comfort and spiritual ambiance for worshippers. The launch was marked by a coordination meeting chaired by Director of Al Wakrah Municipality Jaber Hassan Al Jaber. The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Earthna - Center for a Sustainable Future, and Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa). A joint task force, led by the municipality, has been established to oversee the project's implementation. A clear execution timeline has been drawn up, and results from this pilot phase will be announced at a future press conference. If successful, the initiative is expected to expand to other mosques across the country. The project not only supports national environmental goals but also serves as a model for integrating traditional religious infrastructure with modern sustainability practices. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The Guardian
23-06-2025
- General
- The Guardian
A vertical forest growing in the Netherlands: in pictures
Earlier this year, a new, mixed-use building opened in the heart of Utrecht, Netherlands. Photograph: Judith Jockel/The Guardian Wonderwoods Vertical Forest in the city's Beurskwartier area brings new housing, office space and an estimated hectare of vertical forest to the area. Photograph: Judith Jockel/The Guardian Designed by Stefano Boeri Architects and MVSA Architects, it's the newest of many vertical forests cropping up in cities around the world. Photograph: Judith Jockel/The Guardian This style of building can absorb carbon dioxide, reduce air pollution and provide a cooling effect, both in shady outdoor spaces and in the interiors. Photograph: Judith Jockel/The Guardian These green spaces also support plant and animal biodiversity. Here, a 'bug hotel' provides a space for insects to shelter and lay eggs. Photograph: Judith Jockel/The Guardian Stefano Boeri architects built its first vertical forest, or Bosco Verticale, a decade ago in the Milan district of Porta Nuova. Photograph: Audrius Venclova/Alamy Since then, towers that incorporate greenery have gone up in cities around the world. Pictured: Trudo Vertical Forest, a low-income housing complex in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Photograph: Frans Lemmens/Alamy Wonderwoods is Boeri's first vertical forest to feature spaces accessible to the public, including outdoor gardens. 'It's really a part of the city,' said architect Stefano Boeri. Photograph: Judith Jockel/The Guardian The complex is part of a broader transformation of Beurskwartier, a new pedestrian district adjacent to Utrecht's Central Station. Photograph: Judith Jockel/The Guardian The view of Utrecht, with the city's cathedral in the background. Photograph: Judith Jockel/The Guardian There are more than 200 apartments in the Wonderwoods Vertical Forest. Pictured is one of the apartment's balconies. Photograph: Judith Jockel/The Guardian In keeping with the pedestrian and cyclist friendly streetscape, the building offers ample bicycle storage. Photograph: Judith Jockel/The Guardian Wonderwoods draws inspiration from the nearby Utrechtse Heuvelrug national park and houses more than 30 plant species native to the area. Photograph: Judith Jockel/The Guardian Designers built a water storage system to collect and recover rainwater. Photograph: Judith Jockel/The Guardian 'We really try to make botany part of our discipline, our studies,' Boeri said. 'Plants and living nature are not simply an ornament – it is part of the life of the building.' Photograph: Judith Jockel/The Guardian Boeri said that prefabricated materials are helping to bring down the costs of vertical forests – allowing them to scale. Photograph: Judith Jockel/The Guardian 'The buildings change color and shape with relation to the season,' Boeri said. 'We're used to thinking of architecture as stable, but these change continuously and every year is different.' Photograph: Judith Jockel/The Guardian
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Modern Architecture Drives ETFE Membrane Popularity with Focus on Lightweight and Aesthetic Structures
Discover the growing potential of the ETFE Architectural Membrane Market, projected to hit USD 1.21 billion by 2032. With a CAGR of 8.8%, the demand for lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly materials is rising. Key applications include stadiums, airports, and more, driven by green building trends globally. ETFE Architectural Membrane Market Dublin, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "ETFE Architectural Membrane Market Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, and Forecast 2025-2034 | Global Industry Growth, Competitive Landscape, Opportunities, and Challenges" has been added to offering. The Global ETFE Architectural Membrane Market is poised for substantial growth, with a projected market size value of USD 677 million in 2025. Forecasts predict worldwide sales will reach USD 1.21 billion by 2032, marking a robust CAGR of 8.8%. This growth trajectory is fueled by the increasing demand for ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) membranes, which are being favored in modern architecture for their blend of aesthetic and environmental benefits. ETFE membranes are appreciated for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, UV resistance, high translucency, and self-cleaning properties, making them ideal for use in roofing systems, facades, skylights, and atriums across varied structures such as stadiums, transportation terminals, greenhouses, and commercial centers. These membranes outperform traditional glass and polycarbonate in thermal insulation and flexibility, offering an environmentally friendly alternative with low recyclability impact, which complements sustainable construction efforts. The market has seen increased interest in ETFE structures, mainly due to rising investments in sports and public infrastructure projects as global events spur urban redevelopment. Innovations in multi-layer ETFE cushion systems, along with advancements in air inflation and shading mechanisms, have broadened design possibilities for energy-efficient enclosures. Digital advancements in construction, including 3D modeling, BIM, and parametric design, facilitate customization of ETFE applications for complex geometries. The adoption of ETFE is notably growing in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East due to its resilience in extreme climates and cost-effective maintenance. The push towards net-zero carbon construction further encourages the integration of high-performance membrane materials like ETFE in project designs. Expected advancements in smart coatings, integrated photovoltaics, and intelligent shading systems will enhance ETFE's role in sustainable architecture, offering functionality and design flexibility. Key Takeaways - ETFE Architectural Membrane Market: Increasing global demand for lightweight, durable, and aesthetic building materials pushes ETFE membranes into mainstream architectural design. Major adopters include stadiums, airports, and exhibition centers due to ETFE's ability to cover expansive areas with minimal structural weight. Architectural preferences for transparency, daylight optimization, and organic shapes match well with ETFE's properties. Temperature-sensitive environments benefit from ETFE's thermal insulation capabilities and climate adaptability. Asia-Pacific, driven by infrastructure projects in China, India, and Southeast Asia, is emerging as a critical growth region. Growing emphasis on green certifications and ESG goals promote recyclable materials like ETFE. Technological innovations such as 3D modeling and digital fabrication promise efficient custom ETFE structure designs. A global shift to replace aging roofs with ETFE offers opportunities for retrofits, especially in Europe and North America. The integration of solar panels and dynamic shading transforms ETFE systems into energy-generating components. Smart membrane technologies with sensors and responsive controls are under development, facilitating adaptive architecture. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 150 Forecast Period 2025 - 2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $677 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $1446 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 8.8% Regions Covered Global Companies Featured Vector Foiltec Taiyo Kogyo Corporation Birdair Inc. SEFAR AG Tensile Structure Systems Nowofol Kunststoffprodukte GmbH & Co. KG Hightex GmbH Serge Ferrari Group MakMax Group Cowley International Group Novum Structures LLC Georg + Otto Friedrich GmbH Covertex Membranes International Shanghai Taiyo Kogyo Co., Ltd. Frei Otto Structures For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment ETFE Architectural Membrane Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Sign in to access your portfolio
CTV News
18-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
‘Very impressive new facility': Winnipeg's newest firehall now open
Winnipeg's newest firehall is officially in operation. The city unveiled the new Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) Station #9 in Windsor Park. WFPS Chief Christian Schmidt said this new station has been designed to fit how Winnipeg is growing. 'This particular station combines two different older stations; the previous Station #9 on Marion Street and the previous Station #15, which was on this exact site,' Schmidt said. 'These two smaller stations had gotten older over time and had less space and capacity. This station places response efficiency and environmental efficiency at the forefront.' The new station has five bays with a fire engine and crew. A rescue unit, the hazardous materials team, an ambulance and its crew, and a fire investigator are all housed at the station. The station is also the first city building to have geothermal ground source heat pumps for both heating and cooling. The building is expected to reduce emissions by 98.6 per cent compared to other buildings its size. 'The team has worked hard to reclaim wood from the previous buildings for use in this station and includes details down to ensuring that the shrubs around this property are drought resistant,' said Schmidt. Winnipeg fire Station #9 The bays doors opened at Station #9 in Windsor Park on June 18, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) 'This is a very impressive new facility. It's one of the greenest buildings in the city's inventory, and it's going to help us deliver faster, more effective emergency service to Windsor Park and the surrounding neighbourhoods,' said Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham. The $16 million building also features recovery ventilators, a training room, an air compressor, and bifold bay doors, which are supposed to reduce response times by 15 seconds. 'This reflects the kind of investment that we are making as a city and that our city needs to keep making as we grow - investments that strengthen public safety, public health, investments that modernize our infrastructure, investments that reduce our long-term impact on our environment,' said Gillingham. This station is part of the WFPS master plan that came out in 2020, which highlights the need for stations in more strategic locations, which in turn will help with response times.
