Middle East represents huge market for suppliers of environment-friendly building materials

The region, which has already made major inroads in the adoption of sustainable construction practices over the last five years, paves this growth further as international exhibitors choose to introduce their latest innovations in this market.

The Big 5 2012, taking place from 5 - 8 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will see a number of green product launches and demonstrations from exhibitors, some of which will be introduced in the Middle East for the first time ever. They include Carlisle HVAC Products, an exhibitor from the US, who has developed a robot - the Inspecting, Sealing and Advanced Cleaning (ISAAC) Robotic Solution - to offer efficient remediation of existing HVAC systems. The robot can inspect, seal and clean hard to reach places that are inaccessible to humans. It can also help improve indoor air quality and decrease heating and cooling costs without significant interruption to building occupants.

Similarly, for the region with abundant solar energy, Austria-based exhibitor Sun Master has developed a new solar collector that feature vein-like channels - similar to those found in leaves - to deliver a greater thermal output without increasing manufacturing costs. Another exhibitor, Taiwan's Leve Bio-Green will introduce LED lighting systems that are used widely across hospitals, supermarkets, public buildings and warehouses. Their products can save energy by more than 50% and have a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours.

In the region, UAE and Qatar have sustainability regulations already in place that mandate minimum levels of sustainability. Similarly, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have numerous projects that have sustainability related key performance indicators, implying a clear shift towards green. Sustainable buildings call for a wide range of products and services that are designed to comply with a structure's complete lifecycle - from design, construction, operation, maintenance and renovation to its final stage of deconstruction. Green projects today are seen as profitable as it offers a greater return on investment for the developers while being cost-efficient for the end-user.

Commenting on the rise in demand for green products, Mario Seneviratne said, "These eco-friendly launches come at a time when the UAE is driving the way with new rules and regulations to promote sustainable construction. In order to increase further awareness for green buildings, one of the educational elements at this year's event will include Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) workshops which will take participants through core concepts, strategies and implementation of sustainable buildings."

To support the adoption of eco-efficient products among local manufacturers, designers and contractors, The Big 5 will also host the Green Build Conference to address important issues and opportunities that are essential to remain compliant, competitive and sustainable in the Middle East.

"Contractors across the Gulf have been quick to adopt sustainable practices that are in line with globally accepted standards. As new regulations on sustainable building come into force across the Middle East, the market for green products will only increase further," says Andy White, event director of The Big 5. "We have seen much progress over the last few years and acknowledging these efforts at the exhibition this year will be The Gaia Awards, recognising true innovators in the field of sustainability."

The Gaia Awards, which will take place on 6 November, has grown to become the industry's most respected green focused awards, honouring construction equipments and products that have truly integrated the concept of sustainable built environment.

The Big 5 2012 takes place from 5-8 November with Middle East Concrete, PMV Live and FM EXPO at the Dubai World Trade Centre. An event with more than 30 years of history, it has grown to become the largest of its kind for the building and construction industry, and a truly international stage for the Middle East industry.