Sustainability has become a pressing global issue, and as responsible industry leaders, it is essential for us to address the environmental, social, and economic aspects of our projects. By adopting sustainable practices, we can create lasting positive impacts on the environment, enhance the well-being of communities, and drive long term profitability.

In this special feature, we focus on sustainability in the construction industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

UNIMAC

By Muhiba Uwaydat, Head of Environmental and Sustainability Services at UNIMAC

 Introduction

With the buildings and construction sector reported accounting for around 37% of energy and process-related CO2 emissions and 34% of energy demand globally in 2021 (UN-Environment Program, 2022), its crucial role in addressing the Climate Crisis becomes undeniable, demanding urgent action. In response to this crisis, companies are rethinking traditional construction practices by embracing sustainable alternatives and advancing innovative technologies.

Sustainable construction involves more than just building materials. Instead, its definition includes Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations throughout a project’s life cycle. Indeed, these factors have become essential measures and standards for businesses.

Given its crucial role in shaping the quality of life, the construction industry is making strides in setting sustainability targets and adopting sustainable practices into its construction processes. Among the initiatives that contractors are taking to reduce their impact on the environment include

• reducing on-site waste,
• using renewable and recyclable materials,
• reducing embodied energy in building materials,
• reducing energy consumption,
• providing biodiversity protection during and after the construction phase.

UNIMAC’s mission and achievements in Sustainable Construction

For UNIMAC, sustainability is about ensuring the long-term success of our projects, people, communities, and ecosystems by integrating environmental, social, economic, and governance factors into our decision-making. We consistently look to identify and act on sustainability-related opportunities and risks associated with our projects’ design, construction, and operation to achieve effective sustainability outcomes. In this regard, UNIMAC is upgrading its plant and machines to meet European regulations by acquiring the latest asphalt plant technology, which burns significantly less fuel than the conventional models used in the market. The benefits of using such technology are manifold. For one, it reduces the amount of extracted natural resources, directly contributing to the implementation of SDG goal 6, which advocates for sustainable management of water and sanitation. Secondly, it contributes to SDG goal 7, which champions affordable and clean energy access. The production of asphalt using recycled materials and non-fossil fuel energy contributes to reducing carbon emissions, improving air and water quality, and helping achieve the 2030 SDG goal of clean, renewable energy.

Additionally, UNIMAC was the main contractor for the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, a project that paved the way for impactful sustainability initiatives. During the construction phase of the circuit, UNIMAC became the first Saudi contractor to import machines with Tier 5 diesel engines and was the first company to utilize low-sulfur diesel in the Kingdom. This is a game-changer in the fight towards reducing emissions, especially from those associated with Sulfur-dioxide, as it ensures cleaner air and contributes to the achievement of SDG goal 3, which values good health and well-being. On that note, prior to the construction of the circuit and its adjacent infrastructure, the company also initiated and implemented a rehabilitation project for a lagoon located within the area. This project transformed the once-abandoned Lagoon, reviving its ecosystem and contributing to several SDG goals (3, 6, 9, 11, 13, 14, and 15), turning it into the jewel of the circuit.

Recently, UNIMAC introduced modified rubber asphalt (MRA) into its road pavement activities. This RAP technology integrates ground tire rubber made up of scrap tires into and integrates it into a mix for asphalt. Compared to traditional asphalt, rubber-modified asphalt demonstrates extended pavement life and reduces noise, CO2 emissions, rolling resistance, and fuel consumption. It is also considered cost-efficient over the life of the asphalt. This alternative solution to the traditional pavement of roadways is also one of the many action points UNIMAC is working on to advance sustainability in its practices.

Challenges and Opportunities

Nevertheless, the construction industry faces numerous managerial, strategic, and operational challenges. With the growing focus on sustainability in new construction projects, environmental, social, and governance factors influence material and supply procurement decisions. Among the main challenges is the need for more understanding of the economic benefits associated with sustainable construction. This is especially true when acquiring sustainable materials and adopting energy-efficient technologies. However, despite the initial investment costs and financial resources, the value of such innovations and measures lies in their durability, efficiency, and long life span.

Additionally, adopting sustainability practices in construction requires proper consideration of construction projects’ life cycles. With this, issues related to data accuracy, data availability, or even reluctance from the suppliers to share proprietary information may arise. For instance, the main concern for UNIMAC is tracing Life Cycle Assessments/Analyses to calculate carbon emissions from suppliers. However, this drove the company to become more selective regarding procurement-related decisions.

On the management front, adopting sustainable measures may require new methods and competencies, which necessitate the selection of an experienced construction team, training, effective communication, and collaboration between the groups. UNIMAC prides itself on its exceptional team of experts in the field. Driven by ambition and passion, they continue to initiate, improve and excel in advancing new methods and technologies in sustainable construction.

Conclusion

In summary, upcoming mega projects in the region are challenging existing approaches to construction, design, and engineering by demanding rigorous sustainability criteria that prioritize environmental and social compliance, labor conditions, and effective governance. In this regard, UNIMAC aims to contribute to the advancement of sustainability in the MENA Region by investing in clean energy technology, sourcing most of its materials locally, boosting its local content rating, and considerably reducing its transportation-related carbon footprint. These long-term investments were among the first action points in UNIMAC’s mission toward reducing its overall CO2 emissions. They also testify to the company’s commitment to the Saudi Vision 2030 and its contribution to advancing SDG goals in the road construction industry.

References

United Nations Environment Programme (2022). 2022 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction: Towards a Zero‑emission, Efficient and Resilient Buildings and Construction Sector. Nairobi.