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ECOSMART EMIRATES FORGES AHEAD – PROJECT UPDATE

The EcoSmart Concrete team in Dubai and Vancouver have made good progress over the past several months on the EcoSmart Emirates project. Response has been very positive within the UAE construction sector with regard to incorporating high levels of supplementary cementing materials, particularly fly ash, as partial cement replacement in concrete.

Through its partnership with the American University in Dubai, EcoSmart offered October seminars on sustainable concrete to Dubai and Abu Dhabi audiences. The panel of speakers spoke to receptive crowds in each location. For details see “EcoSmart Concrete Seminar in the UAE”.

The success of these forums was continued with another seminar at the Big 5 construction conference in Dubai at the end of November. This session expanded on information being disseminated concurrently at the EcoSmart Concrete booth in the Big 5 trade show area. Please see “EcoSmart a Big Success at Big 5” for more information.

Another key aspect of EcoSmart in the Emirates has been the development of an effective Advisory Committee, comprised of individuals representing leading construction companies, government agencies and research institutions. Dedicated to improving both construction and the environment in the UAE, the committee has provided excellent support and input to EcoSmart Emirates though monthly meetings since its formation in September 2007. For more information please see “Advisory Committee to EcoSmart in the Emirates”.

A series of tests on high volumes of fly ash in concrete in the UAE are currently underway at Unibeton, Dubai Central Laboratories (DCL), the CANMET Canadian Government laboratory and others. An overview of initial results is provided in our “Feature” section and other results will be published as soon as they are ready.

The main focus of the EcoSmart Emirates project is to promote the increased use of supplementary cementing materials (SCMs) in the UAE through the development of a demonstration project. In this way, an actual construction project incorporating EcoSmart Concrete would be used as a showcase for the technology in the Emirates.

A short list of proposed demonstration projects is currently being assessed and details of the final selection will be available soon.

In exchange for participating in a case study, the builder will receive free technical support such as testing, training, design and implementation. Promotional opportunities associated with this innovative green building project would be an additional reward.

Companies interested in having their UAE construction project as an EcoSmart Concrete demonstration project should contact EcoSmart through its Dubai or Vancouver offices (see the “Contact Us” section for details).