Emrill Energy, a division of leading integrated facilities management company Emrill, met with senior management of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) to discuss the future of sustainable energy strategies for Dubai’s real estate sector following the release of RERA’s Energy Efficiency Policy. The policy aims to increase energyefficiencywithin the built environment through the development and implementation of energy-saving asset optimisation practices. To support the UAE’s commitment to sustainable and innovative initiatives, Emrill Energy and RERAhave committed to exploring solutions that will helpdevelop more energy-efficient buildings, green spaces and the implementation of smart technologies to increase energy savings and enhance environmentally-friendly operations.
RERA and Emrill Energy discussed strategies aimed at elevating building performance through improved efficiencies. The focal point of the discussion centered on the imperative need for regular audits, designed to meticulously identify specific areas necessitating operational improvements. This underscores the commitment to proactive measures for optimizing building efficiency and aligns with our overarching objectives in sustainable development.
According to Mohammed Khalifa Bin Hammad, senior director at RERA, on an average, service charges for residential and commercial buildings, ranging from 45 to 50 percent and in certain cases reaching as high as 64 percent, relate to utilities such as electricity and water. The Energy Efficiency Policy is strategically designed to drive the industry towards heightened operational efficiencies, focusing not only on utilities but also on optimizing the lifecycles of assets. Through the implementation of rigorous energy management practices, both building owners and tenants to benefit significantly, experiencing a reduction in service charges as a direct outcome of improved energy efficiency measures.
Shariq Ahmad, associate director at Emrill Energy, said: “Emrill Energy’s signature solution, Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS) is in consonance with the Energy Efficiency Policy, offering a sophisticated avenue for curtailing energy consumption within buildings. CaaS plays a pivotal role in optimizing the performance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in both residential and commercial properties, presenting considerable economic advantages for homeowners and occupants. Beyond the fiscal implications, CaaS concurrently mitigates operational costs and capital expenditures associated with repairs and system retrofits, all while maintaining the operational functionality and cooling comfort. Considering the fact that HVAC systems typically represent a substantial portion, approximately 70 percent, of a building’s energy consumption, our solution anticipates a significant reduction in the power demand of these systems, thereby leading to a commensurate decrease in generation capacity at the utility plant level.
Shariq Ahmad concluded: “Through the delivery of energy-efficient methodologies within the built environment, we are ultimately contributing to the UAE’s vision of creating a more sustainable future.”
Mohammed Khalifa Bin Hammad, senior directorat RERA, commented on implementing energy-saving strategies and the potential benefits to the real estate sector: “RERA is aligned with COP 28 and global environmental imperatives, our initiatives contribute to positioning the UAE as a sustainable living and working hub. We are committed to supporting national and global sustainability goals, focusing on key sectors like residential and commercial. Through collaboration with stakeholders, including Jointly Owned Properties and energy efficiency organizations, we aim to enhance building efficiencies while addressing broader challenges posed by climate change.
