Questions/Answers

In implementation of the decision of the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and in line with the Dubai Strategic Plan , and the directives for applying sustainable specifications on all buildings in the Emirate of Dubai as per the best environment-friendly international standards adapted to local conditions of the Emirate of Dubai to keep Dubai a healthy city that follows the highest standards of sustainable development and has clean pollution-free environment, therefore this idea and service of Certifying thermal insulation materials used in construction buildings have been initiated in the Emirate of Dubai. The main aim of this initiative is to make sure that products used have the required characteristics to prevent heat transfer and fire into buildings which keeps users of these buildings area safe and reduce power consumption (Air Conditioning ) and reduce CO2 pollution as well.

This service it has a direct effect on the community and end users since The primary contribution of building envelope thermal insulation is to provide thermal comfort to its occupants. This supports healthy living environments and better productivity at workplaces. Thermal insulation reduces unwanted heat loss or heat gain through a building envelope. This, in turn, reduces energy demand for cooling and heating of buildings, and thus is a mitigation measure to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions which is one the main goals of Dubai government to keep Dubai a healthy city that follows the highest standards of sustainable applications.

In fact this initiative is contributing in two goals of SDG(s) which is (Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages) by enhancing the air quality and reduce CO2 emissions and also (Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable) by making sure the thermal insulations materials used have the required fire retardant characteristics which assure the protection of lives, properties and sources of national wealth during peace & war times and at crisis & emergency situations.

Before this initiative launched , there was no control on the thermal insulation products used in the buildings which can be adversely effects on the products quality , the efficiency of Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system , air quality and fire resistant property. Dubai municipality considered is the pioneer in implementing such requirements in middle east region.

Dubai municipality considered is the pioneer in implementing such unique schme requirements ., since dubai municpility is the 1st organization strated impleneting this kind of service and certification system.in middle east region.

This innovation is an original with full ownership to Dubai municipality ( Dubai Central Laboratory ) however during the preparation of the certification scheme and procedure some of the other or similar scheme have been reviwed and considered as benchmark as this is the practice of developing any new service , but this innovation have been made individually and by Dubai municipality ( Dubai Central Laboratory ) expertise staff.

NO

Only Dubai Municipality staff and human resources have been involved during the developments of this initiatives.

Dubai Municipality established the Fee schedule for this service which covers administration , testing and audits expenses that will be paid by The applicant (thermal insulation manufacturer ), with regards to environmental impact this initiative help to reduce CO2 and pollution by optimizing the use of electrical energy and adaptation of Dubai Municipality Saafat evaluation system.

Yes

This initiative have been evaluated internally by Dubai central laboratory technical committee which is considered as independent in their decision and opinions and also this initiatives have been evaluated and reviewed externally by some of the manufacturers or specialists in the field of thermal insulation , Moreover this certification scheme and service have been continuously evaluated internally by our Department and Corporately by Excellence and Strategy Department, and externally by Emirates International Accreditation Center (EIAC) and have been accredited by them, and also supervised by the extreme Advisory Committee which consist of external parties (Universities and External Bodies and Authorities).

1- Impact of this initiative on the market (shortage of materials ) 2- Cost impact on the investor and end users. 3- Human resources and expertise required . 4- Availabilities of Testing facilities.

All the outcome received found positive and encouraging to implement this initiative resulted in accrediting this scheme by Emirates International Accreditation Center (EIAC) whom also internationally recognized by IAF.

Before issuing this service and initiative , a draft of the certification scheme and Fee schedule have been communicated to stakeholders ( Consultants , contractors and thermal insulation manufacturers) to seek their feedback , comments and technical input to make sure that the issued documents is applicable and practical to the industry.

This initiative have been frequently reviewed and updated by the specialists to make sure that it is always parallel to the international standards related , new buildings technologies and any other related requirements.