As industries around the world increasingly turn towards environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies to support their recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, focus is sharpening on sustainable construction in the Middle East. Perhaps more so than most sectors, construction could significantly benefit from a shift towards more sustainable practices. A UN report released in December estimated that, including operational emissions, the construction industry accounted for 38% of the world’s energy-related carbon emissions. The issue is particularly pertinent for the Middle East, a region home to the world’s four highest per capita carbon emitters. While definitions of sustainable construction vary and are continuously evolving, the term encompasses far more than just environmentally sustainable building materials. It is increasingly used to refer to ESG factors along the entire planning and construction process, incorporating aspects like design, energy generation and even social outcomes. “While much of the focus in public discussions across […]