The construction industry's approach to sustainability remains focused on immediate costs rather than long-term value, despite 15 years of green building initiatives. This observation comes from Atul Kapil, Group General Manager of Leading Hospitality Services (LHS), a Dubai-based sustainability solutions provider.
Source: pexels
His company's innovative cooling paint and film solutions, highlighted at Dubai's Big 5 exhibition in December, deliver remarkable results with a return on investment in under two years.
Kapil observes:
Kapil observes:
With a 10-year warranty, customers effectively enjoy eight years of energy savings for free after the payback period. Yet the first question is always, "How much does it cost?"
Atul Kapil
Group General Manager of Leading Hospitality Services
According to Kapil, these solutions deserve to be viewed as valuable investments rather than expenses. He explains that these solutions enable temperature drops, which in turn reduce electricity bills. The solutions contribute to a greener building, improve environmental sustainability, and lower the carbon footprint by consuming less energy.
The effectiveness of these solutions is evident in both new construction and retrofitting projects. A notable UAE hospital pilot project using iFilm in its glass-walled lobby achieved impressive results.
The effectiveness of these solutions is evident in both new construction and retrofitting projects. A notable UAE hospital pilot project using iFilm in its glass-walled lobby achieved impressive results.
We had solar dissipation guns exactly calculate and within a day we had the result. Small pilot, immediate results and we got the job.
Atul Kapil
Group General Manager of Leading Hospitality Services
Drawing inspiration from European practices, particularly the EU's Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which requires Energy Performance Certificates for property transactions, Kapil suggests this is something that needs to happen in this part of the world.
Regarding industry standards, Kapil advocates for higher benchmarks. He explains:
Regarding industry standards, Kapil advocates for higher benchmarks. He explains:
For example, the cooling paint has been certified by Dubai Municipality with a solar reflectivity score of 89.5 percent, far exceeding the market norm of 50 to 60 percent. With such examples available, why can't we aim for reflectivity levels of 70 or 80 percent as a standard?
Atul Kapil
Group General Manager of Leading Hospitality Services
Beyond temperature control solutions, LHS represents US-based AQMC's air quality technology in the region. While acknowledging their solutions command premium prices, Kapil emphasizes their value proposition.
I am bringing these solutions to a lot of customers to look at. I am also preparing an ROI for them and giving them the option to do a small pilot.
Atul Kapil
Group General Manager of Leading Hospitality Services
The main hurdle remains market perception. Kapil encourages developers to implement these solutions in showcase projects, arguing that the marginal cost increase of 10-15% is negligible given current property values.
Few people truly understand ROI in the context of these products. I really want to see them embrace sustainability rather than utilize it as jargon or buzzword.
Atul Kapil
Group General Manager of Leading Hospitality Services
