GCC countries can save $3.5 billion with energy efficient buildings, industry experts announced in the build-up to the International Design Exhibition (INDEX) in the UAE. With energy and facilities management combining for 90 percent of a building's costs, energy efficient buildings can drive $3.5 in savings in the GCC, and $2 billion in the UAE, according to a recent report by the Middle East Facility Management Association (MEFMA). "Middle East architects and building owners are increasingly demanding global best practices energy efficiency, in line with national sustainability programs in the UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Qatar," said Santhosh Vallil, Sales Manager, Hunter Douglas Middle East, the Dutch architecture consultancy with numerous Middle East projects. "With the abundance of glass in the Middle East's modern architecture, proper shading and privacy are important to create internal comfort, save on energy costs, and deliver an aesthetically-pleasing design," added Santhosh Vallil. Anticipating the growing demand for Middle East energy-efficient solutions, Hunter Douglas has launched the next generation Flat Bar sliding shutter, with excellent design, functionality, and comfort, including "green" characteristics that decrease energy consumption. The minimalist Flat Bar sliding shutter can reduce the amount of solar heat indoors by up to 90 percent, thanks to overlapping fins, and a sliding shutter of only 5 mm thickness, which is half the thickness of comparable shutter systems, and a nearly-invisible aluminum frame. Delivering pleasing aesthetics, Flat Bar can block the window entirely, leaving users living on the ground or first floors undisturbed by passers-by, a key component of Middle East buildings, and is especially useful for lower-budget projects. The Flat Bar sliding shutter system was recently applied in a housing complex in Brescia, Italy, where the sliding shutters fit in perfectly thanks to their slim construction. "It looks as though the sliding shutters were separately installed on the façade, rather than being integrated. The architect likes to combine different materials and techniques, for instance, glued tiles, wooden façade, painted wall," said Fabio Brivio, Unit Manager, Hunter Douglas Italy.
