Entry Details

Organization:Sobha Constructions LLC
Login ID:SobhaConstructions
Category applied for:PROJECT OF THE YEAR, NEW CONSTRUCTION - IEQ (HEALTHCARE, ACADEMIC, HOSPITALITY, COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL)
Submission date:28-Oct-2024
Submission Entry:
1.) What systemic transformation are you able to report as a building owner, developer or master developer?
  1. Is your sense of responsibility towards sustainable development radiating beyond the specific area of focus of your organisation? (Sustainable development includes energy efficiency, water use optimisation, better Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), etc.)
  2. Have you established or strengthened your company policy towards addressing the bigger picture (of helping in the effort to limiting global rise in temperature or improvement in IEQ, etc.) and working in an interconnected manner with other stakeholders?
(93)

Answer: To enhance Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) measures for this project, we have carefully selected materials that meet the stringent requirements of LEED certification.
We are committed to energy efficiency; therefore, only Energy Star-rated HVAC equipment will be procured. This includes dishwashers, gas ovens, and freestanding dishwashers, all designed to minimize energy consumption.
For the building's facade, we have installed glazing with a lower U-value, significantly improving insulation performance. The U-value has been reduced from 1.41 to 1.66, enhancing overall energy efficiency of the project.
Paints selected for interior spaces comply with LEED’s Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) requirements, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.
With reagrds to the sustainable approach of same we have ensured a robust procurment policy for raw materials procured.
Given that concrete is one of highest CO2 emitters globally, we have opted for a concrete mix incorporating 35% Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag (GGBS), which will substantially lower carbon emissions associated with the project. All joinery within building is constructed exclusively from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood, ensuring sustainable sourcing practices.
Waves Opulence is currently on track to meet all necessary requirements for the LEED Gold certification.
Looking ahead, we plan to apply the established framework and standards set by Waves Opulence to multiple upcoming projects within SOBHA. This strategic approach will ensure future developments contributes to our commitment to environmental responsibility across the organization.By integrating these practices into our project planning from the outset, we aim to benefit both our developments and the communities we serve.

2.) What IEQ goals do you aim for as a building owner, and how much have you implemented? What socio-economic and sustainable development frameworks do you apply in your engagement with consultants and contractors to ensure better IEQ and, at the same time, ensure energy efficiency goals are not compromised? (94)

Answer: The project is currently focused on enhancing its Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) by ensuring strict adherence to several key design elements:

1)The ventilation design for outdoor air complies with ASHRAE 62.1, 2016 standards to maintain optimal air quality.
2)Wall-mounted CO2 sensors are installed in all densely populated areas to effectively monitor air quality.
3)All adhesives and sealants meet the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1168, ensuring low emissions.
4)The paints used in the project comply with the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1113, contributing to healthier indoor air.
5)The design of HVAC systems and the building envelope aligns with ASHRAE 55, 2017 standards for thermal comfort.
6)At least 55% of the overall area features direct access to daylight, enhancing occupant well-being.
7)A minimum of 75% of the area offers clear, unobstructed views, promoting a more pleasant environment.

3.) What provisions in your project budget do you make for ensuring better IEQ, which might necessitate incorporating capital-intensive innovative measures? (95)

Answer: We have seen an increase in the budget for Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) practices, approximately 2% higher than traditional building practices.

4.) As a prospective building owner, what feasibility studies and audits have you undertaken to study IEQ performance of existing buildings, so that you may apply the best of approaches in your building through listing out your expectations to consultants, contractors, manufacturers and suppliers, amongst other stakeholders involved in the design, construction, installation, commissioning and O&M? (96)

Answer: The in-house facilities management team conducts regular audits on all existing projects to assess operational efficiency and compliance with energy-saving parameters. Utilizing IoT technology, data is collected and analyzed at set intervals, allowing for real-time monitoring of energy consumption. If any abnormalities are detected during audits, the Facilities Management Team promptly investigates.

For unusual power consumption data points, subject matter experts from the design and execution teams are engaged to verify the findings. This collaborative approach ensures thorough analysis, providing valuable insights into operational practices and design efficiency. The data collected not only identifies potential inefficiencies but also guides corrective actions to enhance energy performance. By fostering this proactive auditing process, we aim to optimize resource use, reduce operational costs, and strengthen our commitment to sustainability across all projects. This continuous feedback loop supports our mission of achieving higher energy efficiency and operational excellence.

5.) To what extent are you incorporating synergistic AI, IoT to bring about improvement in building performance in terms of IEQ? (97)

Answer: IoT sensors are strategically placed throughout the building, allowing facilities management teams to monitor energy consumption and operational efficiency after project handover. During the "keep out" stage, a comprehensive system check is conducted on all installed equipment. Traditionally, this involved verifying that systems were operational, but we now use IoT technology to monitor system effectiveness in real-time.

For example, condensation levels should ideally be evenly distributed across each floor. IoT sensors enable us to assess these levels accurately, helping identify areas of excessive condensation that could lead to potential damage. By integrating IoT technology during this phase, we ensure operational efficiency while enhancing the overall quality of living for our customers. This proactive approach allows us to address potential issues before they escalate, ultimately fostering a more comfortable and sustainable living environment

6.) What value are you providing building occupants in terms of better IEQ than the norm? Do you have a policy of enhanced IEQ, even if you mean to sell the building(s) (or unit(s)) after construction, as opposed to renting it (them) out? (98)

Answer: We prioritize enhanced indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in our building projects, recognizing its vital role in occupant health and comfort. Our commitment includes using high-quality, low-VOC materials, advanced ventilation systems, and optimal natural lighting to create spaces that promote well-being. Even when we plan to sell rather than rent, we maintain a policy of enhanced IEQ, as we believe it adds long-term value to the property and enhances the living experience for future occupants.
A three step quality check post execution of the work as well as a comprehensive keep out stage all works towards giving the best output to the customers. We have set a standard of Quality characterstics that makes our organization one of the leading construction companies in the world.

7.) Has the project secured a Green Building certification? If so, under which rating system and to what level? (99)

Answer: We have not yet attained the certification, but we are actively working towards it and taking deliberate steps to achieve this goal. Our team is currently implementing the necessary measures and processes required for certification, including rigorous documentation and compliance checks. We are committed to meeting all standards and guidelines, and we are regularly reviewing our progress to ensure we stay on track. We believe that with our dedicated efforts and thorough preparation, we will successfully attain the LEED Gold certification in the near future.

8.) What framework do you have in place to provide the consultant access to your building(s) after the Defects Liability Period with the specific aims of furthering the understanding of IEQ performance, identifying shortfalls and taking remedial measures in the building(s) and, equally important, creating avenues for learning to apply in future projects the consultant likely would be involved in (iterative process)? (100)

Answer: The in house DLP team meticulously analyzes and categorizes data based on the severity and criticality of identified issues. These insights are then communicated to the execution team, enabling a proactive approach that ensures any recorded defects are addressed and prevented in future projects.

To support this initiative, a comprehensive checklist has been developed and implemented, which the site Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC) team diligently uses to verify compliance. This structured process helps maintain high standards throughout the project lifecycle.

Once the DLP period concludes, the in house Facilities Management team gains complete access to the building's framework systems. This access allows for continuous monitoring and analysis of the building's performance, ensuring that all systems operate optimally and that any potential issues are identified and resolved swiftly. Through this integrated approach, we are committed to enhancing quality and efficiency, ultimately improving the overall experience for building occupants.

9.) Have you incorporated changes to organisational culture and behaviour that enable a sustainable development approach? Specifically, what measures do you have in place to ensure ethical procurement practices across the entire chain of command and decision-making in your organisation? (101)

Answer: The procurement team must follow a clear set of guidelines while sourcing vendors to ensure compliance with our sustainability objectives. Vendors are required to meet all outlined requirements and provide relevant documentation for verification. To guarantee ethical procurement practices, we have established a comprehensive sixteen-point checklist that every selected vendor must complete. This checklist is meticulously designed to ensure compliance with our LEED requirements for any materials procured for the project, addressing aspects such as material sourcing, lifecycle impacts, and environmental certifications.

Once the questionnaire and accompanying documentation are submitted, our in-house sustainability consulting team conducts a thorough verification process, examining all submitted materials for accuracy and completeness. If vendor’s submission meets all necessary criteria, the materials are then forwarded to our external consultants for final approval. This structured approach includes multiple stages of review and approval from various stakeholders, including legal, financial, and sustainability teams, ensuring that our procurement policy is rigorously adhered to and that there are no ethical breaches in the process. By implementing this robust framework, we not only uphold our commitment to sustainability but also foster transparency and accountability throughout procurement process, ultimately contributing to our organization’s overall mission of environmental stewardship and responsible sourcing.

Supporting documents:
References:CCAUAE2415 || lakshmi.pisipati@sobhaconst.com

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