Washington's Central Bank delegation views MOW’s application of green buildings system

A delegation from Washington’s Central Bank visited the Ministry of Works to discuss the use of green buildings system and renewable energy applications. The delegation was headed by Middle East and North Africa Energy Expert and Specialist Waleed Al Sarih and included Energy Expert Sameera Al Khamleshi, Environment Expert Piere Bailargion, Environment Expert Erick Makaila and Saleh Ouf from the Ministry of Finance.
The delegation was received by MoW’s Assistant Undersecretary for Construction & Maintenance Eng. Mona Al Motawa, Roads Planning & Design Director Eng. Kadhim Abdul Latif and Materials Engineering Director Eng. Sameer Affouni.
Eng. Al Motawa expressed the Ministry’s appreciation towards the Central Bank’s efforts in many countries. She also highlighted the Ministry’s efforts and achievements in implementing optimal use of energy in the Kingdom of Bahrain; explaining that a number of projects employing optimal use of energy require collaboration with the Ministry of Works, including street lighting and green buildings.
Al Motawa’s presentation referred to the Ministry’s strategic plan, in addition to that of the construction & maintenance sector and the Bahrain Centre of Excellence programs and projects. In her presentation, she explained that all such initiatives reflect the sector’s commitment to applying the best practices in project management to ensure quality, save time and cost and satisfy the project owner. Also, such projects adhere to international standards with regards to the application of green buildings, safety requirements and attending to the needs of women and people with special needs.
Al Motawa presented the delegation with 2 studies that took place to evaluate the Minister’s old and new building and Wadi Al Sail Primary School, which is presently under implementation in collaboration with the Electricity & Water Authority and Gulf Organization for Researches & Development (GORD). She highlighted possible proposals for energy conservation, and also discussed with the Central Bank’s delegation the possibility of putting in place a code for optimal use of renewable and sustainable energy, and green buildings in order to protect the environment and maintain natural resources.
The Building Maintenance Directorate has started implementing projects applying optimal use of energy and resources since 2013, which was applied (Phase 1) on MoW’s Complex in Manama and Rashed Equestrian Club in Sakhir. Phase 2 of the project was implemented in 2014 on 5 governmental schools belonging to the Ministry of Education. The same application and elements are being applied to the Building Maintenance Directorate in Muharraq and the Materials Engineering Directorate in Juffair.
The Ministry of Works, represented by the Building Maintenance Directorate and funded by the Ministry of Finance, planned for the implementation of 4 projects for various governmental entities. The 4 projects apply LED lighting, sensor mixers, double glazed and thermal insulated aluminum windows and thermal insulated roofs. The presentation also highlighted the application of green buildings on the projects implemented by the directorate itself.