Blue Building technology adopted at AUS, energy and water savings at 80 percent

Modification works are being carried out on the first four villas built at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) in 1997 using Blue Building technology - creating up to 80 percent savings in water and energy consumption each year

The Blue Building Concept combines the most up-to-date building techniques with groundbreaking advances in sustainable construction. It represents the culmination of 30 years' of research and development into environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies. The result are buildings that not only promote a cleaner and safer future for the planet but are also bespoke and design-led that can be produced at low cost and in short timeframes.

"AUS has decided to adopt the unique Blue Building technology to achieve a sustainable environment, featuring eco‐friendly design while minimizing the CO2 balance," said AUS Chancellor Dr. Björn Kjerfve. "This building concept, using environmentally friendly materials and systems that reduce energy consumption by up to 80 percent, will revolutionize the building industry in the UAE and lead the way to a healthier living environment at affordable prices," he added.

Together with a local construction company, the project officially started on July 20, 2017. The completion date is estimated for November 2017. Key elements of the modified housing units will include:

• 60-80 percent energy saving 
• 99.9 percent reduction of indoor dust particles 
• 50-60 percent constant humidity 
• 110 percent more internal light intensity indoor 
• 110 percent more UV light indoor99 percent reduction of odor
• 90 percent less energy output for hot water supply

The implemented cooling system in the project is a reversible heating-cooling system, which operates completely silently, with temperatures adjustable in every room. Because of specially developed walls and windows, temperature swings and noise levels due to outside conditions are minimized.

Norbert Stegmann, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Building Holding says: "The Blue 'Positivism' philosophy is based on supporting the environment through renewable energy. Our designs are founded on scientific studies, ensuring that the buildings we create are fit for purpose and will allow for water and energy savings in the long-term. I am excited by the precedent being set by this project and look forward to additional projects where this philosophy can be further applied."