Building a climate-neutral Gulf Region

To achieve this goal, the group established the Partners for International Business (PIB) cluster Climate Neutral Real Estate Gulf Region in 2023. With government support from the PIB programme and assistance from the Dutch embassy network, the group is entering the Gulf region market. Working together in a so-called 'cluster' increases their chances of success.

We spoke with Bertrand Schippan from architectural firm MVRDV (participating company) and André Vreman from Dutch Energy Solutions - DES (cluster coordinator). They shared their ambitions in MVDRV's sustainably furnished Rotterdam office. And they were happy to talk about the results they achieved!

André Vreman (Dutch Energy Solutions, left) and Bertrand Schippan (MVRDV)

Tackling the climate crisis

For over 30 years, MVRDV has been the architect behind many building projects all over the world. In the Netherlands, they are well-known for designing iconic projects like the Markthal in Rotterdam and Valley in Amsterdam. According to Bertrand Schippan, architect and partner at MVRDV, the Netherlands is a world leader in innovation.

French-born Schippan proudly states that Dutch architects belong to the world's avant-garde, "The Netherlands dare to experiment with new designs, ideas and techniques. I appreciated that, even long before I came to work here."

Sustainability is high on the agenda at MVRDV, "We have no problem acquiring projects," says Bertrand Schippan with a smile. And then, in a serious tone, "But we also want to build high-quality buildings. Buildings which are beneficial for the planet, with as few CO₂ emissions as possible. That's something you must do, focusing on the long term."

The firm saw many opportunities in the Middle East, "The Gulf region has the resources, the space and the desire to create climate-friendly, innovative buildings. At the same time, there are major challenges due to the heat and drought. We want to collaborate with local parties and make a difference with our combined knowledge and experience."

Air conditioning emissions

The Gulf region aspires to become more sustainable. But, the desert climate poses a challenge to cooling the buildings. In Dubai, air conditioners consume 70% of all energy. 

Dutch Energy Solutions (DES) took the initiative to form this PIB cluster. The organisation has been working in sustainable energy in the Middle East  for about 15 years. Their aim now is to build buildings with the lowest possible ecological footprint. They plan to use various sustainable techniques in the construction of homes and office buildings.

For DES, an innovative architect like MVRDV was a logical partner. And MVRDV was more than willing to join the cluster. "Within a few minutes, we knew we were on the same page and wanted to work together," says André Vreman, managing partner at DES. Besides architects, the cluster also includes engineers, water experts, energy companies, IT companies and knowledge institutions. 

Left: the PIB cluster is launched at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. Right: André Vreman talking to sustainability experts in Saudi Arabia.

Working together on the earliest designs…

"To make buildings 'net-zero', you need all these different expertise areas," says André Vreman. And it is essential to start collaborating early in the design process, "We simply do not want to create beautiful buildings and then put solar panels on top afterwards. We want to work together from the very start to make a construction project as climate-friendly as possible." Profitable business deals are not at the top of their minds, "Ultimately, sustainable techniques and projects will certainly pay for themselves. But the trade or profit aspect is not the main drive for us."

According to MVRDV, there are many ways to keep buildings cool in the desert if you combine skills and knowledge, "For example, in the design phase, you can make sure the windows are not exposed to too much direct sunlight, so that the building can stay cooler. And we are also looking into ways to reuse energy." The cluster wants to learn from all the knowledge in the region, says Bertrand Schippan, "People have been building in the desert for centuries. Air conditioners are relatively new, so how did people ventilate their homes in the past? We are also looking into that."

First successes

Gaining trust and respect from new clients in the Middle East requires long-term commitment. Design and construction processes also take time. Even though the PIB cluster was only launched a little over a year ago, it is already showing visible results.

According to Bertrand Schippan, visiting potential customers with a group of 10 people, rather than as individual companies, makes a real difference, "This way, we send a message to new customers, saying: we want to design your building, and we have all the partners to do it sustainably. If I were a customer, I would find that very professional."

Together, the cluster has travelled to the Gulf region several times. They spoke with influential stakeholders and potential clients in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. They inspired each other, learnt from each other and drew attention to sustainable solutions. They also hosted a Middle Eastern delegation in the Netherlands.

Through their efforts, the cluster already has a number of potential customers. MVRDV may already have its first assignment. Water company PureBlue has a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Other participants, such as TU Eindhoven, solar company EigenEnergie.net and architectural firm Hans Moor, participate in research and knowledge development in Saudi Arabia.

Feeling responsible

Coordinator André Vreman is proud of what they have achieved in such a short time. According to him, it cannot happen fast enough: "We are experiencing a climate crisis. The Dutch government and the EU understand that we cannot postpone sustainability; we must do something now. Our ambition is not just theoretical. Once you see how you can make a difference, you start feeling responsible."

The cluster is open to new members. Would you like to know more, or would you like to join? Take a look at the PIB cluster website.