RIYADH: The King Abdullah Financial District on Tuesday signed an MoU with Sumitomo Corporation Middle East to use its innovative and eco-friendly technology to combat climate change by reducing the heat island effect on surfaces within KAFD in Riyadh signed on.
“For us, it is extremely important to partner with Sumitomo on this new technology, because as a district, as KAFD, it is extremely important to reduce greenhouse emissions and reduce the effect of heat islands, and with Sumitomo This technology will help us,” Gautam Shashital, CEO of KAFD told Arab News.
According to Sashital, from the point of view of KAFD, it is very important to have a sustainable district. “We have several initiatives that have been implemented and are being implemented, and this is part of our sustainable solutions to enhance our creditworthiness,” he said.
Sumitomo, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation Group, a Fortune 500 global business and trade investment company, has entered into the KAFD Development and Management Company to support KAFD’s goals for smart city development and technological advancements to create energy-efficient, intelligent buildings. signed an agreement with.
The Made in Japan products use state-of-the-art technology that will be implemented in the KAFD to reflect infrared radiation, which in turn reduces surface temperature, heat flux and maintenance costs caused by the heat island effect.
“We are honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with KAFD on this project, implementing our advanced solutions. Sustainability is a top priority for both companies. With this agreement, KAFD looks forward to working with DMC and its We look forward to sharing our experiences in increasing energy efficiency in facilities,” said Hajime Mori, Managing Director, Sumitomo Corporation Middle East FZE.
Heat islands are created in cities that experience higher temperatures when structures and pavements begin to absorb and re-emit heat from the sun into surrounding areas, exacerbating the effects of climate change and potentially has harmful effects on health.
Through the agreement, Sumitomo is already in line to begin pilot testing at multiple locations within KAFD for two products, one of which is called Miracool. This product reduces the surface temperature of buildings and facilities exposed to solar radiation. Another product is Perfect Cool, a solar heat-barrier pavement that lowers surface temperatures by applying a cooling coat to the pavement surface.
Through this collaboration, KAFD will implement the Perfect Cool coating that will reflect infrared radiation through a combination of special heat reflective pigments that reduce road surface temperature rise during the day and suppress radiant heat at night. gives.
“Combating climate change is a priority for KAFD as a modern, sustainable metropolis. It is estimated that by 2030, 1.9 billion people will be exposed to heat stress, and this collaboration with Sumitomo will bring There is an excellent opportunity to develop flexible and sustainable cooling solutions.
By reducing the temperature, we will contribute to a better living and working environment for our tenants and residents and employees,” said the CEO of KAFD DMC.
Sashital explained to Arab News that the use of the technology in pavement not only mitigates heat island effects but also increases the longevity of KAFD properties.
“We have looked at a number of initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint. We have an intelligent waste disposal system for the entire district, we have water recycling opportunities, we have district cooling plants that supply cold water to the districts,” he said.
“Last year we went through a big greening drive, and today we have about 700 palm trees, 4,000 canopies, we have about half a million shrubs and bushes that we planted last year, and that’s all we really do. Let’s compliment that with Sumotoma, which is all about reducing heat, making it more comfortable and durable.