Mariam Azmy, Chief People Officer at Innovo
The construction industry in the UAE faces mounting challenges as it strives to reconcile swift urban development with the nation’s net-zero targets. This sector, known for its extensive resource consumption, is under greater examination from regulators, clients, and investors. Mariam Azmy, Chief People Officer at Innovo, asserts that embedding sustainability into the core of business operations is crucial rather than merely adhering to compliance requirements.
“The UAE’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 has established a pivotal guideline for the construction industry,” Azmy states. “This commitment is further reinforced by UAE Climate Law No. 11, which mandates emissions reports starting in 2025, thereby establishing accountability for the private sector. At Innovo, we integrate sustainability into our business fabric, viewing it as essential, not just a regulatory necessity. This approach mitigates long-term risks, enhances resilience, and aligns with national goals focused on energy efficiency, green building standards, and climate action plans.”
In 2023, Innovo launched its Decarbonisation Strategy, positioning the company ahead of many of its regional counterparts. By establishing net-zero targets for Scope 1 and 2 emissions and initiating disclosures for Scope 3, Innovo has demonstrated a strong commitment to facilitating the UAE’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Some of Innovo’s standout initiatives include solar-diesel hybrid power systems tailored for construction sites where grid access is delayed. These systems combine renewable energy and traditional sources to lessen reliance on diesel, equipped with smart controls that optimize energy loads in real-time.
“In pilot projects, this has achieved a reduction of up to 20% in diesel consumption, cut annual CO₂ emissions, lowered operational costs, and improved working conditions by minimizing noise and maintenance needs compared to diesel-only setups,” Azmy explains. “From the workforce’s point of view, quieter and cleaner work environments promote better health, and savings from efficiency gains can be reinvested into welfare and training programs.”
This methodology illustrates how temporary power solutions can serve as a catalyst for both reduced carbon footprints and enhanced operational efficiency, establishing a scalable model for the broader industry.
Addressing Construction Waste
Circularity is another crucial focus area. Innovo is dedicated to designing projects with the aim of minimizing waste, utilizing optimized concrete mixtures, recycled aggregates, and modular designs that reduce excess material. On the ground, construction sites actively sort and recycle materials including concrete, steel, wood, and packaging.
Through initiatives like the “Waste to Wonder” competition, employees are motivated to repurpose materials while embracing circular economy principles. “These initiatives not only promote upcycling by transforming site waste into usable items but also decrease reliance on new resources, lower embodied carbon, and divert significant amounts of waste from landfills, all while fostering a culture of sustainability within our teams and supply chain,” Azmy clarifies.
As expectations for sustainability increase, construction firms must also elevate their standards throughout their supply networks. Innovo has designed a responsible sourcing framework that begins with pre-qualifying suppliers based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria.
“We assess suppliers based on their environmental practices, labor relations, certifications, and their capacity for material traceability,” Azmy shares. “We go beyond mere compliance by collaborating with suppliers to enhance standards, offering support, and identifying improvement opportunities.”
Practical steps include sourcing FSC-certified timber, experimenting with low-carbon concrete mixes, and requiring recycled materials in aggregates. This cooperative approach minimizes reputational risks while promoting innovation within the industry.
A common misconception within the construction field is that sustainable methods inflate project expenses. Azmy disputes this notion: “Sustainability fosters efficiency and competitiveness. Numerous initiatives, like our ‘Zero Rework’ program spearheaded by Innovo’s Quality Team, actively reduce waste, eliminate rework costs, and conserve both time and resources.”
She further explains that sustainable practices provide downstream advantages such as enhanced access to green financing, reduced regulatory risks, and improved employee retention. “In essence, sustainability is not an added cost but a smart strategy that enhances business competitiveness and resilience.”
Client expectations are also pushing for change. Elements such as green certifications, low-carbon materials, water filtration systems, and supply chain transparency are increasingly incorporated into project requests. “Third-party validations like EcoVadis assessments are now being included in tenders, underscoring the connection between sustainability and quality,” Azmy notes.
For Innovo, this implies adapting proposals to standardize energy efficiency, circular waste management, and sustainable material selection. “This growing demand accelerates innovation across our supply chain and emphasizes that sustainable construction boosts both long-term asset value and overall resilience,” she adds.
Innovo’s Strategy for Sustainable Progress
In its quest to become an industry leader, Innovo is progressing from pilot initiatives to tangible outcomes. The company’s i-Energy platform currently monitors generator efficiency and fuel savings in real-time, while solar-diesel hybrid systems already supply up to 20% of the electricity needed on-site from renewable sources. Moreover, Innovo has adopted low-carbon concrete mixes and insists on ESG disclosures from its suppliers.
Looking forward, the organization aims to scale digital twin technology, with aspirations to increase renewable energy usage to 30% of temporary site electricity, as well as to expand circular initiatives. Investing in the welfare and training of employees is also fundamental to Innovo’s sustainability strategy.
“Sustainability is no longer considered an optional addition in UAE construction; it is becoming a foundational element of project planning and execution,” Azmy concludes. “Projects that prioritize efficiency, resilience, and low carbon impact will emerge as leaders—both domestically and internationally.”