Sustainable Materials Guidelines
Sustainability
ECD-SUS-GDE-0002 Revision 0

Prepared for

Expo City Dubai Authority
November 23, 2023

Expo City Dubai
Expo City Dubai Site
Expo Road
PO Box 2020
Dubai, UAE

Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................ 1
1

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 2

1.1
1.2
1.3

OBJECTIVE ............................................................................................................................................................... 2
SUSTAINABILITY OUTCOMES ................................................................................................................................ 2
COMPLIANCE DEMONSTRATION METHODOLOGY.............................................................................................. 3

2

REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................................................... 4

2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4

CALCULATING EMBODIED CARBON ..................................................................................................................... 4
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR MATERIALS ..................................................................................... 5
SOCIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR MATERIALS....................................................................................................... 9
ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR MATERIALS ............................................................................................. 10

3

DESIGN STAGE REVIEW ....................................................................................................... 11

APPROVAL REQUEST ........................................................................................................................ 12

AppendicesA – Materials Schedule
B – Chemical Lists

TablesTable 2-1. Embodied Carbon Calculation Sources ................................................................................. 5
Table 2-2. Reused and Recycled Materials ............................................................................................ 8

Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Definitions
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Acronym/Abbreviation

Expansion

ATCM

Airborne Toxic Control Measure

BIM

Building Information Modelling

BREEAM

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method

CAP

Climate Action Programme

CARES

Certification Authority for Reinforcing Steels

CCA

Crushed Concrete Aggregate

CoC

Chain of Custody

DCL

Dubai Central Laboratories

ECVM

European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers

EMAS

Eco Management and Audit Scheme

EPD

Environmental Product Declaration

ECD

Expo City Dubai LLC - SO

FSC

Forest Stewardship Council

GGBS

Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag

GHG

Greenhouse Gas

ICE

Inventory for Carbon and Energy

ISOInternational Organisation for Standardization

IWBI

International WELL Building Institute

KPI

Key Performance Indicator

LVL

Laminated Veneer Lumber

LCA

Life Cycle Assessment

LEED®

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

MAFF

Ministry of Agricultural, Forestry and Fisheries

OHSAS

Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems

PEFC

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification

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Sustainability
Acronym/Abbreviation

Expansion

PVC

Polyvinyl Chloride

USGBC

U.S. Green Building Council

VCM

Vinyl Chloride Monomer

VOC

Volatile Organic Compounds

WBCSD

World Business Council for Sustainable Development

WRI

World Resources InstituteDefinitions
Term

Definition

BIM

A process involving the generation and management of digital
representations of physical and functional characteristics of places.

Carbon Mitigation

A project or action which reduces the embodied carbon, and which isaccomplished by management or change of an emission source.

Certification Authority for
Reinforcing Steels(CARES)

Independent, not-for-profit certification body to provide confidence tothe users, purchasers and specifiers of constructional steels througha regime of regulation, testing and inspection.

Embodied Carbon

Carbon and other Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, comprisingembodied carbon and additional emissions released duringtransportation of materials from manufacturing facility to site andinstallation of the product.

Forest StewardshipCouncil (FSC)

The Forest Stewardship Council is an international not for-profit,
multi-stakeholder organisation established in 1993 to promoteresponsible management of the world’s forests.

GHG Emissions

The emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. GHG are
those compounds that absorb and emit radiation within thermal
infrared range and contribute to climate change.

Infrastructure

The facilities and improvements needed to support the event withtransportation, information technology and communications networks
and utilities.

KPI

A means of measuring attributes vital to achieving a strategy.

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Sustainability
TermDefinition

LEED®

A voluntary, consensus-based, market driven program that provides
third-party verification of green buildings administered by the U.S.
Green Building Council.

BREEAM Infrastructure

BREEAM Infrastructure is one of the world leading sustainability
assessment, rating and awards scheme for civil engineering,
infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects.

WELL

A performance-based system for measuring, certifying, andmonitoring features of the built environment that impact humanhealth and well-being, through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness,
comfort and mind.

Product Stewardship

A product-centric approach to environmental protection that requires
the associated parties involved in the product’s life cycle to share
responsibility for reducing the product’s environmental impact.

Programme for theEndorsement of Forest
Certification (PEFC)

The PEFC is an international non-profit, non-governmentalorganisation dedicated to promoting Sustainable Forest
Management (SFM) through independent third-party certification.

Sustainability

Ability to maintain or support an activity or process over the longterm.

U.S. Green Building
Council (USGBC)A U.S. based non-profit organisation committed to a prosperous andsustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green
buildings.

World Business Council
for Sustainable
Development (WBCSD)

CEO-led organisation of forward-thinking companies that galvanises
the global business community to create a sustainable future forbusiness, society and the environment.

World Resources Institute(WRI)

A non-governmental global research organisation which seeks tocreate equity and prosperity through sustainable natural resource
management.

Executive Summary
Materials are a finite resource. The increase in earth’s population and demand of goods has a direct
effect on the life cycle of materials. Approximately 40% of global material use is for building andconstruction activities. The selection of sustainable materials conserves natural resources
preserves biodiversity at the point of extraction and enhances environmental conditions within theconstructed facilities.
The purpose of this document is to provide specific guidance to the Expo City Dubai programme thatwill support it in achieving sustainable material selection practices.
Sustainable material selection for the Expo City Dubai will be achieved by implementing the following
practices:• Adopting guidelines that account for Embodied carbon.
• Selecting materials with no impact on human health.
• Promoting reused materials and those with a high recycled content.
• Encouraging responsible and regional sourcing of materials.
• Selecting materials that do not have a negative impact on indoor environmental
quality.
The Sustainable Materials Procurement Guidelines provide direction on the following:• Requirements associated with reporting project performance.
• Approaches to design that address the following:- Embodied carbon content and footprint.
- Environmental impacts generated from material extraction, product manufacture, andtransportation.
- Sourcing of materials to improve local economies.
- Indoor environmental quality, including health, wellbeing, and productivity.
- Approaches to construction that address the use of recycled materials.
Specific material key performance indicators (KPIs), as well as sustainability certification criteria suchas LEED®, & BREEAM Infrastructure, or WELL® in specific cases, will measure progress toward thefulfilment of programme-wide strategies and reporting requirements during design and construction
stages.
➢Completing the design stage consultant's sustainability data log demonstrates
compliance with the Expo City Dubai requirements and presents compliance against theapplicable Key Performance Indicators. For presenting compliance with Expo City Dubai
requirements, all materials requirements in alignment with these guidelines shall be
included in detailed manner within the Project Specifications.

➢

Completing the monthly contractor's sustainability data log demonstrates compliancewith the Expo City Dubai requirements and presents compliance against the applicable
Key Performance Indicators.

1.1 Objective
Selection and procurement of sustainable materials requires understanding and integration of multiple
materials aspects, including recycled content, embodied carbon, health impact, and responsible
sourcing. At times, conflicting requirements must be reconciled to deliver the most sustainableoutcome.
This guideline focuses on reducing the negative environmental impact of all materials procured in
the Expo City Dubai programme. Materials will be assessed against the following criteria:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Socially and environmentally responsible sourcing.
Recycled content.
Regional material.
Embodied carbon content.
Life cycle cost and durability.
Impact on the indoor environmental quality.
Product declarations against Human Health.

Material specifications may also impact the achievement of other sustainability aspects, which will
require an integrated approach when selecting and specifying materials. For example, a paving slab
may have recycled content impacting the materials theme, and a solar reflectance contributing tourban heat island effect.
Implementation of sustainable material purchasing strategies, through the guidelines, will:
•
•
•
•
•

Maintain the material specifications intent.
Reduce embodied carbon.
Consider the origin including the impact of manufacturing and production.
Avoid adverse impacts on human health, well-being and the environment.
Drive delivery of the sustainable economic legacy of the programme

Ultimately, the material purchasing process will support the development of a local supply chain thatprovides opportunities for local businesses and job creation in a socially responsible manner.
These Guidelines have been presented to the Dubai Municipality’s Dubai Central Laboratories (DCL)
division. DCL have confirmed alignment of the materials requirements stipulated in these guidelines,
with Dubai’s overarching approach to sustainable materials.

1.2 Sustainability Outcomes
Implementing the Sustainable Materials Guidelines across the programme will support the delivery of
the sustainability outcomes as follows:
•
•

•

•

Selection of materials with a lower embodied carbon content will reduce the embodied carbon
footprint of the programme.
Choosing responsibly sourced materials will minimise the environmental impacts associated withmaterial extraction, product manufacture and transportation. Incorporating materials with recycledcontent can support the diversion of waste from landfill, reduce the demand for virgin materials,
as well as potentially reduce embodied carbon.
Incorporating sustainable materials requirements across the programme will enhance theawareness of designers and workers. By choosing environmentally and socially responsible
suppliers when sourcing materials, employees of suppliers and people living in proximity tomaterials extraction and manufacturing facilities will be protected. In addition, the choice of lowemitting materials and products will improve the indoor environmental quality with a positive
impact to the occupants’ health and wellbeing and productivity.
Through implementing the guidelines to purchase materials, companies supplying the programme
will be encouraged to consider the sustainability of products.

Implementation of these guidelines at programme and project level will facilitate:• Promotion of environmentally and socially responsibly sourced materials with higher recycledcontent, lower embodied carbon and reduced impacts on indoor environment,• Integrated consideration of all materials aspects during procurement••

Sharing of information across the programme on products available on the regional and global
market, andEngagement with key stakeholders to encourage changes in regulations and building codes toallow the use of sustainable materials.

1.3 Compliance Demonstration Methodology
This document is provided as guidance for designers and contractors. The minimum compliancestandard defined by the Expo City sustainability KPIs is that more than 90% by weight of the total
weight of the material types listed in this document (concrete, steel, aggregate, timber, glass,aluminium and PVC) should comply with the requirements as set out for those materials in Appendix
A. In addition, the monthly consultant sustainability data log materials tab should be completed todemonstrate compliance with this KPI and achieving the required Embodied Carbon reductions.
The compliance is for the totality of these material types, so individual material percentage
compliance may go below 90% by weight, as long as the overall compliant weight of materials
exceeds 90% of the total weight of these types of material. In practice, this means that the majority of
the heavier materials, such as concrete and steel, should be compliant with the requirements listed inthese guidelines.

2 Requirements
Specific materials requirements, as well as sustainability certification criteria (as required by LEED,BREEAM International or WELL® as applicable to project-specific requirements), will help fulfil Expo
City Dubai Sustainability Strategy and reporting requirements during design and construction stages.
The project team is required to embed these requirements into the project-specific Sustainability
Management Plan. Materials selection for permanent, temporary, (event) built assets and operational
are to be addressed. Design consultants are to identify the key materials on their project and define
how they will reduce impacts, particularly carbon footprints, so that efforts on materials sustainability
are focused on those few materials that have the largest sustainability impact.
Designers must ensure specified materials are considered in an integrated manner to determine thebest overall sustainability outcome and align with sustainability KPIs. Similarly, contractors mustensure materials are procured and installed as per the specification and the sustainability KPIs, withany specific installation requirements captured and communicated to all relevant parties.
To track materials performance on each project, design consultants and contractors are tocomplete the design stage data reports and monthly materials data logs, respectively, andsubmit them to Expo City Dubai for collection and further analysis.
Furthermore, any documentation on installed materials must be collated to support the delivery of therequired monitoring and measuring and any third-party sustainability certification, such as LEED® and
BREEAM Infrastructure or WELL as needed.

2.1 Calculating Embodied Carbon
Selection of materials with reduced embodied carbon, resulting from the use of lower carbon raw
materials or more efficient processing techniques, supports the overall carbon commitment for Expo
City Dubai. The intent of the guidelines is to estimate carbon emissions associated with material
selection for the programme and meet the carbon aspirations for Expo City Dubai.
The acceptable compliance paths are detailed below.

2.1.1 Performance Based
Design teams are to develop a baseline carbon model for the asset based on current local industry
standard materials and dimensions. The basis of design for this model is to be discussed and agreed
uponwith Expo City Dubai at the start of Concept Design, and the model itself is to be reviewed with
Expo City Dubai once prepared. All materials and their recycled content are as per Dubai Building
Code 2021 Edition, which has minimum requirements for recycled materials, regional material and
GGBS/Fly Ash within Portland Cement.
The baseline carbon model will be compared to a design carbon model, which uses as-designed
materials and details. An overall reduction in embodied carbon, from baseline to design, needs to bealigned with the requirements of the relevant embodied carbon KPI OBJ1_MAT_01 & 02 as per the
Expo City Dubai Sustainability Strategy. The design carbon model shall be maintained during thedesign and construction stages to track and monitor performance against the emission reduction
target for the facility.
Total embodied emissions in key construction materials are defined as cradle-to-gate plus transport
to the Expo City Dubai site. Material volumes are to be sourced either from the project Building
InformationModelling (BIM) model or the project Bill of Quantities (BoQ).
Key construction materials are those accounting for the greatest proportion of the total embodied
carbon footprint of the built asset.
For carbon factors for materials, see Section 2.1.3 Calculation Methodology.

2.1.2 Compliance Based
Where performance-based modelling of baseline and carbon footprints is not practical, project teams
shall specify and install materials that meet the technical requirements listed in Appendix A. If any of a
project’s key materials is not covered by Appendix A, e.g. aluminum, then the performance-based
methodology shall be followed.

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2.1.3 Calculation Methodology
Cradle-to-Gate emissions1 shall be estimated for key construction materials. These emissions arise
from:
•
•
•
•
•

Extraction and any processing of raw materials or primary products
Transportation of raw materials and primary products to site of final production
Manufacturing processes.
Maintenance required for the material or system installed.
End of life weather it will be recycled or sent to landfill.

These emissions shall be estimated using the following sources:
Table 2-1. Embodied Carbon Calculation Sources

Cradle-to-Gate
EmbodiedEnergy

Suppliers’ Environmental Product Declarations

Grid Emission Factors

UAE:

University of Bath Institute for Carbon and Energy Version 2.02

2021: 0.4293 tCO2-e/MWh
2022: 0.4035 tCO2-e/MWh
as per DEWA(PJSC) Sustainability Report 2022

Stationary Combustion Factors

WRI GHG Protocol for Stationary Fuel Combustion

Transportation Factors

In the absence of more accurate data, Consultants can use
the following emissions factors:
Road (HGV): 62 gCO2-e/tonne-km
Rail: 22 gCO2-e/tonne-km
Sea (deep-sea): 8.4 gCO2-e/tonne-km
Sea (short-sea): 11.5 gCO2-e/tonne-km
Air (long haul): 602 gCO2-e/tonne-km

Note: Cradle-to-gate quantification is guided by The Greenhouse Gas Protocol Initiative Guidance for Calculating
Scope 3 Emissions: Calculation Guidance for Implementing the GHG Protocol Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3)
Accounting and Reporting.

2.2 Environmental Considerations for Materials
Decisions on which materials to use on a particular project will be taken based on anassessment of a range of factors, including:•

Whether the identified use is necessary or merely desirable, and the extent to which the use could
be minimised or excluded.

.
1 Materials will be sourced from various countries, each with their own mix of energy sources feeding the electricity grid. In

addition, factories producing materials may employ onsite energy sources which would also influence the embodied energy of amaterial. Where embodied energy is not obtainable before procurement of materials, default emissions factors are sourced
from Prof. G. Hammond & C Jones (2011) Inventory of Carbon & Energy (ICE) – version 2.0, University of Bath, UK, or by
identifying similar material embodied carbon and their Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) directly by the suppliers or
by databases such as this that is included within OneClickLCA.

Sustainable Materials Guidelines
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Suitability, such as structural integrity, ease of use, installation and dismantling, water-proofing,etc.
Cost and value for money
Environmental and social impacts across the whole life cycle, including:
−
−
−
−

•
•

The scope for potential harm to the environment and public health
The scope for recycling or re-use (with an emphasis on the importance of closed loop reuse
and recycling options)
The percentage of recycled content
Embodied carbon

Any wider implications or requirements affecting the use, such as the ability to print on, backlightand project onto a material
Availability and suitability of substitute materials, each of which shall be evaluated on the same
criteria

Schematically, this can be expressed as:
Is the material
required?

Does it meet the
specification?

Are there any
residual impacts?

How are thesemitigated?

Assessments shall also take account of the possibility and desirability of using a mix of materials forthe same or similar solutions, especially where this offers greater opportunity to promote sustainableprocurement.
Where the balance of factors leads to the procurement of materials which carry potentially adverse
environmental or social impacts, at any stage in the manufacturing, supply, usage or disposal
processes, reasonable steps to mitigate these impacts are to be taken, such as through the use of
method statements, for example.

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2.2.1 Concrete
Concrete has high thermal mass, is fire resistant, and long lasting. However, it has a high carbon
footprint. The maximum embodied carbon footprints for different grades of concrete are listed inAppendix A. To achieve the goal of sustainability, there are certain strategies that can be
employed, such as the use of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) or Fly Ash. The
Dubai Building Code 2021 Edition specifies a minimum requirement for concrete mixes, as well as
green concrete combinations as per the Code paragraph F.6.2.3 and table F.3 presented below.

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2.2.2 Steel
Steel is a durable and low-maintenance material that can be recycled repeatedly without degradationor performance. For the maximum carbon footprint and other notes refer to Appendix A. Structuralsteel components and reinforcing bars in all applications and of any shape shall be certified tooriginate from a recognised responsible source.

2.2.3 Aggregate
Crushed Concrete Aggregate (CCA) can be used in the following applications provided it complies
with the technical requirements described in Appendix A:•••

Use of coarse CCA in base and sub-base: up to 90%
Use of fine CCA in pavement surface: up to 15%
Concrete production: up to 15%. This only applies to CCA generated at the batching plant fromreturned or unused concrete. Imported CCA or recycled aggregate is not approved for use instructural concrete on this project.

A lower limit is not provided due to limited availability, however use of CCA links to the carbon target.

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2.2.4 Timber
All timber used on site, including formwork, is to carry sustainable forestry certification, specifically
Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) or Programme for the Endorsement of Forestry Certification(PEFC). Certified timber is increasingly available in this market and ample time is given for contractors
to work on their supply chains to ensure supply.
When estimating carbon footprints for timber, Consultants should use the University of Bath’s
Inventory of Carbon & Energy (ICE) and Embodied Energy and Carbon in Construction Materials
documents, with inclusions for transportation to site.

2.2.5 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Where Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is required for performance-based reasons, and it can be robustly
demonstrated that no other more suitable, cost effective, alternative substance or material exists,
mitigating measures must be pursued, including, but not limited to:
Manufacture••

The supplier must demonstrate that any PVC supplied has been manufactured in accordance with
the European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers (ECVM) Industry Charter for the Production of Vinyl
Chloride Monomer (VCM) and PVC.
The supplier must confirm that:
−
−

•
•

•
•

The production of PVC does not result in effluent discharges exceeding established water
quality standards, or vent gases exceeding European standards for waste incineration.
The production of PVC is conducted in a way that prevents fugitive emissions during
manufacture and protects the health and safety of employees.

The non-recycled content of PVC must not contain lead, mercury or cadmium stabilisers, andExpo City Dubai will challenge suppliers not to include older recycled content which may include
lead, mercury or cadmium stabilisers.
The Contractor must use reasonable endeavors to procure PVC with a recycled content of atleast 30% unless this is specifically precluded by performance requirements, for example where astructural tensile membrane must be fully waterproof in which case new PVC (with 0% recycledcontent) may be acceptable.
Where PVC proposed contains less than 30% recycled content, the contractor must ensure that
the Engineer/Engineer representative is consulted and agree to its use in the specific instance.
PVC is to be produced using non-phthalate plasticisers.

Supply and Disposal•••

Where PVC is procured for temporary usage or where permanent usage is not assured,
Contractors are to ensure that there is a take-back scheme that offers a closed loop reuse systemor mechanical recycling system for post-consumer waste. Take-back schemes that specify
incineration, land-filling or any form of disposal of PVC that does not include recycling or reengineering options are not acceptable.
Any additional costs for take-back schemes must be set out in the tender documentation so thatbudgetary impacts can be monitored.
If a contractor believes that it has valid reasons why it cannot meet any of these conditions, then it
must promptly raise this with the Engineer and provide a detailed justification for not meeting thecondition(s).

Exclusions•

Where a product made from (or containing) PVC is to be hired but is already part of the hiremarket, and is due to be returned to that market after use, that product may be used at Expo City
Dubai. However, contractors and operators are expected to use reasonable endeavors to workwith the hire market to identify appropriate materials or products, meeting as many of theconditions as possible, including all the relevant environmental, health, safety, and regulatory
conditions; and to choose suppliers which have responsible disposal and/or recycling policies andprocedures in place.

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2.2.6 Reused and Recycled Materials
The project teams must identify suitable opportunities in the design and construction stages toaddress the following material requirements:
Table 2-2. Reused and Recycled Materials

Recycled
Content

Sourced from post-consumer and/or post-industrial recycled material (e.g.
metals)Recycled
Product

Sourced from waste materials for another use (e.g. recycled aggregates)

ReusedSourced from waste materials for direct use (e.g. components of existingbuildings scheduled for demolition)

Product
Stewardship

Manufacturer agreement to take back the product at the end of its service life
for reuse, recycling or reprocessing

Project teams are required to consider the Table 2-2 requirements within the scope of requiredsustainability rating (e.g. LEED®, BREEAM Infrastructure) certifications and the embodied carbon
reductionrequirements.
It is a requirement that the material costs and the recycled content of any procured material arerecorded to allow determination of the relevant materials information.

2.2.7 Material Reduction
Sustainability impacts can also be reduced by using less material. This could be achieved, forexample, through additive manufacture of building elements, and such savings would be reflected in
the carbon footprint models prepared under the performance-based methodology described above.
To ensure a baseline level of improvement over standard practice, Expo City Dubai requires design
teamsto demonstrate that the average utilisation of structure is a minimum of 70% or greater. The
target value shall be based on a representative sample and inclusion of all primary structuralelements. Secondary structures including façade supports and similar are excluded from thisassessment. The evaluation process includes calculation of utilisation factors based on samples
taken along the structure height and distributed uniformly over the footprint.
The calculation shall be based on a sample accounting for minimum of 5% of elements in eachcategory: beams, columns, walls, slabs, and similar. The utilisation ratios for an individual element
areto be calculated at the critical point and also considering the governing criteria, either strength orserviceability. These factors are to be calculated based on formula:••Strength Criteria: applied force > 0.7 x member resistanceMember resistance is calculated based on the adopted design standard/code. This may include
but is not limited to resistance to: flexure, shear, axial and any other combination of member
forces, and also includes stability effects.
Serviceability Criteria: deformations > 0.7 x code permissible value
Effects studied may include but not limited to: deflections of individual beams and slabs at one
level, inter-story drift for wind or seismic, and similar.

The applied loads to the structure are assumed to be based on applicable codes and adopted for the
project. Excluded from this representative calculation are members for which vibrations and fatigue
are the governing design criteria.

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2.3 Social Considerations for Materials
2.3.1 Responsible Sourcing
Sustainable construction considers and identifies products that minimise the potential harm that may
occur to people and the environment through the extraction and manufacture of products. Such
responsible sourcing identifies products whose manufacturers have implemented management
systems to identify and minimise potential harm. Responsible sourcing also addresses ethicalprinciples based but not limited to:
•
•
•
•
•

Human rights
Discrimination
Fair pay
Child labour
Forced labour

Responsible sourcing shall align, as a minimum, with Expo City Dubai Vendor Code of Conduct for
Vendors and procurement policies.
The project teams are to identify materials that comply with the accreditation requirements inAppendix A.

2.3.2 Healthy and Low Emissions Materials
Materials used in construction and operation that have a detrimental impact on indoor air quality,
present risks to thehealth of the workforce and building occupants. Alternative materials that minimise
or avoid such health risks are frequently available, and innovative sustainable alternative solutions
may also be identified.
To avoid the use of materials with an unacceptable risk, and promote the selection of lower riskmaterials, three chemical lists have been developed (see Appendix B):•••

A Banned Chemical List detailing chemical that must not be used, including where the chemical
is a component of a product.
A Restricted Chemical List detailing chemical that should be avoided where possible, and theuse of which should be minimised.
List of maximum Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) levels for paints, adhesives, sealants andflooring systems, and formaldehyde emission limits for composite wood products.

The project teams are required to:
•
•
•

•
•

Identify chemicals on the Banned Chemical List and the Restricted Chemical List as part of thematerial specification, selection, and procurement process.
Ensure that no products containing components on the Banned Chemical List are incorporated
into the specification and procured during construction.
Minimise the specification and procurement of products containing components on the Restricted
Chemicals List by undertaking an assessment of alternatives. Restricted chemicals are only to be
used where no alternatives prove viable. Viability is to be based on analysis of systems which
include the proposed chemicals, and options which include more sustainable alternatives. The
analysis is to include:−

Total system global warming potential.

−

Health Product Declaration (HPD), should this be available for the specific.

−

Other environmental impacts.

−

Total capital cost.

−

Total operational cost.

Minimise the specification and procurement of products containing components on the VOC list
and identify and propose opportunities for specification of alternative products.
Minimise the specification and procurement of products containing components on theformaldehyde list and identify and propose opportunities for specification of alternative products.

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2.4 Economic Considerations for Materials
2.4.1 Regional Sourcing
By considering material sourcing locality and considering the transportation methods, and hencetransportation related carbon emissions, it is possible to reduce the embodied carbon associated withmaterials transport as well as support local businesses.
Project teams are required to consider regional sourcing within the scope of required sustainability
rating and green certifications and the embodied carbon reduction requirements, where feasible.

2.4.2 Life Cycle Assessment
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) considers the embodied impacts associated with a material, including
water use and disposal, energy requirement, fossil fuel depletion, waste disposal, minerals extraction,from the point of creation to the point of disposal or reuse.
The Expo City Dubai programme supports the use of LCA approach to materials selection. Where
innovative products are proposed, LCA may be required to address one or more aspects of the
product performance.

2 Design Stage Review
The following list details some of the key aspects that may be considered during the design stage
reviews. Further aspects may be considered at the discretion of Expo City Dubai.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Design efficiencies.
Lightweight design.
Modular design.
Responsible sourcing (including timber).
Key materials identified.
Key challenges identified.
Recycled materials.
Reduce embodied carbon.
High carbon items and substitution options.
Healthy/low emission materials.
Compliance of specifications with Banned Chemical List.
Specifications of alternative products to minimise those on the Avoid Chemical List.
Life Cycle Assessment.
Innovative solutions.

Appendix A
Materials ScheduleAppendix A – Materials Schedule
Sustainability
Material

Compliance
Element

Compliance Requirements

Submission Requirements

Independently verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) to EN 15804 or equivalentshowing the global warming potential, which is to be equal to World Steel average for the
below. Alternatively, the consultant should provide an Employer-approved embodied carbon
LCA showing that the overall building structure/envelope system beats a baseline by 20% as
defined in section 2.1.1 of this document.

CarbonSteel

Carbon steel rolled sections, plates and bars for structural applications

EPD/LCA&CARES*

Stainless steel sections

EPD/LCA&CARES*

Hot and cold formed carbon steel tubular sections, corrugated plates and similar sections

EPD/LCA&CARES*

Carbon bars for concrete reinforcement

EPD/LCA&CARES*

Stainless steel reinforcing bars for concrete

EPD/LCA&CARES*

Any other structural steel materials not specified above

EPD/LCA&CARES*

BS EN ISO 14001 or EMAS accreditation or alternatively an Employer Approved
Environmental Management System structured in compliance with best practice standards.
This applies only to suppliers who manufacture the products they are supplying. Otherwise,
the suppliers should source the evidence from their manufacturers showing compliance withthis requirement.
- BS OHSAS 18001 accreditation, or alternatively an Employer Approved Health & Safety
Management System structured in compliance with best practice standards. This applies
only to suppliers who manufacture the products they are supplying. Otherwise, the suppliers
should source the evidence from their manufacturers showing compliance with thisrequirement.
* CARES certificate must include (Product Conformity Certification, SCS Sustainability,
Certification, EPD Reporting (3rd Party Verified)Appendix A – Materials Schedule
Sustainability
Material

Compliance
Element

Compliance Requirements

Submission Requirements

Independently verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) to EN 15804 or equivalent
standard which shows the global warming potential is equal or lower than the following
values kgCO2/m3: Alternatively, the consultant should provide an Employer-approved
embodied carbon LCA showing that the overall building structure/envelope system beats abaseline by 20% as defined in section 2.1.1 of this document.

CarbonConcrete

Strength Grade

20MPa and
lower

30MPa

40MPa

50MPa andgreater

Concrete Supply (see notes)

215

250

270

280

Notes:
Included in kgCO2/m3 values above are the raw materials extraction production andtransport, chemical admixtures, energy and auxiliary materials, and transport up to 15km
from the plant.
Excluded from kgCO2/m3 values are items associated with the cast-in-place or prefabrication processes to construct the building, contribution from reinforcing and prestressing steel, and similar.
Linear interpolation shall be used for concrete strengths other than the posted values.

One of the strategies to achieve the carbon requirements for concrete material supply may
be replacement of Portland cement content with the following supplementary cementitious
materials such as GGBS, Fly Ash and Silica Fume. See Dubai Building Code section
F.6.2.3 maximum and minimum levels of cement replacement.
BS EN ISO 14001 or EMAS accreditation or alternatively an Employer Approved
Environmental Management System structured in compliance with best practice standards.
This applies only to suppliers who manufacture the products they are supplying. Otherwise,

EPD/LCAAppendix A – Materials Schedule
Sustainability
Material

Compliance
Element

Compliance Requirements

Submission Requirements

the suppliers should source the evidence from their manufacturers showing compliance withthis requirement.
- BS OHSAS 18001 accreditation, or alternatively an Employer Approved Health & Safety
Management System structured in compliance with best practice standards. This applies
only to suppliers who manufacture the products they are supplying. Otherwise, the suppliers
should source the evidence from their manufacturers showing compliance with thisrequirement.

Responsible
Sourcing

Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certification or Programme for the Endorsement ofForest Certification (PEFC) certification.
Applies to all timber and wood products, including temporary works.
The following are not permitted at Expo City Dubai, including in temporary works:- Meranti

TimberRestrictions- Rosewood- Any other endangered tree species- Chromated copper arsenate-treated timbers

Reuse

Aggregate

Use of Crushed Concrete Aggregate (CCA) in concrete production shall conform torequirements of BS 8500 and accompanied standards considering concrete strength classand associated exposure. Alternatively, ACI 555R in conjunction with corresponding ASTM
standards is acceptable.
Properties of recycled concrete aggregates used for road base course and other unboundmixtures shall conform to requirements of AASHTO M 319-02(2010). Alternatively, BS EN
13403 can be used for this application. Maximum percent CCA is 90%.
These requirements are summarised below, subject to RTA approval:

Chain of Custody (CoC)
certificate with codes or serial
numbers

Appendix A – Materials Schedule
Sustainability
Material

Compliance
Element

Compliance Requirements

Submission Requirements

Parameter

Limit

Loss by Abrasion Test AASHTO T096

40% maximum

Liquid Limit AASHTO T089 (ASTM D4318)

25% maximum

Plasticity Index AASHTO T090 (ASTM D4318)

4% maximum

Sand Equivalent AASHTO T176

35% minimum

California Bearing Ratio at 98% MDD – AASHTO T193

120% minimumSoundness (Magnesium) – AASAHTO T104

15% maximum

Flakiness – BS 812

35% maximum

Elongation – BS 812

35% maximum

Sulphate Content – BS 812

2% maximum

Chloride Content – BS 812

2% maximum

Foreign Material Type%High density materials such as glass, brick, asphalt

10 maximum

Metallic items such as steel, aluminium, iron

1 maximum

Low density materials such as plastic, rubber, plaster, clay
lumps and other friable material

1 maximum

Wood and other vegetable or decomposable matter

0.2 maximum

Lab test results

Lab test results

Appendix A – Materials Schedule
Sustainability
Material

Compliance
Element

Compliance Requirements

Submission Requirements

ASTM D2940 Sieve (mm)% Passing

50

100

37.5

95-100

19

65-95

9.5

30-65

4.75

25-55

2.00

15-40

0.425

8-20

0.075

2-8

Complies with ECVM Industry Charter for the Production of VCM and PVC, orField testing results bycontractor

Certificate

Required:
Responsible
Sourcing
PVC▪

Must not contain lead, mercury or cadmium stabilisers.

▪

Must be produced using non-phthalate plasticisers.

▪

Take-back scheme for temporary-use PVC preferred.

▪

Has recycled content of at least 30% unless this is specifically precluded by
performance requirements.

BS EN ISO 14001 or EMAS accreditation or alternatively an Employer Approved
Environmental Management System structured in compliance with best practice standards.
This applies only to suppliers who manufacture the products they are supplying. Otherwise,

Product data sheet
Product data sheet
Written evidence

Product data sheet

Appendix A – Materials Schedule
Sustainability
Material

Compliance
Element

Compliance Requirements

Submission Requirements

the suppliers should source the evidence from their manufacturers showing compliance withthis requirement.
- BS OHSAS 18001 accreditation, or alternatively an Employer Approved Health & Safety
Management System structured in compliance with best practice standards. This applies
only to suppliers who manufacture the products they are supplying. Otherwise, the suppliers
should source the evidence from their manufacturers showing compliance with thisrequirement.
- A valid ISO 9001 certificate, or an independent 3rd party certification pertaining to the
product being supplied (i.e. manufacturing process, testing, conformity to the relevant
standard, etc.).
Allmaterials

Responsible
Sourcing- Compliance with governing laws and regulations with regards to worker welfare, including
accommodation standards and employment practices.
- Compliance with Expo City Dubai Code of Conduct for Vendors- Compliance with WELL V2 standard Martial category X01 Material restriction, X02 Interiorhazardous Material Management, and X3 CCA and Lead Management (only applicable to
WELL Projects)

Cleaning
Materials

Responsible
Sourcing- Green Seal® Standard for Commercial and Institutional Cleaning Services, GS-42,
operated by Green Seal Inc.18- GBAC STAR Service Accreditation Program, operated by ISSA.
- ISO 14024-compliant (Type 1) Ecolabel,- Products labeled as disinfectants meet the following:
1- Have all antimicrobial efficacy claims registered by a governmental office andstated in their label.
2- Utilize only active ingredients only from the following list: citric acid, hydrogen
peroxide, L-lactic acid, ethanol, isopropanol, peroxyacetic acid, sodium bisulfate,chitosan.
3- Section 2 of the SDS does not contain the following GHS codes: H311, H312,
H317, H334, H340, H350, H360, H372.

Copy of certificate and/or
management system manual, or
documentation demonstratingcompliance.
Worker welfare compliancestatement.
Documentation demonstratingcompliance with Expo City
Dubai worker welfare policy.
3rd Party Test report
TDS- Technical Data Sheet
SDS- Safety Data SheetAppendix B
Chemical Lists

Appendix B – Chemical List
Sustainability

Banned Chemical and Martials List
This list does not comprise a full list of materials banned for use. All parties must comply in full with
the UAE, Dubai and international legislation, however, the following chemicals shall not be used at
Expo City Dubai.

Annex III Chemicals and Chemicals Recommended for Listing
Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals
and Pesticides in International Trade
2,4,5-T and its
salts and esters

DDT

Octabromodiphenyl ether
commercial mixtures

Actinolite asbestos

Dieldrin

Paraquat dichloride

Alachlor

Dinitro-ortho-cresol (DNOC) and its salts(such as ammonium salt, potassium salt
and sodium salt)

Parathion

Aldicarb

Dinoseb and its salts and esters

Pentabromodiphenyl ether andcommercial mixtures

AldrinEDB (1,2-dibromoethane)

Pentachlorophenol and its salts andestersAmosite asbestos

Endosulfan

PFOS, its salts and PFOSF

Anthophyllite

Ethylene dichloride

Phosphamidon

Azinphos-methyl

Ethylene oxide

Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs)

BenomylFluoroacetamide

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Binapacryl

HCH (mixed isomers)

Polychlorinated Terphenyls (PCTs)

Captafol

Heptachlor

Tetraethyl lead

Carbofuran

Hexachlorobenzene

Tetramethyl lead

CCA

Chromate Copper Arsenate

Chlordane

Lindane (gamma-HCH)

ThiramChlordimeform

Mercury compounds, including inorganic
mercury compounds, alkyl mercury
compounds and alkyloxyalkyl and aryl
mercury compounds

Toxaphene (Camphechlor)

Chlorobenzilate

Methamidophos

Tremolite

Chrysotile asbestos

Methyl-parathion

Tributyl tin compounds

Crocidolite

Monocrotophos

Tris(2,3 dibromopropyl)phosphate

Asbestos

Appendix B – Chemical List
Sustainability

Annex A, B and C Chemicals and Chemicals Proposed for Listing
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
AldrinHeptachlor

Pentachlorophenol

Alpha hexachlorocyclohexane

Hexabromobiphenyl

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its
salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl
fluoride

Beta hexachlorocyclohexane

Hexabromocyclododecane

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)

Chlordane

Hexabromodiphenyl ether andheptabromodiphenyl ether

Polychlorinated dibenzofurans(PCDF)

Chlordecone

Hexachlorobenzene (HCB)

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins(PCDD)

Chlorinated naphthalenes

Hexachlorobutadiene

Short-chained chlorinatedparaffins

DDT

LindaneTechnical endosulfan and its
related isomers

Dieldrin

Mirex

Tetrabromodiphenyl ether andpentabromodiphenyl ether

EndrinPentachlorobenzene

Toxaphene

Other Chemicals
The following chemicals are also banned from Expo City Dubai.
•••

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Methylene Chloride
Perchloroethylene

Restricted Chemical List
The following chemicals, which have high global warming potentials, shall only be used where
analysis is submitted that shows no viable alternative exists.
••

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
HalonsAppendix B – Chemical List
Sustainability

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
The contractor shall consider material finishes (internal applications), having lower than the following
total VOC (TVOC) content limits:
Product Type (Paints, Varnishes and Coatings)

Max TVOC (g/L Ready to Use Product)

California Air Resources Board 2007 Suggested
Control Measure for Architectural Coatings

As defined by the standard

South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule1113

As defined by the standard

Product Type (Paints, Varnishes and Coatings)

Max TVOC (g/L Ready to Use Product)

European Decopaint Directive (2004/42/EC)

As defined by the standard

Canadian VOC Concentration Limits for Architectural
Coatings

As defined by the standard

Hong Kong Air Pollution Control (VOC) Regulation

As defined by the standard

Walls and ceilings – interior gloss

75

Trim – gloss, semi-gloss, satin, varnishes andwoodstains
Walls and ceilings – interior semi-gloss, low sheen
and flat washable

16

Ceilings - interior flat

14

Timber and binding primers

30

Latex primer for galvanised iron and zincalume

60

Interior latex undercoat and sealer

65

Appendix B – Chemical List
Sustainability

Product Type (Carpets and Floor Coverings)

Max TVOC (g/L Ready to Use Product)

Carpets

4-PC (4-Phenylclohexene) 0.05mg/m2
per hourFloor coverings other than carpets

5mg/m2/h at three days

(ASTM D5116 or ISO 16000)

0.5mg/m2/h at 28 days

Floor coverings other than carpets (IS0 10580)

0.5mg/m2/h at 24 hours

Product Type (Adhesives and Sealants)

Max TVOC (g/L Ready to Use Product)

South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule1168

As defined by the standard

European Decopaint Directive (2004/42/EC)

As defined by the standard

Canadian VOC Concentration Limits for Architectural
Coatings

As defined by the standard

Hong Kong Air Pollution Control (VOC) Regulation

As defined by the standard

Indoor carpet and carpet pad adhesive

50

Wood flooring and laminate adhesive

100

Rubber flooring adhesive

60

Sub-floor and cover base adhesive50

Ceramic tile adhesive65

Dry wall and panel adhesive

50

Structural glazing adhesive100

Architectural sealants

250

Appendix B – Chemical List
Sustainability

Formaldehyde
The contractor shall consider engineering wood products (including exposed and concealed
applications), havinglower content emissions for different testing protocols than the values in the tablebelow:
Test Protocol

Emission Limit/Unit of Measurement

California Air Resources Board Airborne Toxic Control
Measure (ATCM) for various composite wood
applications

As defined by the standard

AS/NZS 2269:2004, testing procedure AS/NZS 2098.11:
2005 method 10 for Plywood≤1mg/L

AS/NZS 1859:2004, Particle Board with use of testingprocedure AS/NZS 4266.16: 2004 method 16≤1.5mg/L

AS/NZS 1859:2004, MDF with use of testing procedure
AS/NZS 4266.16: 2004 method 16≤1mg/L

AS/NZS 4357:4, Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL)≤1mg/L

Japanese Agricultural Standard MAFF Notification
No.701 Appendix Clause 3 (11) - LVL≤1mg/LJIS A 5908:2003 Particle Board and Plywood, with use of
testing procedures JIS A 1460

≤1mg/LJIS A 5905:2003 MDF, with use of testing procedures JIS
A 1460≤1mg/LASTM D5116≤0.1(+/-0.0005) mg/m2hr

ISO 16000 part 9, 10 and 11 (also known as EN 13419)≤0.1(+/-0.0005) mg/m2hr (at 3 days)

ASTM D6007≤0.1(+/-0.0005) mg/m2hr (at 3 days)

ASTM E1333≤0.12mg/m3

EN 717-1 (also known as DIN EN 717-1)≤0.12mg/m3

EN 717-2 (also known as DIN EN 717-2)≤0.12mg/m3

Expo City Dubai
Expo City Dubai Site
Expo Road
PO Box 2020
Dubai, UAE