Innovo's Mariam Azmy on embedding sustainability into UAE construction

Among Innovo's most notable initiatives are its solar-diesel hybrid power plants, designed for construction sites where grid access is delayed.

The UAE's construction sector is under increasing pressure to balance rapid urbanisation with the country’s net-zero ambitions. As one of the most resource-intensive industries, the sector faces growing scrutiny from regulators, clients, and investors. According to Mariam Azmy, chief people officer at Innovo, the key lies in integrating sustainability as a core business principle rather than treating it as a compliance obligation.

"The UAE's commitment to net zero by 2050 has created a decisive framework for the construction sector," Azmy explains. "This direction is reinforced by UAE Climate Law No. 11, which makes emissions reporting mandatory from 2025 and signals clear accountability for the private sector. At Innovo, we view sustainability as part of the business’ DNA, not just a compliance exercise. It reduces long-term risks, strengthens resilience, and supports national priorities around energy efficiency, green building codes, and climate action strategies."

Innovo’s Decarbonisation Strategy, launched in 2023, places the company ahead of many regional peers. By setting Scope 1 and 2 net-zero targets and introducing Scope 3 disclosures, Innovo has signaled a serious commitment to contributing to the UAE's low-carbon transition.

Among Innovo’s most notable initiatives are its solar-diesel hybrid power plants, designed for construction sites where grid access is delayed. The system combines renewable and conventional energy to reduce diesel reliance, supported by smart controls that balance the load in real time.

"On pilot sites, this has delivered up to 20 per cent reduction in diesel use, reduced tonnes of CO₂ annually, lowered operating costs, and improved site conditions through less noise and maintenance compared to diesel-only systems," says Azmy. "From a people perspective, quieter, cleaner sites create healthier conditions for our workforce, while efficiency gains allow us to reinvest in welfare and training programmes."

This approach demonstrates that temporary site power can become a lever for both decarbonisation and operational efficiency, offering a scalable model for the wider industry.

Closing the loop on construction waste

Circularity is another priority area. Innovo designs projects with waste reduction in mind—whether through optimised concrete mixes, recycled aggregates, or modular layouts that minimise offcuts. On the ground, sites segregate and recycle materials such as concrete, steel, timber, and packaging.

Through creative campaigns like the Waste to Wonder competition, employees are encouraged to repurpose materials and engage with circularity principles. “Alongside upcycling projects that repurpose site waste into functional items, these measures reduce virgin resource use, lower embodied carbon, and divert tonnes from landfill while embedding a culture of sustainability across our teams and supply chain,” Azmy explains.

As sustainability expectations rise, construction companies are also expected to raise standards across their supply chains. Innovo has developed a responsible sourcing framework that starts with supplier pre-qualification based on ESG criteria.

"We evaluate suppliers on their environmental practices, labor standards, certifications, and ability to provide traceability of materials,” says Azmy. “Beyond compliance, we collaborate with suppliers to raise standards, offering guidance and identifying opportunities for improvement."

Practical examples include sourcing FSC-certified timber, piloting low-carbon concrete mixes, and mandating recycled content in aggregates. This collaborative model reduces reputational risk while driving innovation across the ecosystem.

One of the persistent myths in the construction sector is that sustainable practices inflate project costs. Azmy challenges this view: “Sustainability is a driver of efficiency and competitiveness. Many initiatives, such as our ‘Zero Rework,’ led by the Innovo Quality Team, directly cut waste, avoid rework costs, and save both time and resources.”

She adds that sustainability brings downstream benefits including green financing opportunities, reduced regulatory risk, and improved employee retention. "In short, sustainability is not a cost burden but a smart business approach that makes businesses more competitive and resilient."

Client expectations are also driving change. Green certifications, low-carbon materials, water filtration systems, and supply-chain traceability are increasingly written into project tenders. “Third-party validations such as EcoVadis assessments are now part of tenders, reflecting how sustainability is tied directly to quality and compliance,” Azmy says.

For Innovo, this means adapting proposals to include energy efficiency, circular waste management, and sustainable material selection as standard practice. "This demand accelerates innovation across the supply chain and reinforces that sustainable construction enhances both long-term asset value and resilience," she adds.

Innovo’s roadmap for sustainable growth

To position itself as a leader, Innovo is moving from pilots to measurable outcomes. Its i-Energy platform now tracks generator efficiency and fuel savings in real time, while solar-diesel hybrids already provide up to 20 per cent of site electricity from renewables. On materials, Innovo has introduced low-carbon concrete mixes and requires ESG disclosures from suppliers.

Looking ahead, the company is scaling digital twin technology, aiming to boost renewable energy share to 30 per cent of temporary site power, and expanding circular initiatives. Investments in worker welfare and training are also central to Innovo’s sustainability agenda.

"Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’ in UAE construction; it is becoming integral to how projects are planned and delivered,” Azmy concludes. “Projects that are efficient, resilient, and low carbon will be the ones that stand out, both locally and globally."

Source: gulfbusiness.com