POPULATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN

EGYPT   من اصل2 2
The expanding population that we mentioned dwell in a real estate legacy
that reaches up to 3 million building. They are the tools that the population
use to consume precious resources such as fresh water, electricity and fuel.
Thus, it is a strategic goal for Egypt to retrofit them in order to reduce the
very high rate of consumption of resourses that is currently a big burden on
the government and the local economy.
To achieve that goal, new studies suggest that Green Retrofit ability Maps
(GRMs) can be of great use. They are maps of whole neighborhoods with
the GRI index for every building indicated by a distinct color tone. The
GRI index is an index calculated based on 9 different building parameters
that have to do with its consumption relative to its occupation, floor area
and building age. There maps help us understand the distribution of
buildings in high need for greening and the relative priorities of the
application of the green retrofitting process.
The decisions concerning development issues in a cartain area. At the Same
time, the maps provide us with a post occupancy analysis for previous
urban planning and housing projects that will help us make future urban
planning and housing projects greener and consequently more resource
efficient.
The combination of these efforts with sustainable development schemes for
new communities and population zones can result in very promising
economic benefits. In this way, we can truly start building a new Egypt that
is not only green but also practically burden – free for the next generations
to cherish.
A. L. Karim M. Ayyad
Associate Lecturer of Green Architecture and Sustainable Development
Advisor to the Egyptian Green Building Council