QCC to Conduct Workshop on Improving Quality and Environmental Performance of Built Environment

Participants to Be Familarised with QCC’s Products Certification Schemes during Big 5 International Building and Construction Show

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 17 November, 2014 – Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), the entity responsible for developing quality infrastructure and raising awareness on quality standards in Abu Dhabi, is set to conduct a workshop for suppliers and manufacturers in the construction industry on the opening day of the Big 5 International Building and Construction Show.

Titled ‘Improving the Quality and Environmental Performance of the Built Environment through Product Certification’, the workshop will highlight QCC’s efforts to raise awareness about the quality assurance process in the construction industry. In addition to familiarizing participants with QCC’s certification schemes, the session will also highlight the Abu Dhabi government’s programs and policies related to quality and sustainability in the construction sector. QCC will also assist interested suppliers gain the necessary certifications.

The Big 5 International Building and Construction Show, the largest construction exhibition in the Middle East, is scheduled to run from 17 to 20 November at the Dubai World Trade Center.

Speaking about the importance of the workshop, Salem Khalid Al Qassimi, Director of Product Conformity at Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, said: “The construction industry is a key contributor to the economy of the UAE due to the unprecedented scale of development projects carried out in the country. In conducting this workshop, we aim to support the construction industry by enhancing their understanding of the quality and conformity requirements and assisting interested suppliers in attaining certifications.”

He added: “Over the last two years, we have been closely working with public and private stakeholders in the development and implementation of various products certification schemes that enable high quality and environmentally friendly products to be certified by the QCC Trustmark. To date, we have launched 12 schemes to ensure compliance of products, services and personnel with QCC’s quality and conformity requirements.”

The first session of the workshop will cover certification of products that require the approval of the Estidama Pearl Ratings from the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council. The segment will examine QCC’s Water Fixtures Certification Schemes, Exterior and Interior Paints Certification Schemes, Adhesives and Sealants Certification Scheme, Carpets and Hard Flooring Schemes, and Air Conditioning Equipment and Chillers Certification Scheme.

The second and third session will cover the certification of products that involve Abu Dhabi municipalities such as the Recycled Crushed Aggregate Certification Scheme, Window Safety Fixtures Certification Scheme, Exterior LED Luminaires Certification Scheme, the Polyethylene Plastic Pipes Certification Scheme, and Children's Indoor and Outdoor Play Equipment Certification Scheme. Of these schemes, the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City (ADM) is enforcing the standards for playgrounds, whereas the window fixture standards are enforced by the Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA).

The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council was established in 2009 to raise the quality of Abu Dhabi’s exports and products traded locally. QCC sets guidelines and benchmarks to identify and verify that products manufactured and traded in the emirate conform to the highest quality standards. In addition to protecting the interests of Abu Dhabi’s consumers, QCC is mandated to support its competitive economy and integration into the global marketplace. This is achieved through enabling regulators to establish and implement product safety, legal metrology and conformity schemes.