Research & Development
Sustainability
Innovation Committee
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Dorra contracting established a Sustainability and Innovation committee in 2023. The fourth generation of the company hopes to usher Dorra into the era of sustainability and innovation within the construction industry. Committed to pioneering environmentally conscious practices and embracing cutting-edge technologies, we aim to redefine the future of construction in Egypt, ensuring a sustainable and innovative legacy for years to come.
We are actively researching and exploring the integration of advanced materials, such as self-healing concrete and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), along with the strategic allocation of robotics, computer vision and automation applications on construction sites. Our goal is to enhance construction efficiency, durability, and safety through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
The committee is currently assessing the environmental impact of our construction projects, working to minimize carbon footprints, exploring, and implementing sustainable materials, reducing waste, and carrying out eco-friendly construction practices as much as possible.
The First Step
in the Right Direction
Our goal was to secure 100% of one of our factory’s electricity supplies from renewable sources. By 2030, we aim to extend this initiative to all production locations, setting a benchmark in the Egyptian industrial sector.
We began with ITA Egypt wood-working factory (our subsidiary) building a solar power station consisting of 474 panels, spread across a 15,000 m2 area, coupled with 2 inverters totalling 232,680 kWh annually. An application regulates electricity conversion rates, such that any surplus power is seamlessly integrated into the North Cairo Electricity grid. This project is aligned with our commitment to continuous improvement across products, company operations, industry practices, and most significantly- the environment.Â
The Second Step
in the Right Direction
Initiating a comprehensive research initiative, our company delved into the meticulous examination of monthly construction waste outputs from our sites. This thorough investigation aimed to understand the volume, composition, and environmental impact of construction waste, marking the first step in our commitment to sustainable practices.
In response to our findings, we proactively pursued innovative solutions for waste management. To demonstrate our dedication to environmental stewardship, we strategically established a specialized metal workshop. This facility not only serves as a practical means of repurposing waste but also aligns with our corporate responsibility goals. Here, scrap iron and metal undergo transformation into valuable resources such as rods, poles, and flags, essential for our on-site branding endeavours.
Initiating a comprehensive research initiative, our company delved into the meticulous examination of monthly construction waste outputs from our sites. This thorough investigation aimed to understand the volume, composition, and environmental impact of construction waste, marking the first step in our commitment to sustainable practices.
A Commitment to
Advancement
Under our initiative, we’ve embarked on a journey of trial runs, focusing on the integration of innovative technologies directly at our construction sites:
The committee collaborated with OpenSpace (US)’s local partner Khebrat to conduct pilot trials of their ground-breaking 360-degree site capture technology at our site, the Badya University Project. This innovative approach aims to enhance project documentation, progress verification, coordination, and risk mitigation. The utilization of OpenSpace’s advanced features, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM)Compare and AI-powered OpenSpace Track, comes in line with the committee’s aim to achieve streamlined communication, efficient QA/QC documentation, and optimized workflows. The successful trial runs allowed to committee to get a better understanding of the benefits of integrating technology as we research the best-suited technological advancements for our sites.
Dorra Academy took students to the Village West site in 2023, where we showcased the application of 360-degree site capture technology by Open Space AI, and their seamless integration with BIM, offering students an immersive experience to explore its potential benefits.
Our commitment to innovation even extends beyond technology, to fostering a culture of resilience and transformation. In 2021, Dorra Contracting presented at the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) AUC Chapter:
A compelling presentation by our Dorra Academy representative, underscored the pivotal role resilience plays as a catalyst for construction business continuity and adaptive transformation.
At Dorra Contracting, the Sustainability and Innovation Committee remains dedicated to exploring new frontiers, through pilot projects, integrating cutting-edge technologies at our construction sites. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence, continuous education, and environmental responsibility.
Together, we build the future with innovation as our cornerstone.