The Dubai Central Laboratory (DCL) of Dubai Municipality has issued 10,150 certificates of compliance for construction materials, including those for different batches of concrete blocks, said a report.

These materials include paints, dyes, adhesives, glass, pre-fabricated iron sheets, insulation products for air-conditioner pipes, and other products, reported state news agency Wam, citing a senior official.

"These efforts come within the framework of our quest for the application of green building specifications and regulations and to assure the products circulated in our local market are sustainable building materials," explained Amin Ahmed, the director of DCL.

"Therefore, we have developed a unique system to grant certificates for different batches of concrete block products of various types starting from developing their specifications in accordance with global best practices taking into account the harsh environmental conditions that prevail in the UAE from the heat, humidity and sandstorms," he noted.

Based on these specifications, concrete blocks are produced in Dubai according to the best global standards, and currently 17 brick factories are subjected to this system, stated Ahmed.

The products conformity assessment section of DCL is currently assessing and granting compliance certification to a wide range of factories for a variety of products like concrete blocks, steel bars, thermal insulation products, ready-mixed concrete factories, solar water heater systems, paints and adhesives, pre-fabricated building facades, food products and other products.

"We evaluate all the batches of products in these factories and award compliance certificates if they pass the tests required in accordance with the specifications developed by the municipality," said Ahmed.
 
"Thus, we contribute in a great way to the quality assurance of the products from these factories and the durability of the concrete blocks as well as consumer protection," he added.