In the previous article, we explained how DesertBoard^®’s Palm Strand Board (PSB^®) is promoting sustainable hospitality in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Here, we will share how our eco-friendly and locally produced materials are letting us progress towards some of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

SDG 3 – Good Health And Well-Being 

According to SDG Target 3.9, the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals must be reduced. To meet this goal, DesertBoard^® has designed its PSB^®  to be zero-emissions. In particular, our greener alternative to wood-based products (e.g., MDF, particleboard, and plywood) contains zero formaldehyde. The exposure to a higher level of formaldehyde is known to cause several health issues such as respiratory issues, skin and eye irritation, allergies, nasopharyngeal cancer and leukaemia. Accordingly, our PSB^®  is ideal to ensure people’s well-being in indoor environments. 

SDG 7 – Affordable And Clean Energy  

This goal requires boosting the share of renewables in the global energy mix. DesertBoard^® is doing its part. As proved by our life cycle assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), 30% of our factory’s purchased electricity comes from clean sources (nuclear & solar).  

SDG 8 – Decent Work And Economic Growth 

One of the 8.3 target’s recommendations is to create fair jobs. Which is what DesertBoard^® has been doing. Since our inception, we’ve generated 284 job opportunities. These include 156 team members at our factory and 128 people hired for the company’s back-office.  

As dictated by the 8.8 target, our company has also committed to protect workers rights and safety. Specifically, DesertBoard^® adheres to the following standards: 

• ISO 9001 (Quality Management System); 

• ISO 45001(Occupational Health & Safety); 

• ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System); 

• Abu Dhabi’s Occupational Safety and Health System Framework (ADOSH-SF). 

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, And Infrastructure 

Our engineered solutions are improving the construction industry while combating deforestation. DesertBoard^®’s innovative yet climate-friendly material sports a host of outstanding properties: 

• High strength and versatility: our PSB^® can be turned into beams, columns and slabs, as well as Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs). On top of that, it can be reused over 40x vertically for concrete shuttering, thus boosting resource efficiency. 

• Increased safety: PSB^® is suitable for 90-min fire resistant doors, thus allowing safe evacuation as per EN-1634-1 (European Standard for Fire Resistance), BS-476 (British Standard for Fire Tests on Building Materials and Structures), and UL-10C (American Standards for Fire Tests of Door Assemblies). 

• Better sound insulation: PSB^®‘s acoustic properties ensure a noise reduction of up to 40 decibels. 

SDG 10 – Reduced Inequality 

In line with the 10.2 target, DesertBoard^® has employed a diverse skilled professionals coming from over 19 countries. A key pillar in the DesertBoard^® organization is inclusivity, employing a multicultural talent pool, regardless of ethnicity and religious background, all while incorporating an increasing female share of our workforce. 

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities And Communities 

Responding to the 11.4 target, we’re helping preserve UAE’s cultural and natural heritage. Instead of cutting palm trees, DesertBoard^® collects the annually regenerated palm frond biomass (which would otherwise end up in landfills or incinerated, releasing CO2 or methane into the atmosphere) and upcycles it into a high-performance & nature-friendly board.  

Moreover, by recycling and reusing 3,800 kg of hazardous waste per year, our factory’s waste management system contributes to the achievement of the 11.6 target. 

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption And Production 

Every year, DesertBoard^® sources 165,000 tons of palm residues from UAE farmers and converts them into PSB^® . Our approach saves natural resources while promoting sustainable procurement. To raise awareness on responsible consumption and production, we’ve showcased our bio-economy model at 19 regional and global forums in 2024. 

SDG 13 – Climate Action 

By avoiding palm frond decomposition, each year our factory’s manufacturing process prevents 60,000 tons of CO₂ from escaping into the atmosphere. Doing so, DesertBoard^® supports the following greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets: 

• Saudi’s Green Initiative: -278 million tons per annum (mtpa); 

• Europe’s climate neutrality: 55% reduction vs 1990 by 2030. 

• UAE’s Nationally Determined Contribution: 47% Greenhouse Gas reduction by 2035 

SDG 15 – Life On Land 

As mentioned in the SDG 11 section, DesertBoard^® promotes forest conservation by reusing local biomass rather than sourcing newly cut trees from around the globe. This approach is in sync with the UAE’s 2030 Green Agenda. In particular, we comply with: 

• Green Diversification Program, incentivizing factories to pursue green manufacturing and minimizing industrial waste; 

• National Waste-To-Resources Program.  

Jump on The Sustainability BoardWagon 

As you can read, DesertBoard^® is leading the way towards meeting UN SDGs in the UAE. So, if you want to speed up your pace along your sustainable construction journey, reach out to us!