The UAE cabinet approved yesterday regulations designed to lower carbon emissions in the construction sector, according to a statement. The National Building Regulations and Standards had been in the works since the Dubai Expo 2020 back in March, according to Hapi Journal.

In detail: The regulations and standards include “sustainability guides for buildings, roads, housing, and a National Guide for Building Sustainability in operation and maintenance,” the statement says. Implementing these new guidelines — the mechanism for which have not been disclosed — are expected to reduce the construction industry’s CO2 emissions by 5%. They are expected to cut back on natural resources and material use in the industry by 15%, lower energy consumption for the construction of roads by 45%, reduce the energy needed for constructing buildings and homes by 25%, and cut 16% of the country’s overall water utilization rates, according to the statement.

The UAE also launched an online investment vehicle for FDI inflows in the UAE, including renewable energy and smart city projects, the statement notes. The investment tool — which the UAE cabinet is likening to an investment compass — will provide intel to foreign investors on how to invest in ongoing and future renewable energy projects.