5th EmiratesGBC Congress 2016 to discuss UAE’s achievements in sustainable development as way forward strategy

SEPTEMBER 19, 2016| press release

  • To be held on Oct. 25 & 26 in Dubai under the theme ‘UAE of the Future: Looking Backward as a Way Forward’
  • Registration is open for the event at https://emiratesgbc.org/2016congress/
  • Experts to discuss various aspects of sustainable urban development in line with UAE Vision 2021 and objectives of Paris COP 21 Climate Agreement

Dubai, UAE; September 19th, 2016: Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), an independent forum aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices, will put the spotlight on UAE’s achievements in sustainable development as a way forward strategy to a greener future, at the fifth EmiratesGBC Congress 2016 to be held on October 25 & 26 at Dusit Thani hotel in Dubai.

The annual gathering of regional and international experts, who represent diverse sectors of the sustainable built environment and related industries, will highlight how the nation’s success in green buildings can be leveraged to formulate a roadmap of the future in line with UAE Vision 2021 and the objectives of the Paris COP21 Climate Agreement.

The theme of EmiratesGBC Congress 2016, organised under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Infrastructure Development, is ‘UAE of the Future: Looking Backwards as a Way Forward.’ The two-day event will include keynotes, panel discussions, networking sessions and a workshop followed by site visit.

Saeed Al Abbar, Chairman of EmiratesGBC, said: “With this year’s Congress we are back-casting on the sustainable development framework of the UAE and the region whereby through discussions we envision future desired conditions for a green and sustainable urban environment. The Congress will then proceed to define the steps that are needed to achieve the conditions.

“This is a path-breaking approach whereby we do not merely continue the measures we have taken but work towards tangible goals. We are confident that the Congress will serve as a referral point in shaping the new sustainable development narrative of the UAE, enabling the nation to achieve the goals of the Vision 2021.”

Based on the ‘back-casting’ approach, EmiratesGBC Congress 2016 has five key pillars: Building the Future City, Targets of the Future, Transports of the Future, Materials of the Future and Regulations of the Future. “These five pillars will help us develop a comprehensive framework for creating a sustainable development strategy that can be replicated across the region. Our goal is to foster innovative thinking and research that will redefine the green building industry,” added Mr. Al Abbar.

The first day will explore the achievements to date in sustainable urban development and focus on how we can use the accomplishments of the past to achieve a sustainable future. The second day includes an architectural heritage tour to the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding, House 26 in the Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood (Bastakiya) in Bur Dubai.

Registration for the event is now open at https://emiratesgbc.org/2016congress/. Registration fee is AED 1,500 for EmiratesGBC member/partner with an early bird offer of AED 1,000, and AED 2,000 for non-members with early bird price of AED 1,500. Students can attend the event with a registration fee of only AED 250. Early bird rates are valid only until October 1, 2016.

EmiratesGBC Congress 2016 is supported by Jotun Paints as Platinum Sponsor and Brookfield Multiplex and Caparol Paints LLC as Silver Sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more details, contact events@emiratesgbc.org or call us on 04 346 8244.

EmiratesGBC has developed a suite of activities, inclusive of networking events, technical workshops, focus days and facilitated training based around specific issues related to the built-environment that meet the needs of its members, of the UAE community, and the wider Middle East.

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