Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), an independent forum aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices, has launched a discounted corporate membership package for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the UAE, to further strengthen the participation of various industry stakeholders in driving the UAE’s sustainable development.

In addition to members of Dubai SME, an agency of the Dubai Department of Economic Development mandated with supporting small and medium business in the Emirate, all SME owners across the UAE can now join EmiratesGBC at 50 percent the membership fee during the first year, followed by 25 percent discount to annual fees for the second year.

Adnan Sharafi, EmiratesGBC Chairman, said: “With the new criteria for certification of sustainable buildings being unveiled, there is stronger focus now on developing green buildings. Strengthening sustainable built enviornments in the UAE calls for concerted action from all partners in the construction sector supply chain.

“Small and medium enterprises form the strongest component of our economy, and through the special membership packages for SMEs, we are providing them the opportunity to network with their peers and also benefit from the unique insights offered through our specialised industry sessions hosted regularly.”

With nearly 150 corporate members representing the building industry supply chain, EmiratesGBC’s activities are aligned with the ‘green vision for sustainable development’ announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

“Through our corporate membership for SMEs, they also benefit from sharing their competencies with industry leaders, innovating new technologies that are suited for the market and contributing to building a more sustainable economy,” added Sharafi.

The current membership profile of EmiratesGBC covers planners, developers, consultants, contractors, suppliers, facilities management companies, financial institutions, academic organisations, and legal consultants, among others, who are actively involved in the building and construction sector.

EmiratesGBC regularly takes part in key conferences and exhibitions to promote sustainable built environments. The Council hosts a dedicated forum, ‘Focus Day’ that discusses various concerns and topics associated with driving sustainability. It also hosts a series of initiatives that facilitates industry dialogue and provides educational resources and information on sustainable practices.

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Note to Editors

About Emirates Green Building Council:

The Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) was founded in June 2006, and became the 8th full member of the World Green Building Council in September 2006. EmiratesGBC is an organization that promotes and educates on green issues in the built environment and is the official body for the UAE endorsed by the World Green Building Council. EmiratesGBC currently has around 260 members in the UAE which represents 1000s of individuals interested and involved in Green Building in the UAE and the region. In addition, EmiratesGBC members receive discounts on a number of programmes such as those related to conferences, seminars, training and green building events.

For further information, please contact:

Kelly Home / Mohammed Al Tawil

ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller; +9714 4507600

kelly.home@bm.com / mohammed.altawil@bm.com