Dubai, UAE; February 21, 2012: Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), an independent forum aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices in the UAE, is inviting volunteers from its membership base to serve on various task forces that are aligned to promote the UAE’s vision of a ‘Green Economy for Sustainable Development,’ and the Council’s goals for 2012.

EmiratesGBC has set up ten task forces to attain various objectives during the year including the setting up of a green financing scheme and technical guidelines to make existing buildings more environmentally sustainable; developing a comprehensive programme of events with emphasis on efficiency of existing buildings; improving an e-forum and e-library to offer prompt information to various stakeholders; providing value-added research for members and establishing an annual award that promotes green practices.

EmiratesGBC already has over 260 members including leading organisations from across the building sector supply chain. The Council is offering the opportunity for staff at the various member companies and other individual members to partner with the task forces.

Adnan Sharafi, Chairman of EmiratesGBC, said: “Promoting a culture of sustainability based development involves the concerted efforts of all stakeholders. As an independent organisation promoting green building practices, we are looking forward to the active involvement of all members in our various activities to ensure that we are fully aligned with the UAE’s vision of a ‘Green Economy for Sustainable Development,’ announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.”

He added: “We have developed strategic goals for 2012, which are in line with increasing awareness on the need to implement green practices both in new and existing buildings. By volunteering on the task forces members can contribute to driving the sustainable developmental initiatives of the country.”

Members interested to volunteer should email  info@emiratesgbc.org by February 29, 2012 stating the task force you would like to volunteer for and your availability for meetings. The different task forces are: Devise and implement green financing scheme for existing buildings; Prepare technical guidelines for greening existing buildings; Manage relationships with key stakeholders; Improve offering to members by understanding their needs (through comprehensive survey) and respond to needs; Develop comprehensive programme of clear and focused events with emphasis on existing buildings; Improve E-Forum / E-library to achieve goal of being a focal point linking stakeholders; Target the right sponsors for each opportunity; Hold

Annual Award; Increase market presence; and Provide valued research and data to members and the market to support EmiratesGBC’s vision.
EmiratesGBC is also inviting corporates and individuals, who are dedicated to sustainable solutions and practices. Members gain significant benefits that include taking part in networking events and comprehensive programmes led by industry leaders. To become a member, please log on to:https://www.emiratesgbc.org/egbc/becomemember.htm

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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:
Mohammed Al Tawil / Sheila Baldago
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller; +9714 4507600
m.altawil@asdaa.com /  s.baldago@asdaa.com