Dubai, UAE; February 2, 2011: Emirates Green Building Council (Emirates GBC), an organisation aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices in the UAE, has commenced its calendar of industry networking events for 2011 with a guest lecture by Dr. Susan Roaf, professor of Architectural Engineering at HeriotWatt University, UK.

The presentation was held at Aloft Hotel in ADNEC Abu Dhabi, and was attended by industry professionals and academicians. Dr Roaf, an award winning teacher, architect, researcher and author, addressed the gathering on “Sense and Science: Minimizing Risk in the Built Environment in a Rapidly Changing World.”

Dr. Roaf is an expert in setting benchmarks for sustainable buildings, adapting buildings for climate change and eco house design. She discussed the application of sustainable practices to promote green buildings that will help mitigate environmental risks and promote the advancement in the community and economy at large.

Adnan Sharafi, Chairman of EmiratesGBC, said: “The industry networking sessions organised by EmiratesGBC are strongly attended thought leadership events that highlight the latest advances in sustainable development practices. The events help the EmiratesGBC members and non-members to share best practices and thus contribute to promoting green building practices in the region.”

He added: “Dr Susan Roaf has an exemplary track-record in highlighting the challenges and opportunities in green buildings, and her session provided rich insights into practical realities, inspiring the participants to partner in promoting sustainable building development.”

Legrand was the sponsor of the “Sense and Science: Minimizing Risk in the Built Environment in a Rapidly Changing World” networking event.

In line with EmiratesGBC’s key objectives of enhancing awareness on sustainability, special training workshops on green building principles are currently offered to professionals. Developed in partnership with British University in Dubai, the EmiratesGBC supports training courses in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The Council also organises Focus Days for industry experts from to interact and share ideas.

The first Green Building Council established in the UAE, the EmiratesGBC is a member of the World Green Building Council (WGBC). The Council also leads the ‘WGBC MENA Network’ – a cooperation between EmiratesGBC, Qatar Green Building Council and Jordan Green Building Council – to promote coordination between Green Building Councils throughout the region. Participation in leading international conferences and exhibitions will be a part of EmiratesGBC 2011 activities in addition to their own events. The next networking event is scheduled for February 23, 2011 in Dubai. For event bookings, please contact: office@emiratesgbc.org.

Photo Caption

Emirates Green Building Council guest speaker, Dr. Susan Roaf, professor of Architectural Engineering at HeriotWatt University, UK, presents her guest lecture on ‘Sense and Science: Minimizing Risk in the Built Environment in a Rapidly Changing World.’

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 industry body that promotes and educates on green issues in the built environment and are the official body for the UAE endorsed by the World Green Building Council.

The Emirates GBC 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 related conferences, seminars, training and green building events.

For further information, please contact:

Kelly Home / Mohammed Al Tawil

ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller

Tel: +9714 3344550

k.home@asdaa.com / m.altawil@asdaa.com