EmiratesGBC to highlight its activities and goals at dedicated stand at World Future Energy Summit to be held from Jan. 16 to 19 in Abu Dhabi
Focus Day is supported by Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council and Middle East Facility Management Association

Dubai, UAE; January 14, 2012: Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) will highlight the importance of introducing and strengthening energy efficiency measures in existing buildings at its Focus Day to be held in conjunction with the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) on January 17, 2012, from 1 to 5pm at Capital Suite 1, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

EmiratesGBC is also showcasing its activities and developmental goals at a dedicated stand at WFES from Jan. 16 to 19, offering insights on the need to drive sustainable built environments, and providing the opportunity for stakeholders to become members of the Council.
The Focus Day, focused on energy efficiency in existing buildings, is supported by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council and the Middle East Facility Management Association.

Open for members and non-members of EmiratesGBC, with a delegate fee of AED 100 and AED 150 respectively, the Focus Day offers an ideal opportunity for stakeholders in the construction and energy supply chain to meet and brainstorm on initiatives that will help promote energy efficiency in the existing building infrastructure of the UAE.

Adnan Sharafi, Chairman of EmiratesGBC, said: “While several of the new buildings that are under construction or were developed recently focus on energy efficiency measures, it is important to put emphasis on enhancing the energy and water use efficiency of existing buildings in the UAE. It is estimated that energy consumption can be saved by at least 20% if the existing buildings can be integrated into the sustainable energy management plan, through ‘green’ retrofitting, and other measures. EmiratesGBC’s Focus Day puts the spotlight on this important aspect, which is important to reduce the nation’s carbon footprint and encourage a culture of sustainable living among the residents.”

He added: “Our ‘Focus Day’ is a regular feature that serves as a strong platform to bring together government and industry professionals, encourage forward thinking and create robust action plans to meet the Council’s goal to strengthen the sustainable built environment of the UAE. We are privileged to host the event in conjunction with the World Future Energy Summit which brings the brightest minds in the field of energy management to the country.”

At the Focus Day, representatives of leading governmental, NGO and private sector organisations will present their views on enhancing energy efficiency in existing buildings. Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs, and the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence will lead the morning session and participate in panel discussions to tackle governance and energy efficiency in existing buildings in the UAE.

Following this, the second phase of the session will discuss the implementation as well as challenges in improving the energy efficiency of existing building stock. The discussion will also provide insights on the importance and practical course of action to undertake for existing buildings. Case studies on energy audits, control systems and building envelope will be presented by industry leaders.

The EmiratesGBC Focus Day is essential for developers, planners, facility managers, consultants, contractors and suppliers in UAE and the region who need to understand the latest green building techniques for energy efficiency in existing buildings. The event is also important for government representatives and policy makers in gaining first-hand knowledge of the market. For details on the Focus Day, contact:  events@emiratesgbc.org

The event is sponsored by Steinel, a Corporate Member of EmiratesGBC. EmiratesGBC is currently inviting corporates and individuals, who are dedicated to sustainable solutions and practices. Members in the Council gain significant benefits that include taking part in networking events and comprehensive programmes led by industry leaders, in addition to a range of other benefits. To become a member, please log on and indicate your interest to: https://www.emiratesgbc.org/egbc/becomemember.htm

WFES is an annual gathering for the renewable energy and sustainable technologies industry. The four-day exhibition and conferences, attended by world leaders, international policy makers, industry leaders, investors and experts, identifies practical and sustainable solutions for today’s energy security.

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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