EmiratesGBC to discuss energy reduction in existing built environments at networking event on Sept. 24

September 17, 2013| press release

Panel discussion to feature experts from Dubai Supreme Council of Energy,

EMS, ETAP, MEFMA and Jones Lang LaSalle

 

Dubai, UAE; September 17, 2013: Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), an independent forum aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices, will organise a panel discussion on ‘energy reduction, reuse and renewable energy in existing built environments’ at its monthly networking event to be held on September 24, 2013, from 8.30 to 10.30am at the Sheraton Hotel, Mall of the Emirates in Dubai.

 

Experts from the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Middle East Facility Management Association (MEFMA), ETAP, EMS and Jones Lang LaSalle, among other leading entities, will address the audience on the challenges relating to energy use efficiency in existing buildings at the event.

Adnan Sharafi, Chairman of EmiratesGBC and Board Member of the World Green Building Council, said: “Buildings that were constructed much before environmental considerations became an industry watchword are a key contributor to environmental degradation due to their less efficient envelope, design and electrical, mechanical, HVAC and waste systems. Today, there is a concerted focus on retrofitting the existing built environments to make them more environmentally friendly. Our networking event will put the spotlight on the challenges in transforming existing built environments into ‘greener’ ones.”

He added: “It is estimated that buildings consume about 70 per cent energy for cooling in this part of the world. However, with technological advancements, it is now far more cost-effective to retrofit such systems and make them more efficient rather than to replace them in many instances. The experts at our networking event will highlight how a more sustainable energy use system can be effectively integrated into the buildings covering aspects such as heating, cooling, lighting and general operations.”

The networking event organised in partnership with MEFMA and supported by ETAP, will also discuss how retrofitting brings in added advantages to the built environment in terms of serviceability, durability and adaptability, imparting added and long-term value to its owners and residents. Today, modern retrofitting practices enables building transformation in a phased and cost-effective manner without the residents having to vacate the premises.

The networking event is open to EmiratesGBC members and non-members. The entry fees are AED 50 for members and AED 150 for non-members. For attending the event, please contact EmiratesGBC on events@emiratesgbc.org.

EmiratesGBC regularly hosts and participating in multinational events, conferences and forums. The EmiratesGBC has also 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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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