On the 12th and 13th of June, at Grand Hyatt Dubai Hotel, the EmiratesGBC will be holding its 13^th Annual Congress titled: “Beyond COP28: The Role of Sustainable Built Environment to Act and Deliver on the UAE Consensus”.

The congress will address six different themes under the topic.

Theme 1 COP28: Outcomes and Actions ,

Theme 2: Near Zero and Resilient Buildings by 2030 ,

Theme 3 : Funding the Transition ,

Theme 4: Accelerating Zero and Low Emission Technologies,

Theme 5 :Green Procurement

Theme 6 :Innovative Policy Making in the Building Transition.

Big thanks to our Supporters: Gold Sponsor –> Dubai Expo City

Silver Sponsor –>Lafarge

Silver Sponsor –> Grand Hyatt Dubai 

Register today and be a part of shaping a sustainable future!
👉 Registration Link : https://emiratesgbc.org/congress-registration/

Emirates Green Building Council is excited to announce that applications for the MENA Green Building Awards 2024 are now open! These prestigious awards recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and organizations in advancing sustainability in the built environment across the MENA region. With updated categories to reflect the latest trends and innovations in green building, this year’s awards promise to be bigger and better than ever before. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your projects and initiatives. The application deadline is July 15, 2024. Visit our website for more information on how to apply and become a part of this exciting event!

To sponsor our flagship Annual Mena Green building Awards click here!

Applications are welcomed via this link : MENA Green Building Awards

In a notable achievement, the Emirates Green Building Council has clinched the esteemed title of Distinguished Energy Efficiency Advocate at the DSM Recognition Program Event 2024. This honorary highlights the organization’s unwavering commitment to advancing energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives across the UAE. The council expresses profound gratitude to the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy for this distinguished honor and acknowledges the dedication of its exceptional team whose relentless efforts and innovative strategies have played a pivotal role in securing this remarkable recognition. This prestigious award reaffirms the council’s dedication to fostering positive change and forging a greener, more sustainable future for communities across the region.

Emirates Green Building Council team and Dar joined forces to conduct an impactful workshop at the American School of Creative Science. This collaborative effort is part of the Emirates Coalition for Green Schools activities under the MENA Alliance for Green Schools, aiming to educate and empower the youth on circular economy principles and sustainability practices.

The workshop, featuring engaging sessions and interactive activities such as games and creative recycled poster-making, left a lasting impression on participants, fostering eco-consciousness and instilling the importance of sustainability in their minds.

Reflecting the ongoing dedication of Emirates Green Building Council and Dar to nurture green initiatives in schools, this collaboration underscores their commitment to shaping a greener future. Together, they continue to sow the seeds of sustainability within the next generation, inspiring positive change for years to come!

Abdullatif Albitawi, Director of Emirates Green Building Council, steps onto the stage at a pivotal ESG Majlis session, shining the spotlight on decarbonising the built environment and the critical role finance plays in fostering sustainable change. As the UAE’s latest Nationally Determined Contribution indicates that the building sector contributed 27% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, urgent action is imperative to achieve ambitious net zero targets by 2050 under the Paris Agreement. The release of the UAE Sustainability Built Environment Blueprint report further emphasizes the obstacles ahead, with 60% of sector stakeholders identifying a lack of green finance as a significant barrier to funding access. Additionally, complexities in green finance qualification and opaque application processes hinder progress, as revealed by 47% and 49% of respondents, respectively. Against this backdrop, Albitawi’s presentation, “Building Value by Decarbonising Real Estate,” offers actionable insights to catalyze sustainable transformation within the real estate sector. Stay tuned for groundbreaking strategies that pave the way towards a greener future.

A delegation comprising 10 young and enthusiastic engineers, representing diverse disciplines, from the prestigious Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) – President’s Protégés Club (PPC), embarked on an insightful journey to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Their mission? To immerse themselves in the dynamic landscape of infrastructure development, architectural innovation, and renewable energy initiatives, all while deepening their understanding of the cutting-edge engineering practices and advancements employed across the UAE.

During their visit to UAE, EmiratesGBC in collaboration with its corporate member ICD Brookfield Place, arranged a guided tour in ICD Brookfield Place at DIFC on May 29th

The visit served as an invaluable opportunity for these bright minds to witness firsthand the remarkable strides being made in the field of engineering within the UAE. From iconic infrastructure projects to groundbreaking architectural marvels, the delegation had the chance to explore and engage with key stakeholders driving innovation in the region.

Moreover, the President’s Protégés Club (PPC) has long been an active contributor to the HKIE, dedicated to promoting the engineering profession to the public in Hong Kong. Through initiatives like this visit, the Club continues to foster a culture of learning and knowledge exchange among its members, further enriching the engineering landscape both at home and abroad.

“From Concrete to Green: Transforming School Grounds for Holistic Education” Knowledge sharing webinar organized by the Emirates Green Building Council

The recent webinar focused on the significance of outdoor learning environments, showcasing their immense benefits for students, educators, and the environment alike. Delving into diverse perspectives, the session illuminated the crucial role outdoor school spaces play in enhancing student well-being, fostering education, and promoting sustainability. Whether you’re an educator, school administrator, environmental advocate, or simply enthusiastic about innovative education approaches, this webinar provided valuable insights tailored to your interests.

you can watch the complete webinar through this link 

EmiratesGBC upcoming technical workshops, originally scheduled for June, will be held in July due to the Eid vacation period

The Green Key programme is a leading standard of

excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. It is operated internationally under the management of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) with Head Offices in Copenhagen, Denmark. FEE has national member organisations in more than 70 countries worldwide where Emirates Green Building Council is the national operator in the United Arab Emirates.

KEO and Johnson Controls Collaborate to Spearhead Decarbonization Drive in the Region

 Leading multi-disciplinary consultancy and smart building technology giant join forces to accelerate sustainability efforts.

KEO, a leading provider of multi-disciplinary consultancy services, and Johnson Controls, the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, have today announced a strategic collaboration aimed at delivering turnkey decarbonization services in the region.

Under the collaboration, the two companies will offer an end-to-end decarbonization action plan and a suite of engineered solutions to drive cost and carbon reductions. These will help organizations achieve their net zero goals including comprehensive target setting, providing a roadmap, to produce tangible outcomes.

According to the World Green Building Council, buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions and buildings represent one of the fastest—if not the fastest—paths to meeting global climate targets. With the UAE and Saudi Arabia spearheading (one of) the world’s most ambitious decarbonization programs, organizations in the region will benefit from such collaborations to more quickly and effectively meet the region’s goals.

Founded on a shared vision and complementary expertise, this unique collaboration draws on KEO’s 60 years of expertise in engineering, consultation, and advisory services and Johnson Controls 140 years transforming the built environment to reduce energy consumption and emissions, improve building efficiency, increase productivity and wellbeing, and ultimately contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

“This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our mission to empower organizations to achieve their sustainability goals,” said Greg Karpinski, COO at KEO. “By combining KEO’s sustainability and engineering excellence with Johnson Controls cutting-edge technologies, we are uniquely positioned to deliver impactful solutions that drive real environmental change.

“We understand that managing the bidding for a complex scope decarbonization project can be a challenging task for organizations, involving significant costs and efforts,” remarked Greg Karpinski at KEO. “Through our collaboration with Johnson Controls, we aim to alleviate these challenges, offering clients a hassle-free experience from start to finish.”

“We are delighted to initiate this collaboration with KEO, which will empower our mutual customers to achieve their net zero commitments, added Devrim Tekeli, general manager for Service GCC at Johnson Controls. Our comprehensive capabilities across technology manufacturing, HVAC, fire, security, controls, and connectivity via our OpenBlue digital platform are setting a benchmark in the region. These capabilities are already demonstrating tangible environmental and financial benefits. Together with KEO, we aim to empower businesses with the tools and expertise needed to drive sustainability leadership in this region and beyond.”

The collaboration between KEO and Johnson Controls marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of sustainability, ushering in a new era of innovation and collaboration in the fight against climate change.

Roxana Jilavu

Sales Manager – Projects at Quooker Emirates LLC

Who You Are:

Engaging in equestrian activities during my free time offers a profound sense of relaxation and serves as a refreshing departure from my daily routine. What distinguishes horse riding is its inherent equality, where individuals of all genders compete on equal footing. It’s not just a sport; it’s a partnership between two athletes—the horse and the rider. Achieving excellence in this realm relies heavily on the reciprocal respect and trust cultivated between them. This dynamic mirrors the ideal relationship we should aspire to foster with our planet. 

Career Journey and Achievements:

My professional journey aligns closely with sustainability, driven by the core belief that adopting sustainable practices is crucial for preserving the health of our planet and ensuring a better future for generations to come.

One of the key aspects of my work has been collaborating with designers and specifiers to prioritize sustainability in product and material selection. This collaboration is essential for ensuring that buildings not only meet present needs but also make positive contributions to the future. By educating designers and specifiers about the broader implications of their choices, we empower them to make informed decisions that reduce the carbon footprint of projects.

Challenges and Triumphs:

Women often possess a unique sensitivity to the social dimensions of sustainability. Understanding the critical importance of access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene for human health and well-being. It’s alarming that many communities worldwide still lack these necessities, highlighting the urgent need for action. Addressing these fundamental needs is not just a matter of human rights; it’s essential for fostering thriving and resilient communities.

I’ve been fortunate to receive support from our leadership in this regard. With their backing, we’ve been able to establish valuable partnerships and provide crucial support to communities in need.

Impact and Advice:

Overall, my role is to serve as a catalyst for change, helping to foster a culture of sustainability and promote actions that lead to a more environmentally conscious and sustainable future. With the growing demand for sustainable products and practices, I am enthusiastic about engaging in an industry that is rapidly expanding and driving positive change towards a more sustainable future.

I encourage other women to integrate sustainability into their personal and professional lives. By practicing mindful consumption, reducing waste, endorsing sustainable businesses, and advocating for sustainability initiatives, we can collectively contribute to constructing an eco-friendlier and more equitable world.

We want to feature your success stories. Please share with us your accomplishments in relation to the green building industry and allow us to feature you in our newsletter. For more information, please contact reema.aburuqaa@emiratesgbc.org.

Members of the Emirates Green Building Council can join any of our technical programs linked here, to advance their knowledge on the program’s relevant topics, contribute to its growth, and sponsor its events. We are working on several ideas related to our programs: Coalition for Green Schools, Better Places for People, Net Zero Center of Excellence, Energy Efficiency, Green Key and Benchmarking Program. Please send us an email to office@emiratesgbc.org to inquire about any of the mentioned technical programs.

If you are interested in using EmiratesGBC office space for a workshop or meeting, please get in touch with us at 04-3468244 or send us an email to office@emiratesgbc.org. The room is fully equipped with AV and provides a nice environment for focused meetings or training workshops.