As we reach the midpoint of 2024, it’s time to reflect on the significant milestones achieved by the Emirates Green Building Council. These accomplishments underscore our commitment to sustainability and innovation, highlighting our progress and setting the stage for continued success in the months ahead.

1. Review and approve 2024-2025 strategy
2. Enhancing Digital Infrastructure: Office 365 Implementation and Technology Upgrades
3. Initiated the Sustainability Lounge project
4. Commenced the ongoing redevelopment of the councils’ website.
5. Restructured Council’s technical programs
6. Strengthening Organizational Capacity
7. Positioning the council as a powerhouse in sustainability by amplifying our presence and influence through strategic media partnerships.
8. Delivered successfully annual congress
9. Named the winner of the DSM Recognition Program Event 2024, receiving the prestigious title of Distinguished Energy Efficiency Advocate!
10. Revised, updated and launched the 2024 MENA Awards
11. Successfully organized 2 Green Apple Days for schools in the UAE, conducted 5 technical workshops, and hosted 3 knowledge-sharing webinars.
12. Initiated a collaboration with UNESCO to develop Green Schools Guidelines.
13. Launched new training programs, including the PA-CEMP and WN training courses.
14. Launched the 2024 Energy and Water Benchmark project
15. Started phase two of the Blueprint (UAE Sustainable Built Environment Blueprint)
16. Reviewed MOEI green building guideline
17. Joined the NDC committee with MOCCAE
18. launched the MENA Alliance for Green Schools, in collaboration with EgyptGBC and LebanonGBC,
19. Published the Schools IAQ Executive Report and the “Optimizing Workplace Wellbeing” paper.
20. Certified 34 new hotels (Green Key)
21. Participated (Speaker/panelist/moderator) in 14 industry and university events
22. Recruited 5 new corporate members and 9 new individual members

We are excited to present an enlightening interview series with Dr. Sadek Owainati, Co-Founder and Honorary Board Member of the Emirates Green Building Council, Founding Chair of the MENA Green Building Council Network, and sponsor of the prestigious Dr. Owainati Student Excellence Award.

This series will span multiple issues, offering an in-depth look at his impactful contributions and visionary insights.

PART (1)

• Founding of EGBC: As one of the founders of Emirates Green Building Council, can you share the vision and motivations behind the establishment of EGBC? What were the initial challenges and how were they overcome?

The month of July marked the 18^th birthday of EGBC, as its first board meeting was held at Park Hyatt Hotel in Dubai on 2^nd July 2006. It was attended by 6 individuals and 41 organizations representing different sectors of the UAE’s construction industry.

The construction boom had started in the UAE during early 2000s. Charts below show the growth of constructing high-rise buildings by 2007 in (a) Dubai and (b) the UAE. This surg in the construction industry following permission for foreigners to own real estate property raised concerns among professionals about the quality of work and its impact on the environment.

It was noted that CO₂ emissions per capita in the Gulf region was among the highest in the world and were increasing. Consumption of electricity per capita was also high. Following these observations, professionals operating in Dubai helped to organize a conference that was held in Dubai on 2^nd May 2005, presenting the advantages of green buildings.

These developments motivated me and my colleagues to establish a green building council for the UAE. The journey of EGBC started immediately after the conference and about 30 meetings were held during the following 13 months to discuss the vision for establishing EGBC and to formalize its structure. Extensive work was conducted to compile the by-laws of the council, ensuring it achieved its recognized legal status. Starting from December 2005, invitations were sent to major organizations with emphasis on strong participation by major companies operating across the UAE and most of accepted to support the imitative and became board members.

On 17^th Sept. 2006, the council was recognized by the WorldGBC as its 8^th member and EGBC became the first to be established in the Middle East. EGBC pioneered the green building movement in the region and helped to establish other councils. I am proud to have been an active participant as co-Founder of the EGBC, and in 2010 lead efforts to establish the MENA Green Building Network within the WorldGBC organization.

The second edition of the RAK Energy Summit will be held under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. Scheduled for 27 and 28 November 2024 at the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Center in Ras Al Khaimah, this summit promises to be a premier gathering of international and regional experts and leaders from both the government and private sectors. Attendees will engage in insightful discussions on emerging trends and initiatives in sustainable energy, exploring innovative solutions to the pressing challenges in this field.

Emirates Green Building Council members will receive a 10% discount on attendance. Additionally, technology and solution providers from our community will enjoy a 10% discount for exhibiting or presenting a showcase at the event.

We will be sending out the invites soon!

In a world facing unprecedented environmental challenges, Future Sustainability Forum serves as a beacon of hope, uniting diverse perspectives and expertise to chart a path towards greener economies and a more resilient planet. Building on the highly successful launch last year, the 2nd edition of Future Sustainability Forum, organized by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), encapsulates UAE’s recent focus on accomplishing Net-Zero goals by 2050. The Forum brings together visionaries, innovators, and change-makers from across the globe to collaborate, inspire, and drive meaningful action towards a more sustainable future.

Under the theme “Shaping Greener Economies”, the Forum explores the intersection of sustainability, innovation, blended finance and collective action. From renewable energy and circular economy practices to climate resilience and social equity, conferences will delve into the multifaceted aspects of sustainability, recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and social well-being.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with Global Sustainability leaders at the 2nd Annual Future Sustainability Forum, happening on 4-5 December 2024 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.

Let’s shape Greener economies together! 🌱

1. Want to Sponsor? https://bit.ly/45GmSv5
2. Book Tickets: https://bit.ly/3xkwfnu
3. Know More: https://bit.ly/3xte5Qr

The EmiratesGBC 8th Technical Workshop for members by members will be in “Importance of Monitoring your Indoor Environment Quality ( IEQ )” By Siemens.

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.

Nineteen newly Green Key certified hotels are joining the sustainability family:

1. Address Beach Resort Fujairah
2. Novotel Bur Dubai
3. Novotel Fujairah
4. Adagio Fujairah
5. Ibis Fujairah
6. St. Regis Downtown
7. Delta Hotel, Dubai Investment Park
8. Vida Creek Harbour
9. Ibis Styles Sharjah
10. The Cove Rotana Resort Ras Al Khaimah
11. Barcelo Residence
12. InterContinental Hotel and Hotel Apartments, Dubai Marina
13. The First collection Business Bay
14. Palace Beach Resort Fujairah
15. Ibis Dragon Mart
16. The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle a Tribute Portfolio
17. Element Me’asiam
18. Centro Capital Centre
19. Palace Downtown

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.

Muna Al Nahdi

Head of Sustainability & Consultancy

FARNEK

1. Who You Are:
   • Beyond your professional role, tell us a bit about yourself. What drives and inspires you personally? Whether it’s hobbies, interests, or values, we’d love to learn more about the person behind the professional achievements. 
     • Beyond my professional role, I’m driven by a passion for creativity and making a positive impact. I discovered this through my journey in sustainability and founding Edufikra, a social startup, empowering educators and enhancing education.I’m inspired by the challenge of creating innovative solutions and mentoring others. Cooking is one of my favourite hobbies—it’s my way of exploring new cultures and expressing love through food. My core values are rooted in continuous learning, leadership, and sharing knowledge. These values shape not just my work but also how I approach life and inspire others to do the same.
2. Career Journey and Achievements:
   • Can you share a brief overview of your career journey in the field of sustainability? What achievements or projects are you most proud of in advancing sustainable practices?
     • I began my journey in engineering in 2008, aiming to solve global challenges, but soon realized I needed to do more. This led me to explore sustainability, starting as a carbon management consultant and later delving into green buildings, energy management, and ESG. My proudest achievements are growing several sustainability companies and leading a team delivering impactful projects at Farnek, including Burj Khalifa’s Platinum LEED Certification, E& net zero plan, and du waste management. I’m also honored to have won the Dr. Owainati Award and to serve as a board member of the UN Global Compact Network and EEG.
3. Challenges and Triumphs: 

As a woman in the sustainability sector, have you faced any specific challenges, and how did you overcome them?                              On the flip side, what triumphs or successes have been particularly meaningful in your career?

• Starting my sustainability career in this region during the early 2000s was challenging, as skepticism about the field was widespread. With my background in technical areas like energy management, I also faced gender diversity issues, with few women in the field and no female mentors to guide me. This uncertainty forced me to take risks with each career move, but I’m glad I did. Despite the challenges, I found deep meaning and impact in my work, which gave me a sense of purpose and motivated me to continue, knowing I was contributing to real change.

4. Impact and Advice:

How do you see your role contributing to the broader goals of sustainability? Additionally, what advice would you offer                     to other women aspiring to make a difference in the field of sustainability?

• Today, I see my role as inspiring, mentoring, and supporting individuals and organizations to embrace sustainable practices. I strongly believe sustainability aligns with economic development, and there’s always a business case for it. With my experience, I can offer valuable guidance in this field.

Women have a significant role to play, as they can influence both their organizations and families. Instilling sustainability               in children is crucial for achieving global goals, and women are key in both professional and demographic contexts. Their                innate compassion and sense of purpose allow them to bring a unique perspective to adopting sustainable concepts in                      business.

Members of the Emirates Green Building Council can join in any of our technical programs with this link, 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.

Kindly send us an email to office@emiratesgbc.org to inquire about any of the mentioned technical programs.

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