We are delighted to announce the official launch of the Pan Arab Certified Energy Management Professionals (PA-CEMP) training program by Emirates Green Building Council! This initiative underscores our commitment to advancing sustainability and energy efficiency practices in the Arab region.

Developed in collaboration with the League of Arab States Energy Department and endorsed by the Executive Bureau of the Arab Ministerial Council of Electricity, PA-CEMP is a professional certification program tailored for Energy Managers in the Arab region. The program, managed by the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE), aims to assist energy efficiency policymakers and program administrators in planning and implementing comprehensive Energy Efficiency programs and measures.

Key highlights of PA-CEMP include comprehensive technical content developed by industry leaders, hands-on learning sessions to apply theoretical concepts in real-world scenarios, and a prestigious certification upon successful completion. This certification will enhance the professional profile and credibility of energy management professionals, equipping them with the latest technologies and energy essentials to drive sustainable practices across the region.

We are also excited to announce that the first cohort of the PA-CEMP training course will take place from April 21–25 in Dubai, with a special discounted price available exclusively for this inaugural cohort. More details, including the registration link, will be shared via email in the coming days.

Emirates Green Building Council and Expo City Dubai have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen sustainability initiatives in the built environment. The agreement, signed by Khaled Bushnaq, EmiratesGBC Chairman, and Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development & Delivery Officer, Expo City Dubai, underscores the critical need to decarbonize the construction sector while fostering economic growth. This collaboration aims to drive innovative solutions and industry-wide progress toward a more sustainable future.

Emirates Green Building Council proudly participated in the City in Action Forum 2025 at Expo City Dubai, driving conversations on sustainability, resilience, and inclusive urban development.

EmiratesGBC actively contributed to several key discussions, including:

🔹 Strategies for Urban Wellbeing: Shaping Cities for All – A panel on designing livable, connected cities that prioritize community needs, with insights from Habiba Al Mar’ashi, EmiratesGBC Vice Chair & Co-Founder.

🔹 Developers’ Leaders’ Forum: Sustainability Criteria Panel – A session moderated by Khaled Bushnaq EmiratesGBC chairman, featuring an insightful presentation by Abdullatif Albitawi, EmiratesGBC CEO, on integrating sustainability into development strategies.

🔹 Resilience & Adaptation Workshop – In collaboration with the World Green Building Council, EmiratesGBC contributed to discussions on Zero Carbon & Climate Resilience Readiness Framework in MENA.

🔹 Women’s Network Workshop – In partnership with Expo City Dubai Women’s Pavilion, this session explored urban planning through a gender lens, featuring industry leaders discussing the role of women in shaping future cities.

The Chairman and CEO of Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) recently had the opportunity to meet with Peter Templeton, President of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), alongside P. GopalaKrishnan, Managing Director for APAC & Middle East at GBCi, and Deepthy K B, Regional Director of Market Development. The meeting took place in the Sustainability Lounge and provided a platform for fruitful discussions on advancing green building initiatives, enhancing collaboration between the two organizations, and furthering sustainability goals in the region.

Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) has recently joined two international working parties to review and update the carbon & energy criterion and the water, washing & cleaning criterion of the Green Key certification program. This collaboration underscores EmiratesGBC’s commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the hospitality sector. By contributing to the revision of these key criteria, the council aims to enhance the environmental impact of Green Key-certified establishments and promote more sustainable energy and water management practices. The initiative aligns with EmiratesGBC’s ongoing efforts to support global sustainability standards and improve environmental performance in the region.

Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) CEO Abduallatif AlBitawi, recently participated in a roundtable discussion titled “Carbon Credits through a Shariah Lens” at the White & Case office, ICD Brookfield, DIFC. The event brought together industry experts to explore the intersection of sustainability and Islamic finance, focusing on the potential for carbon credits to be integrated within Shariah-compliant frameworks. The insightful dialogue provided valuable perspectives on how carbon credit markets can evolve to meet both environmental goals and ethical investment standards, reflecting EmiratesGBC’s ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the region.

The CEO of Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) recently served as a judge at the ICE UAE Early Careers Network ‘ACT Challenge – Think Big’ event, held at the Atkins Realis office in Emaar Square. The event brought together young professionals to showcase innovative ideas that address sustainability challenges in the built environment. As part of the judging panel, the EmiratesGBC CEO evaluated creative and impactful solutions that align with the UAE’s sustainability goals, furthering the council’s commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders in green building and sustainable development.

The CEO of Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) recently took part in a roundtable discussion titled “How Data and AI Can Accelerate Net Zero, Drive Efficiency, and Unlock New Revenue Streams”, hosted by PwC Middle East in collaboration with Microsoft at the PwC office in Emaar Square. The event focused on the transformative role of data and artificial intelligence in driving sustainability and achieving net-zero targets. Industry leaders shared insights on how these technologies can enhance operational efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and create new business opportunities in the green economy, aligning with EmiratesGBC’s commitment to innovation in sustainability.

The CEO of Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) recently participated as a panelist in the Smart Cities and Sustainable Buildings Conference, organized by the Regional Economic Department at the French Embassy in collaboration with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. The panel discussion, titled “How to Reduce CO2 Emissions from Buildings and Construction: Sharing UAE and French Experiences”, focused on innovative strategies and best practices for reducing carbon emissions in the built environment. The CEO shared insights on the UAE’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable building practices, highlighting the importance of collaboration between nations in tackling climate change. The event also featured experts from France, offering valuable perspectives on integrating sustainability in urban planning and construction.

The CEO of Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) recently moderated a panel discussion on “Retrofitting the Healthcare Sector” at the 10th RetrofitTech and Sustainable Buildings Summit, held at Sofitel Downtown Dubai. The session explored innovative approaches to upgrading healthcare facilities for enhanced sustainability, energy efficiency, and improved patient outcomes. With a focus on the critical need for retrofitting in the healthcare sector, the panel featured industry leaders who shared their expertise on sustainable retrofitting practices and the integration of smart technologies.

The CEO of Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) recently delivered a presentation at the “Redefining Energy for the Future of Buildings” event, held at Italia Camp, Dubai World Trade Centre. The presentation focused on the critical role energy plays in shaping the future of sustainable buildings. The CEO highlighted the UAE’s ongoing initiatives to integrate advanced energy technologies and sustainable design practices into the building sector, showcasing how these efforts align with national climate goals. The event provided an important platform for industry leaders to share knowledge and strategies that will drive the transition to a more sustainable, energy-efficient built environment.

EmiratesGBC is proud to announce the launch of the 4th cohort of the Women’s Network & Mentorship Program, reinforcing its commitment to empowering women in the sustainability sector. To mark this milestone, we will be hosting an insightful webinar that delves into the vital role of mentorship and leadership in professional growth.

The discussion will explore the role of leadership and mentorship, offering insights into what defines a true mentor and distinguishing who qualifies as one. It will also highlight personal experiences that showcase the profound impact of mentorship on career development and examine teaching as a powerful and influential form of mentorship.

In celebration of World Water Day, EmiratesGBC is hosting a one-hour panel discussion focused on the critical challenges of water conservation in the UAE. Industry experts will delve into local regulations, efficiency targets, and cutting-edge strategies for optimizing water use across the built environment.

The discussion will explore the urgency of water conservation and the challenges of scarcity, highlighting local regulations and efficiency targets for achieving net-zero water use. Experts will examine water management across buildings, construction, personal consumption, and recreational spaces, while also showcasing innovative technologies and strategies for water recycling and reuse. Additionally, case studies will be presented to demonstrate successful water-saving initiatives and their impact on sustainability.

In recognition of World Deforestation Day, EmiratesGBC is hosting an insightful panel discussion featuring experts from across the MENA region to examine the impact of deforestation on the built environment. The session will explore sustainable material choices, responsible land use, and afforestation efforts, emphasizing strategies that integrate nature into urban development while reducing environmental impact.

The discussion will explore the impact of deforestation on the built environment and climate resilience, examining sustainable wood usage and its environmental footprint compared to other materials. Experts will highlight the role of developers in responsible sourcing and sustainable procurement while also showcasing the UAE’s efforts in afforestation, native plant conservation, and desert greening initiatives to promote a more sustainable and resilient urban landscape.

In recognition of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the EmiratesGBC Women’s Network hosted an insightful Knowledge Sharing Webinar spotlighting the vital role of women in driving sustainability in the built environment.

The session featured inspiring discussions with trailblazing women in sustainability, from students to industry leaders, who shared their experiences, challenges, and the skills needed to advance resilience and innovation in the sector. The conversation aimed to encourage young women to pursue careers in sustainable development while highlighting the contributions of women in shaping a greener future.

Watch the recording 

Emirates Green Building Council hosted a Members Networking Event  at the Sustainability Lounge, bringing together industry professionals for a morning of meaningful connections and collaboration.

The event featured engaging discussions, a fun icebreaker activity, and light refreshments, fostering a dynamic atmosphere for members to network and exchange ideas. It set a positive tone for the year ahead, reinforcing the Council’s commitment to strengthening the sustainability community.

We extend our appreciation to all who attended and contributed to the event’s success. Stay tuned for more networking opportunities throughout the year!

The EmiratesGBC 3rd ( 2025 ) Technical Workshop

for members by members will be Air Quality Monitoring and Energy Savings in Workspaces By Nhance The workshop will be held in online format, on  the  14th of March.

We will be sending out the invites soon!

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.

Nathalie Poirier

Chief Executive Officer

Terrafic Energy

Air conditioning accounts for 20% of global building energy use, significantly contributing to CO₂ emissions. With rising global temperatures and urbanization, cooling demand is expected to triple by 2050. Conventional air conditioners consume vast energy, but innovative solutions like two-stage evaporative cooling (IDEC) offer a sustainable alternative.

Oxycom’s IntrCooll system replaces harmful refrigerants with water, delivering up to 40 kW of cooling using just 1 kW of electricity—ten times more efficient than traditional systems. This reduces CO₂ emissions by 87% while maintaining high cooling performance, even in extreme climates.

Prioritizing energy efficiency through smart cooling systems – which run at peak efficiency and only when necessary, better insulation- reducing the workload on cooling systems and further decreasing energy consumption, and adopting advanced technologies – that are designed to deliver the same level of cooling comfort while consuming significantly less energy, is crucial for a sustainable future. Adopting solutions like IntrCoollcan mitigate climate impact, lower energy consumption, and revolutionize climate control. Investing in such solutions is key to balancing comfort with environmental responsibility.

Adam Faben

Operations and Technical Director

RAKNOR

In 2024, we’ve made significant strides in sustainable optimisation across our concrete products. The fundamentals of good sustainable concrete involve using locally sourced materials and optimising designs based on these materials and required performance. By utilising our local supply chain from parent company Stevin Rock and using statistical analysis, we’ve swapped higher carbon-intensive materials with lower ones. These small changes at scale, with extensive testing to ensure performance and compliance, have allowed us to achieve reductions of over 800 tons of CO₂ from our products in the past 12 months.

While exploring cutting-edge technologies for greener concrete, we emphasise the fundamental principles of good mix design and efficient use of materials. Small incremental changes really do add up!

We want to feature your case studies and 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.

Zulema Sanchis

Director, Accuracy

4. 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.

Strong ethics and passion drive me, both personally and professionally. If I don’t believe in a project, I simply won’t pursue it—I stay true to my values. Beyond work, sport has always been a cornerstone of my life. It’s where I find balance, energy, and motivation. These days, I’m hooked on padel—it’s fast-paced, strategic, and incredibly fun. Whether on the court or in my career, I’m driven by purpose and a desire to keep growing. That’s what keeps me energized and inspired every day.

              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?

My journey in sustainability has been deeply personal and purpose-driven. Representing Accuracy at COP28 and leading a zero-carbon event in March 2023 were pivotal moments, allowing me to amplify sustainability’s voice in construction. Authoring Building Tomorrow: The COP of Action was more than just a report, it was a call to action for the industry. I’m also proud to lead Zero Construction’s mission in the Middle East towards net-zero embodied carbon and actively contribute to the Emirates Green Building Council. Recognition from Construction Week Middle East, featuring me as one of the 150 most influential figures in construction or voted as the most inspirational women in Middle East, affirmed my commitment, but my true inspiration comes from the impact we can make for future generations.

                  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? 

The construction sector is traditionally male-dominated, and yes, there are moments when being overlooked in meetings can be frustrating. But I believe we sometimes overstate the impact of gender. Challenges exist, but they are not unique to women—they are challenges of leadership and influence. While historical inequalities linger and men are often seen as the default leaders, I’ve witnessed a rapid shift, especially in the Middle East, where I’ve found more opportunities for leadership and recognition than in Europe.

I’ve learned to navigate uncomfortable situations by choosing to learn from them rather than be defined by them. I don’t dwell on biases; I focus on the work. Resilience and consistent effort are my guiding principles. By consistently delivering value and staying true to who I am, I’ve seen barriers gradually break down.

For me, the most effective strategy is simple: lead with confidence, focus on results, and maintain a positive mindset. This industry is evolving, and I’m proud to be part of the change. It’s about perseverance, passion, and purpose. That’s how we make an impact

              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? 

I don’t see my role as making a singular, game-changing impact, but rather as part of a collective effort to inspire others to start their journey in sustainability. In the male-dominated construction sector, sustainability is one area where women are increasingly finding their voice. This creates a unique opportunity to bring fresh perspectives, introduce new ideas, and shape the industry’s future. My advice to other women is simple: be authentic, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to be noticed. Small contributions, when combined, can drive significant change.

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 Sustainability Lounge 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.