In the first episode of the Sustainability Lounge by EmiratesGBC, hosted by Mario Saab, Board Member of the council and Director of Sustainability MENA at Cundall, the council invited a very special guest in the UAE environment community to tell us about the importance of green buildings and protecting the environment. Dr. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-founder, Vice-chair and Treasurer of the council and Co-founder and Chairperson of the Emirates Environmental Group, shares how sustainability in the built environment evolved from a new concept into a mainstream priority. She highlights the council’s role in changing mindsets, influencing policy, encouraging collaboration across government, private sector, academia, and civil society, and supporting the UAE’s decarbonization goals. A key message of the episode is that protecting the environment is not only a government responsibility—it belongs to everyone.

Mario is Director of Sustainability MENA at Cundall, leading the company’s drive to meet increased demand for sustainable and net zero carbon solutions. With over 17 years of regional experience, Mario has a diverse background including low-to-zero carbon design, project management, trainings, and strategy development. Projects have included prestigious masterplan developments, high rise buildings, luxury villas, mixed-use developments and corporate sustainability strategies.

Mario’s ethos is based on having a tangible environmental impact, working closely with people to affect change, delivering creative and robust technical solutions. He is a driven and passionate leader with an eye for detail and a curious nature. In addition to his role, Mario has been a Board Member of the Emirates Green Building Council since 2021, providing leadership to the regional sustainable building movement.