Message From Chairman
Eng. Khaled Bushnaq
Chairman, Emirates Green Building Council
Vice Chair, World Green Building Council – MENA Region
CEO & Founder, Energy Management Services - Emirates
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported 2024 as the warmest year on record, placing the temperature goals of The Paris Agreement under grave danger. The escalating climate crisis, fueled by unchecked greenhouse gas emissions, demands immediate and decisive action on a global scale.
The built environment, responsible for over a third of global carbon emissions, represents a critical lever in the fight against climate change. Currently, buildings account for over a third of global energy consumption and nearly 40% of emissions. This calls for a radical approach that prioritizes long-term sustainability.
The UAE, a key player in the global construction boom, is leading the change. And The Emirates Green Building Council fully supports and endorses the government initiative and helps convey the same to its members and the private sector though specially designed programs and workshops. With the construction market projected to reach nearly $53 billion by 2030, the country is committed to creating a built environment that is both economically viable and environmentally responsible.
Since its inception in 2006, EmiratesGBC has evolved into a catalyst for change, spearheading the green building movement in the UAE through advocacy of federal and local mandates. From UAE Vision 2021 to Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, UAE Centennial 2071 and Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the Council plays an active role in bringing stakeholders together to build a resilient future powered by sustainability.
Our commitment is to build a sustainable future that is underpinned by a unified, multi-sectoral approach. This includes leveraging advanced technology, fostering robust private sector collaboration, and promoting behavioral changes, all guided by clear policy direction and long-term planning.
We firmly believe that a sustainable future is not built in silos. It requires a shared vision, collaborative action, and a commitment to innovation across all sectors of society.
By leveraging our combined strengths, we can expand our reach and drive meaningful change across the region and beyond. We have achieved significant milestones, including co-founding the MENA Alliance for Green Schools, launching the inaugural cohort of the Empower Her Speak Women Network Training, and publishing the UAE Sustainable Built Environment Blueprint Report. We also reached an impressive 154 certified Green Key hotels, including 55 new certifications.
Through collaborative platforms such as the Annual MENA Green Building Awards and Annual Congress, we unite local and global experts to share knowledge and accelerate progress. Our global engagement, through leadership roles in the World Green Building Council and involvement in international projects, extends our reach beyond borders, reflecting our belief that a green environment is a global responsibility. Our diverse membership of over 150 organizations and individuals fosters collaboration and innovation, creating a powerful ecosystem for sustainability.
As a leading voice on the global sustainability platform, our Board Members actively contribute to the World Green Building Council Board and the WGBC MENA Regional Network. Furthermore, EmiratesGBC serves on the steering committees of the Better Places for People project and the Advancing Net Zero Project with the World Green Building Council, shaping the future of sustainable building practices worldwide.
We are leading from the front, uniting diverse stakeholders to ensure we are shaping a future where the built environment contributes to a thriving planet through tangible actions. A multi-sectoral approach, involving government, private, and academic sectors, is crucial to driving this change and creating sustainable impact.
By joining Emirates Green Building Council, and being an integral part of our activities, you will be instrumental in championing green building practices and actively shaping a legacy of stewardship and innovation for generations to come. I invite all of you to join us on our mission to safeguard our planet’s future.