Thank you to all the applicants who have entered the MENA Green Building Awards. We have received applications from across the region representing an exciting array of projects and companies at the forefront of the Green Building industry.

Applications are under review by our expert panel of judges and we will be collating the scores and informing the shortlisted organisations later in the month. The judging process is audited by KPMG to ensure that the highest standards of objectivity and fairness are maintained throughout the process.

The winners will be announced at the MENA Green Building Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner on 16th October at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. Register to attend this prestigious event and join your industry peers for an evening of celebration and networking. Share this congratulatory experience with clients and colleagues by registering for a table at the awards (Discounts are available for group bookings).

There is still time to sponsor the awards, which is an opportunity for organisations such as yours to partner with us on this prestigious program. This year we have introduced the option of Category Sponsor which offers you the opportunity to represent one of the 20 catgeories being celebrated this year. If you are interested in sponsoring the MENA Green Building Awards please take a look at our sponsorship packages or contact engagement@emiratesgbc.org.

The awards are endorsed by the World Green Building Council and supported by regional Green Building Councils: Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco and Palestine. Majid Al Futtaim is the Platinum Partner for the awards for the second consecutive year; demonstrating their continuous commitment to sustainable built environments in the MENA region.

Thank you to all the students who applied to the 2019 Student Excellence Award – the submissions are currently under review by our expert panel of industry judges.

Don’t forget, the winner has the chance of being awarded a cash prize and will be announced during the MENA Green Building Ceremony and Gala Dinner in Dubai on 16^th October 2019.  Good Luck!

The Award, sponsored by EmiratesGBC Co-Founder Dr. Sadek Owainati, specifically rewards a student from a recognised university in the UAE who has conducted exceptional research work in a subject related to green buildings in the Middle East. The Award is open to an academically accepted thesis and/or research paper submitted for a post-graduate degree or a final year undergraduate university research project or dissertation in the United Arab Emirates.

A warm congratulations to our four new EmiratesGBC Student Members.

Hurry up, the sponsorship of 4 student memberships is still available with EmiratesGBC, and the first students to apply for student membership will have their 2019 membership fees waived.  Interested students should submit their membership application form to the EmiratesGBC office and show proof of full-time enrollment with a university in the UAE. Student membership offers the chance to network with industry professionals, attend industry events and trainings, and get insight into the local green building job market.

This student sponsorship is thanks to the generosity of EmiratesGBC member Holley Chant – thank you, Holley!

EmiratesGBC launched the Net Zero Centre of Excellence in 2018 as a think tank and accelerator to advance net zero carbon buildings in the UAE as part of its commitment to World Green Building Council’s Advancing Net Zero Project. We invite you to explore our Net Zero Centre of Excellence program by visiting our website and explore the program’s objectives, our research, Zero building certifications and the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment.

Our latest works and achievements for the Net Zero Centre of Excellence are included in the latest publication by the World Green Building Council, the Advancing Net Zero Status Report 2019. We encourage you to read more in the report.

Did you know that existing buildings applying for the Zero Carbon in the UAE may use the efficiency targets based EmiratesGBC Building Efficiency Accelerator Benchmarking Report? According to the Global Status Report 2018, the embodied carbon of buildings accounts for 11% of energy-related global CO₂ emissions.  Certifying gives your project a stamp of approval from one of the world’s most prestigious sustainability organisations, the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), and highlights projects which fully account for their carbon emissions impacts.

So do not wait! If you are working on a net-zero project,  please email us at netzero@emiratesgbc.org. We are happy to meet and discuss the benefits and process of ILFI’s zero building certifications.  And remember, the first 10 pilot projects in the UAE that apply to ILFI’s ZE and ZC certifications will receive a 50% discount.

WorldGBC is creating an interactive digital map-based case study library as part of a joint initiative of the two global projects of WorldGBC: Advancing Net Zero (ANZ) and Better Places for People (BPFP). The case study library will be a resource to showcase the best in class buildings that demonstrate enhanced performance in relation to health benefits and net zero operational carbon; as verified by established certification schemes, rating tools or other verification systems.

Case studies submissions for either net zero or healthy buildings, or buildings that showcase excellence in both fields can be done directly online here.

The Commitment now has 52 signatories, you can find the full list of current signatories here. We encourage our members and partners to join AESG and Majid Al Futtaim by joining the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment in 2019. EmiratesGBC will continue to advocate for regional players to join this highly effective mission toward worldwide decarbonisation. If interested, please email us at netzero@emiratesgbc.org.

EmiratesGBC has a number of exciting events being hosted before the end of 2019 and are offering members and industry partners the opportunity to partner with on these through sponsorship. Event sponsorship provides its sponsors with great exposure to all stakeholders of the green building industry in the UAE whilst demonstrating your commitment and leadership in the field of sustainability. Click here to learn more about available sponsorship opportunities or contact engagement@emiratesgbc.org.

Awareness regarding the impact of buildings and indoor environment quality on occupant’s health and wellness has increased in recent years, especially in the UAE where the climate encourages people to stay indoor most of the time.

The WELL Building Standard is revolutionising the way people think about buildings. It explores and certifies how the design and operations of buildings can be optimised to advance health, well-being and the environment.

On 25^th September we will be hosting a morning workshop focusing on this topic. The workshop will feature presentations by representatives from the International WELL Building Institute providing an overview of the certification and the recently launched WELL Portfolio, which is a health and wellness rating system for companies and portfolios of properties. The workshop will also include discussion and case studies from UAE organizations undertaking projects focusing on health and wellness in the UAE.

The workshop will take place at the Time Oak Hotel in Barsha Heights, Dubai at 8.30am – 11.00am. Register online to attend – EmiratesGBC members and partners will receive a discounted rate.

Earlier this year EmiratesGBC highlighted the importance of retrofitting existing building stock in the UAE to address the climate change emergency and meet national and global carbon emission targets. On 12^th November 2019 we will be hosting a focus day in partnership with Dubai Chamber of Commerce with the theme: Improving Energy Efficiency and Deep Retrofit of Buildings.

The focus day will bring together speakers and panelist from across the industry to discuss what Deep Retrofits are and how they go beyond current renovation programs, explore the innovations & technology available in the region and how the industry can go beyond current practices to achieve both greater energy and financial savings. The focus day will also look to regional case studies and discuss the opportunities and barriers to implementing deep retrofits in the Middle East.

Register to attend the focus day at the following link or for further information contact events@emiratesgbc.org. A discounted rate is available for EmiratesGBC members and partners.

If you are interest partnering on the event through sponsorship please click here or contact engagement@emiratesgbc.org.

EmiratesGBC is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the first Living Building Challenge Training Workshop to be held in the region. Supported by International Living Future Insititute (ILFI) and facilitated by ILFI ambassador Amira Ayoub.

The Living Building Challenge (LBC) workshop will provide an in-depth overview of the Living Building Challenge – a philosophy, advocacy tool, and certification program that addresses development at all scales. LBC 4.0 is a holistic approach to high-performance building that aims to address health, community, equity, energy, water, and beyond.

The training course is an important contribution for those pursuing the Living Future Accreditation and all participants will receive a certificate of attendance to support CPD requirements.

This full day training will take place on the 4^th November in the Time Oak Hotel, Barsha Heights, Dubai. Delegate fee is 2000 AED per participant (including 5% VAT). Discounted rates are available for EmiratesGBC members & partners and students.

Places are limited and expected to fill up fast, register online today to secure your space on the course or for further information contact training@emiratesgbc.org.

On August 7^th, EmiratesGBC members were hosted by Cundall for an informative presentation on the WELL Building Standard and the Cundall office which has been fit out to WELL Standard. With Health and Wellbeing of occupants fast becoming a priority in building design and construction this tour was a valuable opportunity to get the project-owner’s perspective on targeting WELL certification for a building and understanding the real-life benefits, including increased profitability, productivity and occupancy well-being.

A huge thank you to the Cundall team who provided a warm welcome and freely shared their indepth expertise – we didn’t want to leave!

On 28th August, a delegation of EmiratesGBC members and partners boarded what must be the most cheerful bus in the UAE – from there we were transported to the future!

Not only were we given a glimpse of what to expect next year at Expo 2020, we were given an insight into what the world beyond 2020 might look like through the innovative green buildings and pavilions that make up the venue for what will be the ‘World’s Greatest Show’! The design, construction and carefully planned operations of the sustainability pavilion is sure to become a benchmark for net zero carbon and sustainable buildings both in the region and globally. What really stood out was the potential for the Expo 2020 to educate and raise awareness of sustainability through both the event and the ongoing legacy – with all eyes on the UAE next year we are sure Expo 2020 will not disappoint.

A big thank you to the Expo 2020 team for being excellent hosts and to all our members who joined us. We are now eagerly counting down the days to the Expo.

EmiratesGBC annually publishes the Green Building Market City Briefs in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The briefs highlight the green building policies in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai and show evidence of the great progresses and achievements from the implemented initiatives that promote sustainable development in the country.

To read the updated City Briefs, and receive all the relevant facts of our growing green building industry in the UAE in a digestible and easy to read format, all you have to do click here.

With the applications in for the 2019 cycle of the MENA Green Building Awards and the judging process has begun! In anticipation of the winners being announced we take a look back at some of the winners of the 2018 Awards. This month we feature the Training Initiative of the Year category which recognizes the best sustainability training initiative in the MENA region.

CCC’s Sustainability Training Initiative established a solid internal knowledge framework and a diverse and creative range of training opportunities to promote an advanced understanding of sustainability across CCC. The initiative provided employees with valuable skills and drives behavioural change whilst keeping the sustainability momentum high within CCC.

Congratulations Consolidated Contractors Company

Congratulations to the shortlisted companies also: ZMERLY Heating Academy by ZMERLY & CO and Emaar Facilities Management L.L.C.

To find out more about the 2018  awards and category winners, take a look at the awards brief and continue to support the MENA Green Building Awards through social media by using the hashtag #MENAGBAwards.

Last week, Grand Millennium Al Wahda, a luxury five-star hotel, celebrated receiving the Green Key Certification.

Enad Tannous, General Manager at Grand Millennium Al Wahda Hotel, said “we are proud to receive the Green Key award. This recognition showcases our dedication and continuous efforts to adopt sustainable and environment friendly methods.”

Green Key is an international eco-label for tourism facilities and has recently been gaining traction in the UAE. Since its inception in Denmark in 1994, Green Key has been a leading standard of excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. The Green Key programme is managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education globally and is operated by Emirates Green Building Council in the UAE.

Given the increase in environmental awareness and the shift in business models to accommodate that increase, Emirates Green Building Council invites hotels, restaurants, and cafés to apply for the Green Key Certification. Properties holding the certification prove that sustainability is embedded in their operations and that they employ strict environmental practices.

If you are interested in applying for the Green Key Certification, please email us at greenkey@emiratesgbc.org

We are delighted to share with you a new programme launched at Heriot-Watt, Emirates Green Building Council’s Academic Partner,  called Engineering Doctrate (EngD) in Construction.

The EngD is equivalent to a PhD in its intellectual challenge, but as a Research Engineer (EngD student), the research is industry-led and the project usually involve the company or an institution as an industrial sponsor. This provides an unparalleled opportunity to gain experience working at the cutting-edge of research that is relevant to industry.

For more details about this programme, please click here

WorldGBC is making a call to leading green building case studies to feature in a new interactive digital map-based case study library. A joint initiative between Advancing Net Zero (ANZ) and Better Places for People (BPFP), two of WorldGBC’s global projects, this resource will be hosted on WorldGBC’s website and launched in late 2019.

As a global network committed to achieving a sustainable built environment, WorldGBC recognises the continued market demand to share case studies of buildings that excel in key areas of sustainability and the role of green building certification schemes to provide third party assurance of this level of performance.

We invite interested members and partners to submit case studies, with additional input for those participating in WorldGBC’s global projects Advancing Net Zero and Better Places for People . This unique global platform was created in collaboration with Delos, Integral Group and Saint-Gobain for supporting WorldGBC in developing this resource.

The first round of case study submissions can be made through the interactive form here until 30 September 2019. Following the launch at the end of 2019, applications for further case studies will re-open.

For more information about the case study library, click here.

Last month EmiratesGBC highlighted the importance of retrofitting existing building stock in the UAE for meeting national and global carbon emission targets. Building Retrofitting is an important method for improving energy efficiency of existing buildings and is being given strategic priority in the UAE as demonstrated by targets and commitments set by Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and DEWA (read more here). The Building Retrofit Porgramme prepares and provides industry professionals with the skills to implement retrofit projects in the region.

The Building Retrofit Training Courses are open for registeration and we look forward to certifying our next wave of Building Retrofit Specialists.The Building Retrofit Training Program runs throughout the year – register today to secure your place on an upcoming course.

The training program teaches the fundamentals of Building Retrofit specific for the Middle East region and offers the opportunity to become an EmiratesGBC certified Building Retrofit Specialist after successful completion of the Advanced course and examination. Click here to read more about why retrofitting existing built environments in the UAE is crucial for meeting national and global carbon emission target.

The program is in partnership with Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) and offers two levels of training:

• Advanced Building Retrofit Training Course: This two-day course is perfect for engineers and technical experts with prior experience or currently undertaking retrofit projects who wish to enhance and streamline their knowledge of retrofit principles and methods. Participants of the course will undertake an examination which will allow them to become an EmiratesGBC certified Building Retrofit Specialist.
• Introductory Building Retrofit Training: For non-technical professionals looking for an overview of Building Retrofit methods. Led by expert facilitators, this one-day course provides knowledge of sustainability to industry professionals looking to understand the fundamentals of building retrofit.

Further information about the courses and eligibility guidelines can be found on the website.  We invite you to visit the Building Retrofit Training webpage to register. EmiratesGBC can also schedule in-house training for groups of 10 or more, please contact events@emiratesgbc.org to request a proposal. EmiratesGBC members and partners will receive a 20% discount off the registration fees.

Hear what some of our previous participants had to say about the course:

‘I took BRT because I am a non-technical professional entering the retrofit sector in Dubai, working on demand side management. This course gave me a solid overview and understanding of building/villa/structure from a retrofit perspective and the current legislation and trends in Dubai.’

 ‘I would like to personally thank EGBC for introducing the BRT as it became really a good reinforcement to tackle the issues concerning the built environment especially the existing buildings. Truly, if majority of the building professionals, owners and the building occupants are aware of the impact of buildings, EGBC’s launching of the certification for Building Retrofit specialists will paved the way to transforming buildings and the built environment in general as high performing and low to zero carbon places on earth.’

For a number of years, EmiratesGBC and Energy Institute (EI) have been mutually supporting each other’s efforts to create greater impact in building capacity in the industry.  We are pleased to share with our members that EI have recently offered EmiratesGBC members their member rate on EI training registrations in UAE.

Courses cover topics that include Energy Management, Safety, and Oil & Gas. For more information, please contact Energy Institute UAE branch.

EmiratesGBC is pleased to announced we will once again be participating in the World Future Emergy Summit on the 12^th – 19^th January 2020.

The Smart Cities Expo & Forum is where the city of the future comes to life, bringing forward-thinking governments and municipalities together with pioneers in smart infrastructure, future transportation and next-generation building technology to develop the potential of connected communities – from sustainable planning to smart mobility.

As a key part of the World Future Energy Summit, the global hub for business, innovation and knowledge exchange, the Smart Cities Expo & Forum forges new relationships between buyers and suppliers, drives exposure by showcasing the latest smart technologies and enables urban leaders to share new learnings to improve quality of life.

EmiratesGBC will receive an exclusive package for exhibiting with discounted rates. If you are interested in exhibiting please contact Miraz Saleh on +971-2-4090364 or miraz.saleh@reedexpo.ae and mention that you are an EmiratesGBC member.

We are delighted to announce our partnership with The Hotel Show Dubai’s 2019 edition! The Hotel Show Dubai will be a part of the first ever Middle East Design & Hospitality Week this year? Register here to attend the region’s most influential events dedicated to hospitality and interiordesign for FREE: https://bit.ly/2ZwF1YA

TheHotelShow Dubai is a 3-day experience from 17-19 Sept at Dubai World Trade Centre, that gives you free access to cutting edge ideas, inspiring design and innovation, and inter-hotel competitions that see the boundaries of excellence pushed to the limits. Claim your free pass here: https://bit.ly/2ZwF1YA.

Our Technical Manager, Majd Fayyad will be speaking during the programme on the 19^th September about how the Hospitatlity Industry can be sustainable. Join him to hear more about the measures Hotels are employing and how EmiratesGBC can support organsiations on their journey.

EmiratesGBC partners The Clean Energy Business Council (CEBC) invite members to attend its event about the ” ESCO Market in the MENA region” on the morning of 15^th September in Dubai. During this event, the CEBC will launch a White Paper about ESCOs and the challenges and opportunities they see in the MENA region.

The white paper is a result of a market survey done by the CEBC Energy Efficiency Working Group in Q1 of 2019 and provides insight into the ESCOs (structure, core business, project values etc.). In addition ESCOs provided input on the opportunities and challenges to accelerate the business opportunities on the energy efficiency market. Click here to find out more.

We encourage you to improve your lifestyle by adopting an EmiratesGBC Green Building Tooltip.  This month we ask you to be cognizant when at the shops, choose to purchase recycled products or products that contain recycled content as this reduces the need for virgin materials use and solid waste volumes; learn more about this tip by visiting our Lifestyle and Awareness Tooltips.

The EmiratesGBC Green Building Tooltips is a rich online platform serving to further educate the industry and community on simple green building practices. The interactive designs cover three different building typologies, showcasing home, school, and office buildings.  The initiative is powered by BASF and Legrand, EmiratesGBC board members underlining their commitment to promoting sustainability, and is supported by Taqati whose mission is tied to achieving Dubai’s sustainability goals.

We urge you to visit the Green Building Tooltips on our website to test out this valuable tool and pursue a greener lifestyle whether it be at home, school or the office.

The August Technical Workshop on Reflective Roofing was delivered by EmiratesGBC Member, Mapei Construction Chemicals, and introduced the topic of reflective roof waterproofing solutions along with other building envelope opportunities for energy savings.

To view the workshop presentation, please click here.

Are you an EmiratesGBC member or partner and would like to facilitate a technical workshop? The Technical workshop calendar for 2019 is fully booked! To view our upcoming workshops, please click here.

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like to see addressed in 2020, we want to hear from you.  Email us at technicalworkshops@emiratesgbc.org.

This month we look at two Academy features. The first feature is the recently released LEED in Motion: Residential, a publication of the US Green Building Council, examines how LEED-certified homes, whether single family or multifamily, owned or rented, are transforming the residential real estate market and the lives of people across the United States and the globe. The report also shows that the UAE has the 3^rd highest number of LEED residential units (certified and registered) in the world with 107,815 units.

To read the full report, click here.

The second feature we examine is the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) Zero Energy and Passive House Institute Certification Crosswalk, which highlights the principal requirements of each program and explain how they relate. The document outlines each requirement in the Passive House standard that is relevant to a net zero energy target, and then states how each will contribute towards the performance verification process of the ZE standard.

To read the guidance document, click here.

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.

Click here to learn more about how the Technical Guidelines for Retrofitting Existing Buildings can potentially save your facility and/or home millions in utility bills and reduced operational costs.  Copies are available in both English and Arabic for purchase at the EmiratesGBC office.

EmiratesGBC also offers a free copy of the Technical Guidelines, as part of your registration and participation in the Building Retrofit Training Workshop. For more details, please click here to complete registration.

ABU DHABI – Grand Millennium Al Wahda, a luxury five-star hotel located in the center of Abu Dhabi, adjacent to Al Wahda Mall, has been awarded the Green Key certification.

The certification is the leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry.

Following an audit by the Emirates Green Building Council, the hospitality leader has received the certification in recognition of its environmentally friendly and sustainable practices to reduce the overall use of resources and the hotel’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and create behavioral changes in guests, staff and suppliers.

Enad Tannous, General Manager at Grand Millennium Al Wahda Hotel, said “we are proud to receive the Green Key award. This recognition showcases our dedication and continuous efforts to adopt sustainable and environment friendly methods.”

Read more

What can be done to foster a better understanding of the need for high quality indoor air?

Watch it here

Without proper monitoring and case-by-case evaluation, indoor air quality (IAQ) technology will, sadly, gather dust across the region.

That’s the opinion of Sarfraz Dairkee who, speaking to MEP Middle East, said in no uncertain terms that until innovators start talking in a language the industry can understand – that of money – then huge swathes of the population will continue to suffer from the unseen dangers of poor indoor air quality.

Dairkee, secretary of the Emirates Green Building Council, and general manager for corporate development and engineering at MAHY Khoory & Co said: “I am from the school of thought; regulations are the tip of the iceberg. It doesn’t move the industry, it can only nudge the industry.

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We’re in situation where you design a new building and there’s maybe thousands of protocols you need to comply with, which are not necessarily constituted to innovation, and also make it impossible for authorities to actually enforce the codes, because no one wants to check every building out of 30,000 buildings,” said Saeed Al Abbar, Chairman of Emirates GBC. The experts in Dubai are highlighting the need to plan for Net Zero Energy Building (NZED) and fully energy sufficient cities.

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