The MENA Green Building Awards have become a platform to recognize and honor the exceptional efforts made by individuals and organizations in promoting eco-friendly practices within the built environment. With the 31st of July marking the deadline for submitting applications, we have received an abundance of remarkable entries from across the region and the judging period for the awards is nearing its conclusion. This signifies that the evaluation process is in its final stages,. The diverse range of projects, initiatives, and innovations showcased in various categories exemplifies the commitment of our community towards building a greener and more sustainable future. we are excited to announce that sponsorship opportunities for the MENA Green Building Awards are now open! We invite organizations and companies who share our vision of sustainability to become part of this transformative event. For more information on sponsorship details and benefits, please visit the following link: Mena Green Building Council Sponsorship  

Emirates Green Building Council  has been welcomed as a distinguished member of the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC). Global ABC is the leading global platform for governments private sector, civil society, research, and intergovernmental organizations committed to a common vision: A zero-emission, efficient and resilient buildings and construction sector. EmiratesGBC’s involvement in this transformative alliance will be in  vital work areas: Education and Awareness, Public Policies, Adaptation, Sub-national Government Engagement, Finance for Sustainable Projects, Building Measurement, Data, and Information.

As per Decision 4/CMA.4, Parties, observers, and other non-Party stakeholders are invited to submit their views on opportunities, best practices, actionable solutions, challenges and barriers via the submission portal four weeks before the dialogue, i.e. by Friday 15 September.

The second global dialogue and investment-focused event under the Sharm el-Sheikh Mitigation Ambition and Implementation Work Programme will take place from 15 to 17 October, 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

This second global dialogue will address the theme of accelerating a just energy transition in transport systems. Following the structure of the first global dialogue, participants will discuss opportunities and actionable solutions, as well as barriers and challenges, in the transport sector.

Find more information on the UN Climate Change website.

SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL 

During the period from September 11 to September 15, 2023, Emirates Green Building Council will be hosting a series of events as part of our commitment to accelerating the transition towards a more energy-efficient, regenerative, and equitable future for all.

EmiratesGBC, in collaboration with our extensive network of over 75 national Green Building Councils (GBCs) and their 46,000 members, will be spearheading a week-long campaign. This campaign aims to showcase how we can achieve sustainable built environments by embracing systems change thinking and harnessing local solutions.

Throughout this exciting week, EmiratesGBC will organize and participate in various events worldwide, sharing inspiring examples of #BuildingTheTransition in three key areas: the energy transition, regenerative transition, and just transition.

For more details about our events during this period, please refer to the table below.

EmiratesGBC 9th Technical Workshop for members by members will be on “Transition to clean energy in the built environment” By Dar Al Handasah. Exclusive to EmiratesGBC members, the workshop will be in online format, on the 8th of September, at 10:30am to 11:30 pm. We will be sending out the invites soon!

EmiratesGBC Women Network presents a compelling online panel discussion titled ‘Pathway to COP28: July, the Hottest Month since 1880, Reasons and Solutions from EmiratesGBC Women Network ‘ 🌍

🗓️ Date: September 14, 2023

⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (GST) 🌐

Mode: Online via Go To Webinar https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4326555599101421659

Our experts from the EmiratesGBC Women Network will delve into the critical issues surrounding climate change and explore solutions for a more sustainable future. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Emirates Green Building Council  recently hosted an insightful “Thought Leadership in the Built Environment Blueprint Workshop” at its headquarters. The event marked a collaborative effort involving members from diverse sectors, facilitated by Ms. Jamila El Mir, Senior Advisor, High-Level Climate Champions, and Mohammad Juma, Senior Project Manager, EmiratesGBC. The workshop’s primary objective was to serve as a dynamic think-tank, addressing challenges and seizing opportunities in the realm of the built environment.

The workshop commenced with an exploration of the prevalent challenges faced in the industry. Attendees engaged in insightful discussions, identifying key obstacles that hinder sustainable development. As the discussions progressed, the focus seamlessly shifted towards uncovering the vast array of opportunities that lie within these challenges. The session ultimately transformed into an inspiring brainstorming platform, nurturing innovative ideas to drive positive change in the built environment.

On the 11th of August, Johnson Controls conducted the EmiratesGBC 8th  technical workshop for 2023, on “Digital platform around decarbonization”, you can watch the workshop through this link 

EmiratesGBC 9th Technical Workshop for members by members will be on “Transition to clean energy in the built environment” By Dar Al Handasah. Exclusive to EmiratesGBC members, the workshop will be in online format, on the 8th of September, at 10:30am to 11:30 pm. 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.

Alicia Dauth

Associate Environmental Consultant

MIEMA, CEnv

AESG

We take water for granted; it’s undervalued, and we haven’t been doing a good job looking after it, we pollute it, we overuse it, and we waste it. Our wastewater is also undervalued. Currently 54% of the population lives in built up environments (and growing) & as the population  grows so does the need for water, a scarce resource, therefore we need to search for alternative water resources.

We can look at wastewater to fill the role of non-potable water (& hopefully at some point for potable purposes). WW has value& should not be discarded as a waste – rather considered as a resource for reuse – wastewater is an opportunity.

Wastewater is a valuable resource; it’s a high value commodity & the built environment has plenty of it available. Thus, creating a circular approach for water – what goes in stays in, & what stays onsite can become an alternative source of water to meet the needs of a built environment such as irrigation, toilet flushing & other non-potable water essentials.

Wastewater from greywater systems can be recovered from existing/planned built environments, from points such as air conditioner condensate, cooling tower blow down water, runoff irrigation water & swimming pool backwash operation water.

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 engagemnet@emiratesgbc.org.

Members of the Emirates Green Building Council can join any of our technical programs linked here, 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. Please send us an email to office@emiratesgbc.org to inquire about any of the mentioned technical programs.

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.