The MENA Green Building Awards have received an outstanding response this year, with 86 applications submitted by 59 companies from 8 countries across the MENA region. The judging process is complete, and we are thrilled to celebrate the innovative projects and sustainable practices taking place throughout the region.

The shortlisted candidates have already been announced, and we are now planning the ceremony and gala dinner—a prestigious event where we can come together for networking and to recognize the companies playing a significant role in advancing sustainability.

Join us for this special occasion on November 12, 2024, at the JW Marriott Marina, starting at 6:00 PM.

If you’re interested in supporting this event, we invite you to explore sponsorship opportunities through the following link: [Link].

Additionally, to attend the gala dinner, please register here: [Registration Link].

We are excited to present an enlightening interview series with Dr. Sadek Owainati, Co-Founder and Honorary Board Member of the Emirates Green Building Council, Founding Chair of the MENA Green Building Council Network, and sponsor of the prestigious Dr. Owainati Student Excellence Award.

This series will span multiple issues, offering an in-depth look at his impactful contributions and visionary insights.

PART (3)

• Student Excellence Awards: As the founder and sponsor of the Dr. Owainati Student Excellence Awards, what motivated you to establish this award? How do you see it impacting the next generation of sustainability leaders?

Critical thinking and curiosity motivate us to gain knowledge and improve the quality of life. In principle, progress cannot be achieved without conducting relevant research to identify potential problems and finding solutions to improve quality and efficiency. These drivers influence and encourage academia, entrepreneurs, and forward-thinking organizations to allocate resources and time to investigate problems they face and discover new innovative solutions. These are serious and challenging tasks that demand commitment, dedication and perseverance.

When it comes to new technologies, the Arab countries generally depend on importing items that are manufactured elsewhere in the world. Those manufacturing companies allocate adequate resources to conduct research and test their items at their facilities or at other locations, but they rarely test their products for suitability and efficiency at locations that have different climatic conditions, technical capabilities, and cultural practices. Hence, I have always requested major suppliers and service providers to allocate the necessary resources to locally test and assess operation of their equipment in the Middle East, in collaboration with the private sector and academic institutions operating in the region.

Arab countries have the potential to enhance their positions in global research and innovation rankings by increasing investment, improving quality of education and developing research facilities to address local industry and services concerns. They can leverage their unique strengths through fostering collaborations between universities, research institutions and the private sector to enhance their knowledge and join the world with practical and useful application of their investigations and research.

It is in this spirit that I have been encouraged by the academia in the UAE taking an active role in performing research that relates to implementing green building principles and sustainability studies applicable to Middle Eastern conditions. This approach is also beneficial to the students and can help them gain excellent experience by exposing them to new opportunities for success in their future careers.

As a practical step towards this endeavour, I created an award in 2012 through EGBC to inspire students at universities based in the UAE to conduct research related to green building designs, technologies and sustainability topics applicable to the unique environmental and operational conditions of the Middle East and the Gulf region. I am pleased that the universities in the UAE have been keen to participate in this award, which I have been sponsoring with cash prize.

I take this opportunity to thank the academia for their support and to the students who submitted their application for this year my best wishes for success. I also encourage other students at universities based in the UAE to conduct more practically-oriented research during the next academic year and submit their application to EGBC to enable them to participate in the competition for Dr. Owainati Student Excellence Award.

Abdulatif Albitawi, Emirates Green building Council CEO participated in a fireside chat titled “Urban Planning for Climate Change – Tackling Climate Risk” during the FAB Sectorial Summit, held on September 5th in Dubai. The summit, which brought together leaders from the GCC real estate and construction sectors, provided a platform to discuss key challenges and opportunities related to sustainability and climate resilience in urban development. Abdulatif shared valuable insights on how proactive urban planning can mitigate climate risks and drive sustainable growth across the region.

online webinar held in partnership with the International Code Council and AMCA International focused on the latest advancements in I-Codes, AMCA standards, and sustainable practices aimed at optimizing indoor air quality. Attendees gained valuable insights into building safety codes, ventilation standards, and sustainable design strategies.  Mr. Abdullatif Albitawi, CEO of the Emirates Green Building Council, was a panelist, where he shared his expertise on advancing sustainable building practices. The engaging discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in shaping a safer and more sustainable built environment.

The second edition of the RAK Energy Summit will be held under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. Scheduled for 27 and 28 November 2024 at the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Center in Ras Al Khaimah, this summit promises to be a premier gathering of international and regional experts and leaders from both the government and private sectors. Attendees will engage in insightful discussions on emerging trends and initiatives in sustainable energy, exploring innovative solutions to the pressing challenges in this field.

Emirates Green Building Council members will receive a 10% discount on attendance. Additionally, technology and solution providers from our community will enjoy a 10% discount for exhibiting or presenting a showcase at the event.

In a world facing unprecedented environmental challenges, Future Sustainability Forum serves as a beacon of hope, uniting diverse perspectives and expertise to chart a path towards greener economies and a more resilient planet. Building on the highly successful launch last year, the 2nd edition of Future Sustainability Forum, organized by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), encapsulates UAE’s recent focus on accomplishing Net-Zero goals by 2050. The Forum brings together visionaries, innovators, and change-makers from across the globe to collaborate, inspire, and drive meaningful action towards a more sustainable future.

Under the theme “Shaping Greener Economies”, the Forum explores the intersection of sustainability, innovation, blended finance and collective action. From renewable energy and circular economy practices to climate resilience and social equity, conferences will delve into the multifaceted aspects of sustainability, recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and social well-being.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with Global Sustainability leaders at the 2nd Annual Future Sustainability Forum, happening on 4-5 December 2024 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.

Let’s shape Greener economies together! 🌱

1. Want to Sponsor? https://bit.ly/45GmSv5
2. Book Tickets: https://bit.ly/3xkwfnu
3. Know More: https://bit.ly/3xte5Qr

The Emirates Green Building Council is proud to unveil the Sustainability Lounge, a co-working space designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and education in sustainable building practices. This vibrant hub will serve as a central meeting point for EmiratesGBC members dedicated to enhancing sustainability in the built environment.

With a focus on occupant well-being and functionality for productive work, the Lounge promises to provide a comfortable atmosphere for networking and sharing expertise, making it an ideal space for exchanging ideas and advancing excellence in sustainability.

The grand opening ceremony will take place on October 10th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, featuring Cristina Gamboa, CEO of the World Green Building Council, who will officially inaugurate the Lounge alongside the EmiratesGBC management committee. Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore innovative contributions from members, showcasing their unique approaches to sustainability.

Emirates Green Building Council, in collaboration with Leading Hospitality Services, is hosting a special event focused on pioneering sustainable solutions in the building industry. This event will cover essential topics such as:

• Energy Efficiency
• Green Building Practices
• Carbon Footprint Reduction

A key feature of the event will be the introduction of iPaint, an innovative electricity-free cooling paint. This groundbreaking technology provides an energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning systems, helping to significantly reduce energy consumption and lower environmental impact by naturally cooling indoor spaces.

Additionally, AQMC – Air Quality Management Company will offer valuable insights into improving indoor air quality. As buildings play a crucial role in promoting well-being, AQMC will share strategies that enhance both energy efficiency and health through better air quality management.

Event Details:

• Date: October 15, 2024
• Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Venue: MAZI Restaurant, St. Regis, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

Secure your spot here.

Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC) marked World Green Building Week 2024 (September 9-15) with a series of workshops and panel discussions around the theme of #BuildingTheTransition into a better future

As part of the weeklong observance EGBC hosted a series of events  in person and online to inspire dialogue and foster innovation in green building.

Day 1 The session opened with The Women Network Panel Discussion titled Using their Voices; How Four Women are Building the Transition. Moderated by Michelle Sebastian, Regional CX Insights and Sustainability Manager, Hilti, the online session will be attended by panelists including Amira Ayoub, Regional Head for World Green Building Council’s (WorldGBC) Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region, Alyaa Al Wahab, Head of Project Management, Rider Levett Bucknall and Komal Sharma, Strategy and Governance lead Emirates NBD. The session highlighted insights from influential women leading the way in sustainability.

Hosted at EXPO City, Day 2 featured a closed session for the Embodied Carbon Work group, that discussed innovative ideas to promote and advance material sustainability by reducing embodied carbon. The workshop explored actionable strategies and initiatives that can have a meaningful impact on our shared sustainability goals and agreed to invite more participants from the government sector, developers and contractors. This session was followed up by a workshop opened to the public titled:

The Understanding Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) and Health Product Declarations (HPD). Presented by Rima Boudaba, Senior Sustainability Consultant at AESG, and Dania Ramadan, Carbon Assessment Coordinator at AESG. The session provided insights and knowledge to make more sustainable and health-conscious choices in construction and manufacturing.

For the first time in many years six regional GBCs came together to highlight and discuss National Building Rating Systems – Challenges in the MENA Region through an online panel discussion. Experts representing Egypt, Emirates, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine green building councils explored the national green building rating systems used in their countries, highlighted their benefits and addressed the key challenges. The participants called for further collaboration between the MENA Green Building Councils to promote sustainability in the built environment in Arab countries.

The week was concluded by a roundtable for the Developer Leaders Forum hosted in EXPO City and attended by  the CSO of UAE based developers. This meeting is another one in a series of meetings and roundtables for the forum to agree on sustainable criteria to be adopted for future buildings in the UAE. The work of this forum which started prior to COP28 in May 2023 initiated by the UAE High Level Champion, is seeing a growing international interest and appreciation.

The EmiratesGBC 10th Technical Workshop for members by members will be in “Building Resilience: Climate Risk Management for Construction” By Tenet

The workshop will be held in-person, on the 11th  of October , from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM at Emirates Green Building council sustainability lounge

Invitation sent to our members!

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.

Katrin Schoerkhuber

Director Business Development Middle East and Africa

NHANCE DIGITAL BUILDTECH

Sustainability in the built environment is essential for a resilient future. Digital twin technology plays a critical role in advancing green building practices by providing real-time insights into energy use, space optimization, and resource management. By creating virtual replicas of buildings, digital twins enable stakeholders to test scenarios, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance overall performance. This technology not only improves operational efficiency but also reduces carbon footprints, promoting long-term environmental and economic benefits. Integrating smart building platforms like these helps align with global sustainability goals and accelerates the journey toward greener urban spaces.

Anas Ramiz Lulu

Team Lead (Sustainability – Environment – Waste)

Ramboll

Achieving net zero waste is essential for environmental sustainability and societal well-being. It involves diverting all waste from landfills and incineration through recycling, composting, and reducing waste at the source. This approach conserves resources and reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, key in the fight against climate change.

Net zero waste has significant economic and social benefits. Reducing waste improves resource efficiency, lowering costs for businesses and municipalities. By adopting circular economy principles, industries can reuse materials, reduce reliance on virgin resources, and mitigate supply chain risks. Additionally, net zero waste initiatives create jobs in recycling and composting, boosting the economy.

Key strategies for achieving net zero waste include reducing waste generation through better product design, promoting reusable items, and encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable practices. Enhancing recycling and composting infrastructure with advanced technologies and public education is also crucial.

In the UAE, innovative waste-to-energy plants in Sharjah and Dubai, along with future projects in Abu-Dhabi, are advancing the nation’s ambitious waste management goals. The Sharjah plant converts waste into renewable energy, reducing landfill usage and greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, Dubai’s facility generates electricity from waste, supporting the city’s energy needs while enhancing sustainability efforts. Abu-Dhabi’s plans for its own waste-to-energy plant will further strengthen the UAE’s progress in achieving net zero waste. These projects demonstrate how technology can reduce environmental impact and set new standards for waste management in the region.

Ultimately, achieving net zero waste requires collaboration across society to minimize waste, conserve resources, and protect the planet for future generations.

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 reema.aburuqaa@emiratesgbc.org.

Alida Saleh

Head of Sustainability Consulting – MEA
JLL

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. (Limit your answer to 100 words)

I am a dynamic leader and passionate advocate for a sustainable future. My commitment extends beyond my professional role; I serve as a Senior Advisor to the UN High-Level Climate Champions team, mobilizing non-state actors to accelerate climate action.

As a champion of youth empowerment, I dedicate my time to mentoring and guiding young people. I develop programs to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful future. My current volunteer role as a sustainability lead for a global sports and arts festival in Dubai exemplifies my dedication to creating a positive impact.

My personal passions fuel my drive for change. My love for animals, travel, and cultural exploration enriches my life and inspires me to build a better world. My commitment to climate action, youth empowerment, and creating a sustainable future is unwavering.

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? (Limit your answer to 100 words)

My career journey has been marked by my dedication to advancing sustainable practices. Starting in Canada and the Americas, I have held senior leadership positions at Fortune 500 companies. Currently, I head JLL’s sustainability division in the Middle East and Africa.

My achievements include being recognized as the Middle East’s Most Inspirational Woman in Leadership and ranking among the Top 50 Global Women in Sustainability. My leadership in launching the UAE Sustainability Built Environment Blueprint at COP28 has been instrumental in driving decarbonization efforts in the region. I continue to make significant contributions to the field through my work and advocacy by expanding the initiative to other countries and regions. I launched the first Climate Pledge for the Built Environment in Azerbaijan and I am working with the top developers, government entities and IFI’s to decarbonize the real estate sector ahead of COP29 to bring transformative change in Azerbaijan.

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? (Limit your answer to 100 words)

As a woman navigating the corporate landscape, I have faced gender bias and scepticism. Despite facing challenges, my unwavering determination, effective communication skills, and deep technical expertise have propelled me forward. By bridging the gap between complex concepts and tangible benefits, I have inspired global organizations to embrace change. My ability to simplify complex topics, foster stakeholder buy-in, and demonstrate my deep understanding of business issues has been instrumental in my success. Notably, I have transformed organizations previously resistant to change, driving long-term profitability and organizational success.

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? (Limit your answer to 100 words)

My influence extends far beyond my immediate role, contributing significantly to broader sustainability goals through my regional client work and global stakeholder engagement. My systems-based approach ensures a comprehensive and impactful response to climate challenges.

For women aspiring to make a difference in sustainability, I offer a powerful message: remain true to your values, believe in yourself, and approach your work with radical optimism. I would like to emphasize the importance of perseverance, belief in the face of obstacles, and encourage women to contribute their unique perspectives and skills to the field.

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 office space 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.