Dear EGBC Community,
Achieving net zero energy in the UAE’s growing urban landscape is crucial for the building industry. Every construction project should combine passive and active strategies to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. Passive strategies, like optimizing building façades and roofs, minimize cooling demand and enhance thermal performance, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. The Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC) highlights passive design as key to energy efficiency. Active measures, including advanced control systems, optimize equipment performance. Any remaining energy needs should be met with renewable sources, aligning with EGBC’s vision for a sustainable urban environment and the UAE’s net zero goals.
However, achieving these targets in the façade industry comes with significant challenges. A fundamental review of manufacturing processes is required to reduce carbon emissions associated with the fabrication and installation of building components. As industry professionals, consultants, and members of organizations like EGBC, it is our duty to collaborate with clients, government entities, and the supply chain to raise awareness about the importance of reducing both individual and collective carbon footprints. By engaging with manufacturers and advocating for greener production methods, we can drive meaningful change that supports the global sustainability agenda.
Incorporating the principles of the circular economy is another critical step. Buildings and façades must be designed with both buildability and dismantling in mind, allowing components to be installed, maintained, and eventually dismantled for reuse in future projects. This approach extends the life cycle of materials and reduces waste, contributing to the overall sustainability of the construction industry. EGBC’s emphasis on sustainability aligns with these principles, advocating for innovative design that considers the full life cycle of building materials.
Opportunities in this area are expanding, particularly with the advent of new technologies. Data collection and analysis are increasingly important, as they provide insights into building performance, maintenance needs, and efficiency over time. These technologies enable us to optimize building operations, reduce energy consumption, and enhance the durability of building components.
As professionals in this field, we must recognize the influential role we play. Whether through our work on specific projects, participation in research, or involvement in conferences, our actions have the power to inspire others and set new standards for sustainability. The legacy we leave behind should make us proud and reflect our commitment to improving the built environment.
For younger engineers and peers, I strongly recommend striving for continuous improvement and innovation in every new project. It is not sufficient to merely replicate past successes, no matter how remarkable. Each project presents an opportunity to push the boundaries of what is possible, incorporating new ideas and technologies to achieve even greater levels of sustainability. Engaging with organizations like EGBC can provide valuable support and resources, helping industry professionals stay at the forefront of sustainable design and construction practices.
Mercedes Gargallo
Emirates Green Building Council Board Member
Emirates Green Building Council Congress Committee
EmiratesGBC News and Updates
MENA Green Building Awards Applications Record Participation
The MENA Green Building Awards have seen an impressive response this year, with a total of 87 applications submitted by 59 companies across 8 countries in the MENA region. The judging process is nearly complete, and we are excited to recognize the innovative projects and sustainable practices being implemented throughout the region. If you are interested in supporting this prestigious event, we invite you to explore sponsorship opportunities through the following link:
In Conversation with Dr. Sadek Owainati: Pioneering Sustainability in the MENA Region
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 (2)
- Impact of New Technologies: With your experience in new technologies for the building industry, how do you see these innovations shaping the future of sustainable building practices?
At the time of the EGBC’s inception, information about green buildings concepts was limited in the Middle East and only one building was certified as a green building in Dubai. Creating awareness about the benifits of green buildings was essential. Council members gave presentations at conferences, especially since 2007, highlighting the impact of climate change and showcasing examples of building designs and technologies that help to combat greenhouse gas emissions from buildings during construction phase and through their operational life. The media was also engaged and directors of EGBC were invited to speak at TV and radio programs to enlighten the public about the advantages of buying and renting green building units.
To enforce one of its objectives, EGBC served as a hub for professionals to connect and exchange knowledge. Members of the council’s Technical Committee held meetings to review known certification systems and discuss criteria for developing guidelines for green buildings suitable for prevailing environmental and cultural conditions in the Middle East, and a draft was prepared in May 2007.
EGBC invited international experts to provide training courses for Accredited LEED Professional certification. Starting 7th June 2007, technical courses were held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi; 291 professionals attended these courses by end of 2007. It was a successful program and more than 400 professionals operating in the UAE and other Arab countries attended these courses in 2008 alone. EGBC cooperated with USGBC and made arrangement to hold examinations in Dubai to facilitate obtaining accreditation for LEED Approved Professionals. 267 professionals obtained their certification in 2008. As a result, demand for designing green buildings surged during the same period with 474 buildings located in GCC countries registered for LEED certification, 433 of them were in the UAE.
Improving external insulation of buildings, especially of existing buildings and enhancing the efficiency of HVAC systems with special attention to indoor air quality (IAQ) were among the key topics emphasized by EGBC during its presentations, seminars and workshops. The UAE market was quick to respond to the demands for new technologies and materials that comply with green building requirements, noting that most consulting firms in the UAE have been a major participant in promoting designs that comply with green building principles.
Members of EGBC have always been encouraged to attend events held to showcase new technologies in cooperation with specialists in specific fields and suppliers of related services. EGBC continue to encourage major suppliers to conduct local research on their technologies to assess their suitability to the conditions prevailing in the region. It is gratifying to note that most buildings in the UAE constructed within the last two decades incorporated latest technologies, although more action is needed to improve the “behaviour” of older buildings with regards to their efficiency and compliance with green building requirements. According to the latest data, there are 584 buildings in the UAE that are certified by USGBC as green buildings. Another 3115 of certified projects of Estidama .
Announcing the Launch of the Pan Arab Certified Energy Management Professionals (PA-CEMP) Training Program
We are delighted to announce the official launch of the Pan Arab Certified Energy Management Professionals (PA-CEMP) training program by Emirates Green Building Council! This initiative underscores our commitment to advancing sustainability and energy efficiency practices in the Arab region. Developed in collaboration with the League of Arab States Energy Department and endorsed by the Executive Bureau of the Arab Ministerial Council of Electricity, PA-CEMP is a professional certification program tailored for Energy Managers in the Arab region. The program, managed by the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE), aims to assist energy efficiency policy makers and program administrators in planning and implementing comprehensive Energy Efficiency programs and measures. Key highlights of PA-CEMP include comprehensive technical content developed by industry leaders, hands-on learning sessions to apply theoretical concepts in real-world scenarios, and a prestigious certification upon successful completion. This certification will enhance the professional profile and credibility of energy management professionals, equipping them with the latest technologies and energy essentials to drive sustainable practices across the region.
To have more information and you missed the online introductory webinar you can watch it through this link
For more details and to register for the training course, please visit this
link.
Advancing the Circular Economy: Insights from Industry Experts at the World Circular Economy Forum
The 2nd Edition of the RAK Energy Summit
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.
We will be sending out the invites soon!
Shaping Greener Economies at 2nd Annual Future Sustainability Forum 24
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 journey to NET ZERO: Innovations in sustainable building and Green Construction
Abduallatif AlBitawi, CEO of Emirates Green Building Council took part in an insightful panel discussion on “Innovations in Sustainable Building and Green Construction.” The discussion highlighted the growing importance of eco-friendly materials, advanced technologies like energy-efficient systems, and smart building solutions in driving sustainable development. It also explored innovative architectural and engineering practices that promote energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainability in modern construction projects. The panel underscored the role of supportive policies and strategic investments in research and development to accelerate the widespread adoption of sustainable building practices across the industry.
Welcoming Our Newest Team Members to Emirates Green Building Council!
We are thrilled to welcome two fantastic new faces to our Emirates Green Building Council family!
- Azkha Mikdhar has come on board as our Events & Education Planner, with her passion for organizing impactful events and educational initiatives .
- Baha Alshwaiki, who joined us as the Membership and Engagement Officer. Baha’s role will be pivotal in strengthening our connections with members and expanding our network.
We’re excited about the fresh perspectives and enthusiasm that Azkha and Baha bring,
Upcoming EmiratesGBC Events
Join Us for an Inspiring Women Network Panel Discussion During World Green Building Week!
World Green Building Week is a global movement that brings together communities, businesses, and organizations to advocate for sustainable practices in the built environment. In celebration of this impactful week, Emirates Green Building Council is excited to host a series of events designed to inspire dialogue and foster innovation in green building.
We are kicking off with the Women Network Panel Discussion on Monday, September 9th, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, in an online format. Titled “Using Their Voices: How Four Women are Building the Transition,” this session will feature insights from influential women leading the way in sustainability, including Alyaa Al Wahab, Head of Project Management at Rider Levett Bucknall; Amira Ayoub, Regional Head for the World Green Building Council’s (WorldGBC) Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region; and Fatma Albastaki, ESG Reporting Lead at ENBD. The discussion will be moderated by Michelle Sebastian, Regional CX Insights and Sustainability Manager at Hilti.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from these inspiring women who are driving change in our industry. Register now to secure your spot: Link.
Closed Session with EmiratesGBC Embodied Carbon Workgroup In collaboration with Expo City Dubai
Aligned with our purpose to accelerate a regenerative and just future for all, Emirates Green Building Council is organizing a closed session with the Embodied Carbon Workgroup during World Green Building Week.
This session is exclusively for members of the workgroup and will be a vital platform for discussing innovative ideas to promote and advance material sustainability by reducing embodied carbon.
This session aims to bring together the expertise and insights of our workgroup members to explore actionable strategies and initiatives that can have a meaningful impact on our shared sustainability goals.
Understanding Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) and Health Product Declarations (HPD) Workshop In collaboration with Expo City Dubai
This essential workshop will take place on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM in the Multipurpose Room, Women’s Pavilion, Expo City Dubai . Join Rima Boudaba, Senior Sustainability Consultant at AESG, and Dania Ramadan, Carbon Assessment Coordinator at AESG, as they delve into the significance of EPDs and HPDs in evaluating the environmental and health impacts of building materials.
Learn how these declarations provide a standardized framework for assessing energy use, emissions, resource efficiency, and the presence of harmful chemicals, equipping you with the knowledge to make more sustainable and health-conscious choices in construction and manufacturing
To register, simply click the link.
National Building Rating Systems – Challenges in MENA Region online Webinar
An insightful online webinar hosted by the Emirates Green Building Council on September 12, 2024, focusing on “National Building Rating Systems – Challenges in the MENA Region.” This online panel discussion, conducted in Arabic, will bring together leading experts to explore the national green building rating systems used in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and the UAE.
The discussion will cover the benefits of these systems, the challenges they face, and how they compare to international standards. The event will feature key industry figures:
Prof. Salah ElHaggar Chairman Egypt Green Building Council (Egypt GBC)
Eng. Abdullatif Albitawi, CEO Emirates Green Building Council
Dr. Susan abed hassan, Member of Iraq Green Building Council
Eng. Ahmad AlTibi Board member of Jordan Green Building Council
Eng. Toufic Assoum, Board member of LGBC-Lebanon Green Building Council
and will be moderated by Wijdan Al-Sharif , CEO Palestine Green Building Council
The webinar will be from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM UAE time and includes a Q&A session. Register here to secure your spot.
EmiratesGBC Invitation to Closed Session on Developers’ Leaders Forum In collaboration with Expo City Dubai
After the launch of the UAE Sustainable Built Environment Blueprint at COP28, which was developed through workshops with leading real estate developers, EmiratesGBC, along with its partners, is working on creating a market-led sustainable building criteria that exceeds government sustainability standards.
This initiative aims to accelerate the green supply chain and signal policymakers that the market is ready to do more. EmiratesGBC plans to host a CSO roundtable on September 13th during World Green Building Week to present and discuss the draft criteria and highlight the private sector’s role in advancing sustainability.
Previous EmiratesGBC Events
EmiratesGBC Technical Workshop for Members by Members
EmiratesGBC 9th Technical Workshop: By Accuracy
The EmiratesGBC 9th Technical Workshop for members by members will be By Accuracy. The workshop will be held online, on the 26th of September , from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
We will be sending out the invites soon!
Green Key
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.
Member Opportunities and Engagements
Coil To Action
Walewein Lichtenauer
Managing Director
FCLT-E.com
HVAC is the major contributor to operational energy use in the BUA. Coil fouling causes airflows to decrease and energy inefficiencies to emerge. Coil cleaning is needed to restore these aspects. Yet, pressure washing, combined with harsh chemicals, is damaging assets and is ineffective. Innovate the coil maintenance protocol and use bio-enzymes to restore airflows and reduce energy consumption. The new protocol allows for coil cleaning to take place when HVAC units are operational, penetrating any size coil and removing deep residing fouling, bacteria, or fungi. Based on a sample of 1,000+ AHU’s in the UAE, the average airflow improved by 54%, restoring 8,000+ TR, and the average pressure drop improving by 52%. Our Coil To Action: Let’s reduce energy use at scale in the BUA.
Member Opportunities!
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.
EmiratesGBC Women Network Monthly Spotlight!
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Nathalie Poirier
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CEO Terrafic Energy
- 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.
- I graduated from the École d’Agriculture d’Angers in France, with a Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences. But when I decided to move to India in 2001, there were no real opportunities for me to get into this field, let alone sustainability. As a result, I joined the BioPharma and then the Food industry for over 13 years, working significantly within quality assurance & validation. It’s my father-in-law, Mr. NS Ramakanth, an activist and a recognized advisor for Waste Management in Bangalore, India, who continuously reiterated me how important is it to be mindful of our Mother Earth. This struck a chord within me that I was never able to shake.
- 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?
- When I shifted to Dubai in 2013, and saw urbanization at its peak, I felt the itch to do something about the natural resources that were inevitably being consumed on the daily basis. But no matter how much I wanted to, I had two young children, and no safety net, so I chose an easy job and kept at it… until the pandemic. That’s when Terrafic Energy was born. We were eager to introduce the UAE to the energy conservation measures being used in other parts of the world. One of my biggest challenges was transitioning from being employee to employer, but today I’m proud to have created a solid team. They are engaged within the cause and passionate to make a difference. In 4 short years, we have gained the ability to spearhead projects that can save up to 2500 tones of CO2 emissions. Definitely a feat worthy of pride.
- 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?
- In any male dominated industries, being a woman, and a mother, can add challenges. However, these challenges can be turned into advantages, like time management and committing to a work-life balance. Overtime, this increased my confidence as a professional. Today, this makes me feel at ease walking down a manufacturing plant with a group of male experts, being able to toil along with them, and speak their language. We’re all there to make a difference, and that’s what matters.I recently signed a large project for spot cooling using adiabatic cooling in an extrusion factory, and during that deal I was the only woman in the room. That felt like a moment of triumph for me. Now that the delivery time is approaching it’s all very exciting! But as women, it’s most important that we support each other. To do my part, I’ve handed the reigns of this project to a smart and capable young woman, so that she can develop the skills I did when I was her age.
- 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?
- I wish that people did not perceive sustainability predominantly as a way to save on their energy costs. Although energy saving does lead to financial savings over the long term, it should go beyond the money aspect. Unfortunately, for large scale projects, the financial savings are often the tipping points. So, when I interact with a party that has an environmental agenda or strategy, I try to advocate on a personal level. I try to reiterate what will happen if we don’t contribute and why our efforts make a difference in the world’s approach to conservation. My tactics get a lot of expressions, some dismissive, some incredulous – but in my eyes, there will come a time when the world won’t have another option but the sustainable option. We must keep advocating for more conscious solutions and spreading the news. It is not easy, but just like a hand press water pump, you must keep pumping. Even if the water isn’t coming out instantly, it’s rising in the pipe, and soon you’ll see that water flows.
EmiratesGBC Technical Programs
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.
EmiratesGBC Office Room M-21 is now available for meetings and workshops!
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.
Become a Member
