A LETTER FROM EGBC FAMILY

EmiratesGBC NEWS AND UPDATES

The judging process for the MENA Green Building Awards 2025 has now been completed, with all scorecards submitted by our esteemed panel of experts. We are delighted to share that the shortlisted nominees will be announced on our social media channels, and each shortlisted company will also receive an official email notification, including a 50% discount code to register for the Awards Ceremony. In addition, all EmiratesGBC members will receive a 30% discount code for registration.

We are pleased to open registration for the Awards Ceremony, which will take place on 3rd November 2025 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay. Join us in celebrating excellence and innovation in sustainable building across the region. EmiratesGBC would like to thank the Platinum Sponsor, Emirates NBD, and the Silver Sponsor, Mapei Construction Chemicals , for their invaluable support in making this year’s Awards possible.

🔗 Register here

EmiratesGBC at MEFPU-ASB Conference

Emirates Green Building Council was proud to be represented at the 4th Edition of the Middle East Foam, Polyurethane & Adhesive Sealants and Bonding (MEFPU-ASB) Conference. Our CEO delivered an insightful presentation on “Energy-Efficient Buildings through Deep Retrofitting: Role of Insulation”, highlighting innovative strategies for enhancing building performance and promoting sustainability across the region.

EmiratesGBC CEO Participates in UAE Adaptation Finance Validation Workshop

Emirates Green Building Council’s CEO attended the Validation Workshop on Adaptation Finance Capacity Assessment held at Emirates Theatre Hall, MOCCAE, Dubai. The workshop, organized by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) as part of the UAE’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) development, aimed to validate the methodological framework for assessing adaptation financing capacity and review preliminary findings. The event brought together stakeholders from the public and private sectors and civil society to enhance institutional coordination, strengthen climate resilience, and accelerate implementation of adaptation measures across priority sectors. The CEO’s participation underscores EmiratesGBC’s commitment to supporting national climate finance initiatives and fostering collaborative efforts to achieve the UAE’s sustainability and climate targets.

UPCOMING EMIRATESGBC EVENTS

World Cities Day

This event will highlight innovative Good Case Practices in sustainable urban development from cities around the world. It aims to create a platform for knowledge exchange and collaborative learning among industry leaders, and UAE stakeholders. By fostering cross-cultural dialogue on sustainable built environments, the event bridges global insights with local priorities and seeks to inspire practical ideas that can be adapted and implemented in the UAE context.

PREVIOUS EMIRATESGBC EVENTS

MENA Zero Carbon and Climate Resilience Readiness: One Region, Many Pathways (in Arabic)

As part of World Green Building Week 2025, Emirates Green Building Council, in collaboration with MoroccoGBC, TunisiaGBC, and IraqGBC, successfully hosted a virtual roundtable that brought together sustainability experts from across the MENA region. The session provided an update on the Network’s Zero Carbon and Climate Resilience Readiness Framework, while also highlighting success stories and ongoing projects from participating countries. Representatives from the four Green Building Councils delivered insightful presentations, followed by an engaging roundtable discussion and Q&A, underscoring the vital role of GBCs in driving bold climate action and advancing sustainable buildings across the region.

Digitalization in Green Buildings

As part of World Green Building Week 2025, Emirates Green Building Council, in partnership with the American University in Dubai (AUD), successfully hosted a session on Digitalization in Green Buildings. Held on Wednesday, 10 September at AUD, the event brought together members and stakeholders to explore how AI and digital technologies are advancing sustainable building practices. Participants gained valuable insights into the latest market innovations and discussed the transformative role of digital solutions across all stages of building design and operation, showcasing how technology is shaping the future of green buildings.

Federal Decree-Law No. (11) of 2024 on the reduction of Climate Change Effects – Impacts on the building sector and reflections

As part of World Green Building Week 2025, Emirates Green Building Council hosted an exclusive members-only roundtable on the newly implemented Federal Decree-Law No. (11) of 2024 on the Reduction of Climate Change Effects. The session brought together members and experts to examine the law’s potential impacts on the building and construction sector, share insights, and exchange reflections. The dialogue helped participants better understand the practical implications of the legislation and contributed to a feedback report that EmiratesGBC will share with the relevant authorities.

How Compatible Gender Equity is Shaping the Sustainable Built Environment: Reflections, Data & Dialogue on Complementary Strengths

During World Green Building Week 2025, Emirates Green Building Council hosted the event “How Compatible Gender Equity is Shaping the Sustainable Built Environment: Reflections, Data & Dialogue on Complementary Strengths.” The session explored how gender equity contributes to building a more sustainable, resilient, and innovative sector. A highlight of the event was the exclusive presentation of the EmiratesGBC Women’s Network 2025 White Paper, which showcased how the complementary strengths of women and men are shaping the industry’s future and emphasized the systemic changes needed to unlock greater potential across the built environment.

Industry Partner Events

Ras Al Khaimah Investment & Business Summit (RAKIS)

The Ras Al Khaimah Investment and Business Summit returns for its 2nd edition on 19–20 November 2025 at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Center. Join global leaders and investors to explore opportunities across Real Estate & Infrastructure, Tourism & Hospitality, Manufacturing & Business, and Investment & Finance.

Big 5 Global

Celebrating 45 years of excellence, Big 5 Global is the annual meeting hub for the global construction and urban development industry in the MEASA region, uniting 85,000+ professionals and 2,800+ exhibitors from 165+ countries under one roof in Dubai. The event focuses on the four forces shaping the industry today: building resilient supply chains, accelerating sustainable transformation, adopting technology that delivers real results and empowering talent to lead the future.

Supported by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Big 5 Global unites industry leaders, innovators and policymakers to empower the development of the construction industry through networking, partnership building and thought leadership.

Big 5 Global covers the 360º construction project lifecycle across dedicated sectors and nine co-located events enabling industry professionals to source worldwide building solutions for every stage of construction: Heavy, Totally Concrete, Marble & Stone World, Urban Design & Landscape, Windows, Doors & Facades, HVACR World, LiveableCitiesX, GeoWorld and Future FM.

High-level features include the Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit and the Big 5 FutureTech Summit that empower thought leadership discussions to actively shape initiatives that will transform the construction and urban development industry. Additionally, the Big 5 Global Impact Awards recognize achievements in sustainable development, collaboration and technological advancements across 18 diverse categories. The popular Big 5 Talks will continue at the event, highlighting new innovations and global best practices with over 120 sessions.

Date: 24 – 27 November, 2025

Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre

Organized by dmg events. For more information, visit: www.big5global.com

EMIRATESGBC TECHNICAL WORKSHOP FOR MEMBERS BY MEMBERS

The EmiratesGBC 9th (2025) Technical Workshop

For members by members will be by Climatize on the 10th of October 9:00 Am – 10:00 Pm. The workshop will be conducted in an in-person format, titled “AI for Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in Offices – Healthier and Smarter Workplaces” at Emirates Green Building Councils’ Sustainability Lounge; invitation will be sent to all Members.

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 organizations in more than 70 countries worldwide where Emirates Green Building Council is the national operator in the United Arab Emirates.

New certified Green Key Hotels:

• Amwaj Rotana- Jumeirah Beach
• Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown

MEMBERS & PARTNERS

Anas Ramiz Lulu

Team Lead (Sustainability – Environment – Waste)

Ramboll

Waste is no longer just an environmental liability; it is a critical resource stream within the circular economy. In the built environment, effective waste management transforms discarded materials into valuable inputs, reducing the need for virgin extraction and lowering embodied carbon. For instance, recycled aggregates can substitute up to 30% of natural stone in concrete, reclaimed metals reduce emissions linked to mining, and organic waste can be converted into compost or biogas to support on-site energy needs.

This transformation does not happen by chance; it requires a clear and proactive Waste Management Plan (WMP). A WMP ensures that from the earliest stages of design, strategies for segregation, collection, recovery, and reuse are integrated into the project. Beyond compliance with local regulations, such as Dubai Municipality’s Technical Guidelines, it supports global sustainability certifications including LEED, Estidama, and Mostadam. A robust plan also provides measurable performance indicators, landfill diversion rates, embodied carbon reductions, and cost savings to help developers future-proof their assets.

By embedding circular waste strategies into the design process, developments can move beyond compliance to deliver measurable sustainability outcomes, turning waste into a driver of innovation, resilience, and long-term value.

Electricity demand across the Middle East is climbing rapidly

Chloe Robyn Wilson

Individual Member at Emirates Green Building Council

Driven by year round cooling requirements, desalination, and continued urban development, national consumption is forecast to rise significantly in the years ahead. The International Energy Agency reports that demand in the wider region has already tripled since 2000, with a further 50% increase expected by 2035.

For UAE organisations, this trend reinforces the need to closely monitor and track consumption patterns. Without clear visibility, businesses face escalating costs, exposure to market fluctuations, and greater difficulty meeting the requirements of the UAE Climate Law and Net Zero by 2050.

By adopting data led monitoring practices today, companies can not only reduce waste but also position themselves as leaders in sustainability. Understanding where and how consumption occurs will be central to managing costs, ensuring compliance, and contributing to the countries long term climate goals.

MEMBERS OPPORTUNITES

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 [email protected].

EmiratesGBC WOMEN NETWORK SPOTLIGHT!

Alicia Dauth

Emirates Green Building Council Individual Member

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

• My name is Alicia Dauth. I am from California USA. In 2008 I got the opportunity to work in Kuwait. From then I continued seeking opportunities to work internationally, as I was hooked on exploring other parts of the world. I was fascinated by the chance to immerse myself in new cultures, to understand how people interact with their environment, and to explore how we all share similar hopes, dreams, and struggles – often shaped by the places we live.

  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?

1. • I began my career as an Emergency Medical Technician, then transitioned into hazardous materials response. It was during those years of cleaning up chemical spills that I discovered my true passion: protecting the environment from the harmful substances we release, whether by accident or design. Today, as a Chartered Environmentalist, I take pride in knowing that my work reflects that purpose. It’s not one big achievement that has defined my journey. It has been about the small wins – the moments when I’ve had the chance to share the right message and connect with the right people to bring the vital issue of water and environment to the forefront. My career journey has felt natural to me and has never felt like a job. 

1.  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? 

1. • One of the challenges I’ve faced is the misconception that working in the environmental sector is just about ‘hugging trees.’ Another has been the difficulty of being taken seriously as a minority woman – at times, people doubted my credibility or overlooked my voice. But I stayed committed, continued learning, and remained open to new experiences – all while building knowledge and networks. One of the most meaningful moments in my career was opening a small sustainable living shop in Zimbabwe. It felt like a true contribution to my community – not just by offering reusable products, but by creating a space where people could learn about the impact of poor waste management on our water and environment.

  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? 
  • I have learned that success looks different for everyone. It is not all about titles, but about the impact you make – whether through positive influence, sharing knowledge, or building meaningful connections. No one expects you to know everything – that is why it is important to surround yourself with like-minded people, so you can grow and work together.What truly matters is your willingness to learn and keep growing. It is about finding YOUR purpose, something that drives YOU, setting goals not just for yourself, but for the world you hope to see in the future.To women who want to be effective in sustainability (no matter what path you are on) my advice is: never doubt that you have what it takes. You do not need to be a CEO to be effective. Your voice, your actions and your presence are exactly what this field needs

REACH US

Members of the Emirates Green Building Council can join in any of our technical programs, 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, Health and Wellbeing, Net Zero Center of Excellence, Energy Efficiency, Green Key and Benchmarking Program.

Kindly send us an email to [email protected] to inquire about any of the mentioned technical programs.

EmiratesGBC Sustainability Lounge is now available for meetings and workshops!

If you are interested in using the EmiratesGBC Sustainability Lounge for a workshop or a meeting, kindly get in touch with us at 04-3468244 or send us an email to [email protected]. The office room is fully equipped with AV and provides a pleasant environment for focused meetings or training workshops.