A LETTER FROM EGBC FAMILY

EmiratesGBC NEWS AND UPDATES

Emirates Green Building Council Sustainability Lounge offers a vibrant and flexible space where members and partners can connect, collaborate, and innovate. The lounge is designed to cater to a variety of professional needs, featuring co-working spaces, board meeting facilities, and a dedicated Wall of Fame to showcase sustainable products. It also provides opportunities for members to advertise on digital screens, boosting visibility within the green building sector.

In addition to its everyday functionalities, the lounge is also an ideal venue for hosting events, training sessions, and workshops, making it the perfect place to engage with the sustainability community. Whether you’re conducting meetings, presenting new ideas, or planning training programs, the Sustainability Lounge supports your goals every step of the way.

To learn more about the lounge or reserve your space for your next event, please visit  Sustainability Lounge webpage.

During the World Future Energy Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Emirates Green Building Council’s CEO Abduallatif AlBitawi contributed to a dynamic panel discussion titled “Overcoming the Data Challenge in Managing Cities.”

The session examined the complexities of managing data at the scale of buildings, communities, and cities, especially with the growing role of Artificial Intelligence and advanced technologies such as digital twins, IoT monitoring, and virtual or augmented reality. Panelists also explored strategies for data integration, governance, and the potential of open data to support sustainable urban development.

Emirates Green Building Council’s CEO Abduallatif AlBitawi participated in a high-profile panel discussion at the World Future Energy Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi, titled “Self-sufficient Cities: Unachievable Dream or Future for Interdependent Communities.”

The panel explored the potential for cities to achieve self-sufficiency in areas like energy, water, food, and farming, and examined the balance between economic growth, societal development, and environmental sustainability.

Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) proudly participated in a dynamic panel discussion titled “Cultivating an Inclusive and Transdisciplinary Workforce” during the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2025 in Abu Dhabi. This panel, hosted in collaboration with Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S), brought together thought leaders to explore the vital role of diversity and inclusion in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in driving innovation, addressing skills gaps, and equipping youth to tackle future sustainability challenges.

Representing EmiratesGBC Lana AbuQalbain  engaged with diverse stakeholders in the built environment, discussing topics such as wellbeing, energy and water efficiency, building envelopes, carbon emissions, and even sustainable finance. Diversity fosters innovation and introduces new approaches to problem-solving, with some debates along the way to understand and appreciate different perspectives.

UPCOMING EMIRATESGBC EVENTS

The webinar aims to inspire young women and girls to pursue careers in sustainability of the built environment by showcasing diverse perspectives from students, professionals, and experts. It will highlight the role of women in advancing resilience and sustainability in the built environment through innovative technologies and practices, while exploring challenges, opportunities, and essential skills for the evolving subjects related to science and sustainability of the built environment.

Date: 11^th of February 2025

Time: 3pm – 4pm

Venue: Online via Teams, it will be open for everyone , keep your eyes on our social communications

This workshop is an excellent opportunity to learn how the PA-CEMP program can support your organization in achieving its energy management and sustainability objectives.

To register for the workshop, please use the link below:

PA-CEMP Workshop for the Private Sector – EmiratesGBC Events – Tickets

PREVIOUS EMIRATESGBC EVENTS

Emirates Green Building Council recently hosted two insightful PA-CEMP (Pan Arab – Certified Energy Management Professionals) introductory workshops at the Sustainability Lounge, designed to support both public and private sector professionals in advancing energy management expertise.

🔹 Public Sector Workshop: Introduced government entities to the PA-CEMP program, highlighting its alignment with regional energy goals.
🔹 Private Sector Workshop: Focused on how PA-CEMP enhances operational efficiency and supports sustainable energy transitions.

Both sessions sparked valuable discussions on PA-CEMP’s practical applications, its role in energy policies, and its impact on corporate and governmental strategies.

🚀 Exciting News! Registration for the PA-CEMP training course opens soon! Stay tuned for exclusive first-cohort pricing and key deadlines.

📍 Learn more

As co-founders of the MENA Alliance for Green Schools, we recently hosted an engaging and thought-provoking webinar titled “Education and Sustainability: Mapping the Status of Green Schools in the MENA Region.”

The session brought together sustainability leaders, educators, and partners from across the region to discuss the current state of schools, address challenges and opportunities in advancing education for sustainability, and explore ways to collaborate on greening schools across MENA countries.

This insightful discussion emphasized the importance of empowering students, teachers, and schools to lead in climate action and contribute to a more sustainable future

Emirates Green Building Council members had the fantastic opportunity to visit the Lafarge Emirates Cement Factory in Fujairah. The tour provided valuable insights into the operations of one of the region’s most sustainability-focused cement facilities. The day began with a thorough safety induction, followed by an in-depth exploration of key facilities, including cement production processes, quarry operations, and sustainable waste management practices. The visit concluded with a networking lunch, offering a great platform for industry discussions and knowledge sharing.

The Emirates Green Building Council’s Women’s Network hosted an interactive workshop, “Leadership Foundations: Building a Skillset Together,” designed to empower women through problem-solving, collaboration, and shared vision.

Participants engaged in the “Mapping Leadership Journeys: Building Your Leadership Toolkit” exercise, where they reflected on their leadership experiences, shared insights, and explored real-world scenarios to develop personalized strategies.

The session fostered meaningful discussions and led to the outline of a leadership skills booklet, capturing key takeaways and best practices to support women in their professional growth. This workshop highlighted the power of collective learning and peer support in building strong leadership foundations.

EMIRATESGBC TECHNICAL WORKSHOP FOR MEMBERS BY MEMBERS

The EmiratesGBC 2nd ( 2025 ) Technical Workshop

Adaptive Reuse: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Urban Development

for members by members will be By grfn The workshop will be held in online format, on  the  14th of February.

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.

5 new hotel certified :

Mercure Dubai Deria

Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa, Dubai

Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah Hotel

Mercure Gold Hotel

Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island

EMIRATESGBC TRAINING

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

MEMBERS & PARTNERS

The facilities management sector is embracing technology to reduce environmental impact and improve operational efficiency. With increasing pressures around sustainability, innovations in building design and resource management are reshaping public spaces, including washrooms.

Technologies powered by the Internet of Things (IoT) are providing real-time insights, helping facilities managers monitor and optimize water, energy, and resource usage. These systems often incorporate advanced mechanisms such as smart flushing, asset tracking through QR codes, and data analytics that align with global sustainability targets.

Beyond environmental benefits, these measurable solutions support transparent Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting—reducing risks associated with greenwashing and promoting accountability.

As environmental regulations tighten and stakeholders demand more responsible operations, technology-driven solutions are essential for creating resilient, future-ready facilities. Facilities managers who harness these tools will be well-positioned to drive sustainability and efficiency simultaneously

Zea Gove

Global Brand Strategist and Marketing Manager, Propelair

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 reema.aburuqaa@emiratesgbc.org.

EmiratesGBC WOMEN NETWORK SPOTLIGHT!

Veena Muralidharan

Executive Director

AAMRO

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 mother has always been my greatest inspiration. Her compassion and selflessness taught me what it means to truly give. Losing her to metastatic cancer in 2023 was heartbreaking, but it gave me a purpose, to honor her legacy by establishing an NGO in her name to help cancer patients, especially those who cannot afford treatment.

Dancing, especially Bharatanatyam, has been my lifelong passion and a deep connection to her. One day, I hope to perform at the same temple where she danced 54 years ago, as a tribute to her spirit and everything she stood for.

              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?

In 2019, we built a 100,000-square-foot warehouse in Dubai Industrial City powered entirely by solar panels, aligning with our commitment to sustainability. As a green company, we’ve incorporated indoor and outdoor plants, including date palms, which yield dates distributed to employees during summer. Over the past four years, we’ve reduced plastic usage by 50%, further enhancing our eco-friendly practices. Looking ahead, our goal is to invest in electric vehicles for our commercial fleet by 2026, marking a significant step toward becoming a sustainable leader in logistics.

                  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? 

Working in the logistics sector, navigating challenges while balancing professional and personal goals has been both demanding and rewarding. Establishing credibility in a competitive industry required resilience, confidence, and a focus on delivering measurable results.

A proud milestone has been driving projects like integrating renewable energy and reducing plastic use, which have paved the way for greener operations. This year, we’re taking a significant step by measuring Aamro’s carbon emissions to better track and reduce our environmental impact. These efforts reaffirm my belief in innovation, perseverance, and leading by example to shape a sustainable future in logistics.

              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? 

My work supports sustainability by promoting renewable energy and circular economy practices. Every project reminds me that sustainability isn’t just a responsibility, it’s a chance to rethink and reshape how we grow!

To aspiring women in the field: Believe in the impact you can make. Start small, stay consistent, and lead by example. Embrace challenges as opportunities to innovate, and never stop learning. Collaboration and passion are your greatest tools to drive meaningful change in sustainability.

REACH US

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 Sustainability Lounge for a workshop or a meeting, kindly get in touch with us at 04-3468244 or send us an email to reema.aburuqaa@emiratesgbc.org. The office room is fully equipped with AV and provides a pleasant environment for focused meetings or training workshops.

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