Newsletter
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported 2024 as the warmest year on record, placing the temperature goals of The Paris Agreement under grave danger. The escalating climate crisis, fueled by unchecked greenhouse gas emissions, demands immediate and decisive action on a global scale.
The built environment, responsible for over a third of global carbon emissions, represents a critical lever in the fight against climate change. Currently, buildings account for over a third of global energy consumption and nearly 40% of emissions. This calls for a radical approach that prioritizes long-term sustainability.
The UAE, a key player in the global construction boom, is leading the change. And The Emirates Green Building Council fully supports and endorses the government initiative and helps convey the same to its members and the private sector though specially designed programs and workshops. With the construction market projected to reach nearly $53 billion by 2030, the country is committed to creating a built environment that is both economically viable and environmentally responsible.
Since its inception in 2006, EmiratesGBC has evolved into a catalyst for change, spearheading the green building movement in the UAE through advocacy of federal and local mandates. From UAE Vision 2021 to Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, UAE Centennial 2071 and Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the Council plays an active role in bringing stakeholders together to build a resilient future powered by sustainability.
Our commitment is to build a sustainable future that is underpinned by a unified, multi-sectoral approach. This includes leveraging advanced technology, fostering robust private sector collaboration, and promoting behavioral changes, all guided by clear policy direction and long-term planning.
We firmly believe that a sustainable future is not built in silos. It requires a shared vision, collaborative action, and a commitment to innovation across all sectors of society.
By leveraging our combined strengths, we can expand our reach and drive meaningful change across the region and beyond. We have achieved significant milestones, including co-founding the MENA Alliance for Green Schools, launching the inaugural cohort of the Empower Her Speak Women Network Training, and publishing the UAE Sustainable Built Environment Blueprint Report. We also reached an impressive 154 certified Green Key hotels, including 55 new certifications.
Through collaborative platforms such as the Annual MENA Green Building Awards and Annual Congress, we unite local and global experts to share knowledge and accelerate progress. Our global engagement, through leadership roles in the World Green Building Council and involvement in international projects, extends our reach beyond borders, reflecting our belief that a green environment is a global responsibility. Our diverse membership of over 150 organizations and individuals fosters collaboration and innovation, creating a powerful ecosystem for sustainability.
As a leading voice on the global sustainability platform, our Board Members actively contribute to the World Green Building Council Board and the WGBC MENA Regional Network. Furthermore, EmiratesGBC serves on the steering committees of the Better Places for People project and the Advancing Net Zero Project with the World Green Building Council, shaping the future of sustainable building practices worldwide.
We are leading from the front, uniting diverse stakeholders to ensure we are shaping a future where the built environment contributes to a thriving planet through tangible actions. A multi-sectoral approach, involving government, private, and academic sectors, is crucial to driving this change and creating sustainable impact.
By joining Emirates Green Building Council, and being an integral part of our activities, you will be instrumental in championing green building practices and actively shaping a legacy of stewardship and innovation for generations to come. I invite all of you to join us on our mission to safeguard our planet’s future.
Khaled Bushnaq
EmiratesGBC NEWS AND UPDATES
Emirates Green Building Council is proud to announce its 14th Annual Congress, taking place on May 21-22, 2025, across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Under the title “Mission to 1.5°C: Be Bold on Buildings,” the congress will dive into four key themes: Enhancing Ambitions with NDCs, Climate Finance as an Enabler, Resilience & Adaptation, and The Building Breakthrough. Join industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts for two days of high-impact discussions, cutting-edge insights, and transformative strategies shaping the future of the built environment.
🔗 Learn more: Annual EmiratesGBC Congress
💡 Explore Sponsorship Opportunities
First Cohort 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 policymakers 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.
We are also excited to announce that the first cohort of the PA-CEMP training course will take place from April 21–25 in Dubai, with a special discounted price available exclusively for this inaugural cohort.
More details PA Cemp Training – EmiratesGBC
Driving Sustainable Solutions: Habiba Al Mar’ashi Joins EEG’s Round Table on C&D Waste Management
Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder & Treasurer, contributed valuable insights on enhancing waste management frameworks, adopting global best practices, and addressing economic and social barriers in the C&D sector during the EEG’s 1st Round Table Discussion of 2025. Organized by the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) in partnership with Saint-Gobain, the discussion focused on Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste Management in the UAE, bringing together key industry experts to tackle challenges and explore sustainable solutions.
The session focused on key objectives, including examining challenges in construction and demolition (C&D) waste management in the UAE, identifying global best practices for local implementation, evaluating the economic and social factors affecting waste treatment, and assessing existing regulations while exploring potential updates to enhance sustainability in the sector.
PREVIOUS EMIRATESGBC EVENTS
Women’s Network & Mentorship Program – 4th Cohort Launch
EmiratesGBC successfully launched the 4th cohort of the Women’s Network & Mentorship Program, reaffirming its dedication to empowering women in the sustainability sector. To celebrate this milestone, an insightful webinar was held, focusing on the crucial role of mentorship and leadership in professional growth.
The discussion explored the essence of leadership and mentorship, defining what makes a true mentor and sharing personal experiences that highlight the impact of mentorship on career development. The session also emphasized teaching as a powerful and influential form of mentorship, inspiring participants to foster meaningful professional relationships.
You can watch the webinar though this link
EmiratesGBC Hosts Knowledge-Sharing Webinar for World Water Day
Emirates Green Building Council marked World Water Day with an insightful Knowledge-Sharing Webinar, bringing together industry experts to discuss water efficiency and conservation in the UAE’s built environment. The session highlighted the urgency of addressing water scarcity through collaboration, the role of local regulations in driving conservation efforts, and the latest innovations in water recycling, reuse, and smart efficiency solutions.
Missed the session? Watch the recording here
EmiratesGBC Hosts Webinar on Building with Nature for International Day of Forests
To mark International Day of Forests, Emirates Green Building Council hosted a webinar on “Building with Nature: Addressing Deforestation in the Built Environment,” featuring experts from the MENA region. The discussion explored sustainable materials, responsible land use, and afforestation efforts, highlighting innovations such as modified wood and palm-based materials as solutions to reduce deforestation. The session also emphasized the importance of incentives and regulations in driving sustainable procurement practices. Watch the full webinar recording here
EMIRATESGBC TECHNICAL WORKSHOP FOR MEMBERS BY MEMBERS
The EmiratesGBC 4th ( 2025 ) Technical Workshop
for members by members will be Dually Modified Wood – Green construction materials in the built environment
By Kebony. The workshop will be held in online format, on Friday 11th April 11:00am – 12:00pm
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.
Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection and Renaissance Business Bay Hotel were new hotels certified last month.
EMIRATESGBC TRAINING
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
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!
Hiba Aijaz
Regional Specification Manager, Knauf GCC
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.
Personally, I’m inspired by the power of focused dedication and the importance of valuing each step in any endeavour. I believe in approaching life with passion and humility, prioritizing personal and professional development above material aspirations. I find that when you lean against the right ladder, success follows, but it’s the journey and growth that truly enrich life.
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?
My professional journey has been dedicated to the strategic advocacy of building materials with significantly reduced embodied carbon, challenging conventional market alternatives. I consider my most notable achievement to be successfully influencing the adoption of sustainable construction practices in large-scale projects, effectively transitioning away from historically dominant, less environmentally conscious solutions within our region.
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?
The UAE’s progress in women’s rights is commendable, yet we must address unconscious biases. My triumph lies in shifting large projects to sustainable practices. Women are pivotal in sustainability, given our innate focus on nurturing future generations. Continued education will further empower our impact.
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?
Through EGBC, I aim to align with stakeholders for positive sustainable outcomes. To women: lead confidently, leveraging your strengths like collaboration. Persistence and hard work are key. Women drive green construction with a focus on long-term impact and inclusive design, vital for a sustainable future. Build networks, advocate, and recognize your unique contribution.
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.
SUSTAINABILITY NEWS
Unveiled: GCC’s First-Ever Sustainable Construction Code
Endorsed by the Ministries of Municipalities and Urban Planning across the GCC, the Gulf Building Code serves as a comprehensive framework for guiding building and construction practices in the region. As a key part of this initiative, GORD’s newly developed Sustainable Construction Code plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable urban development throughout the Gulf.
Recent ISSUES
New Members
Industry Partner
TECHNAL Middle East
Underwriters Laboratories Middle East FZ LLC
Killa Architectural Design
PARSONS OVERSEAS LIMITED (DUBAI BRANCH)
Individual Members
Amin Aslam
Dr. Deidre Wolff
Amjad Elamin Babiker
Nadia Ibrahim
Upcoming Events
Technical Workshop by Kebony
11 April
Think Green
Think Green, Act Smart: Test Your Sustainability Skills
1️⃣ What sector consumes the most energy globally?
A) Transportation
B) Buildings & Construction
C) Manufacturing
2️⃣ Which renewable energy source is the fastest-growing worldwide?
A) Wind
B) Solar
C) Hydropower
3️⃣ What percentage of global waste is properly recycled?
A) 50%
B) 20%
C) Less than 10%
4️⃣ Which of these strategies helps reduce a building’s carbon footprint the most?
A) Installing energy-efficient lighting
B) Using sustainable materials
C) Combining energy efficiency with renewable energy
5️⃣ How much CO₂ does one mature tree absorb per year?
A) 5 kg
B) 10 kg
C) 22 kg