A LETTER FROM EGBC FAMILY

EmiratesGBC NEWS AND UPDATES

Applications are open for the 14th edition of the MENA Green Building Awards 2026

Organized by Emirates Green Building Council and endorsed by the World Green Building Council, the awards continue to honour excellence in sustainability, innovation, and leadership across the built environment in the MENA region.

This year’s awards are delivered in collaboration with regional Green Building Councils and partners from Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia — reflecting a collective commitment toward advancing sustainable development across the region.

Organizations from the public and private sectors are invited to submit projects, initiatives, products, and leadership achievements that demonstrate measurable environmental and social impact.

Applications are open across 17 award categories until 10 July 2026.

More information on award categories, eligibility criteria, submission requirements, and the application process can be accessed through the following link : https://emiratesgbc.org/awards/

EmiratesGBC Participates in UAE National ESG Training Workshop

As part of the Construction & Real Estate sector group, the Emirates Green Building Council participated in an ESG Training Workshop Series under the National ESG Program, hosted by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) with support from the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). The workshop strengthened participants’ understanding of ESG principles and practical implementation, covering ESG fundamentals, sector-specific risks and opportunities, ESG action planning, and reporting frameworks. The initiative aims to strengthen ESG capacity across key sectors, supporting the UAE’s sustainability ambitions and Net Zero 2050 Strategy.

EmiratesGBC at WorldGBC Leadership Summit 2026

The Emirates Green Building Council Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and CEO represented the Council at the WorldGBC Leadership Summit 2026 , which brought together the global network in London, UK, from 21–24 June. The Summit stands as one of the most significant annual gatherings in the sustainable built environment calendar.

The program featured the Global Solutions Forum, where experts from across sectors shared valuable insights, knowledge, and best practices aimed at accelerating progress within the built environment.

A dedicated MENA Green Building Council regional meeting also took place, bringing together 11 Green Building Councils to discuss shared challenges and emerging opportunities across the region. The session reinforced the importance of regional alignment, while also paving the way for strengthened collaboration and future joint initiatives across the network.

The final day included the Annual General Meeting (AGM) alongside a series of capacity-building workshops designed to support Green Building Councils from all regions in enhancing their impact and operational effectiveness.

The summit was an excellent opportunity for the council representatives to meet, re-connect and connect with peers and industry experts from all over the world.

The Summit opened with the World Green Building Council Board of Directors meeting, attended by Dr. Habiba Al Marashi in her capacity as a Board Member, further highlighting the Council’s active role in global governance and strategic direction.

The Sustainability Lounge by EmiratesGBC Podcast: 20 Years of Impact on People and the Planet

As part of its ongoing commitment to expanding sustainability awareness and engagement, Emirates Green Building Council is launching a new podcast series in mid-July 2026, featuring one episode every two weeks. This long-term initiative will provide an accessible platform to explore key topics shaping the future of the built environment, bringing together industry leaders, experts, and community voices. The first season, “20 Years of Impact on People and the Planet,” will highlight the Council’s legacy and focus on how green buildings directly influence health, well-being, affordability, resilience, and urban development. Through engaging conversations with stakeholders across the industry, the podcast aims to strengthen public awareness, inspire action, and extend EmiratesGBC’s reach beyond events into everyday life.

Stay tuned and keep an eye on EmiratesGBC’s social media platforms and communication channels for the official launch and upcoming episodes. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear inspiring conversations with sustainability leaders and be part of the journey toward a more sustainable built environment.

EmiratesGBC Participates in Dubai Islamic Bank Sustainable Real Estate Forum

EmiratesGBC was participated in Dubai Islamic Bank’s Sustainable Real Estate Forum, contributing to a panel discussion on market trends, sustainability benchmarks, and the integration of green finance. EmiratesGBC also joined the subsequent roundtable, sharing insights on advancing circularity across the built environment.

PREVIOUS EMIRATESGBC EVENTS

Celebrating 20 Years of Impact

The Emirates Green Building Council proudly celebrated its 20th Anniversary, marking two decades of leadership, collaboration, and commitment to advancing sustainability across the built environment.

The celebration brought together founding members, partners, government representatives, industry leaders, and stakeholders from across the public and private sectors to reflect on the Council’s journey and the collective achievements that have shaped the UAE’s sustainability landscape. Over the past 20 years, EmiratesGBC has played a pivotal role in driving industry transformation, supporting policy development, fostering innovation, and promoting best practices that continue to influence the built environment across the UAE and the wider MENA region.

EmiratesGBC extends its sincere appreciation to Arabian Gulf Steel, the Platinum Sponsor of the 20th Anniversary celebration, for its valued support and commitment to advancing sustainability in the built environment. The Council also thanks all members, partners, supporters, and attendees whose continued trust, collaboration, and shared vision have been instrumental in making this milestone celebration a success.

As EmiratesGBC embarks on its next chapter, the anniversary serves as both a celebration of past achievements and a renewed commitment to building an even more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future—together.

🎥 Relive the highlights of this unforgettable celebration here: https://youtu.be/Rz9Lks1jTGs

World Environment Day 2026 Webinar: Nature-Based Solutions in Action

As part of our ongoing commitment to knowledge sharing and advancing nature-positive solutions, Emirates Green Building Council recently hosted a special World Environment Day 2026 webinar titled “Inspired by Nature: Nature-Based Solutions in the Built Environment.” The session brought together Green Building Councils from Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Tunisia to explore how nature-based solutions are being integrated into policy and practice across diverse regional contexts. Through expert presentations and a dynamic cross-regional dialogue, participants exchanged insights on opportunities, challenges, and lessons learned in scaling NbS within the built environment. The webinar reinforced the importance of collaboration and highlighted the role of nature as a core driver of climate action in the sector.

👉 Watch the webinar here: https://youtu.be/6UChKCIJ2fc

The EmiratesGBC Women Network, in collaboration with the ASHRAE Women in ASHRAE Network, successfully hosted “Women Connecting for a Sustainable Built Environment”—an inspiring event that celebrated the power of collaboration, creativity, and inclusivity in advancing sustainability. Bringing together professionals from across the built environment sector, the interactive session combined meaningful networking with a collaborative art workshop led by Dr. Eman Ismail Abdellatif, encouraging participants to explore innovative approaches to teamwork and leadership. The event concluded with an engaging terrarium-building activity, symbolizing growth, resilience, and the importance of nurturing strong professional connections. By fostering knowledge exchange and strengthening relationships across both networks, the event reaffirmed the vital role of women in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive built environment.

EMIRATESGBC TECHNICAL WORKSHOP FOR MEMBERS BY MEMBERS

The EmiratesGBC 7th (2026) Technical Workshop

For members by members will be by Grey Matters on the 10th of July . The workshop will be held in online format through Teams, invitation will be sent to all Members, and the link will be updated at the members portal.

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 Green Key Hotel Certified:

• Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences

MEMBERS & PARTNERS

Improving Thermal Comfort and Air Quality: PET and CO₂ Evaluation of School Courtyard’s Orientation

Dr. Muna Salameh

Individual Member – Emirates Green Building Council

Courtyard orientation is a simple but often underestimated passive design strategy for improving school building performance in hot climates. This study evaluated a school courtyard using ENVI-met simulations to assess outdoor air temperature, mass temperature, Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET), wind patterns, and CO₂ concentration across different orientations.

The findings showed that orientation can influence thermal comfort and air quality, with the south- orientation courtyard achieving lower outdoor air temperatures, better airflow, improved PET conditions, and healthier CO₂ distribution. Although the temperature differences were modest, their impact becomes significant when applied to large educational buildings, where small reductions can support lower cooling demand and better student comfort.

The results highlight the importance of integrating courtyard orientation into early design decisions as part of a holistic passive design approach for more sustainable, resilient, and energy-efficient schools.

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!

Meera Essa

Sustainability Specialist

Innovo Build UAE

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

1. • Beyond my professional role, I am passionate about sustainability, continuous learning, and creating a positive impact in the community. I enjoy participating in initiatives that promote environmental awareness to inspire meaningful change and spending time with family and friends. What drives me most is the opportunity to learn, grow, and the belief that even small actions can create meaningful change, whether in our communities, workplaces, or environment. I also enjoy stepping outside my comfort zone, whether through new experiences, volunteering, or taking on challenges that help me develop both personally and professionally.

  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. • My sustainability journey began through my studies in Environmental Science and Sustainability at Zayed University, where I actively participated in climate and environmental initiatives. A key milestone was being selected for the Climate Ambassadors Programme with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, which strengthened my commitment to climate action and youth engagement. I also served as a Student Energy Summit Ambassador and Delegate in 2023, speaking on sustainability and energy challenges and solutions. One of my proudest achievements was being featured by Al Etihad News Centre following the Climate Ambassadors Programme, providing a platform to advocate for sustainability and youth involvement.inable building practices. Obtaining the LEED Green Associate credential has further strengthened my passion for sustainability.

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 biggest challenges I have faced is balancing my professional responsibilities while continuing to be actively involved in sustainability advocacy. Despite a busy work schedule, I remain committed to representing youth voices and participating in initiatives that drive positive environmental change. On the flip side, some of the most meaningful successes in my journey have been the opportunities to amplify youth perspectives through programmes such as the Climate Ambassadors Programme and the Student Energy Summit. Knowing that my contributions can inspire others and support climate action has been incredibly rewarding.

  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?
  • In my current role, I am applying the knowledge and experiences I gained through my academic studies and sustainability initiatives to help advance sustainability within the construction industry. I believe every action taken today to address climate change contributes to a better future for generations to come. My advice to other women is to embrace every opportunity that comes their way and never underestimate their abilities. Challenge yourself, step outside your comfort zone, and remain open to learning and growth you may discover strengths and opportunities beyond what you imagined possible.

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.