• Landmark initiative to bring international and regional experts to discuss sustainable practices for the built environment
• Inaugural EmiratesGBC Awards, honouring best practices in sustainable development, to be distributed at the event’s Gala & Awards Ceremony
• Case studies and panel discussions to evaluate varied aspects of sustainable built environments

Dubai, UAE; November 13, 2013: In the largest of its kind gathering of experts representing the sustainable built environment, Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), an independent forum aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices, will host its second Annual EGBC Congress on December 11 and 12, 2013, at the Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort in Dubai.

Following the success of the first Congress which underlined the importance of sustainable practices in the building industry supply chain, the second event will be held under the theme ‘Building a Green Future.’ International and regional experts will attend the event, and also present detailed reports on varied aspects of sustainable buildings through case studies and panel discussions.

The event will also feature the inaugural EmiratesGBC Awards which honour excellence in sustainability initiatives across the Middle East and North Africa region. Seven awards will be presented to organisations for their demonstrated commitment to sustainable design, construction, and operation of buildings and structures. Additionally, the Dr Owainati Student Award will be presented to one university student for innovative and inspiring ideas that will contribute to sustainable development in the construction and building industry.

At the event, the winners of the EmiratesGBC Paper Competition, organised in partnership with the British University in Dubai, will present their technical papers on the topic ‘Sustainable Competitive Advantage: An Economic Revolution.’

Adnan Sharafi, Chairman of EmiratesGBC and Board Member of the World Green Building Council, said: “The second Annual EGBC Congress will serve as a definitive platform that will stimulate dialogue and debate on sustainable built environment. In addition to discussing the opportunities and challenges in promoting sustainable growth, the Congress will present the newest industry trends that will encourage all stakeholders to become active participants in the ‘green’ movement that we are spearheading.”

He added: “The theme of the Congress, ‘Building a Green Future,’ is a strong complement to the ‘green economy for sustainable development’ initiative announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The event this year is not only focusing on promoting the interaction and networking of industry stakeholders, but also provides a strong platform for young talented professionals to present their winning ideas on sustainable built environments.”

The various sessions at the second Annual EGBC Congress will cover topics including: Green building regulations, sustainability in the tourism sector, sustainable school initiatives, sustainability in the retail sector, financing scheme for green buildings, design aspects of smart buildings, the use of green building materials in the construction industry, and operation and maintenance of buildings, among others.

In other key sessions, the Congress will put the spotlight on local initiatives for sustainable development including waste management from source and UAE and actions on climate change, renewable energy, energy efficiency and conversion, building design, carbon capture and storage and the Ecological Footprint initiative.

Set to accelerate sustainable development activities across the entire building supply chain, the Congress is open to EmiratesGBC members and non-members. To attend, they have to register at https://emiratesgbc.org/congress/register/. Registration fees are AED 1,500 for members and AED 2,000 for non-members, providing access to the 2-day Congress, including workshops and gala dinner.

The second Annual EGBC Congress is sponsored by Majid Al Futtaim Properties (Principal Sponsor), Siemens and Trane (Platinum Sponsors), Brookfield Multiplex, Al Abbar Group and CES Group (Silver Sponsors), ETAP (Workshop Sponsor) and Emirates NBD (Competition Sponsor).

EmiratesGBC regularly hosts and participates in multinational events, conferences and forums. EmiratesGBC has also developed a suite of activities, inclusive of networking events, technical workshops, focus days and facilitated training based around specific issues related to the built-environment that meet the needs of its members, of the UAE community, and the wider Middle East. For more details of the Congress, contact: events@emiratesgbc.org

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About Emirates Green Building Council:

The Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) was founded in June 2006, and became the 8th full member of the World Green Building Council in September 2006. EmiratesGBC is an organisation that promotes and educates on green issues in the built environment and is the official body for the UAE endorsed by the World Green Building Council. EmiratesGBC currently has around 260 members in the UAE which represents 1000s of individuals interested and involved in Green Building in the UAE and the region. In addition, EmiratesGBC members receive discounts on a number of programmes such as those related to conferences, seminars, training and green building events.

For further information, please contact:

Kelly Home / Mohammed Al Tawil

ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller

+9714 4507600

kelly.home@bm.com / mohammed.altawil@bm.com