World Green Building Week
What is World Green Building Week?
World Green Building Week (WGBW) is the world’s largest campaign to accelerate sustainable built environments across the globe.
Organized by the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), it is led by the global
network of over 75 Green Building Councils and their 46,000 members.
“Building the Transition: Reduce. Electrify. Adapt.” – The theme of World Green Building Week 2024 emphasizes the global movement toward a sustainable future by reducing carbon emissions, electrifying buildings with clean energy, and adapting to climate challenges. #BuildingTheTransition
EmiratesGBC’s Actions for a Greener Future During World Green Building Week 2024
Using their Voices, How Four Women are Building the Transition
This inspiring session highlighted how four influential women are leading the shift toward a more sustainable built environment. The discussion explored their unique strategies for overcoming challenges, navigating regulatory barriers, and implementing practical, time-efficient solutions. By emphasizing cost-cutting measures, mindset shifts, and actionable steps, the panel showcased how these leaders are transforming sustainability from an aspiration into a tangible reality.
EmiratesGBC Carbon Embodied Carbon Workgoup
The Embodied Carbon Working Group met for the first time after being put on hold to be revived due to the significance of embodied carbon for the UAE Net Zero Agenda and for sustainability of the built environment. During the first meeting, the group dset a clear definition to embodied carbon, and set forth their role as a working group in supporting the understanding of embodied carbon.
Understanding EPD and HPD Workshop
workshop provided valuable insights into Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs)—essential tools for assessing the environmental and health impacts of building materials. Participants explored how EPDs offer a standardized approach to evaluating a product’s environmental performance, including energy use, emissions, and resource efficiency. Meanwhile, HPDs enhance transparency by detailing the presence of potentially harmful chemicals in materials.
The session emphasized the role of these declarations in making informed, sustainability-focused decisions in construction and manufacturing. Attendees, including industry professionals and students, had the opportunity to engage with experts, gain practical knowledge, and exchange ideas on advancing sustainable building practices.
National Rating Systems in the MENA Region Webinar
An in-depth online panel discussion on the topic of national building rating systems and their challenges across the MENA region.
This event focused on exploring the various national green building rating systems currently in use in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and the UAE. Our panel of experts discussed the unique challenges faced by these systems in each country and delve into their potential for growth.
Developers’ Leaders Forum CSO Roundtable
Following the launch of the UAE Sustainable Built Environment Blueprint at COP28—developed through workshops with leading real estate developers—EmiratesGBC, in collaboration with its partners, took a significant step toward advancing sustainability in the built environment. The initiative focused on developing market-led sustainable building criteria that go beyond government sustainability standards, aiming to accelerate the green supply chain and demonstrate the private sector’s readiness to do more.
As part of these efforts, EmiratesGBC hosted a CEO/CSO roundtable on September 13th during World Green Building Week, where industry leaders reviewed and discussed the draft criteria. The session highlighted the crucial role of the private sector in shaping sustainability practices and influencing policy advancements in the region.
EmiratesGBC also launched a viral social media campaign during World Green Building Week 2024, amplifying awareness and engagement in the green building movement.