DUBAI: Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Honorary President of Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) and CEO of Alliances for Global Sustainability (AGS), will inaugurate the Annual EmiratesGBC Congress on November 17 & 18 under the theme ‘Building a Sustainable Future in Uncertain Times.’
An independent forum aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices, EmiratesGBC’s Annual Congress, held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, will bring global experts together to focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the construction and building sector and the new opportunities to build a sustainable and resilient future for the UAE and the region through its buildings and cities.
With registration now open and with the aim of ensuring wider impact across the MENA region, the first day of the Congress will be held virtually and the second day of the event will be an in-person event at Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre Dubai, with the proceedings to be live-streamed for a larger online audience.
Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan will deliver a special opening address to kick off the first day of the Congress on Nov. 17.
Supported by Majid Al Futtaim and Knauf as the Platinum Partners, and Cundall and Ramboll as Session Sponsors, the Congress will cover topics such as ‘Crisis to recovery: market overview for the green building sector’ to be addressed by Dr. Nasser Saidi, Chairman, Clean Energy Business Council; Cristina Gamboa, CEO, WorldGBC; and Dr. Marc Weiss, Global Urban Development.
Another key component is a dialogue on ‘Circular economy in the built environment’ to be addressed by Dr. Cristina Raab, Vice President, Cradle to Cradle Products; Helen Burdett, Lead, Circular Economy & Innovation, World Economic Forum; and Engineer Othaiba Al Qaydi, Ministry of Climate Change & Environment. On day 2 of the Congress representatives of Dubai Health Authority, DEWA and Masdar will present project case studies and private sector speakers will discuss how commitments to climate action and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals can support organisations in these uncertain times.
Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Honorary President of EmiratesGBC and CEO of Alliances for Global Sustainability, said: “With real estate development being an important sector in the UAE, I am honoured to support the EmiratesGBC Congress this year. Sustainability is a key factor to a green economy in a post COVID-19 world. The responsibility lies in the hands of all the stakeholders in this industry to work together and bring in-country investment.”
She added: “Through forums such as the Annual EmiratesGBC Congress, we have the opportunity to transition towards a more regenerative circular economy. As the UAE approaches its Golden Jubilee, we should strive to extend the life cycle of all that we build and create without harming the environment and explore new avenues to make this a reality.”
His Excellency Ali Al Jassim, Chairman of EmiratesGBC, said: “With the 9th AnnualEmiratesGBC Congress and the MENA Green Building Awards, our aim is to bring the industry together by fostering dialogue among regional and international experts to promote sustainable practices in the built environment. In the uncertain times that follows the COVID-19 pandemic, we must support each other to ensure excellent skill and knowledge transfer within the construction sector. We are thankful to the support we have received from our guest of honour and sponsors for the annual forum. EmiratesGBC is committed to support the private and public sector in the UAE to fulfil the ‘Zero Carbon Buildings for All’ initiative.”
Ibrahim Al Zu’bi, Chief Sustainability Officer at Majid Al Futtaim, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has intensified the need for action to protect the environment and create a more sustainable world. As a company that places sustainability at its core, we are emboldened by the UAE’s steadfast commitment to ensure climate action remains high on the national agenda throughout this time. Within the private sector, we must continue to play our part and ensure greater collaboration, innovation and investment to support the sustainable development ambitions of our entire region. The Annual EmiratesGBC Congress is an excellent platform that brings stakeholders together to shape a greener and more sustainable future for all.”
Amer Bin Ahmed, Managing Director GCC and India, Knauf Middle East and India, said: “2020 is the year we prepare ourselves for the coming future and make path for the next generation as directed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. We believe in the long-term benefits of sustainability. We connect with the cause that EmiratesGBC stands for. As a Platinum sponsor of the event, we look forward to an engaging event with all the stakeholders in the reality sector and build a cleaner tomorrow.”
The winners of the MENA Green Building Awards will also be honoured during a ceremony on the evening of Nov. 18 following the closing of the Congress.
The 2020 MENA Green Building Awards have 16 categories: Net Zero Building Project of the Year; Green Building Project; Sustainable Design Project; Facility Management Organisation; Contractor; Developer; Consultancy; Green Building Product – Indoor Air Quality, Energy Management, Water Management, Green Building Material – Construction Material; Green Building Research Award; Training Initiative of the Year; Retrofit Project of the Year; Best Operations & Maintenance (existing building); and Healthy Space Project of the Year.
The Awards are endorsed by WorldGBC and in partnership with six MENA Green Building Councils – Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco and Palestine – with the winners selected by a prestigious group of 25 regional judges.
Platinum, Gold, Silver and other sponsorship opportunities for the Congress are still open. To register for the 9th Annual EmiratesGBC Congress, click here. To sign up for the MENA Green Building Awards, click here. For more details on registrations, sponsorships and general queries, visit https://emiratesgbc.org/ or contact the EmiratesGBC team on [email protected] or call: 04 346 8244.
EmiratesGBC has been working towards pushing the boundaries of sustainability across the UAE and wider MENA region for almost 15 years with the help of various technical trainings, programmes, events, whitepapers and studies developed by the organisation.
