Seminar highlights green building best practices

Dubai / WAM

As part of its efforts to promote sustainable and responsible practices within Dubai’s business community, the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network, recently hosted a seminar and networking event in collaboration with the Emirates Green Building Council focusing on best practices in green building.
The event, held at the Chamber’s premises, was organised by the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network’s Real Estate and Construction Sector Working Group, and focused on value-based approaches to designing, constructing and operating green buildings, in addition to retrofitting and greening existing buildings.
The working group, led by Al Futtaim Carillion and Al Rostamani Pegel, includes Consolidated Contractors International Company S.A.L, Tecom Group, Six Construct, ABB, and Majid Al Futtaim Group.
The seminar highlighted a number of case studies within the local business community that demonstrated how organisations were able to achieve positive and predictable results from implementing green building solutions and standards. The event provided a unique platform for facilitating collaboration and partnerships on green building and sustainability.
During the seminar, several speakers shared their insights and perspectives, including Saeed Al Abbar, Chairman, Emirates Green Building Council, Farah Naz, Sustainability Associate, BuroHappold Engineering, Muhammad Faisal Jaffar, Head of Consultancy – Energy Efficiency, Farnek, Amin El Najjar, Operations Director, Enova and Tushant Suri, Senior Sustainability Coordinator, Multiplex. Presentations and discussions focused on progress related to the development of green buildings in the UAE, as well as common challenges and opportunities associated with green building.
Dr. Belaid Rettab, Senior Director, Economic Research & Sustainable Business Development Sector, Dubai Chamber, highlighted the importance of the seminar as it complements the Chamber’s efforts to encourage the emirate’s business community to adopt sustainable and efficient strategies and practices. He explained that such initiatives support Dubai’s aim to become one of the most sustainable cities in the world by 2020, in line with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
Dr. Rettab explained that the Chamber itself serves as a prime example of how organisations can embrace sustainability, as its head office building became the first in the Arab world to achieve LEED Platinum certification, adding that this recognition reflects the Chamber’s strong reputation and focus on social responsibility.
Saeed Al Abbar, Chairman of Emirates Green Building Council, said: “Since its inception, EmiratesGBC has served as an integral partner in achieving the ‘green vision’ of the nation, which has already achieved tangible results in reducing its ecological footprint. The various initiatives of EmiratesGBC have helped redefine the sustainable built environment of the UAE, supporting the nation to achieve new benchmarks through nearly ten years of path-breaking initiatives.”
We are proud to collaborate with Dubai Chamber on events like this to further promote best practices in sustainable development.”
The Sustainability Network is part of Dubai Chamber’s Centre for Responsible Business (CRB). Established in 2004, the Centre plays an important role in instilling a culture of responsible business in the UAE. The Centre assists Dubai Chamber members in applying responsible business practices that enhance their performance and competitiveness. It also provides research, training and events related to corporate social responsibility that support Dubai’s transition to a green economy.