Experts to launch first green building forum in Dubai

Dubai: A wide array of global experts will converge on Dubai to help build new green buildings that meet tough eco standards for construction in the emirate, says Emirates Green Building Council (Emirates GBC).

The council’s inaugural annual congress set for November 27 and 28 will provide a tangible platform for experts and eco-minded corporations to find solutions to greener more efficient buildings that use less energy in a desert climate.

Adnan Sharafi, Chairman of EmiratesGBC, said the first-ever congress is shaping up to include a forum in which “exceptional speakers locally and from abroad will represent government, industry and Academia to discuss roles and initiatives in sustainability.”

In an statement yesterday, Sharafi told Gulf News that “this will further drive our mission as a platform to promote awareness on sustainable built environments, share knowledge and also encourage various stakeholders across the supply chain to become positively active participants in the change process.”

Experts views will not be a one-way exercise, he said, noting that “interactive discussions at the first EGBC Annual Congress will be on the theme Innovations in Sustainability where experts will discuss new innovations in the construction and building sector and share case studies as well as issues of concern and the way forward.”

Sharing industry best practices on a larger platform will help the council’s 260 corporate members find the best ways forward for a more ecologically sound sector, he said.

“The congress will also highlight the role of students and research as well as delivering workshops that concern the stakeholders engaged in the industry, in addition to highlighting to members, progress achieved by Emirates GBC during the AGA topping it off with a gala dinner and recognition of outstanding volunteers.”

He said that Dubai Municipality will host a workshop on new legislation for green projects.

Saeed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of Dubai Surpreme Council of Energy will give the keynote address of the two-day event.

Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director-General of Dubai Municipality and Mohamad Al Khadar, Executive Director, Development Review & Estidama of Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, will also deliver addresses as will Jane Henley, CEO of World Green Building Council.

As many as four panel discussions are scheduled to broach topics such as worldwide certification systems for sustainable building and radical sustainable innovation to high performance buildings as well as case studies on existing projects.