Dubai Chamber Seminar Highlights Best Practices For Greening Existing Buildings

Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network hosted an informative seminar at the Chamber’s premises where industry experts highlighted best practices and benefits for businesses and organisations that invest in converting their existing buildings into green buildings.

DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 22nd Nov, 2018) Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network hosted an informative seminar at the Chamber’s premises where industry experts highlighted best practices and benefits for businesses and organisations that invest in converting their existing buildings into green buildings.

During the seminar, participants shed light on several important aspects related to retrofitting buildings into green buildings, such as regulation governing such activities, case studies, return on investment and key challenges that should be addressed in order to encourage more organisations in Dubai to adopt green building practices.

Faisal Rashid, Director Demand Side Management, Supreme Council of Energy, noted that the UAE has built an enabling environment for green buildings including required regulations, and the major players of the sector are engaged. Several successful projects have now been completed which serve as good examples for the business community, he said, highlighting the fact that the government has removed barriers preventing companies to invest in green buildings, and introduced regulation to support organisations in this area.

Ms. Fatima Al Hebshi, Sustainability Engineer, Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, explained that the Green Infrastructure Programme coordinates and works with many buildings to reach sustainability in terms of energy reduction, water usage reduction, and waste recycling.

Khaled Bushnaq, Vice Chairman, Emirates Green Building Council, said that the Council is working on a benchmarking project which is a part of the Energy Efficiency Accelerator Program, and pointed out that Dubai is the only city in the MENA region which is committed to it and this benchmarking includes 100 buildings in Dubai including hotels, malls and schools.

All participants agreed that a lack of awareness on green building standards and requirements remains a key challenge facing the business community, which needs to be addressed in order to encourage more companies to retrofit buildings.

The participants outlined several steps and tips for companies that are keen to convert their existing buildings into green buildings, including certification programs such as LEED, existing codes for green buildings in Dubai, and exploring the environmental, social and financial benefits of adopting green building practices.

Case studies shared during the event demonstrated the fact that turnaround for return on investment for green building projects can actually be quite fast.

Dr. Belaid Rettab, Senior Director, Economic Research and Sustainable Business Development Sector, Dubai Chamber, stressed the importance of hosting seminars that provide clarity on sustainability issues that impact the business community and encourage more organisations to adopt best international practices.