Emirates Green Building Council opens volunteering opportunities to serve on dedicated task forces to drive UAE’s green vision

Press release

Published February 21st, 2012 - 06:20 GMT

Adnan Sharafi, Emirates Green Building Council Chairman

Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), an independent forum aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices in the UAE, is inviting volunteers from its membership base to serve on various task forces that are aligned to promote the UAE’s vision of a ‘Green Economy for Sustainable Development,’ and the Council’s goals for 2012.

EmiratesGBC has set up ten task forces to attain various objectives during the year including the setting up of a green financing scheme and technical guidelines to make existing buildings more environmentally sustainable; developing a comprehensive programme of events with emphasis on efficiency of existing buildings; improving an e-forum and e-library to offer prompt information to various stakeholders; providing value-added research for members and establishing an annual award that promotes green practices.

EmiratesGBC already has over 260 members including leading organisations from across the building sector supply chain. The Council is offering the opportunity for staff at the various member companies and other individual members to partner with the task forces.

Adnan Sharafi, Chairman of EmiratesGBC, said: “Promoting a culture of sustainability based development involves the concerted efforts of all stakeholders. As an independent organisation promoting green building practices, we are looking forward to the active involvement of all members in our various activities to ensure that we are fully aligned with the UAE’s vision of a ‘Green Economy for Sustainable Development,’ announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.”

He added: “We have developed strategic goals for 2012, which are in line with increasing awareness on the need to implement green practices both in new and existing buildings. By volunteering on the task forces members can contribute to driving the sustainable developmental initiatives of the country.”

Members interested to volunteer should email info@emiratesgbc.org by February 29, 2012 stating the task force you would like to volunteer for and your availability for meetings. The different task forces are: Devise and implement green financing scheme for existing buildings; Prepare technical guidelines for greening existing buildings; Manage relationships with key stakeholders; Improve offering to members by understanding their needs (through comprehensive survey) and respond to needs; Develop comprehensive programme of clear and focused events with emphasis on existing buildings; Improve E-Forum / E-library to achieve goal of being a focal point linking stakeholders; Target the right sponsors for each opportunity; Hold Annual Award; Increase market presence; and Provide valued research and data to members and the market to support EmiratesGBC’s vision.

EmiratesGBC is also inviting corporates and individuals, who are dedicated to sustainable solutions and practices. Members gain significant benefits that include taking part in networking events and comprehensive programmes led by industry leaders.

Background Information

Emirates Green Building Council

The Emirates Green Building Council (Emirates GBC) was formed in 2006, with the goal of advancing green building principles for protecting the environment and ensuring sustainability in the United Arab Emirates.

Since the inception of the Emirates GBC in 2006, there has been significant change in the attitudes and demands related to the sustainable built environment. It has been encouraged by the implementation of green building policies and regulations, by the adoption of consistent rating systems, and by the increase in the overall knowledge sharing and information available on built environments and communities.