Industry leaders at Light + Intelligent Building Middle East outline priorities shaping a more energy-efficient built environment

Sustainability strategies for the built environment must evolve beyond net-zero targets to deliver measurable environmental impact and long-term return on investment, according to industry leaders speaking at the Smart Building Summit, at Light + Intelligent Building Middle East.

The session, titled “Beyond Net-Zero: Rethinking Sustainability & Energy Efficiency in the Built Environment”, brought together regional experts to examine how innovative materials, renewable energy integration, data-driven decision-making and education are reshaping the next phase of sustainable development across the Middle East.

Moderated by Sila Egridere, Urban Development Director at the Mayors of Europe, the panel included Drew Tinsley, Director, Building Services, WSP Middle East; Nandan Tavkar, Senior Associate Director, Sustainability, Jacobs; Michael Rimmer, Regional Director, MEP, Egis; and Dr. Hassan Chaudhry, Associate Professor, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, reflecting the multidisciplinary approach required to deliver future-ready smart buildings.

According to Grand View Research, the Middle East and Africa smart building market is projected to reach US$46.15 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.8% underlining the commercial and environmental imperative for smarter, more efficient buildings. Discussions yesterday highlighted the scale of opportunity facing the region as smart technologies accelerate the transition to lower-carbon cities.

Rimmer commented: “In 2026, technology enables engineers to produce hundreds and even thousands of simulations in the time that it took to produce three or four two decades ago. This enables us to calculate carbon impact, cost and construction sequence with unprecedented accuracy. All of this new technology is helping us to push innovation and the boundaries of net zero.”

From an education and skills perspective, the session highlighted the growing availability of accredited programmes in the UAE in vital subjects including sustainability, digital twins, artificial intelligence and facilities management. Speakers noted that moving beyond net-zero targets will require professionals to continuously upskill to keep pace with evolving technologies and standards.

The discussion also pointed to the region’s architectural heritage, including Dubai’s historic Bastakiya district, as an early example of climate-responsive design. Panellists noted that when these time-tested principles are integrated with modern engineering and smart technologies, they can help shape more efficient and future-ready buildings.

Abdul Muhsin, Show Director for Light + Intelligent Building Middle East commented: “The Middle East has never lacked ambition when it comes to the built environment, and the discussions at the Smart Building Summit demonstrate how moving beyond net-zero can unlock long-term value, reducing operational costs, improving performance and supporting the region’s broader decarbonisation goals”.

The Smart Building Summit, now in its fourth edition, continues until tomorrow. This week, the summit has shared valuable insights from organisations including Dubai Municipality, Madrid City Council, Dubai Holding, Marmara Municipalities Union and the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), reinforcing its role as a key knowledge platform for policymakers, developers, designers and technology providers shaping the future of the built environment.

Light + Intelligent Building Middle East will be held in Za’abeel Halls 1-3 and Hall 1 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

To register as media for Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, please visit: www.messefrankfurtme-registration.com/MF_Shop/LIBME26