The region’s top industry leaders will present the latest in sustainable construction techniques and solutions at an upcoming eco-friendly building summit in Abu Dhabi.

The inaugural Green Building Middle East Summit will be held from May 24 to 26 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) during the Arabian Construction Week, concurrently with the Arabian World Construction Summit (AWCS).

The Green Building Middle East Summit, endorsed by the Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC), will also bring together hundreds of exhibitors, over 300 delegates and numerous trade visitors, a statement said.

The summit will be held concurrently with the Green Building Middle East exhibition.

The event will witness policy makers and experts debate, discuss and share best practice and highlight the most progressive thinking on sustainable design, infrastructure, construction and the built environment.

It will also engage internationally renowned industry leaders and commentators in a debate, drawing on high profile projects and policies from around the world, to shape the future strategy and direction of the industry.

“The UAE has firm commitment to green building measures,” Jeff Willis, chairman, EGBC.

“It is very exciting to see an event that combines an exhibition and the summit on green building with both forums seeking to share leading industry practices, techniques and accomplishments,” he added.

“At the same time, we believe the summit will prove to be an appropriate meeting point for industry professionals to exchange ideas and partner with each other to further develop green building industry.”

The summit will also address relevant themes such as the economics of green construction, making low carbon construction possible, managing buildings effectively, stimulating refurbishment programmes, efficient water management, making micro renewables work, creating sustainable cities, waste and recycling, sourcing building materials ethically and responsibly, adapting to the impact of climate change, and designing green.

A special Focus Day on May 26 will be organised by EGBC. With the significant focus and requirements for green buildings, EGBC will dedicate the day for formulating and offering the ‘up to the minute’ information on the regulation as well as the latest pilot and specific development studies.

Willis added: “The construction industry has gone through a significant transformation including the addition of numerous green building requirements, techniques, technologies and products. It is vital to continue driving the development and innovation by introducing and promoting key ideas that are revolutionising the industry.”

Jerry Yudelson, president of Yudelson Associates, experts in LEED green building rating system, said: “Over the past five years, the business case for green building has become clear, with benefits exceeding costs for both owners and occupants.”

“As design and construction teams acquire more experience with green building approaches, we expect to see this becoming the mainstream activity in the building sector. At this time, the Middle East is rapidly moving toward green building, with the opportunity to become a world leader in this activity over the next decade,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service