Khaled Bushnaq of Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), an independent forum aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices, has been appointed the regional chair of the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) Regional Network.

The Mena Regional Network comprises nine green building councils based in the region: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, UAE, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, and Palestine.

 Bushnaq's appointment is in recognition of his proven leadership in the green building movement and dedication to improving the sustainability of buildings, both in the UAE and at the regional level, said a statement from EmiratesGBC.

Terri Wills, CEO of the World Green Building Council, said: "Whilst climate change is a global challenge, the solutions to it are often local and regional. Championing green building at these levels through our regional networks is therefore essential in order to deliver on our mission of green buildings for everyone, everywhere."

"Bushnaq has been a true champion of sustainability across Mena, and his leadership as chair will help to strengthen the network of green buildings councils in the region," observed Wills.
 
Saeed Al Abbar, the chairman of EmiratesGBC, said: "Bushnaq's appointment is a strong statement on his dedication to promoting sustainable built environments in the region. At EmiratesGBC, we congratulate him on this recognition, which will further drive our work in promoting green building best practices."

"EmiratesGBC has been at the forefront in driving transformational change in sustainable buildings, and we will continue to work with our stakeholders in promoting a green building culture across the Mena region, which today focuses on energy diversification and efficiency and sustainability as important growth drivers," he stated.
 
Thanking World Green Building Council for the honour, Bushnaq said: "The Mena region has tremendous potential to implement green building best practices, and one of the important remits of the network is to facilitate greater collaboration and partnership to promote sustainable built environments."

"The path-breaking achievements by EmiratesGBC in this regard will serve as a benchmark for the region," he added.-TradeArabia News Service