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EmiratesGBC highlights importance of deep retro-fitting

DUBAI, November 13, 2019

Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), an independent forum aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices, organised a Focus Day, in partnership with Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry to discuss the importance of deep retro-fitting and also honour the newly-qualified building retrofit specialists.

At the event, certified specialists qualified through the Building Retrofit Training programme, organised by EmiratesGBC in association with the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) and Masdar, were also honoured, said the statement from EmiratesGBC.

The Focus Day, held under the theme, ‘Improving Building Performance through Deep Retrofitting’
complements the ongoing efforts of EmiratesGBC and building industry stakeholders to drive the retrofitting of existing buildings in the UAE to meet national and global carbon emission targets.

Speakers discussed innovative solutions and approaches to retrofit buildings that go beyond current programmes to achieve higher levels of energy efficiency as well as cost-savings.

A panel comprising government and industry representatives discussed in-depth the opportunities and barriers in implementing deep retrofits in the region, said the statement.

The focus on deep retrofits also supports the goal of the UAE, one of the first national governments to commit to the ‘Zero Carbon Buildings for All’ initiative, led by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and endorsed by the UN Secretary General, it added.

Chairman Saeed Al Abbar said: "The UAE has set clear strategic directions and commitments to achieving net zero carbon buildings. The UAE Clean Energy Strategy 2050, the Green Building Regulations already enforced in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, and other sustainable energy initiatives are all significant drivers to achieving sustainable built environments."

"Retrofitting existing buildings is central to achieving energy efficiency, and it is a task that, no doubt, calls for concerted efforts but with results that have far-reaching positive impact," he stated.

Afra Alowais, EmiratesGBC Board Member & Chief Efficienology Officer, Sewa, said the Focus Day underlines the importance of industry and government to work together to improve the environmental impact of the existing building stock in the UAE.

“Building retrofit can yield energy savings and reduce the environmental impact of a building in addition to bringing huge financial benefits to a building’s ongoing operations. The success of deep retrofitting and achieving the net zero goals can only be achieved through strong public private partnership. Our leadership has already set ambitious targets to promote this, and it is important for all stakeholders collaborate and help achieve the goals,” he added.

As part of promoting deeper understanding on retrofitting, EmiratesGBC offers the Building Retrofit Training Programme in partnership with DSCE and Masdar.-TradeArabia News Service




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