Sustainability strategies for the built environment must evolve beyond net-zero targets to deliver measurable environmental impact and long-term return on investment, said global industry leaders while speaking at the Smart Building Summit being held on the sidelines of 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.
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.
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.
Speakers noted that moving beyond net-zero targets will require professionals to continuously upskill to keep pace with evolving technologies and standards.
Citing a Grand View Research data, they stated that Middle East and Africa smart building sector was poised for solid growth with the market projected to hit $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 (January 12) highlighted the scale of opportunity facing the region as smart technologies accelerate the transition to lower-carbon cities.
In his comments, Rimmer said: "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."
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 said: "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.
