The Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) has opened submissions for its MENA Green Building Awards 2019 and has introduced a new category for Zero Building/Zero Building Design of the Year. EmiratesGBC says the category integrates regional and global priorities in advancing net zero in the built environment and is a first for the region.
The annual MENA Green Building Awards are said to identify, recognise and highlight organisations for innovative and outstanding sustainable building principles and practices. EmiratesGBC says they facilitate a greater understanding of the contributions from the construction sector to sustainable development, and lead to an exchange of ideas and good practice in sustainability in the MENA region.
The awards are endorsed by the World Green Building Council and held in partnership with six MENA Green Building Councils, EmiratesGBC notes.
“Each year we aim to reflect the changes and trends in the sustainable built environment within the MENA Green Building Awards. Including the Zero Building and Zero Building Design of the Year awards category is evidence of the progression the industry is making toward a net zero future and creates a push toward accelerating the implementation of net zero principles in the industry. Our vision is to see net zero buildings become a norm in sustainable development by inspiring and encouraging stakeholders to shift their perceptions and make bold moves to be part of the change. We are facing unprecedented challenges as the threats from climate change keep mounting, but we have the technologies and innovative mind-sets to push back and showcase that we as a region can contribute to the global movement for sustainability,” says Saeed Al Abbar, chairman of EmiratesGBC.
Awards will be presented across 20 professional categories, in addition to the Dr. Owainati Student Excellence Award. This award offers the potential of a cash prize to a student from a recognised university in the UAE who has conducted exceptional research work in a subject related to green buildings in the Middle East. The awards will be audited by KPMG to ensure the highest standards of governance and transparency, EmiratesGBC remarks.
The Awards are open to all organisations including public and private sector enterprises, associations, consultants and practitioners who can demonstrate innovation and a high level of excellence in sustainable principles and practices in the MENA Region.
Details on submissions and deadlines can be seen here: https://emiratesgbc.org/event/2019-mena-green-building-awards/