EmiratesGBC nominates Habiba Al Mar’ashi to WorldGBC Board of Directors
The WorldGBC Board of Directors comprises senior leaders that have been put forward by 14 Green Building Councils from around the world
Habiba Al Mar’ashi has joined the board of directors of the World Green Building Council for 2021-2023. She was appointed to the WorldGBC Board of Directors for her leadership and dedication to the sustainable building movement, both in the UAE and at a global level. Earlier, she served on the Membership Committee of the WorldGBC.
According to a statement, the board comprises an influential group of global leaders who are driving forwards the largest global-regional-local action network to deliver net zero, healthy, equitable and sustainable built environments for everyone, everywhere.
“Al Mar’ashi has been a true champion of sustainability, and has worked tirelessly to position the best practices in the building and construction industry as central solutions to face the climate change, health and environmental crises. It is this commitment, expertise and strong leadership that has earned her place in our board. Together with our fellow directors, I look forward to working with Al Mar’ashi as we continue our collective journey with our 70 member Green Building Councils to transform the built environment and deliver on the ambitions of the Paris Agreement and UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development,” said Cristina Gamboa, CEO of the World Green Building Council.
Al Mar’ashi co-founded EmiratesGBC in 2006 and serves as its treasurer and board member. She is also the co-founder and chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), a non-government organisation established in the UAE in 1991. She also established the Arabia CSR Network in 2004, which is said to be the MENA region’s first and only multi-stakeholder platform with local and multi-national entities.
Under her leadership, both organisations achieved tremendous success and repute, emerging as preferred partners across sectors. She guided EEG to become the first environmental NGO in the world to receive ISO 14001 certification, the statement noted.
The WorldGBC Board of Directors comprises senior leaders that have been put forward by 14 Green Building Councils from around the world. It guides the strategy of the WorldGBC and ensures that it successfully delivers on its mission.
Commenting on her appointment, Al Mar’ashi remarked, “It is my honour to join the Board of the World Green Building Council, which has been actively engaged in promoting sustainable built environments as well as innovative initiatives that support climate change action. This is a true recognition of the work of EmiratesGBC, which has pioneered dialogue and concerted action to promote the culture of sustainability across the construction supply chain. With the UAE focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by a quarter by the turn of this decade and having invested significantly in transitioning to a clean energy mix, we will continue to support the nation – and the region – through the global insights gained from WorldGBC.”
She concluded, “This new position will also enable us to share best practices and learn from others on how we can progress towards net zero by 2050.”