Emirates Green Building Council will highlight the importance of introducing and strengthening energy efficiency measures in existing buildings at its Focus Day to be held on January 17.

The event, held in conjunction with the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), will take place from 1pm to 5pm at Capital Suite 1, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).

The council will also showcase its activities and developmental goals at a dedicated stand at WFES from January 16 to 19, offering insights on the need to drive sustainable built environments, and providing the opportunity for stakeholders to become members of the Council.

Focus Day highlights energy efficiency in existing buildings, and is supported by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council and the Middle East Facility Management Association.

Open for non-members and members of the council, with a delegate fee of Dh100 ($27.23) and Dh150 ($40.84) respectively, it offers an ideal opportunity for stakeholders in the construction and energy supply chain to meet and brainstorm on initiatives that will help promote energy efficiency in the existing building infrastructure of the UAE.

Adnan Sharafi, chairman of EmiratesGBC, said: “While several of the new buildings that are under construction or were developed recently focus on energy efficiency measures, it is important to put emphasis on enhancing the energy and water use efficiency of existing buildings in the UAE.”

“It is estimated that energy consumption can be saved by at least 20 percent if the existing buildings can be integrated into the sustainable energy management plan, through ‘green’ retrofitting, and other measures. Focus Day puts the spotlight on this important aspect, which is important to reduce the nation’s carbon footprint and encourage a culture of sustainable living among the residents,” Sharafi said.

Representatives of leading governmental, NGO and private sector organisations will present views on enhancing energy efficiency in existing buildings. - TradeArabia News Service