The region will need more building services and smart technology engineering graduates in the coming years as the demand for green building and energy efficiency projects hits a new high, said experts at a key forum in Dubai.

It was hosted by Emirates Green Building Council, an independent forum aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices, and Heriot-Watt University.

At the forum, graduate and undergraduate students from Heriot-Watt University, American University of Sharjah, The British University in Dubai and Dubai Men’s College had the opportunity to hear first-hand from experts including Tushant Suri, sustainability co-ordinator, Brookfield Multiplex; Simone El Henoud, specification market development manager, Dow; Hari Kishan Meka, the regional sustainability manager, Al Futtaim Carillion; Jack Marcos, the business development manager (Turnkey Solutions), Trane; and Basel Kotob (Practice Leader) HOK Dubai.

The event highlighted the importance of the green building industry to future prospective members.

The panel discussion led by Dr Kirk Shanks, the director of studies, Architectural Engineering School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, focused on the current state of the green building industry.

Panelists examined the trends expected in the green building sector as well as future needs in the industry.
Highlighting the projects they have worked on as well as what they will be focusing on in the coming years, they identified what they will be looking for from graduates in terms of research interests, credentials, degrees and experience.

Saeed Al Alabbar, the chairman of EmiratesGBC, said: "We have witnessed an increase in the number of qualified professionals but, as the industry grows, we will need even more professionals with a thorough understanding of green buildings."

"It is important that we identify the credentials and expertise that will be needed in the future and guide our graduates through the path that will benefit their career prospects while ensuring a healthy future for the green building industry," observed Alabbar.

At the forum, the participants agreed on the increased demand for expertise on energy efficiency and green building and the importance of education and training to ensure the region has enough qualified professionals in the future.-TradeArabia News Service