Emirates Green Building Council (Emirates GBC), an organisation aimed at strengthening and promoting green building practices in the UAE, will highlight how the construction sector can contribute to sustainable development at The Big 5 exhibition.

The event will be held at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre from November 21 to 24, is the leading business and networking platform for the construction industry. GBC is the supporting association of the event, a statement from the organisation said.

The Big 5 also co-hosts two other important industry events: Middle East Concrete, which showcases the latest products, machinery and technology for the concrete industry; and PMV Live, which offers a unique mix of products, technology, machinery and live demonstrations for the plant, machinery and vehicles sector.

Emirates GBC will showcase its spectrum of activities aimed at engaging all stakeholders in the supply chain to advance green building principles that help protect the environment and foster sustainability, at the event.

Individuals and corporate organisations can also register their interest to become members of the forum at the exhibition stand, the statement said.

Adnan Sharafi, chairman, Emirates GBC, said: “The Big 5 is a key industry event that brings together all stakeholders in the construction sector. According to the International Energy Agency, buildings are responsible for nearly 40 per cent of the world’s primary energy consumption and about 24 per cent of the global carbon dioxide emissions, making them a critical component in any sustainable development initiative.”

“Through our support to The Big 5 and our participation at the exhibition, we aim to promote environmental awareness and knowledge of how buildings can contribute to environmental degradation. This is particularly relevant now with massive investments in the infrastructure and construction sector, and the regional governments focusing on green developments. Our objective is to inspire various stakeholders to take proactive steps to incorporate ‘green design’ principles right from site selection and planning to design, development, materials used and operational stage.”

Emirates GBC’s association with The Big 5 is also in line with its vision to actively support the UAE to be one of the five global leaders in helping to reduce the ecological footprint of the sustainable building environment by 2015.

Dr Sadek Owainati, co-founder and Jeffrey Willis, vice chairman of Emirates GBC are on the advisory board of the event, the statement today.

Emirates GBC board secretary Sarfraz Dairkee will make a presentation at the Green Build Congress, which is held on the sidelines of The Big 5, focused on green leadership, while the vice chairmen of the council, Saeed Alabbar and Jeffrey Willis, will participate as panellists at various sessions.

In addition to networking events for members and non-members held monthly, Emirates GBC hosts and participates in multinational events, conferences and forums, it said.

The council has developed a suite of activities including technical workshops, focus days and seminars and workshops on aspects related to the entire supply chain and green building concepts. It opened a new office recently in Al Joud Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.

As one of the largest building and construction show in the Mena region, the event will feature more than 2,500 exhibitors and over 70 country pavilions. – TradeArabia News Service