Green Government

UAE authorities emphasise importance of green buildings

By Alice Kok | 2 September 2008

The United Arab Emirates has underlined the importance of incorporating green standards into the building code with the appointment of a new head to the Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC).

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Engineer Ali bin Towaih has been unanimously elected as the new chairman for EGBC—the representative body of the green building industry in UAE.

Towaih holds a vision for sustainable and environmentally friendly development, and wants to further enhance the EGBC’s push to achieve the highest level of sustainable built environment for the UAE. He says of his vision for the non-profit organisation, “The EGBC goal this year is to align its members from the industry with local and Federal Government initiatives. The partnership will be the council’s way of conducting business with its stakeholders in addition to its role in public awareness.”

“’Leading this prestigious and far-sighted organisation presents a significant opportunity to further advance its overarching objectives. EGBC must continue to foster collaboration among all sectors of the construction industry, the government and other institutions if it is to successfully transform the UAE built-environment into a green building model that serves as a benchmark for the rest of the region.”

Armed with a wealth of experience as an engineer in various green projects, his results-oriented approach has ensured Dubai’s status as the hub for sustainable development. Currently, Towaih is working on several renewable energy and green building projects for TECOM Investments, apart from managing its Sustainable Development Policy that aims to optimise energy management and green building certification across all its business parks.

Mario Seneviratne Secretary of the EGBC Board says, “His exhaustive knowledge and experience in environmental issues and sustainability will add considerable value to the council’s mandate of ensuring a green future for the UAE.”

The Emirates GBC was accepted as a full member by the World Green Building Council in 2006, making it the eighth national organisation to join the world body, alongside the US, Canada, Japan, Australia, India, Taiwan, and Mexico.