The Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) is using its 20-year legacy to spearhead the next chapter of sustainable development within the nation's built environment as the United Arab Emirates accelerates its ambitious journey towards achieving Net Zero by 2050.

The Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) is using its 20-year legacy to spearhead the next chapter of sustainable development within the nation's built environment as the United Arab Emirates accelerates its ambitious journey towards achieving Net Zero by 2050

Recently, the Council hosted an anniversary gala, ‘Celebrating 20 Years of Sustainable Impact’. This milestone event brought together industry pioneers, partners, and government leaders to commemorate two decades of landmark achievements. The gathering launched a renewed mission that focuses entirely on future-proofing buildings across the UAE for a resilient, decarbonised world.

Driving environmental transformation

As a cornerstone of the UAE's sustainable building movement, the Council is doubling down on its commitment to drive environmental transformation. With the building sector currently causing a significant portion of the country's carbon emissions, EmiratesGBC's future focus plays a critical role in meeting national climate goals. The organisation's work will drive the deep retrofitting, new construction standards, and circular economy principles that the UAE needs to successfully achieve its Net Zero by 2050 ambition.

Khalid Bushnaq, chairman of EmiratesGBC, emphasised the urgency of this new chapter: “The immediacy of our climate goals means sustainability no longer serves as a luxury or an afterthought, but as a core responsibility we owe to the world and future generations. We feel immensely proud of the foundational role EmiratesGBC has played, but the challenge ahead requires us to act bolder. Our focus remains squarely on the future, as we ensure the built environment enables an equitable and sustainable life for all.”

Expanding the conversation

EmiratesGBC used the event to announce the upcoming launch of ‘The Sustainability Lounge’ to actively accelerate public engagement in this vital mission. EmiratesGBC designed this new podcast series to extend the critical conversation surrounding sustainability beyond industry professionals. This initiative will bring important discussions about green buildings and sustainable living directly to the people who live and work in these spaces, making the wider public active participants in the sustainability journey.

Two decades of impact

Two decades of foundational achievements solidly support EmiratesGBC’s forward-looking mission. Since its inception in 2006, when the World Green Building Council recognised it as the eighth green building council, EmiratesGBC has acted as a pivotal force.

Key historical milestones include:

• Regional Leadership: The Council’s instrumental role in establishing the WorldGBC MENA Network, alongside launching the respected MENA Green Building Awards, has firmly solidified its leadership position.
• Regulatory Influence: Furthermore, EmiratesGBC has played an instrumental role in shaping the UAE’s broader regulatory landscape over the years.
• Policy Development: Its collaborative work alongside major governmental bodies—including the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and Dubai's Supreme Council of Energy—has produced tangible policies. These successes include national retrofitting guidelines and vital energy benchmarking frameworks.

During her keynote address, Dr Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder, Vice Chair, and Treasurer of EmiratesGBC, noted the Council's pivotal role in decisively shifting sustainability from a niche concept to a core industry principle. She stated that EmiratesGBC fundamentally changed the conversation around green buildings in the UAE, marking its greatest achievement. Looking ahead, she called for continued collaboration to build resilient, regenerative communities for future generations.

A collaborative future

Outlining the Council's strategy, EmiratesGBC chief executive officer, Abdullatif Albitawi, commented: “Our role as a convener remains more critical than ever. We are creating the platforms where we forge the solutions for our Net Zero ambitions. The MENA Green Building Awards will continue to spotlight the tangible innovations our region can produce, while our Annual Congress will provide the space where the industry collaborates, challenges, and learns, ensuring we all leave better equipped to build the future.”

Arabian Gulf Steel Industries provided Platinum Sponsorship for the 20th-anniversary celebration, which served as the official launchpad for an intensified focus on the future, reaffirming shared commitments to meeting the UAE's ambitious climate targets.