Emirates Green Building Council (Emirates GBC), an organisation which is avowedly aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices in the UAE, has commenced its calendar of industry networking events for 2011 with a guest lecture by Dr Susan Roaf, Professor of Architectural Engineering at HeriotWatt University, UK.

Dr Roaf, an award winning teacher, architect, researcher and author, addressed the gathering on ‘Sense and science: minimising risk in the built environment in a rapidly changing world’.

The presentation was held at the Aloft Hotel, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, and was attended by industry professionals and academics,

Dr Roaf is an expert in setting benchmarks for sustainable buildings, adapting buildings for climate change, and also eco-house design. She discussed the application of sustainable practices to promote green buildings that will help mitigate environmental risks and promote the advancement in the community and economy at large.

On the occasion, Adnan Sharafi, Chairman of Emirates GBC, said: “The industry networking sessions organised by Emirates GBC are strongly attended thought leadership events that highlight the latest advances in sustainable development practices.

“The events help the Emirates GBC members and non-members to share best practices, and thus contribute to promoting green building practices in the region.”

He added: “Dr Susan Roaf has an exemplary track record in highlighting the challenges and opportunities in green buildings, and her session provided rich insights into practical realities, inspiring the participants to partner in promoting sustainable building development.”

In this context, Emirates GBC revealed that in-line with its key objectives of enhancing awareness on sustainability, special training workshops on green building principles are currently being offered to professionals.

Developed in partnership with British University in Dubai, the Emirates GBC supports training courses in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The council also organises focus days for industry experts to interact and knowledge share.

Claimed to be the first green building council established in the UAE, the Emirates GBC is a member of the World Green Building Council (WGBC). The Council also leads the WGBC MENA Network – a cooperative initiative between Emirates GBC, Qatar Green Building Council and Jordan Green Building Council.