EmiratesGBC Chairman Saeed Al Abbar appointed to the board of World Green Building Council

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30 Jun 2015

Saeed Al Abbar, Chairman of Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), an independent forum aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices, has been appointed to the Board of World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), a network of national green building councils in more than 90 countries.

Al Abbar follows the footsteps of Adnan Sharafi, who held the post for the past two years as the first Emirati to serve on the Board; and will assume his two-year tenure on 1 July 2015. The appointment underlines the success of EmiratesGBC in promoting sustainable built environments in the UAE and the wider Middle East region.

Al Abbar said: “It is with great respect that I take on this new role and I thank the WorldGBC for this recognition. I am particularly thankful to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, whose ‘green vision for sustainable development’ has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance for our ongoing strategy and activities. It is a true honour for EmiratesGBC and me personally, to be able to continue with our task of representing the UAE in the global green agenda.

“Since its inception in 2006, EmiratesGBC has served the goal of advancing green building principles that help protect the environment and foster sustainability across the Middle East region. Through our mission to be a catalyst for collaboration and a hub for excellence to promote sustainability of the built environment in the UAE, we have been a prime driver in facilitating the UAE’s vision to be a global leader for sustainability in the built environment. The board membership at WorldGBC will enable me to ensure the Middle East gets the attention it deserves on the global sustainability dialogue,” he added.

Terri Wills, WorldGBC CEO, said: "Green Building Councils in the Middle East and North Africa region are instrumental in transforming the marketplace towards green building, in turn addressing unique environmental challenges faced in the area.

"Saeed Al Abbar's appointment to the board of the World Green Building Council is a reflection of the importance of the region. I know that Saeed’s role with the WorldGBC will enable Green Building Councils the world over to learn from this key region," she added.

As the Founding Managing Director of Alabbar Energy and Sustainability Group (AESG), a firm specialising in the provision of energy and sustainability consultancy in the Middle East, Al Abbar is involved in managing and directing sustainable design and construction projects throughout the Middle East.

He has contributed to landmark projects including some of the largest and prestigious master-planned developments, high rise buildings, housing development and critical infrastructure. AESG has developed a strong reputation in the region for delivering high quality sustainability and energy consultancy.

Al Abbar holds a First Class Masters degree with honours in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bath and is a Certified Energy Manager, LEED Accredited Professional and Estidama Pearl Qualified Professional.

In his new capacity as board member of WorldGBC, he will actively work in promoting the advancement of sustainable buildings in the UAE and MENA region across a global platform.