First LEED green building in the Arab world

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has become the first building in the Arab world to achieve globally recognised green credentials.


According to the building’s owners it’s now the first existing building in the region to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

Some of the highlights of Dubai Chamber’s green building programme include reducing water and energy consumption by approximately 77% and 47% respectively between 1998 and 2008, leading to significant carbon emission reductions and accumulated savings of around seven million.

Other highlights include the recycling of paper, plastic and electronic waste, free valet parking for visitors using fuel efficient vehicles, and the collection of condensate water from air conditioners.

By doing this Dubai Chamber aims to show how existing buildings can be significantly improved in a way that saves money, reduces pollution, and improves conditions for its users

He Eng Hamad Buamim, director general of the Dubai Chamber, said: “Receiving this LEED accreditation is a huge success not just for us and Dubai, but the UAE and broader region.

“This certification is another first for Dubai Chamber and affirms our determination and commitment to supporting Dubai’s green building aspirations and the strategic visions of our leaders for environmental sustainability.

“We have been working hard to improve the environmental performance of our head office since 1998, originally, we were focused on water and energy efficiency but in 2007 we began focusing on waste management and recycling, and in 2008 we decided to extend our efforts to include green transport and purchasing.”

Dubai Chamber formed a special green building committee with employees and the Global Tech Safety and Environmental Consultancy to apply the LEED certification standards.

Luke Walsh

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