Climate change impacts related to human activity have rapidly become one of the key global issues facing modern societies. Buildings are estimated to generate over 70% of total Green House Gas Emissions, which we know contribute to serious issues linked to sustainability and our future environment.
These and other factors have seen the sustainable construction movement gain considerable strength and momentum over recent years. Significant pressures being placed on natural resources and there are global economic and financial constraints which are driving organisations towards greater efficiencies when designing, constructing and utilizing buildings. It is not surprising therefore, that government-led sustainable design and construction initiatives are now international in scope with almost 60 national Green Building Councils (including in the UAE and GCC) establishing ambitious performance goals for the built environment in their respective countries.
In this course, participants will gain an understanding of the importance of adopting forward-looking sustainable development goals and strategies, and of approaching each construction project with a clear set of sustainability targets/KPIs. This course is suitable for all GCC participants and will take into consideration the region’s legal frameworks, Green Building Guidelines as well as draw on international and regionally established design and build codes such as LEED, GORD’s GSAS Assessment/Certification System, and Estidama, which have been used with varying degrees of success across the Middle East in recent years.
The course covers critical elements to consider at the design and planning stages of a project in order to incorporate sustainable construction principles. Additionally, the course introduces participants to LEED, GSAS and Estidama assessment methodologies. Environmental Management Systems (EMS) and Sustainable Procurement Policies are also reviewed for their effectiveness in the construction context.
Participants will be provided with the tools to develop their skills as a 'Sustainability Champion' at a project level. A Sustainability Action Plan will be developed by each participant and form the basis of an effective sustainable agenda to be implemented in their organizational projects upon course completion.
