Dubai International Conference on Sustainable Construction kicks off

Dubai, June 9, 2008 (WAM) - UAE Minister of Environment and Water Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad yesterday opened the Dubai International Conference on Sustainable Construction at the premises of the Dubai Police Academy. Over 500 delegates, ministers and officials from the ministries of environment, scientists as well as public and private sector representatives from around the world will participate in the event during which winners of the 4th edition of the Zayed International Prize will be awarded. The event is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the UAE minister said the conference will discuss the issue of sustainable construction which is one of the basics of a roadmap to a clean environment. It is a critical issue, he noted, since we spend 90% of our lives inside the buildings which have direct impact on our health and productivity. Topics to be covered by the gathering include: Policies for Sustainable Construction and Urban Development; High Performance in Buildings; Multi-stakeholder Engagement for Sustainable Construction and Urban Development; From Practice to Policy; Towards Sustainable Cement Industry; Sustainable Built Environment ; Global Landscape; Local Context, Making the World's Mega-Projects Sustainable; Macro-Sustainable Development: A Practitioner's View. In addition, experts will address subjects ranging from Opportunities and Challenges of Achieving Sustainable Designs and Outcomes on Mega-Projects; International and Regional Perspectives, Sustainable Construction Practices and the Challenge of Climate Change; Value Engineering and Sustainability; Sustainable Construction and Climate Change; Sustainable Buildings and Construction: Ignorance versus Responsibility and Opportunities; The Building and Construction Sector Facing Climate Change Challenge; and the UNEP Sustainable Buildings and Construction Initiative Contribution