First row (left to right): Saleh Al Nubani - Dr. Linda Nubani - Rajesh Parameswaran
Middle row (left to right): Boris Ritter - Dimitrious Moussios
Top row (left to right): Marcus Mestemacher - Michael Kruckenberg - Dr. Robert Marans

On the 28th of October 2007, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Prime Minister and Vice-President, and Ruler of Dubai issued a new resolution to adopt the 'Green Building' model in Dubai to ensure a healthy and environment-friendly city. As per the new resolution, effective January 2008, all residential and commercial buildings in Dubai must comply with these green standards.

In an effort to promote awareness, the American University in Dubai and Sesam Business Consultants organized 'Dubai Green Seminar' at the AUD auditorium on Thursday, February 28th 2008. Over 450 people attended the Dubai Green Seminar, including seven international speakers.

Boris Ritter from Sesam Business Consultants commented: “The positive feedback we received while planning for the seminar confirmed that there is a great need for more information on the green building subject. We aim to bring together the relevant players of the industries involved and give hands-on advice on how the new regulations will change your work and on how you can stay ahead of the developments”.

Dr. Linda Nubani from the American University in Dubai commented: “The enthusiasm represented by the sheer number that turned out to participate at this event is a promising departure point for a better future and is in itself green! I believe that we should not be waiting for the environment to turn green, as the behavior of every individual impacts our environment the same way our environment impacts ours!”

The seminar kicked off with Dr. Robert Marans from the Institute of Social Research at the University of Michigan spoke about The Behavioral Aspects of Energy Conservation and Sustainability and suggested ways on how we as individuals can modify our behavior in an effort to contribute to a greener environment.

Mario Seneviratne, Founder & Board Member of Emirates Green Building Council, advised the audience on LEED specification and its local implication and the next steps to be taken as a result of the new resolution. Richard F. Smith, Technical Director, Atkins Middle East & India, UAE presented to the audience some cases studies on High-rise Towers in the Middle East.

The keynote presentations were followed by four presentations by the sponsors on green related products.

Dimitrious Moussios, Wacker Chemicals Middle East, spoke about External Insulation Finishing System as an efficient energy saving method.

Rajesh Parameswaran from Hera Lightning Germany lectured on lighting solutions that contribute to greener environment.

Marcus Mestemacher, from HUGA Germany and Architeriors UAE spoke about the responsible use of natural resources in modern building components.

Michael Kruckenberg from Stiebel Eltron Germany presented Energy Efficient hot water solutions as sustainable business opportunity.