UAE Green Buildings Industry Unanimously Elects Ali Bin Towaih as New EGBC Chairman

ubai: 25 August, 2008 – The Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC), the representative body of the green building industry in UAE, today announced Engineer Ali bin Towaih has been unanimously elected as the new chairman by its Board of Directors.

Taking over from Dr Sadek Owainati, bin Towaih will endeavour to drive his vision for sustainable and environmentally friendly development, and further enhance the EGBC’s push to achieve the highest level of sustainable built environment for the UAE.

Commenting on his appointment, bin Towaih said: “Leading this prestigious and far-sighted organisation presents a significant opportunity to further advance its overarching objectives. EGBC must continue to foster collaboration among all sectors of the construction industry, the government and other institutions if it is to successfully transform the UAE built-environment into a green building model that serves as a benchmark for the rest of the region.”

Bin Towaih brings to his new role exhaustive industry know-how, garnered through holding several key positions with major regional corporations.

In 2005, bin Towaih was appointed as Executive Director of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Division (SEED) and Energy and Environment Park (Enpark), a fully comprehensive eco friendly community for commercial and residential use at TECOM Investments, a member of Dubai Holding. Since his appointment, bin Towaih’s results-oriented approach has ensured Dubai’s status as the hub for sustainable development.   

Bin Towaih is currently working on several renewable energy and green building projects for TECOM Investments, apart from managing its Sustainable Development Policy that aims to optimise energy management and green building certification across all its business parks.

Mario Seneviratne, Secretary of the EGBC Board, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ali bin Towaih on board. His exhaustive knowledge and experience in environmental issues and sustainability will add considerable value to the council’s mandate of ensuring a green future for the UAE.”
Since its formation in 2006, EGBC has established itself as an active and interactive platform stimulating discussion among professionals from various sectors of the construction industry within the UAE. With the collaboration of over 170 members, EGBC is working on formulating a roadmap for 2008/2009 that includes several initiatives and projects.
The Emirates GBC (www.EmiratesGBC.org) was accepted as a full member by the World Green Building Council effectively on 17 September 2006, making it the eighth national organisation to join the world body, alongside the US, Canada, Japan, Australia, India, Taiwan, and Mexico.