UAE Joins Global Initiative For Near-Zero Emission Buildings By 2030

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a significant step towards sustainability and environmental conservation by participating in the inaugural Buildings and Climate Global Forum 2024 in Paris, France. This pivotal event marked the first gathering of ministers and officials dedicated to decarbonisation and resilience within the construction, real estate, and construction sectors since the COP28 conference. The forum was a collaborative effort between France and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), supported by the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction.

At this international platform, the UAE, through the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), endorsed a joint ministerial declaration. This declaration outlines common principles and a cooperation framework aimed at achieving "Near-zero emission and resilient buildings by 2030". By doing so, the UAE has officially joined the global initiative to reduce carbon emissions in the building sector and improve its resilience against climate change.

Eng. Nusaiba Al Marzouqi, Director of Studies and Research and Chief Innovation Officer at MoEI, represented the UAE's commitment to this cause. Eng. Al Marzouqi actively participated in high-level sessions during the forum, showcasing the UAE's efforts in developing clear, measurable methodologies for reducing carbon footprints in the building and construction sector. Furthermore, she discussed the mechanism for updating targets within the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), positioning the UAE as a leading example for other nations to follow.

The forum also coincided with the annual meeting of the World Green Building Council Committee, of which the UAE is a member through the Ministry. This meeting focused on monitoring the implementation of the Council's strategies, activities, and initiatives. Among these initiatives is Buildings Breakthrough, alongside reviewing and approving the Buildings Global Status Report 2023. The UAE's active participation in these discussions underscores its dedication to fostering sustainable development and combating climate change on both a national and global scale.

This involvement not only highlights the UAE's proactive approach to environmental conservation but also its role as a key player in international efforts to create a more sustainable future. Through initiatives like these, the UAE continues to demonstrate its commitment to achieving significant reductions in carbon emissions within critical sectors such as building and construction, thereby contributing to global sustainability goals.

With inputs from WAM