In an era where decarbonization is urgently needed, a panel held at COP28's Climate Finance Hub on December 5th highlighted the role that sustainable construction must play. Moderated by Zest Associates Managing Director Jeffrey Beyer, the panel brought visionaries together to tackle the need to reduce emissions in the construction life-cycle, which is pivotal to the urban growth of the world.
Key panelists and contributors:
Mahdi Amjad shared insights from his work in Dubai's real estate industry that led him to found OMNIYAT, a luxury real estate company. Amjad emphasized the role of innovative design and its coexistence with sustainable practices in elevating living spaces. In his work with global architectural leaders, he has piloted some of Dubai's noteworthy luxury developments like The Opus and One at Palm Jumeirah.
Moataz Khalili of First Abu Dhabi Bank, the panel's co-host, discussed the benefits and positive financial implications of green building practices. He reminded that there is room in the construction industry for both economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Nadr Ragheb of ORASCOM detailed his journey from starting at a regional construction company in 2009 to leading landmark transactions of $17 billion across USA, Europe and MENA amidst challenging market conditions. He highlighted the importance of strategic investment in builidng a fertilizers and chemicals portfolio.
Key areas of discussion:
The panel delved into practical steps for reducing carbon emissions in the construction life-cycle. Discussions centered around regulatory frameworks, energy management tools, and sustainability's impact on the economic landscape. The event showed how COP28 can mark a pivotal moment in the construction industry's approach to resource efficiency, and work with partners throughout the value chain to work towards Net Zero targets and a sustainable future.
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