Middle East looks to pioneer new approaches to green building systems

The British University in Dubai (BUiD) has partnered with the Emirates Green Building Council to offer the first LEED Accredited Professional Examination Courses in the region. Industry professional and students can participate in the programme, which runs throughout the summer.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System program is one of the key international benchmarks for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

By completing the course, students will better understand the criteria involved in the LEEDS assessment - including better use of water, energy and sustainable material - and be more able to build these considerations into their approach to architecture and design.

"A sustainable approach to design and development forms the blueprint for the future of the UAE, as laid out in the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad, UAE Prime Minister and Vice-President, and Ruler of Dubai," said Dr. Abdullah Abdulla Alshamsi, Vice-Chancellor, British University in Dubai.

"Achieving this vision requires not only better management of energy resources - it also requires long-term investment in human resources, through training and education. This course will make an important contribution to equipping students with the skills necessary to pioneer new building techniques,"

he added.

BUiD is playing a key role in expanding the discussion around the implementation of sustainable design principles. Its Masters Degree course in the Sustainable Design of the Built Environment has attracted a new wave of new young architects and industry practitioners.

The University is also supporting a range of original research projects around green development. Dr. Bassam Abu-Hijleh, Atkins Senior Lecturer, The British University in Dubai (BUiD) has recently outlined new research into methods for cooling buildings could be cooled without the negative environmental impacts of conventional air conditioning.

"There is a growing requirement across the construction market for sustainable innovative ideas that meet needs of the region. Given the high temperatures and challenging building conditions that developers face, original research is necessary to respond to the specific challenges of construction in the Middle East," said Dr. Abu-Hijleh.

Professionals attending the workshop will learn about maximizing building performance, achieving LEED certification and preparing to undertake the LEED Professional Accreditation Examination in order to become a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP).