Abu Dhabi to host sustainability workshop on tenders and contracts

To facilitate this, International Quality and Productivity Center (IQPC), an internationally leading provider of tailored, industry-driven conferences and its endorser the Emirates Green Building Council, announced today an exciting addition to the 3rd Annual Cost-Effective Sustainable Design and Construction Summit being held in at the Beach Rotana Hotel and Towers, Abu Dhabi, 15 to 18 March 2009.

Nick Downing, Craig Shepherd and Andrew Newbery of Abu Dhabi-based lawyers Herbert Smith LLP will present a workshop for developers, consultants and providers of buildings on how to manage the tender and contracting process to ensure that projects meet the Government's new sustainability requirements.

Andrew Newbery, Managing Partner of international law firm Herbert Smith's Abu Dhabi office, said: "We are able to draw on substantial experience of major development and energy projects in the UAE and worldwide, and therefore work through the emerging principles of public policy specific to Abu Dhabi and explain the bearing these have on how private contracts relating to development, energy and waste should be settled. The workshop will be of benefit to all participants in development in the UAE including developers, architects, contractors, infrastructure suppliers, lawyers, bankers, investors and insurers."

This will be the first time in the region that over 50 international and regional speakers will reveal the latest cost analysis and implementation strategies for sustainable building initiatives.

Kelly Grant, Conference Director, IQPC Middle East, says:

"With funding becoming ever more difficult to obtain, it is imperative to demonstrate the business case for green building. This event has evolved alongside the current market situation, with even more emphasis placed on cost-analysis of sustainable tools and techniques, ensuring that sustainable building does not get left behind during these tough times."

Stephen Oehme, Chairman of the 3rd Annual Cost-Effective Sustainable Design and Construction Summit, and Regional Director, Value Management and Sustainability, Hyder Consulting Middle East, added, "Sustainability is firmly on everyone's agenda. One of the key questions is the cost of sustainability. This event addresses various approaches, local and international case studies locally along with insights and solutions in attaining sustainability cost effectively."