The Big 5 takes steps towards becoming carbon neutral

The Big 5 is set to take place from 23-26 November 2009 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Working with EcoVentures, the Middle East's premier emissions reductions firm, dmg world media, the organisers behind The Big 5, are aiming to ensure that the show reduces its contribution to the global problem of climate change by endeavouring to have any emissions associated with the event reduced to net zero.

Despite the fact that the economic crisis has recently put the green debate somewhat on the back-burner, environmental issues are clearly here to stay. Environmental considerations are becoming increasingly important in the UAE, including within the construction sector for example, the introduction of new building regulations by Dubai Government requiring that all new buildings meet international green building standards.

The Big 5, therefore, recognises how vital it is for the construction industry to prepare itself for this greener future now, and will aim not only to lead by example and host the wider debate, but will also educate companies in how they can help to reduce their own carbon footprint, and how best environmental practice can lead to economic benefits rather than increased costs.

The Big 5 is already well known for taking a number of steps towards adopting innovative best practice in the field of environmental responsibility, most notably demonstrated by the launch of The Gaia Awards in 2008.

Named after the Greek goddess of the earth, these were the first awards in the region to honour those working towards reducing the environmental impact of the construction sector.

With energy usage (air conditioning, water supply, power) in the life cycle of a building equating for two thirds of carbon dioxide emissions in the region, and each Dubai resident producing some 44 tons of CO2 each year, the figures show why The Big 5 is taking the first steps in managing the progression to being Carbon Neutral, and encouraging construction companies to follow suit.

Simon Mellor, Vice President of Construction for dmg world media, said, "The Big 5 is already well known for working with the construction industry to set the agenda for the future, as it is a unique forum which brings together key players from across the world. This year, we aim to go beyond exceptional, and will be the first show in the region to take steps towards becoming Carbon Neutral. We are delighted to be working with EcoVentures to make this happen, and extremely pleased that we have the full backing and support of our hosts, Dubai World Trade Centre."

"Environmental issues are here to stay and The Big 5 wants to help the construction industry ensure that it places itself in the best possible position now to meet any challenges in the future. We aim to lead by example, taking the first step towards becoming Carbon Neutral ourselves. If we can then educate even a small percentage of our visitors and exhibitors about the ways in which they themselves can reduce their carbon footprint, we will have been successful," he added.

Armen Vartanian, Director, EcoVentures, added, "We are very proud to be working with dmg world media in their efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of this year's Big 5. As one of the region's premier emissions reductions firms, it is inspiring to see this gathering of thought leaders in the construction-related industries setting such a great example for all industries in our region."

Peter Sutton, Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre said, "We are delighted to be hosting The Big 5 exhibition again this year and to be a part of the Carbon Neutral initiative. Actively taking steps towards helping the environment is an important message for an event to convey at this time of economic instability and we look forward to working with dmg to help to the best of our ability."

To take steps to making The Big 5 Carbon Neutral, EcoVentures will conduct a greenhouse gas assessment to calculate the event's carbon footprint. dmg world media will then utilize a combination of internal emissions reductions and the purchase of offsets that will reduce carbon emissions in specific emission-reduction projects in other locations to counteract the unavoidable emissions generated by the event.

The Big 5 will also be educating exhibitors and visitors about environmental issues and the benefits of green building standards via e-newsletters and web articles, educational booths at the event, and topical technical seminars. These educational initiatives will be carried out in association with EcoVentures and will span the six months leading up to the event, throughout the event and beyond.