A 2021 USGBC regional leadership award winner, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has made significant contributions to the city’s sustainable development goals. 

One major pillar in their work is the University of Dubai. In 2016, the University, an initiative of the Chamber of Commerce, achieved LEED Gold certification for New Construction. In 2019, following the completion of a solar power project implemented on campus, they achieved LEED Platinum certification for Existing Building Operations and Management, along with becoming net-zero energy. And now they’re now targeting LEED Zero certification. This project for its continued pursuit of more efficient, more sustainable spaces for students. 

The Dubai Chamber also recognizes that a sustainable mindset, and the infrastructure that follows, is just good business. If unaddressed, climate change will challenge the success of businesses and communities on a scale we never thought possible. But through thoughtful implementation, there is great opportunity to better manage resources and waste, and in doing so, reduce cost and enhance the region’s competitiveness.    

Their head office is a nod to this mindset. The LEED Platinum certified space achieved the first LEED for Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance in the Arab world, and has re-certified as LEED Platinum multiple times since 1998. In fact, the building’s reduced energy and water use have saved over $4.9 million, or AED 18 million, over the past 15 years.  

Their commitment to the safest, healthiest, and most sustainable city they can create is not only admirable — it’s effective.