In a compelling session titled " The future of sustainable buildings in Egypt" held during Cityscape Talks, industry experts and thought leaders unanimously underscored that sustainability is no longer a choice but a compelling necessity in the face of escalating climate change worldwide. The imperative to integrate sustainability into real estate projects was emphasized, urging developers to prioritize sustainability in all their endeavors.
Chaired by Dr. Salah Al-Haggar, President and Founder of Green Building Council, the discussion delved into the need for a comprehensive integration of sustainability into daily life, extending beyond just the realm of buildings. Dr. Al-Haggar stressed that sustainable practices should be pervasive, with the potential to significantly enhance service levels while optimizing the utilization of natural resources. Notably, adopting sustainable management systems could lead to substantial energy and water savings, ranging from 40 to 50% in energy consumption and up to 40% in water consumption annually, ultimately contributing to a reduction of at least 30% in carbon emissions.
Engineer Abdullah Salam, President and CEO of Madinet Masr, echoed these sentiments, highlighting sustainability as a multidimensional imperative encompassing environmental, social, and economic dimension. He emphasized that the urgency to adopt sustainability is heightened due to the drastic climate changes that the world is experiencing. Salam anticipated a notable shift in the industry towards sustainability, expecting all real estate developers to align with this paradigm shift in the near future.
Ahmed Al-Attal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Attal Holding, shared insights into practical approaches to infuse sustainability into real estate projects. He highlighted the financial benefits of sustainable buildings, including lower maintenance costs and heightened property value. Al-Attal outlined their innovative strategy of "sustainability marketing" to educate clients about the long-term advantages of green buildings, a crucial step in promoting sustainable practices within the industry.
Walaa Al-Husseini, Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact Network, shed light on the positive returns associated with integrating sustainability into the Egyptian real estate sector. Compliance with sustainability standards, as set by international bodies like the United Nations, not only improves a company's standing but also drives commitment towards sustainable principles.
The first day of the twelfth edition of Cityscape Egypt, the region's largest real estate exhibition, witnessed active participation from major real estate companies, investors, developers, experts, and real estate enthusiasts. The event served as a significant platform to stimulate vital conversations and collaborations, further advancing the industry's commitment to sustainable building practices.