Green Building Forum reflects the ‘coming of age’ of Gulf construction sector

Bahrain’s Minister of Housing, His Excellency Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, says the upcoming "Green Building Forum" in the Kingdom symbolises a ‘coming of age’ for the construction sector in Bahrain and the region.

"The Forum reflects a ‘paradigm shift’ from energy-intensive buildings to a future of low impact, environmentally-sensitive projects", he says.

“The Ministry wholeheartedly supports the Green Building Forum's objectives to educate and inform the industry, businesses and the public to the opportunities, benefits and challenges of embracing green building technologies,” adds His Excellency, who as Forum patron will also deliver the keynote opening speech at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) on 5 May 2010. In H.E.’s speech, Sheikh Ebrahim is expected to highlight the concept of environmental sustainability as a crucial element of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.

Sh. Ebrahim believes: “The Forum is an excellent platform for sharing information and collaboration for Bahrain and the region’s environmental, design and construction industry. I am proud that Bahrain – through the Green Building Forum - is at the forefront of green building trends which promise a healthier natural environment for future generations,”.

The Green Building Forum is also being launched as an online platform with articles and updates on issues relevant to the region. www.thegreenbuildingforum will mirror the level of interaction at the actual Forum.

“As the Kingdom enters a new era of sustainable and environmentally-sensitive construction, the relevance of a high-level event such as the Green Building Forum is heightened. Green technologies will play an increasingly important role in future projects undertaken by the Housing Ministry, and it is through intellectual platforms such as the Forum that opinions and information on the latest techniques, solutions and best practices can be shared by all for the benefit of all,” he adds.

Sheikh Ebrahim heads a panel of eminent experts who will discuss green building-related topics under the theme of ‘Innovating to Protect the Environment’. The Green Building Forum will run concurrently with the gulfBID and gulfINTERIORS exhibitions, being held from 4 to 6 May 2010 at the BIEC.