Co-founder of EmiratesGBC: We did not inherit planet earth from our forefathers

20-years of Impact on People and the Planet Episode 1 - The Importance of Green Buildings and Protecting the Environment for Occupants. In the first episode of the Sustainability Lounge by EmiratesGBC, hosted by Mario Saab, Board Member of the council and Director of Sustainability MENA at Cundall, the council invited a very special guest in the UAE environment community to tell us about the importance of green buildings and protecting the environment. Dr. Habiba Al Mar'ashi, Co-founder, Vice-chair and Treasurer of the council and Co-founder and Chairperson of the Emirates Environmental Group, shares how sustainability in the built environment evolved from a new concept into a mainstream priority. She highlights the council’s role in changing mindsets, influencing policy, encouraging collaboration across government, private sector, academia, and civil society, and supporting the UAE’s decarbonization goals. A key message of the episode is that protecting the environment is not only a government responsibility—it belongs to everyone. Dr. Habiba Hassan Sultan Al Mar’ashi Al Hashimi is the Co-founder and Chairperson of the Emirates Environmental Group, established in 1991. In 2004, she founded the Arabia CSR Network, the MENA region’s 1st multi-stakeholder platform for corporate social responsibility & sustainability. She also co-founded the Emirates Green Building Council in 2006, where she currently serves as Vice Chair & Treasurer. In 2008, she established the UN Global Compact Network for the GCC countries. Dr. Al Mar’ashi held several prominent positions in global bodies, including board member roles at the UN Global Compact and the Global Reporting Initiative. She is currently a Vice Chair of Global Urban Development and a Board Member of the Global Investors for Sustainable Development Alliance, to which she was appointed in 2019 by the UN Secretary-General. In 2021, she was appointed as a Director of the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), and in 2024, she was elected Vice Chair for the 2024–2025 term. She is now serving her third term as a member of the WorldGBC Board of Directors. The Sustainability Lounge by EmiratesGBC, is a co-working space where members of the Emirates Green Building Council meet, connect, collaborate and contribute towards making sustainability a practice in the built environment. In celebration of the council's 20-year anniversary, the council decided to launch a podcast and share with the industry the leading conversations that are being held at the Sustainability Lounge to raise awareness of professionals, companies and governments on the importance of the building sector in protecting the environment. Become a Member of EmiratesGBC and access the lounge: https://emiratesgbc.org/membership-ap... Be part of our Leading Built Environment 15th Annual Congress: https://emiratesgbc.org/annual-emirat... Be part of our 14th MENA Green Building Awards: https://emiratesgbc.org/awards/ Learn more about EmiratesGBC: https://emiratesgbc.org/ Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and information shared in this podcast are those of the host, guests, and participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the council, publisher, sponsors, or any affiliated organizations. The content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, medical, technical, or other professional advice. While reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, the council, publisher, and affiliated parties make no representations or warranties regarding its completeness, accuracy, or reliability and accept no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, or any loss or damage arising from reliance on the content. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult qualified professionals before making decisions based on the information discussed.