Dubai Chamber Wins ‘Retrofit Project of the Year’ Award

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has won the prestigious Big Project and BGreen Award for best ‘Retrofit Project of the Year’ honouring the companies and individuals that have contributed to the construction and sustainability industries across the GCC, at a ceremony held at the Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, recently. Dubai Chamber bagged the commemorative trophy for demonstrating a positive impact on the environment; by upgrading its building to the latest standards in security, technology, health and safety which achieved the Arab world’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified existing building from the US Green Building Council (USGBC).

The award is instituted by CPI, the publishers of Big Project and BGreen magazines. The retrofit of Dubai Chamber’s head office followed the strictest green building standards covering everything from the toxicity of paints and finishes, through to the waste and recycling system and use of light and movement sensors. The multi-functional high tech spaces resulted in a much more efficient workspace providing space for 45 instead of 22 staff per floor with improved air quality, use of eco-friendly furniture as well as segregated areas for printing and telephone conversations.

Rami Halawani, Director, Marketing and Corporate Communication, Dubai Chamber, said that the award once again demonstrates Dubai Chamber’s commitment in providing a healthy working environment, which ultimately helps in increasing staff productivity. He further stressed that the renovation decision was taken after a comprehensive review of the system to fill in the environmental gaps and improve the overall health and safety levels to meet the highest international standards.

Halawani said that Dubai Chamber’s environment-friendly initiatives which are in line with its strategic objectives of creating a favourable business environment and supporting the development of business will ignite a spark in other companies and institutions to follow suit. The award further reiterates Dubai Chamber’s resolve to promote the concept of corporate social responsibility among its members to help the environment, save money, enhance efficiency and reputation and contribute to the overall development of the Emirate, added Halawani.