At COP28, participants in the Department-organised forum “Green Government Buildings and Courts in Light of UAE Legislation and International Experiences” discussed the legal framework for green buildings and courts in the UAE, policies for rehabilitating older buildings to keep up with the challenges of climate change, and sustainable practices in the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department’s buildings.
The forum, chaired by Counselor Abdullah Faris Al Nuaimi, President of the Abu Dhabi Labour Court, covered a number of topics, including the main strategies for strengthening laws pertaining to green building, the role of governments in maintaining infrastructure, encouraging environmentally friendly practices, and lowering carbon emissions to create a more sustainable future, as well as the experiences and models of green courts and their significance in bolstering environmental protection initiatives.
It focused on sustainable practices in the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department’s buildings, clarifying that the department has participated in several initiatives to improve sustainability.
These initiatives, it noted, include installing solar panels in parking lots and buildings, taking part in efforts to reduce the use of paper products and plastic packaging, holding awareness workshops, and implementing various energy-saving initiatives that have helped the department achieve an improvement in the green footprint of its buildings.
The forum covered international comparative experiences, UAE legislation pertaining to green buildings, and the most important requirements and conditions for green buildings.
Additionally, it discussed the causes of environmental pollution in all spheres of society, with a particular focus on buildings and infrastructure.
It also discussed the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s experience with the “Sustainability” program, which aims to reduce waste, water, and energy consumption.
Finally, it discussed the value of environmental taxes and incentives in promoting sustainable development.