Call for environmental responsibility from EEG

Emirates Environment Group (EEG) has called on the construction sector to take on more responsibility towards the environment.

At the launch of the 12th annual ‘Clean-Up UAE' event earlier this month, Habiba Marashi, who heads up the Nakheel-sponsored group, said that all private sector companies should take into consideration their impact on the environment and the "position of power they are in".

Marashi added that the need for renewed environmental vigilance is felt now more than ever, as the environment reels from numerous threats such as waste production, water and energy wastage and greenhouse gas emissions.

"The private sector has a social responsibility towards the country it is practising business in," said Marashi.

The call follows an announcement earlier this month by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE vice president and prime minister and ruler of Dubai, that all buildings in Dubai will have to be constructed according to international green building standards from 1 January 2008.

"The construction industry should be proactive because the UAE government is creating the initial stages of the standardisation of sustainability in the construction area, improving construction and quality of life," said Richard Lee, vice president, Sungwon Corporation. "It may cost more to do the construction, but it will be safe and economically viable."

Clean-Up UAE is being held in association with the Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi, the Environment and Protected Areas Authority of Sharjah, the Environment, Protection and Development Authority of Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman Municipality, Fujairah Municipality and Umm Al Quwain Municipality.

Representatives from each emirate attended last week's campaign launch.

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