Driven by a vision where the “environment doesn’t need protection,” Nour Kaadan founded EcoBuild, an engineering consulting firm that designs and implements sustainable projects, almost nine years ago and has not looked back since.
To date, EcoBuild has been involved in over 300 sustainable projects in the region, reducing 40 million kilograms of carbon dioxide.
In a wide-reaching interview with Arabian Business, Kaadan, who is also the CEO of EcoBuild, outlines the company’s expansion plans, and addresses how the global focus on sustainability has impacted her business.
How did the idea for EcoBuild first come about?
Since my childhood, I have had in my mind the idea of leaving a positive fingerprint in the world. And over the years, I found my passion in creating sustainable and responsible developments that pay more respect to the environment and supporting human well-being.
This is how EcoBuild was born nine years ago with the vision of creating a world where the environment doesn’t need protection. In addition to sustainable projects that reduce carbon emissions, we have saved 68 million of kilowatt-hours of energy, and almost the same rate on water saving.
This positive impact couldn’t be achieved without the implementation of best practices from all the stakeholders involved. We can’t be more proud and grateful for being part of a vital movement, and for the chance to work with other like-minded global initiatives.
What is the market demand that EcoBuild is addressing?
We are helping our clients to design, build and operate sustainable and attractive developments, with a short pay-back period and high rate of investment. Our solutions and expertise can push the boundaries for a more sustainable, healthier and more efficient living environments that can achieve net-positive impact as well as resiliency.
How has your business been impacted by the recent global focus on corporate sustainability and environmental best practices?
The threat of climate change and the need for energy independence and sustainability has prompted governments across the globe to adopt strict carbon-reducing standards. And thanks to research and development initiatives over the last 10 years, we can prove the positive impacts of corporate sustainability and environmental best practices.
These efforts have been led by many different organisations, entities and decision-makers around the world including private, governmental, non-profit sectors and UN organisations. With such contributions, people are more educated about the impact that they can create in maintaining a sustainable future for the coming generation.
Describe your funding journey to date. Would you consider going for series funding?
I established EcoBuild from personal savings and my own funds. The business since then has grown organically without the necessity for a financial injection. Having established this strong foundation, my focus is to achieve sustainable growth for the business. The only funding that I might consider would focus on scaling the company, growing as quickly and as successfully as possible.
What are your expansion plans?
We have multiple projects running in UAE and Oman, and more recently in Saudi Arabia where we are preparing to open a branch. This will also hopefully happen soon in Europe. Our research and development department is continually developing new solutions and adding more specialised services to our portfolio. We are super excited and ready for our next step of expanding our integrated services and entering new markets regionally and internationally.
Since we at EcoBuild believe that big achievements come from collaboration, we are open to partnerships with global organisations, sharing the same vision and continuing the journey to maintain a sustainable world for the coming generation.
It is the right time to make this big shift in our thinking and to reflect it in our actions, starting from our daily life practices and choices on consuming. We must all collaborate wherever possible to mitigate climate change and resource scarcity to promote a better standard of sustainable living.
What advice would you give to other women professionals who are thinking of starting their own business?
Believe in yourself and fight for your dreams. Always listen to your inner voice and never give up. Just keep going and you will overcome any obstacle you might face.
Follow us on
