Cundall Conversations inspires urgent climate action in the built environment ahead of COP28

Cundall has unveiled a compelling campaign that spotlights the actions that the built environment is taking to accelerate decarbonisation across the UAE. Centered around the themes of COP28, Cundall Conversations shares insights into how industry leaders including Majid Al Futtaim, Woods Bagot and Emirates Green Building Council are leading the charge in the race to net zero.

Mario Saab, Head of Sustainability MENA at Cundall emphasised the critical need for immediate action, stating: “As COP28 gets underway and we reflect on the results of the Global Stocktake, there is a renewed sense of urgency to address our planet’s climate emergency. Collaboration, partnerships and innovation are key, and we must see a united effort within the built environment to spur more ambitious actions in order to create a climate-resilient future.” 

Cundall Conversations features Richard Fenne, Director at Woods Bagot, sharing insights into how the global architecture studio is embedding sustainable design principles across projects. He discusses some of the innovative environmental tools being developed to plan for future climate scenarios and delivers a powerful message addressing the built environment’s collective responsibility to collaborate with partners and clients.

Habiba Al Marashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) offers insights into the main drivers behind the UAE’s built environment transition to net zero and the pivotal role that Emirates Green Building Council plays in capacity building. Habiba also highlights how the UAE’s leadership is driving and delivering on its commitments to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Nazly Asadollahpour, ESG Director at Majid Al Futtaim discusses the bold actions that the developer is taking to decarbonise its own portfolio, along with the possibility of carbon positive developments within the MENA region in the near future. Nazly shares insights into the success behind Majid Al Futtaim’s green finance initiatives such as the Green Sukuk and Sustainability- Linked Loans and why they are a game changer when it comes to spurring sustainable actions.  

Finally, the campaign concludes with compelling messages from Cundall’s own people, providing fresh perspectives into the role designers play in the battle against climate change. These include the significance of regenerative design, adaptation and mitigation strategies and retrofitting to create communities that are truly future ready.