Experts from a panel discussing the costs of green buildings and implementing environmentally friendly building measures, agreed that there should be incentives in place to encourage businesses and individuals to be more active in helping the UAE to reduce its carbon footprint.

Many of the audience applauded as the panel put forward their views on the levels of responsibility that need to be taken in order to enforce even the most basic green practices, such as recycling and energy saving.

Moderated by Dr Ashraf Hegazy, sustainability leader, Aldar Properties; the panel hosted Jeff Willis, associate director, Arup; Mario Seneviratne, LEED Fellow, director, Green Technologies; Shaun Killa, design director & head of architecture, Atkins ME; Matthias Gelber, co-founder Maleki GmbH and country manager LOHAS Malaysia.

"There is the argument to take away subsidies on electricity and fuel, which consumes the most carbon dioxide. We are far away from that, but we as humans act based on financial decisions," said Gelber.

"The issue is that companies don't always employ staff that understand how to maintain a building. I would love to see something in place that makes sure the building is commissioned properly and the right people are in place, said Willis. 

"If you do that you can monitor that building each year to make sure it is performing efficiently."

The session ended with the presentation of the Gaia Awards, with Unibenton Ready Mix taking Gold for its product self compacting GREEN concrete.

The Big 5 continues with Middle East Concrete, PMV Live and FM EXPO taking place alongside at the Dubai World Trade Centre.