HE Dr. Mariam Hassan AlShenasi, Undersecretary of The Ministry of Environment and Water, attended the closing ceremony of BUiD's Sustainability Summer School (BUiD SSS) which was held on Thursday June 28th at BUiD's auditorium. Students of Engineering and Architecture from various universities inside and outside UAE participated in the school which was themed "Towards a low Carbon Footprint in the UAE."

Dr. Mariam valued highly the efforts of BUiD's Chancellor HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum and his keen interest in environment issues. She added that the Ministry of Environment and Water considers the environment a national responsibility and it comes at the top of priorities for the Federal government. She stressed that conservation of the environment will be achieved by harmonizing behavior with environmental resources among which the sustainability of water , food and vital security are crucial for the Environmental ecosystem. She also expressed her gratitude to the University for organizing this event which helps raising awareness of environmental responsibilities and requirements.

BUiD SSS received support from Union National Bank as main sponsor, DIAC as Education partner, Akhtaboot as online recruitment partner and from fermacell as support sponsor.

Dr Hanan Taleb, Atkins Assistant Professor of Sustainable Design of the Built Environment at BUID, Co-ordinator of BUiD SSS, commented:" Such events are required not only in the UAE but globally for one purpose which is to protect the environment whilst building a sustainable future." She also expressed her pleasure in observing the students high enthusiasm and energy which will encourage BUiD to organize the event annually.

BUiD SSS attracted Masters and Undergraduate student to participate in the 5 day event which included lectures, debates, visits and workshops. Students produced educational videos about the importance of sustainability and also competed in producing environmentally friendly lighting. The programme also included field trips, such as trip to tyre and plastic recycling operation in Al Ain, Masdar, and to Pacific control Green building at Jebel Ali.

The School encouraged team work among students as it included students from various universities such asUAE University ,Ajman University, HCTs, Al Ghurair University , American University - Cairo, Ain Shams University -Egypt , Kent University and NIT -India.

Mr. Saif Saeed Alkendi , Civil Engineering- UAE U, commented :" BUiD SSS was educational and as a student of engineering it elevated my understanding of sustainability and I hope it will be undertaken by other universities to benefit the largest segment of society."

The participants gained a high level of environmental education which enabled them to present highly proficient projects. The event aimed to increase the level of awareness of sustainability and its popularity emphasizes the importance of holding future sustainability Summer Schools.