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Building Blocks for a Sustainable Economy Dialogue

Better technology, infrastructure, and policy are all essential to building a cleaner economy, especially at the municipal level. This Dialogue will explore how the private and public sectors see these elements working together as the building blocks of a sustainable economy, and how smart business strategies and government policies can accelerate the process.

Lights, Power, Action: Energy Management and the Growth of Smart Cities

Meeting the growing demand for power while curbing greenhouse gas emissions will require a fundamental transformation of how we produce, deliver, and use energy - especially in growing urban centres around the world. Find out how leading companies in this space are working with municipal leaders to manage the efficient demand and "smart" supply of energy in cities. 

Burning Issues for Tomorrow's Cities: Community Energy & Waste-to-Energy Systems

As municipalities look to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of their sustainability planning initiatives, innovative methods for heating and powering our built environment are emerging from biomass and waste sources. How are city planners, developers, and technology experts addressing the issues around access to feed stocks, emissions and particulate matter, and public health and safety in order to ensure a place for these technologies?

Green Visionaries: Designing and Building Eco-friendly Cities from Within

How can nature-inspired approaches help solve our green building challenges and ensure true triple bottom line outcomes? As the bar is raised by escalating concerns about climate change, along with evolving green building codes, targets, and minimum standards, environmentally-conscious developers and others are facing challenges and opportunities. Learn about the concepts being applied in products, buildings, and cities around the globe to create more liveable, sustainable, and resilient urban spaces.

The Role of Property Valuation in Driving Sustainability

Property valuations and appraisals are crucial in establishing a sound economic baseline for the entire economy.  However, is the sustainable value of a building reflected in its market appraisal and what is the role of the valuator in determining this? This session will explore the issues and provide an update on the links between sustainability and valuation, education, and relevant standards and practices.  In particular, panelists will provide participants with a better understanding of how valuation is playing a key role in the evolution of the financial community, property markets, appraisal professionals, and the wider private sector.

Green Infrastructure Integration in Cities: The Key to Success?

For many, quality of life depends significantly on the quality of installed infrastructure and the efficiency of its operation in our cities. With aging roads and outdated transportation networks, challenges to water access and quality, and uncoordinated energy systems in many urban centres around the world, what's the best way forward to ensure reliable infrastructure development in a capital-constrained world?  How can an integrated approach that involves sustainability and land-use planning, greater use of green technologies, and public policy and coordination across departments and jurisdictions increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of infrastructure development?

Spotlight on Dubai

Dubai has emerged as a leading regional commercial hub for the Middle East with state-of-the art infrastructure and a world-class business environment.  Hear about the latest opportunities arising from the recently launched government strategy "Green Economy for Sustainable Development", and a first-hand account of Dubai's drive for sustainability through green infrastructure in energy, water, transportation, buildings, public and business support services.