Achieving low carbon buildings through policy instruments — Sharing the Trakhees-EHS Dubai experience

The aim of the paper is to draw attention to the humongous role the regulatory authorities have in spurring and steering the growth of low carbon buildings in a region. Despite the fact that built environments offer greatest low cost opportunities for carbon emission reductions and energy efficiency, it continues to be in a state of neglect due to several constraints. Embracing genuine sustainability in the built environment requires conscious and committed efforts of several stakeholders with the regulatory body holding a nodal position in this challenge. The work draws serious attention into the critical interventions that a regulatory authority should exercise at different phases of the project to make sure that the built environments in the making are seamlessly transformed from a seemingly green design to practical compliance thereby setting the stage for green operations. It discusses, elucidates and shares the experience of Trakhees-Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) a Regulatory body based in Dubai and demonstrates the achievements it has made in the field of low carbon buildings through responsible policy instruments. The paper concludes with recommendations and message for enforcement agencies and policy makers.