In brief
During a seminar in Dubai on 5 November 2026, the Zayed International Foundation for the Environment highlighted that indoor environmental quality (IEQ) must be a core pillar of sustainable building assessment. The event, co‑hosted by ASHRAE Falcon Chapter UAE and Curtin University Dubai, discussed smart technologies, AI monitoring and low‑carbon solutions as key tools for creating healthier indoor spaces and urged stronger collaboration across academia, industry and government.
DUBAI, 5 November 2026 – The Zayed International Foundation for the Environment announced that indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is now regarded as a fundamental pillar of sustainable building practices during a specialist seminar in the city. The event, organised in partnership with the ASHRAE Falcon Chapter UAE and Curtin University Dubai, carried the theme “Advancing Indoor Environmental Quality in Accordance with American Standards.”
Mohammed Ahmed bin Fahad, Chairman of the Higher Committee of the Zayed International Foundation for the Environment, delivered the opening address. He stated that the value of sustainable buildings can no longer be measured solely by energy‑efficiency metrics; rather, the ability of a building to provide a healthy, safe environment that improves human wellbeing while conserving natural resources is essential.
In the same speech, bin Fahad underlined the need to integrate IEQ with smart technologies and low‑carbon solutions as a path to advance sustainable development goals and mitigate climate‑change impacts. He also highlighted the lasting legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision for environmental stewardship continues to shape national sustainability efforts.
Seminar Highlights
Hassan Ali Younes, former President of the ASHRAE Falcon Chapter and President‑Elect for the 2027‑2028 term, presented a comprehensive overview of the IEQ framework. According to Younes, the framework encompasses indoor air quality, thermal comfort, lighting, acoustics, water quality, humidity management and other factors that influence occupant health and productivity. He described recent studies linking indoor environmental conditions to performance, health, and wellbeing, and stressed the role of ASHRAE standards in setting scientific bases for healthy spaces.
The seminar also showcased how smart technologies and artificial‑intelligence‑based monitoring can facilitate low‑carbon solutions in building design and operation. Experts argued that these technological tools allow for real‑time adjustment of environmental parameters, ensuring optimal health outcomes while reducing energy consumption.
Throughout the sessions, participants emphasised the importance of a cross‑sector partnership that brings together academia, industry and government bodies. The Foundation’s statement called for stronger collaboration so that IEQ can be embedded into the planning and development of future sustainable cities, reflecting the interconnected nature of environmental resilience and human health.
While the workshop focused on technical and scientific aspects of IEQ, it also highlighted the broader cultural context. The legacy of Sheikh Zayed was referenced as a guiding principle for national initiatives, demonstrating how historical leadership can inspire contemporary environmental strategies.
By the conclusion of the seminar, the Foundation had reaffirmed its commitment to expanding research and policy work on indoor environmental quality. The event served as a platform for sharing best practices, illustrating the growing consensus that healthy indoor spaces are a critical component of genuinely sustainable buildings.
