ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Carrier, the world's leader in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions and a part of United Technologies Corp. (UTX), continues to advance sustainability education worldwide, holding the second Distinguished Sustainability Lecture Series in the Middle East since launched earlier this year.

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Dr. Nils Kok, assistant professor in Finance and Real Estate at Maastricht University in the Netherlands and a visiting scholar at the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, was the featured speaker and shared the global perspective on energy efficiency, sustainability and the implications for real estate investments with delegates in attendance. He also provided a comprehensive overview of research on the value proposition of green building certifications in the U.S. commercial real estate market; and discussed new insights into the economics of energy efficiency based on evidence from Australia, Europe and beyond.

"Carrier has been a leader in the green building movement from its earliest origins. We extend this commitment to our environment by providing sustainability education worldwide through events like the Distinguished Sustainability Lecture Series," said Paul Fraipont, General Manager, Carrier Middle East Region.

Launched in April, Carrier's Distinguished Sustainability Lecture Series is a collaborative initiative with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) in the United Arab Emirates designed to deliver lectures throughout the year that feature international experts in the field of green building and sustainability.

"Solutions to today's environmental challenges require new thinking that the HCT can deliver through its sustainability curriculum. We are proud to join them in advancing green building education and providing a forum to stimulate dialogue for a greener future in the Middle East," said John Mandyck, chief sustainability officer, UTC Climate, Controls & Security Systems.

HCT's collaboration with Carrier brings renowned sustainability experts to the United Arab Emirates to discuss current and relevant principles and practices.

"The Distinguished Lecture Series complements our mandate of offering career-oriented academic and training programs," said Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology.  "This partnership with Carrier will help accelerate sustainability awareness, broaden our sustainable development curriculum and bring increased awareness of sustainable development principles to the region."

The next in lecture in the Distinguished Sustainability Lecture Series will take place in December 2011. For more information about Carrier and its global sustainability initiatives, visit www.carrier.com/green.

About Carrier

Carrier is the world's leader in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions. Carrier experts provide sustainable solutions, integrating energy efficient products, building controls, and energy services for residential, commercial, retail, transport and food service customers. Founded by the inventor of modern air conditioning, Carrier improves the world around us through engineered innovation and environmental stewardship. Carrier is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp., a leading provider to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. Visit www.carrier.com for more information.

About the Higher Colleges of Technology

Founded in 1988 with four colleges, the Higher Colleges of Technology has grown to be the largest of the higher educational institutions in the U.A.E., gaining a well-respected reputation for innovative learning. More than 20,000 students attend 17 modern men's and women's campuses throughout the UAE. HCT offers more than 90 different, English-taught programs in Applied Communications, Business, Engineering Technology, Computer & Information Sciences, Health Sciences, General Education and Education.  Visit www.hct.ac.ae for more information.

SOURCE Carrier