Pearl and LEED: Carrier Hosts Green Building Rating Systems Roundtable in Middle East

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Interest continues to grow in green building rating systems worldwide with governments and organizations around the world introducing initiatives to measure sustainable building achievements. The U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) is one of the world's most widely used systems, implemented in more than 129 countries globally. Carrier, the world's leader in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions, today hosted a special roundtable as part of its Distinguished Sustainability Lecture Series to discuss green building rating systems, focusing on LEED and Abu Dhabi's Pearl Rating System. Carrier is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

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The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) is recognized internationally for large-scale sustainable urban planning and for rapid growth. Estidama, which is the Arabic word for sustainability, is a mandated initiative developed and promoted by the Abu Dhabi Government and includes the Pearl Rating System, which advances the development of sustainability in the built environment through its Community, building and villa rating system.

The roundtable discussion featured Edwin Young, Estidama program advisor, and Scot Horst, senior vice president for LEED, U.S. Green Building Council, and explored the global and local perspectives on the importance of green building rating systems to transform the built environment for a greener future. In addition, participants gave an overview of Pearl and LEED, exploring the commonalities of the two rating systems.

"Carrier is a leader in sustainable building design products and services. Events like this roundtable complement the company's commitment to sustainability education worldwide while creating meaningful dialogue around the globe to further the green building movement," said Paul Fraipont, general manager, Carrier Middle East Region.

Launched in 2011, 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.

"Carrier's commitment to sustainability extends beyond creating innovative systems and solutions. Our work with organizations like the HCT advance green building education and prepare tomorrow's leaders in this important field," said John Mandyck, chief sustainability officer, UTC Climate, Controls & Security.

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

"Solutions to our current environmental challenges require new thinking," said Dr. Tayeb Kamali, vice chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology.  "HCT's partnership with Carrier through events such as the Distinguished Lecture Series helps bring increased awareness of sustainable development principles to the region, while complementing our mandate to offer career-oriented academic and training programs to our students and facility."

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, 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