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I am Karim Elnabawy Balbaa, a passionate professional in sustainability, strategy, and climate change, and I am committed to driving sustainable transformation globally. With over 14 years of practical experience leading sustainable development initiatives for large-scale projects in the Middle East, I have had the privilege to work on pioneering advancements in sustainable building design, ESG frameworks, decarbonization initiatives, and climate change procedures.
Since becoming a Licensed Instructor - U.S. Green Building Council Faculty in 2017, my goal has been to inspire and educate the next generation of sustainability leaders. I have provided training to over 11,000 professionals and students from 138 countries, accumulating over 6.2 million minutes of taught online education. These courses, focused on Green building, sustainability, and LEED certification, have not only become best-sellers for many years but have also empowered individuals worldwide to implement sustainable practices within their regions.
My work in the sustainability space has spanned numerous domains, but one of my proudest achievements has been serving as the Sustainability Project Manager for the Diriyah Gate Development P1, where I led the team to secure the highest LEED certification level—Platinum. This project, both nationally and internationally significant, has been a testament to how cultural heritage can coexist with modern sustainability goals. I ensured that our approach met strict environmental standards while reflecting the values and traditions of Saudi Arabia.
In my current and previous roles as Senior Manager of Sustainability Development for ROSHN and SEVEN in Saudi Arabia, I continue to challenge the boundaries of sustainable innovation. I have been heavily involved in shaping strategies and frameworks that contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, particularly with regard to Sustainability and ESG Strategies. This aligns perfectly with my commitment to advancing sustainable practices, especially in mega and giga projects, where I believe the balance between economic growth and environmental protection can be achieved.
However, my contribution to sustainability goes beyond delivering on projects. I am committed to creating a lasting impact through thought leadership and public speaking. Over the years, I have had the honour of sharing insights and knowledge at conferences and forums worldwide, additionally receiving awards for architectural sustainable design from organizations in the USA, Italy, Greece, the UAE, India, and Egypt. I was particularly proud when, in 2017, I was shortlisted as a rising star by Middle East Magazine, and again in 2024 when I was shortlisted as the Sustainability Leader of the Year by the Big Five Impact Awards in the Middle East.
One of the core aspects of my work is stakeholder engagement. I believe that creating a sustainable future requires collaboration and strong communication with all stakeholders. Developing presentations, performance-based dashboards and reporting mechanisms for ESG and sustainability compliance has been another key area where I have contributed to helping businesses make informed, sustainable decisions.
The most fulfilling part of my journey has been witnessing the change in the mindsets of those I work with—professionals, communities, and organizations alike. I am proud to have played a role in inspiring them to take action on sustainability, whether through adopting green building practices, promoting ESG alignment, or prioritizing decarbonization efforts. My work, however, is far from over. With each new project and each new conversation, I strive to be a catalyst for global environmental progress.
As we face the growing challenges of climate change, I believe that we need professionals who are not only focused on implementing solutions but also on empowering others to create change. I am committed to continuing my mission of building a more sustainable future by combining education, innovation, and practical implementation.
Nomination Title: Karim Elnabawy balbaa - Sustainability Excellence in global Impact and outreach
