Karim Elnabawy Balbaa is a seasoned Sustainability and Climate Change Professional, adept at leading and advising on sustainable initiatives for major developments in the Middle East. As a Licensed Instructor (USGBC Faculty) and a holder of multiple LEED AP accreditations, Karim brings a wealth of expertise to his role.

Awards

- Engineer of the Year 2024 (Winner) - Construction Week

- Outstanding Sustainability Individual Contributions 2025 (Gold Winner) - Stevie MENA & NA Global Impact awards

- Sustainability Leader of the Year 2024 (Finalist) - Big 5 impact awards

- Mentor of the Year 2025 (Winner) - Big Projects Awards

- Project Manager of the Year 2024 (Finalist) - Construction Week

- Rising Star of the Year 2017 (Finalist) - Construction Week

With over 15 years of industry experience, Karim has established a strong foundation in Sustainable building design, Architecture, Master Planning, Sustainable Technical Engineering, Net Zero Energy, and climate change actions, as well as sustainability and strategy advisory. He has successfully spearheaded sustainable development initiatives across numerous high-profile developments in the Middle East.

With a strong presence as a public speaker at conferences and events, Karim has garnered international recognition for his contributions to sustainability practices, receiving prestigious awards from esteemed organizations in the USA, Italy, Greece, Emirates, India, and Egypt.

In 2017, Karim was shortlisted as a rising star by ME magazine, acknowledging his significant impact on raising sustainability awareness in the region, having trained over 5000 professionals, academics, and students. Furthermore, his instructional courses on the LEED rating system and sustainability have achieved best-selling status on platforms such as Udemy, Skillshare, and various other websites.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

- Stakeholder engagement, fostering strong client relationships, and exceptional communication and presentation skills, including engagement with executive leaders.

- Developing comprehensive Sustainability, decarbonization, and ESG strategies for corporate organizations.

- Development of dashboards and compliance reporting mechanisms.

- Expertise in sustainable design, construction, and operations.

- Profound knowledge and experience with LEED, WELL, Estidama rating system, Mostadam, Living Building Challenge, SITES, and EDGE Green Building rating systems.

- Successful delivery of over 40 LEED Silver, Gold and Platinum projects in the Middle East, encompassing LEED V3, V4, and V4.1.

- Extensive experience in sustainability documentation, Management, Reviews, and administration.

CERTIFICATIONS AND ACCREDITATION

+ USGBC Faculty™ - A global network of credible, qualified instructors, teachers and facilitators with deep expertise in and passion for sustainability that cuts across sectors, cultures and geographies. 

+ Intl. Assoc. AIA - Membership in American Institute of Architects.

+ LEED® AP BD+C - Accredited professional in building design and construction from USGBC.
+ LEED® AP O+M - Accredited professional in operations and maintenance from USGBC
+ LEED® AP ID+C - Accredited professional in interior design and construction from USGBC.
+ PMP® - Project management professional from PMI.
+ WELL AP™ - Accredited professional in wellness in the built environment from IWBI.
+ C2C Catalyst Certified™ - Cradle to Cradle Certification program.
+ Estidama PQP-PBRS - Pearl Qualified Professional in pearl Building rating system from UPC Abo Dhabi.
+ SSYB™ - Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt™.

+ BSc Architecture | Alexandria university, Egypt

+ MSc Sustainability and Building Services Engineering | Heriot Watt University, UK - 2024

HONORS + AWARDS

+ Shortlisted| Rising star of the Year in ME – UAE - 2017
+ 1st Prize| Sednaoui Alkhazindar rehabilitation - Cairo, Egypt - 2010.
+ 2nd Prize| New Mansura University - Mansoura,Egypt - 2009.
+ 2nd Prize| New Capital City - Cairo, Egypt - 2012.
+ 2nd Prize| Black Taj – Time Unfuse - India - 2018.
+ 3rd Prize| Sustainability Center - Alexandria, Egypt - 2010.
+ Honorable Mention| Evolo Skyscraper - USA - 2011.
+ Honorable mention| Leverano Horizon Tower - Lecee, Italy - 2014.
+ Special Mention| Piraeus facade reformation - Piraeus, Greece - 2010.
+ Honorable Mention| Syndicate Club revitalization - Alex, Egypt - 2013.
+ Honorable Mention| Stanly office building - Alexandria, Egypt - 2014.
+ Finalist| Mixed use building - Hamburg, Germany - 2015.
+ Exhibition| Land art generator - Abo Dhabi, UAE - 2010.
+ Finalist/Exhibition| Omraneya Graduation Projects, Amman, Jordan - 2010.
+ Exhibition| Science City Complex, Cairo, Egypt - 2016.

PUBLICATIONS + MEDIA COVERAGE

+ Evolo Magazine|Seeds of Life Awarded project 2011 ‘’Book’’
+ Evolo Website| Skyscrapers online magazine Land Art Generator ‘’Layers of Dubai’’ Project 2010
Evolo Skyscraper Awarded proposal ‘’Seeds of Life’’ project 2011
+ Archdaily|10 Million Monthly Visit Taking Leave Awarded Proposal ‘’Data Driven City’’ 2012
Evolo Skyscraper Awarded proposal ‘’Seeds of Life’’ project 2011 
Land Art Generator ‘’Layers of Dubai’’ Project 2010 
Piraeus tower facade reformation awarded proposal 2010
+ Bustler|Architecture Competitions
Evolo Skyscraper Awarded proposal ‘’Seeds of Life’’ project 2011
+ Greek Architects Magazine|Architecture Magazine
Piraeus tower facade reformation awarded proposal 2010
+ Inhabitat|Green building Designs
Evolo Skyscraper Awarded proposal ‘’Seeds of Life’’ project 2011
Land Art Generator ‘’Layers of Dubai’’ Project 2010
+ AECCafe|architecture website The World Sustainability centre awarded proposal 2011
+ Stanly Real Estate|awards Ceremony

Awarded Proposal exhibition for new stanly HQ 2014
+ Biblioteca de alexandria|Science City complex competition International Exhibition featured science city proposal 2016
+ UNESCO’s|Culture center International Competition Online Exhibition for the cultural center proposal 2015
+ Archistart|Architecture website Awarded Proposal for horizon tower in Lecee 2014