Aaron Hennessy, CIOB Sustainability Ambassador and Group Managing Director of Douglas OHI, delivered a powerful talk at the Big 5 Global event in Dubai.
• Hennessy, an ultramarathon enthusiast, used his experience in the Saharan Desert to simplify the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Douglas OHI officially becomes a CIOB Chartered Company, with Hennessy encouraging others across the region to follow suit.
An ultramarathon enthusiast and passionate environmentalist has used his experience of a gruelling race through the Saharan Desert to encourage construction leaders across the Gulf region to place greater emphasis on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Aaron Hennessy, CIOB Sustainability Ambassador for MENA and Group Managing Director of Douglas OHI, delivered an impactful and engaging presentation at the Big 5 Global event at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 24 November.
Addressing an international audience of construction professionals, Hennessy underscored the critical role the MENA construction sector must play in advancing the SDGs, with particular emphasis on water preservation and partnership.
A Chartered Environmentalist, Hennessy drew on stories from his ultramarathon experiences to bring the SDGs to life. He reflected on a vivid memory from his first ultramarathon in Morocco, describing the sense of unity among competitors at the starting line.
“Even though everyone was technically racing against each other, we all shared one goal – to reach the finish line,” he said.
“I believe the same philosophy applies to the construction industry. We are not here to compete when it comes to sustainability; we are here to complete the journey together. Everyone needs to play their part to create a more sustainable built environment.”
Hennessy also emphasised the importance of water preservation across the MENA region, drawing a parallel between desert racing and the daily realities of construction.
“During that race, navigating through the desert heat, the only thought I had on my mind was water,” he said.
“It really made me realise how easily we take this precious resource for granted. In construction, especially in the MENA region, we must treat water as the scarce and invaluable resource it is.”
The event also marked a significant milestone for Douglas OHI, which was formally presented with Chartered Membership status by the CIOB. Hennessy encouraged other companies across the region to consider applying for chartership.
He added: “Becoming a Chartered Company is a statement of intent. It shows clients, partners, and employees that you are committed to best practice, professional excellence, and continuous development. Chartered membership with the CIOB provides companies with access to training, networking opportunities, and resources which support organisational and individual growth.”
In July 2025, CIOB launched a report demonstrating how the built environment sector can align sustainability targets with the UN SDGs. Featuring industry-led case studies, the report serves as a practical resource for construction professionals at all stages of their sustainability journey.
You can download the CIOB’s full report on the UN SDGs here.
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