In a landmark recognition of Egypt’s growing influence in global sustainability, Sarah El Battouty, a pioneering architect and climate leader, has been selected as a Portrait Subject Representing Egypt—honoring her groundbreaking contributions to environmental activism and sustainable architecture across the Middle East and North Africa.
El Battouty, one of the first Egyptian women to hold an international platform for environmental activism and impact, has been celebrated for her transformative work in advancing climate-conscious architecture and policy. Her selection highlights her two-decade journey toward reshaping the built environment through innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Redefining Climate Leadership in Architecture
El Battouty’s work has redefined what sustainable architecture can achieve in emerging economies. She spearheaded the creation of the first carbon-neutral and net-zero building projects in the MENA region, setting new regional benchmarks for climate action within the construction industry.
Her firm, ECOnsult, along with its sister company Mubun Sustainable Products, focuses on affordable and accessible green building design, merging environmental protection with poverty alleviation. By integrating energy efficiency and social responsibility, El Battouty’s projects address both climate resilience and community empowerment.
Global Recognition and National Leadership
With 18 years of experience in sustainable development and green building design, El Battouty’s impact extends far beyond architecture. In 2024, she became the first Egyptian architect honored by the United Nations for architectural excellence, and she was subsequently appointed Global Ambassador for UN Climate Change campaigns—a role that underscores her influence as both a technical expert and an advocate for environmental justice.
Personally selected by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to represent Egypt’s environmental portfolio, El Battouty has advised governments and institutions worldwide, including the UK Parliament, on policies that integrate sustainability into national development agendas.
Her leadership and vision have earned her recognition from Bloomberg and Ashden as one of the world’s top green innovators, reflecting her deep commitment to transforming the construction sector and fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious entrepreneurs.
