Doha Metro's administration, ICC building in Al Wakra receives GSAS platinum certificate
This recognition from the Gulf Organization for Research and Development (GORD), the developer of the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS), follows a thorough evaluation and audit of the project, reflecting its outstanding performance in terms of sustainability and operational efficiency.
The award ceremony, held at B14, saw Founding Chairman of GORD Dr Yousef Alhorr present the plaque and certificate to Chief of Service Delivery at Qatar Rail Eng Abdulla Saif Al Sulaiti.
Marking the occasion, Eng. Abdulla Saif Al Sulaiti said: "Commitment to sustainability is at the core of our mission to provide integrated railway services that are sustainable, reliable, attractive, and safe. The implementation of GSAS certification for our projects, perfectly aligns with this mission. By incorporating the rigorous standards of GSAS, we are ensuring that our infrastructure not only meets the highest levels of efficiency and sustainability but also contributes to a greener, more resilient future."
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Dr Yousef Alhorr said: "By achieving GSAS green building certification not only for its state-of-the-art metro stations but also for critical support facilities like the Administration and ICC Building, Qatar Rail has set a remarkable precedent for environmentally conscious infrastructure development. This proactive approach showcases a long-term vision that promotes a sustainable urban future in line with Qatar's national sustainability goals."
The Administration and ICC Building serves as the operational hub of the depot. It houses the Integrated Control Center (ICC), which is responsible for ensuring the seamless operation of Doha Metro services.
The latest GSAS Operations certification of the Administration and ICC Building complements the building's existing green building credentials, having previously earned a 4-star rating under the GSAS Design and Build Scheme as part of the overall Doha Metro Depot in Al Wakra, and class A under the GSAS Construction Management Scheme.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Qatar Tribune
07-07-2025
- Qatar Tribune
Msheireb Properties achieves double victory at prestigious Real Estate Asia Awards 2025
DOHA: Msheireb Properties has achieved a remarkable international accomplishment by securing two prestigious awards at the Real Estate Asia Awards 2025. The company won 'Sustainable Development of the Year' and 'Smart City Masterplanning Excellence' for its flagship project Msheireb Downtown Doha, during the awards ceremony held in Singapore in June. These achievements add to the city's distinguished record of accolades earned over recent years, including its award for 'Mixed-Use Development of the Year' at the 2024 edition of the same competition, further cementing Qatar's position as a regional leader in innovative urban development on the international stage. Msheireb Properties CEO Eng Ali Al Kuwari commented on this achievement: "This recognition confirms the success of our vision in developing smart and sustainable cities that preserve Qatar's cultural heritage. Msheireb Downtown Doha represents Qatar's vision for creating human-centric urban environments that serve present and future generations." Msheireb Downtown Doha stands as one of the world's smartest and most sustainable cities, employing a new approach to urban planning by combining traditional methods with modern technology to preserve Qatar's environment and cultural identity. The city has achieved the highest concentration of LEED-certified green and sustainable buildings, with over 100 environmentally certified structures. The city's sustainable initiatives include extensive solar installations, advanced water recycling systems, and climate-responsive design that reduces energy consumption by 30 percent. These features and facilities have established new standards for sustainable urban development in the region. The city adopts the latest advanced smart services and applications for a completely new digital experience, operating on an advanced network of 430km of fibre optic cables, supported by over 650,000 connected IoT devices, and a state-of-the-art command and control center. The city features the eco-friendly Msheireb Tram, world-renowned smart parking solutions for more than 10,000 spaces holding the Guinness World Record, and seamless connectivity to the Doha Metro network. Moreover, the city combines cutting-edge technology with traditional Qatari architecture through the award-winning 'Seven Principles' design philosophy. Msheireb Downtown Doha is home to numerous major local and international companies and institutions, including Government Media City Qatar, Qatar Airways, Google Cloud, American Express, Snapchat, and TikTok, alongside luxury hotels, Msheireb Museums, Msheireb Galleria, retail outlets, and residential communities. The Real Estate Asia Awards are among the most important accolades that honour outstanding real estate projects and development companies in Asia that work to transform traditional urban approaches and adopt the latest global standards in urban development.
Qatar Tribune
22-06-2025
- Qatar Tribune
GAB is 1st accreditation body from MENA to sign APAC's MRA for GHG accreditation
QNA Doha Qatar-based Global Accreditation Bureau (GAB) has officially become a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) Signatory of the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) for the accreditation of Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs) for Greenhouse Gases (GHG). This achievement positions GAB as a key enabler in the MENA region for climate accountability and sustainability practices aligned with international standards. Becoming an MRA signatory signifies that GAB's accreditation processes for GHG VVBs have been rigorously evaluated and deemed equivalent to those of other recognized accreditation bodies within APAC. This is particularly significant given the standing of APAC as a highly respected and influential regional cooperation of accreditation bodies in the Asia Pacific region. This development follows GAB's earlier success in 2024, when it became an MRA Signatory of both the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) for accreditation of Management System Certification Bodies. GAB's elevated status not only enhances its international recognition but also positions it as the first and only Accreditation Body Member in the MENA region to be part of APAC MRA group with a scope of GHG validation and verification. Speaking about the latest milestone, Dr. Yousef Alhorr, founding chairman of GAB, said: 'By becoming APAC's MRA Signatory for the accreditation of GHG validation and verification bodies, we are directly addressing the increasing demand for robust and transparent GHG accounting, aligning with international frameworks. By ensuring that VVBs accredited by GAB operate under a rigorous, internationally recognised accreditation framework, GAB is steadily progressing towards its goal of empowering stakeholders in the MENA region and other neighboring countries. 'To this end, it will assure that GHG validation and verification processes operated under accreditation from GAB are technically sound and adhere to the international standards, fostering confidence and paving the way for a sustainable, low-carbon future.' GAB's extended MRA signatory status will significantly benefit organisations and VVBs operating within the MENA region and neighboring countries. It will provide them with easier access to internationally recognised accreditation services for GHG validation and verification. GHG reports originating from VVBs accredited by GAB will gain greater acceptance within international markets that acknowledge the APAC MRA. This will ease trade barriers and enhance market access for organizations relying on these verified reports. Simplifying their selection process, organizations seeking GHG validation and verification services can now select GAB-accredited bodies with confidence, assured that these VVBs meet rigorous international standards. Ultimately, GAB's MRA status will empower organisations to accurately measure, report, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions which will significantly contribute to broader global sustainability objectives and climate action initiatives within the region. GAB's extended MRA signatory status will amplify its existing portfolio and influence within the accreditation landscape. Having already accredited five VVBs—two based in Qatar and three in India—under this expanded scope, GAB is demonstrating its growing capacity to support GHG validation and verification services. With many other applicant bodies currently undergoing rigorous review at various stages of GHG-related accreditation, this momentum suggests a substantial increase in GAB's accredited partners.
Qatar Tribune
02-06-2025
- Qatar Tribune
New ESG manual to empower SMEs for sustainable future
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) have officially launched the ESG Guidance Manual for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar during a high-level event titled 'ESG for Qatar's Business Leaders' held at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, Doha. Organized by GORD in collaboration with QDB, the event convened senior executives, sustainability experts, and policymakers to explore the strategic importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) integration and to unveil QDB's newly developed manual. The event also welcomed senior representatives from Qatar's leading financial institutions, including the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) and the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE). Jointly developed by QDB and GORD, the ESG Guidance Manual offers a practical and scalable roadmap tailored to help SMEs embed ESG principles into their core business operations. The manual aims to align SMEs with the Qatar National Vision 2030, enhance their sustainability performance, and help them navigate evolving global regulatory requirements. Drawing on GORD's technical expertise and leadership in sustainability, the manual serves as both a strategic enabler and a compliance toolkit, equipping businesses to transition toward a low-carbon, resilient economy. During the launch, Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD, stated, 'The ESG Guidance Manual reflects Qatar's proactive commitment to empowering its SME sector to adapt to the evolving global ESG landscape. This initiative not only enhances the global competitiveness of Qatari SMEs in carbon-conscious markets but also reinforces their contribution to the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 and broader international climate objectives.' Dr. Hamad Salem Mejegheer, Executive Director of SME Development of QDB, added, 'At Qatar Development Bank, we remain committed to strengthening the SME ecosystem, recognizing its vital role as a driver of economic growth and diversification. In today's interconnected global economy, ESG principles are no longer optional — they are fundamental to building resilience and unlocking new opportunities. Through this manual, developed in collaboration with GORD, we are equipping our SMEs with the tools to adapt, grow, and shape a sustainable future for Qatar.' Following the official launch, the event featured a series of technical sessions that offered participants in-depth insights into ESG fundamentals and regulatory developments. Discussions covered upcoming QCB guidelines, the implications of QSE's adoption of the IFRS S1/S2 standards, and how ESG ratings influence investment and financing decisions. Experts also addressed the role of digital solutions in streamlining ESG reporting and management. The sessions further explored strategies for embedding ESG into corporate decision-making and managing associated risks. The day concluded with a high-level panel discussion featuring leading experts and business leaders, emphasizing ESG as a strategic imperative and showcasing real-world examples of ESG-led business transformation and long-term value creation.
