Latest news with #GlobalSustainabilityAssessmentSystem
Qatar Tribune
04-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Doha Metro's administration, ICC building in Al Wakra receives GSAS platinum certificate
DOHA: Qatar Railways Company (Rail) has announced that the Doha Metro's Administration and ICC Building (B14) in Al Wakra has achieved Platinum rating for GSAS Operations, Premium Scheme. 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.
Forbes
05-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
In Qatar, A Quiet Search For Sustainable Tourism
Gilles Nicolas, area general manager at IHG Hotels & Resorts in Qatar, on the roof of the Crowne Plaza Doha. When it comes to sustainability, you might not expect much from Qatar, a place that air-conditions its soccer stadiums, parks, and even outdoor malls. But maybe you should. In this small country on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, there are signs of change. Solar panels are sprouting from the roofs of hotels. You'll find LEED certification plaques on the sides of grocery stores. And the fastest way around town is with the hyper-efficient Doha Metro. Qatar has set sustainability goals for 2030 by focusing on developing what it calls smart cities. But the challenge is obvious: Energy is cheap and abundant. Also, Qatar has leaned into the luxury tourism segment, which seldom aligns with a green agenda. "It's not easy," says Alan Scheller-Wolf, a professor of operations management at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business. That hasn't stopped some in Qatar's tourism sector from trying. Sakthivel Jayaraman, director of engineering at the Crowne Plaza Doha, shows Gilles Nicolas, area general manager, plans for the hotel's new recycling plant. Qatar has plans to slash more than 90 percent of its waste from landfills by 2030, but some hotels want to get a head start on it. For example, the Crowne Plaza Doha has added its own recycling and green energy initiatives. "We're doing more," says Gilles Nicolas, area general manager at IHG Hotels & Resorts in Qatar. IHG, the parent company of Crowne Plaza, has set ambitious targets for reducing energy consumption across its global portfolio. They include: Nicolas says being sustainable in Qatar can be a challenge. "Energy is inexpensive here," he observes, noting that this low cost contributes to a culture of high consumption. The lack of a comprehensive, mandatory recycling program in Qatar further complicates sustainability efforts. While IHG hotels have implemented in-house recycling initiatives, the ultimate fate of the collected waste remains uncertain. An electric bus in Doha, Qatar. Visitors can see signs of Qatar becoming green in all kinds of places. There's a new fleet of electric buses on the road. Qatar's Ministry of Transport is transitioning its public transport bus system to a 100 percent electric fleet within the next five years. If you walk in the trendy Msheireb district, you can find signs of sustainability on the side of buildings. All the buildings are either Gold or Platinum LEED-certified, which means they meet some of the highest standards in the world for green buildings. And then there's the Doha Metro, the city's new driverless subway. It's received several awards and certifications for its sustainability efforts, including a certificate from the Global Sustainability Assessment System. The Doha Metro also has an ambitious water recycling and waste management system. But for visitors, it is also the fastest and most efficient way to get around town — and perhaps Doha's most visible sign of sustainability. A LEED-certified building in Doha's Msheireb district. While hotels are making strides in sustainability, airlines also play an important role in reducing the environmental impact of travel. Qatar Airways, the country's flag carrier, is working through some of the systemic challenges in achieving sustainability. "Of course, we are completely on the agenda of sustainability, like everybody," says Thierry Antinori, the chief commercial officer at Qatar Airways. "We truly believe that." Airlines face an intricate web of stakeholders, including politicians and regulatory bodies, often with conflicting priorities. And there's also the lack of readily available and cost-effective sustainable aviation fuels such as biofuel. That makes it difficult to achieve the targets stakeholders are putting in front of them. Despite the hurdles, Qatar Airways has implemented internal measures to become more sustainable. Antinori says a recent International Air Transport Association fuel efficiency assessment ranks Qatar Airways among the top eight airlines globally. He attributes this achievement to strategies like route optimization, reducing diversions, and maintaining a modern and fuel-efficient fleet. The airline also offers optional carbon offsetting programs for passengers, but the uptake rate on them has reportedly been low. It seems that while passengers want sustainability, few are willing to pay extra for it. That's a problem outside of Qatar as well. There's still a gap between consumers' desire for eco-friendly travel and their willingness to bear the associated costs. Nicolas, the hotel manager, believes that significant progress is possible in the future. In Europe, authorities have banned plastic bottles and incentivized electric vehicle adoption, and he sees the Middle East heading in that direction. While Qatar has embraced large-scale events like the FIFA World Cup and the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference as opportunities to showcase its green credentials, there are opportunities to do more. Despite the obstacles, he remains optimistic. Perhaps the government will unveil new policies and raise public awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship. As Qatar continues to develop as a tourism destination, its commitment to sustainability will be closely watched. While the journey is just beginning, the quiet progress being made by hotels like the Crowne Plaza Doha, and by Qatar Airways, offers a glimmer of hope that a greener future is within reach.
Zawya
05-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar's Ashgal is likely to award design contract for HMC service buildings in Q2
Qatar's Public Works Authority (Ashgal) is expected to award the consultancy services contract for the design of the National Central Sterilising Services Department (CSSD) and Central Laundry Facility Buildings in the second quarter of 2025, according to a source. The buildings, which will be developed over an area of 36,000 square metres (sqm) in Doha Industrial Area, will serve the medical facilities of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), the principal public healthcare provider in Qatar. The tender was issued on 10 December 2024 with a bid submission deadline of 9 February 2025. 'The consultancy contract is expected to be awarded in April 2025,' a source aware of the details said. adding that the project completion date is December 2026. The scope of the contract includes design, lead, MEP and quantity survey, he added. The new National CSSD facility, spread over an area of 7,950 square metres, will handle management, cleaning, and distribution of sterile procedural instrumentation for patient care activities and sterile surgical supplies for the case cart operation for invasive operating theatres' activities. The new facility will consolidate the current and future demands for sterilization supply services and accommodate the predicted growth up to 2042. The Central laundry, with 4,950 sqm, will serve all existing HMC facilities with scope to accommodate planned expansion of clinical services during the anticipated 20 to 30-year lifespan of the facility. The Energy Centre facility, spanning 5,085 sqm, will include all the services such as MEP plants, and its scope also includes landscaping, hardscape, ground, and underground parking facilities. The buildings will be designed to Qatar Construction Standards and a minimum 3-star level in the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS), administered by the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD). (Reporting by Deva Palanisamy; Editing by Anoop Menon)
Zawya
25-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GORD and the League of Arab States host workshops to boost carbon markets and environmental sustainability
Cairo, Egypt – As part of the Arab world's commitment to combating climate change and bolster the role of Arab nations in supporting environmental sustainability efforts, the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD), in collaboration with the League of Arab States (LAS) and the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE), organized two virtual workshops aimed at promoting sustainability awareness, building capacity, and developing expertise across the Arab world. The workshops focused on vital areas including voluntary carbon markets, through the Global Carbon Council (GCC), in addition to promoting a sustainable built environment and energy efficiency through the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS). The event builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed last month between GORD and LAS. The workshops witnessed wide participation of more than 150 experts and specialists in the fields of sustainability, energy and climate, representing several member nations of the League of Arab States. The workshops facilitated knowledge exchange and discussions on the importance of accelerating climate action in the Arab region. By highlighting successful regional best practices, the sessions were aimed at supporting Arab countries in their pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals and efforts to strengthen resilience against climate change challenges. Dr. Yousef bin Mohammed Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD and GCC, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing climate challenges, saying, "Energy transition is a critical element in climate change mitigation strategies in the Arab region. Through strategic collaborations, we seek to introduce and implement innovative solutions that effectively reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.' HE Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al Malki, Assistant Secretary-General, Head of the Economic Affairs Sector at LAS, affirmed the League's commitment to supporting sustainability efforts. "The League of Arab States continues to facilitate climate action in our member countries. This workshop represents a pivotal step in enhancing our collective vision towards a low-carbon future through the application of expertise and innovative solutions," he said. The first workshop focused on the importance of carbon markets in supporting sustainable development, highlighting the role of Global Carbon Council, which is the first internationally recognized voluntary carbon market in the Global South. GCC aims to accelerate climate action by supporting green and sustainable projects to offset unavoidable carbon emissions during operations. GCC is fully accredited by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The Program has already engaged over 1,500 diverse projects from 45+ countries, targeting the reduction of 2 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2032. The second workshop focused on sustainable built environment and energy efficiency, emphasizing the innovative standards developed by GORD, including the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS). The GSAS framework is designed to enhance energy efficiency and develop green buildings in line with the highest international standards. Among GORD's innovations highlighted at the event was Synergia9n1, which is a multicore air conditioning system backed by international patents and awards. The system is innovative due to its ability to cool hot, humid outdoor air and ventilate both open and enclosed spaces with 50% energy efficiency compared to conventional systems. This significantly reduces both energy consumption and carbon emissions, making Synergia9n1 a transformative step for sustainably meeting cooling needs in the Arab region. Another solution highlighted was Energia, which is a performance-based energy assessment tool developed by GORD to support the decarbonization of both new and existing buildings. Based on CEN/ISO standards, Energia provides a comprehensive analysis of energy performance, providing accurate insights and practical recommendations to improve buildings' energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint. By enabling decision makers to access accurate data and comprehensive performance assessments, Energia contributes to facilitating the shift toward more sustainable building practices. At the end of the workshops, participants emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation among Arab countries and developing policies that support the region's transition to a more sustainable future, focusing on innovation and adopting clean energy solutions as key pillars to achieve environmental and economic goals. Notably, this initiative is part of GORD's vision to drive sustainable development in the Arab world, and strengthening the region's position as an active contributor to international efforts aimed at combatting climate change and supporting the green economy. ABOUT GORD The Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) is an RDI entity recognized among leading organizations in the global sustainability milieu. Headquartered in Qatar Science and Technology Park, GORD drives the transformation of societies, industries, and the built environment by influencing corporate ethos, fostering innovation, and developing capacity to enable low-carbon sustainable growth for present and future generations. The organization's key operations include R&D, standards setting, green buildings certification, accreditation services, voluntary carbon markets, performance testing, knowledge dissemination, 3D prototyping and advisory services on sustainability and climate change for governments, non-government, public and private sector organizations in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ABOUT LEAGUE OF ARAB STATES The League of Arab States is a regional organization formed on 22 March 1945. It currently has 22 members. The main goal of the league is to "draw closer the relations between member States and co-ordinate collaboration between them, to safeguard their independence and sovereignty, and to consider in a general way the affairs and interests of the Arab countries." League of Arab States facilitates political, economic, cultural, scientific and social programs designed to promote the interests of the Arab world.
Zawya
24-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GORD and Dhofar University collaborate to promote sustainable development and GSAS green building practices in Oman
Dhofar, Oman: Under the patronage of Professor Amer bin Ali Al-Rawas, President of Dhofar University in the Sultanate of Oman, the event titled "REWAA Dhofar: Sustainable Development in Oman" commenced today. The event was attended by Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD), Engineer Majid Al-Kharoosi, Managing Director of Oman Tower Company, along with several officials from both public and private organizations as well as members of the academic and administrative staff of the university, and students. REWAA Dhofar kickstarted with a presentation on Dhofar University and GORD, showcasing the importance of their strategic collaboration in supporting sustainable development in the Sultanate of Oman. Following this, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dhofar University and GORD was signed by Professor Amer bin Ali Al-Rawas, President of Dhofar University, and Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD, who later exchanged commemorative gifts. The MoU establishes a collaboration between the two entities, focusing on advancing green building knowledge and best practices within the Sultanate of Oman. Additionally, it sets the stage for integrating GORD's Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) into the university's engineering curriculum, fostering education and capacity building on green building practices among students and professionals in Oman. In his statement, Professor Amer bin Ali Al-Rawas, President of Dhofar University, said, "Academia has a profound responsibility to prepare the next generation of talent for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. To achieve this, it's critical that we, as educators, stay at the forefront of the latest and best standards, particularly in areas critical to our future, such as sustainable development and climate resilience. Partnering with GORD and integrating their world-renowned GSAS standards into our curriculum allows us to fulfill this responsibility. By equipping our faculty and students with the knowledge of GSAS, we are not simply educating them; we are empowering them to become leaders who can effectively contribute to building a climate-resilient future for Oman and the region.' Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD, said, "Integrating green building practices, specifically through established frameworks like GSAS, into engineering curricula is imperative for developing a technically proficient workforce capable of addressing the complex sustainability challenges of our time. Our MOU with Dhofar University represents a strategic investment in building that capacity. This collaboration extends beyond academia, creating pathways for professionals to upskill and contribute to Oman's green building sector through the adoption of the GSAS framework. We commend Dhofar University for their foresight in aligning with Oman Vision 2040, and are confident that this collaboration will foster a new generation of engineering leaders who prioritize and understand the technical intricacies needed for sustainable development." Dr. Issam Bahdoor, Dean of the College of Engineering at Dhofar University, said that organizing this workshop is part of the College's commitment to building national capacity in environmental sustainability – a key priority of Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to balance environmental, economic, and social needs through sustainable development. As part of the MOU, GORD will provide training and professional certification programs for Dhofar University faculty members, enabling them to become licensed GSAS trainers. This will equip them with the expertise to deliver GSAS training and education to students and professionals in Oman, effectively expanding the reach of GSAS knowledge, and preparing the students for careers mindful of sustainable development and green building practices. Notably, the first outcome of the MoU was the inaugural GSAS workshop in Oman, which began today. The workshop is the first in a series of trainings aimed at building capacity and enhancing the sustainability knowledge of engineering students and professionals in Oman. The workshop, which attracted 80 participants from various sectors, will run for three days, providing essential knowledge required to assess the sustainability performance of new construction and infrastructure projects. It also offers participants the opportunity to learn about GSAS standards and become part of a growing network of green building experts in the region. GSAS, developed by GORD, is a performance-based green building rating system and the first of its kind in the MENA region. With 2500+ certified projects, GSAS has become the fastest growing green building rating system in the GCC region. GSAS' integrated lifecycle approach addresses environmental impacts of building and infrastructure projects during design, construction, and operation, leading to reduced resource consumption, minimized pollution, and improved occupant well-being. With the latest MOU, Dhofar University has become part of an expanding network of leading organizations and educational institutions in the region, including those in Qatar and Kuwait, that are imparting knowledge on GSAS to equip engineering students and professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and implement green building best practices. ABOUT GORD The Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) is an RDI entity recognized among leading organizations in the global sustainability milieu. Headquartered in Qatar Science and Technology Park, GORD drives the transformation of societies, industries, and the built environment by influencing corporate ethos, fostering innovation, and developing capacity to enable low-carbon sustainable growth for present and future generations. The organization's key operations include R&D, standards setting, green buildings certification, accreditation services, voluntary carbon markets, performance testing, knowledge dissemination, 3D prototyping and advisory services on sustainability and climate change for governments, non-government, public and private sector organizations in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For more information, visit: ABOUT DHOFAR UNIVERSITY Dhofar University (DU) is one of the leading Universities in the Sultanate of Oman. It is a not-for-profit private institution of higher education established by the Ministerial Decree No. 5/2004, issued in January 2004. The University formally commenced its operations in September 2004. Dhofar University is progressing steadily towards growth and development, with campus life filled with various social and cultural activities that reflect the rich heritage of the Sultanate of Oman in general, and the Dhofar Governorate in particular. Dhofar University is the only university in the Dhofar Governorate that offers diploma, bachelor's, and graduate programs. For more information, visit:
