QSAS first sustainability development rating system designed for GCC environment
BQDRI expressed commitment to providing awareness on sustainability development by launching its website and publishing Qatar's first sustainability development e-newsletter "thegreenleaf"
Paris, France: Following the adoption of green building practices of the Qatar Sustainability Assessment System (QSAS) by BARWA Real Estate Company (BARWA) and Qatari Diar Real Estate Development Company (Qatari Diar) for all their future projects, the BARWA and Qatari Diar Research Institute (BQDRI) has announced the release of the first full version of QSAS that includes:
1- QSAS Manuals
2- QSAS Tool Kit Suite
3- QSAS Project Management System
The built environment, in Qatar and across the globe, contributes to air pollution, land use and contamination, fossil fuel and water depletion, water pollution, materials depletion, impacts on human health, and climate change. Responsible design, construction and building operations can mitigate the negative effects of the built environment.
BQDRI's development of QSAS focuses on local needs and implements the best practices taking into consideration the region's social, economic, environmental and cultural conditions which are different from other parts of the world. Issues such as desertification, scarcity of water and cultural identity were approached in a way which suits Qatar and the region.
Based on proven green building guidelines, a rigorous sustainability rating system and challenging water and energy standards, QSAS integrates best practice from 140 global assessment systems to create the 'best of the best' green building benchmark for the State of Qatar.
QSAS criteria are divided into eight categories - Urban Connectivity, Site, Energy, Water, Materials, Indoor Environment, Cultural & Economic Value, Management & Operations - each with a direct impact on environmental stress mitigation. Each category measures a different aspect of a project's environmental impact. The eight categories are then broken down into specific criteria that measure and define individual issues. A score is then awarded to each criterion based on the degree of compliance.
Among the many unique QSAS advantages is that the system learns and benefits from other global sustainability rating systems, using the best assessments rated by performance, quantity survey, and flexibility of the assessment system to overcome the weak points in other international systems, and to fully control all the developing operations, privatization, and future amendments of QSAS.
"By developing a system that addresses sustainability goals specific to the area, adhering to international standards, Qatar will have the opportunity to serve as a premier example for nations and companies across the region and the globe. The crucial difference is that the framework and standards, upon which QSAS was developed, correspond to the environment and needs of this region, and other regional practiced methods depend on imported sustainability rating systems that were developed to address different context than ours." says Dr. Al Horr.
Dr. Al-Horr Added: "by having the first full version of QSAS, the doors will open new horizons of business and development to achieve BQDRI sustainability objectives. I am confident that with a full fledge rating system, QSAS, and our strategic alliances, we will add great value to what BQDRI has done. This announcement will encourage the adoption and implementation of QSAS in Qatar and abroad to further develop a sustainable environment for the generations to come".
QSAS was first introduced as the "Middle East's first performance-based sustainability rating system" by Dr Yousef Al Horr, Chairman and Managing Director of BQDRI at the Global City sustainable urban development Forum in Abu Dhabi in 2009.
In 2010, and after sufficiently satisfying QSAS standards, testing criteria & other requirements; BQDRI honored BARWA's "BARWA City Project", 128 buildings, the provisional accreditation as "QSAS - RATED GREEN PROJECT". The latter was being done according to the following:
- BARWA City Phase-I Residential Buildings' Design has received a total score of One Star in Qatar Sustainability Assessment System (QSAS).
- BARWA City Phase-I comprises of 128 Apartment Buildings; 4 to 6 stories; and each apartment building will receive the QSAS certification.
QSAS, being the first of its kind performance-based sustainability rating system in the MENA region developed by BQDRI, is now being amongst the top sustainability rating systems in relation to the number of registered projects. In other words, QSAS registered projects consists of 128 Buildings in the State of Qatar compared to 34 registered buildings under other rating systems.
The BARWA and Qatari Diar Research Institute (BQDRI) is a proud member of the United Nations Environment Program Sustainable Buildings & Climate Initiative (SBCI). The SBCI provides leadership and encourages partnership amongst all buildings and construction stakeholders to address sustainability issues of global significance, especially climate change, energy efficiency and CO2 emissions.
BQDRI Sustainable Development Website
As part of its commitment to public awareness, The BQDRI has launched a comprehensive website dealing with issues related to sustainable development. www.bqdri.com.qa enables building professionals to check out the latest sustainable development news and download important research and advice for developers, building professionals and owners.
www.bqdri.com.qa also offers valuable information about sustainable development initiatives in Qatar, keeping interested parties up-to-date with the latest QSAS developments including dates of QSAS Training Workshops, QSAS - CERTIFIED GREEN PROFESSIONAL™ examinations and details of various BQDRI Corporate and Individual Memberships.
"The www.bqdri.com.qa website is a vital online resource as the BQDRI strives to provide professionals in the real estate industry with latest knowledge, research and news about sustainable development," said Dr. Al-Horr.
'thegreenleaf' or The Green Leaf
In support to its initiative and launch of the BQDRI website, the Research Institute demonstrated the believe in the concept of sustainability development within the construction industry through publishing the first e-newsletter for construction professionals and the public on sustainable development in Qatar to reach the globe.
Named "thegreenleaf" and available only through the www.bqdri.com.qa website, the BQDRI e-newsletter offers a wide range of informative news on Qatari and global sustainability development activities.
"thegreenleaf" is an opt-in e-newsletter written for building professionals, specifically designers, engineers and upper-level management working in government and construction industry projects.
"Sustainable Development is one of the key principles stated in Qatar National Vision 2030."thegreenleaf" or The Green Leaf is a must-read for Qatar's leaders and decision makers in construction field as it aims to become among the region's leading sources of sustainability development news," advised Dr. Al Horr.
To register and receive "thegreenleaf"e-newsletters directly by email, visit www.bqdri.com.qa and register your email address.
New QSAS Workshop
BQDRI, since inception, has been organizing T&D workshops assuring its committee to the ability to lead sustainability in the Qatari real estate market. It will host its next professional workshop beginning Sunday 25th of April, for three days, in collaboration with experts and researchers from the T.C. Chan Center for Building Simulation and Energy Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.
The QSAS The three days professional workshop, conducted at BARWA Knowledge building from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m., will support industry professionals and engineers, working in the real estate sector, by empowering them with the necessary tools and means of sustainability development required for all BARWA & Qatari Diar future projects. It offers candidates the:
- training to become QSAS - CERTIFIED GREEN PROFESSIONAL™ and secure project submission to Lusail Municipality and BARWA Real Estate,
- latest knowledge and understanding of QSAS green building practices and principles, and how to apply them in Qatar,
- guidance to QSAS procedures, tools, applications and assessment requirements,
- necessary educational materials to support them during their practice.
-Ends-
Go Green with BQDRI
The BARWA and Qatari Diar Research Institute (BQDRI); a joint venture between Barwa Knowledge, Subsidiary of Barwa Real Estate, and Lusail Real Estate Development Company, Subsidiary of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company; is a non-governmental organization whose purpose is to promote healthy, energy- and resource-efficient building practices in Qatar.
BQDRI aims to build and strengthen a strong and vibrant local, regional and global consortium and network of respected research institutions, consulting and technology companies, real estate estate and construction companies, governmental and professional organizations that have genuine interest and commitment to support the strategic objectives of the Institute to address the environmental challenges and empower the construction society to apply sustainable applications and practices.
Our vision is for Qatar to be a leader in the field of sustainable development, design and construction, and for BQDRI is to be one of the driving forces behind this transformation.
Our Objectives
Knowledge Creation - BQDRI will engage in research relates to the development of knowledge and processes whose applications range from the building to the urban scale.
Research-based Consultancy - BQDRI will offer research based consultancy services on existing buildings and new construction projects as well as testing simulations and system integration.
Information Dissemination - BQDRI will provide educational opportunities for professionals through teaching & Research, training & workshops and publications.
Business Development & Administration - BQDRI will strategically partnering with local, regional and international organizations to develop strategic and innovative solutions in the fields of Renewable, Materials & Products Manufacturing, Recycling and Transportation.
For further information, kindly contact:
Bassel Hanbali - Marketing & Business Development Director
Mobile: +9746542099
Email: bassel.hanbali@barwa.com.qa
© Press Release 2010
