United Gulf Building Code Forum delegates, Ministry of Environment and GCC Standardization organization representatives learn from the experience of QSAS in Qatar

QSAS, the first and only sustainable development rating system to meet unique GCC cultural and environment challenges

Doha, Qatar 13 October 2010: Barwa and Qatari Diar Research Institute (BQDRI), the premier organization in the State of Qatar supporting research and training to ensure sustainable development in the GCC, is participating in the First Forum of the GCC Unified Building Code to promote its Qatar Sustainability Assessment Systems (QSAS) as the GCC standard for sustainable rating.

As conference delegates and representatives of both the Ministry of Environment & the GCC Standardization Organization Committee listened intently, BQDRI Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Yousef Al-Horr outlined how QSAS is the Middle East's first and only performance-based sustainability rating system to meet the unique cultural and environmental challenges of GCC countries.

"Without doubt QSAS is the GCC's sustainable development solution. By creating a system that addresses sustainability goals specific to the region - one which also meets the toughest international standards - QSAS is the perfect solution to the region's need to establish a single, consistent standard for sustainable development in the construction industry," said Dr. Al-Horr. 

The crucial difference between QSAS and every other sustainable assessment framework is that QSAS responds to the environment and needs of this region, whereas methods used in GCC countries depend on imported systems that were designed for entirely different climates.

"I urge delegates attending the First Forum on GCC Unified Building Code to examine QSAS closely and they will soon appreciate that QSAS serves as an example to nations and companies across the region," added Dr. Al-Horr. 

"Our vision is for Qatar to be a leader in the field of sustainable development, design and construction, and that BQDRI remains committed to sharing our knowledge and research across the GCC to ensure QSAS is adopted as the sustainable development standard of the future."

Developed by the BQDRI in co-operation with experts and researchers from the T.C. Chan Center for Building Simulation and Energy Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, 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.

In short, issues such as resource smoothing, Power consumption, scarcity of water and cultural identity are at the core of QSAS and are interpreted in a way which suits the GCC region.

Based on proven green building guidelines, a rigorous sustainability rating system and challenging water and energy standards, QSAS integrates best practice from 40 global assessment systems to create the 'best of the best' green building benchmark at various types of commercial buildings, hotels & light industrial facilities for the entire GCC region.

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.

"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," advised Dr. Al-Horr.

Sustainable Development is one of the key principles stated in Qatar National Vision 2030 which calls for the private and public sectors to have active engagement in sustainable development initiatives alongside with government.  

Within the framework of the BQDRI strategy to upgrade the skills of all workers in the private and public real estate sectors, BQDRI focuses on conducting training and customized workshops for implementing QSAS in all buildings to improve their quality. Last week, BDQRI completed its fifth training workshop in which fifty participants took part. The workshop's success was further ensured by the thoroughness and professionalism of staff at Al Jazeera Children's Channel studio, where the workshop was held.  

As a pioneer, BQDRI is entrusted with promoting local, regional and international awareness of QSAS and its many environmental benefits. Already QSAS has received widespread acclaim both in Qatar, the GCC and around the world.

More information about the BQDRI and its QSAS sustainable development ratings system can be found by visiting www.bqdri.org

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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:
Salah Al Ayoubi - Marketing & Business Development Manager
Telephone: +974 4499 2099
Email: salah.alayoubi@barwa.com.qa

© Press Release 2010