Sudanese architects and engineers to learn QSAS

QSAS focus of Green Building Solutions Conference & Exhibition 2011

Doha, Qatar, 3 March 2011: The Barwa & Qatari Diar Research Institute (BQDRI) and University of Khartoum (Sudan) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate in the field of teaching and implementing the Qatar Sustainability Assessment System (QSAS) in the university curriculum and contribute in the field of research and development of environmental issues of common interest.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Gamal Mahmoud Hamid, Dean of Faculty of Architecture at University Of Khartoum and Dr. Yousef Al-Horr, BQDRI's Founder and Chairman in the company of senior management from both organizations.

"Without doubt QSAS is the MENA's most advanced and sustainable development solution. By creating a system that addresses sustainability goals specific to the region - and 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.

"Our partnership with University Of Khartoum, one of the leading educational institutions in North Africa, will advance the adoption, implementation and development of QSAS in the Arab speaking world." Added Dr. Al-Horr.

"By introducing QSAS in our curriculum, University of Khartoum is educating Sudan's architects and engineers of the future to adopt a sustainability ratings assessment system that reduces energy consumption and maintains the economic and environmental balance for the benefit of Sudan and the surrounding countries," says Dr. Gamal.

Under the terms of the MoU, QSAS will be integrated into the teaching and academic research curriculum at University of Khartoum, supporting student education and research projects with scientific results being shared between both parties.

"Our vision is for the Middle East and North Africa region to lead the world in the field of sustainable development, design and construction. The BQDRI remains committed to sharing our knowledge and research across the region to ensure QSAS is adopted as the sustainable development standard of the future," added Dr. Al-Horr.

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 that are different from other parts of the world.

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 meets the needs of the GCC climate and environment.

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 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.

- 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 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

About The University of Khartoum (www.uofk.edu)
The roots of the University of Khartoum go back to 1898, shortly after the Battle of Omdurman, when Lord Kitchener proposed founding a college in memory of General Gordon.

The new College named the Gordon Memorial College was officially opened in 1902.

The year 1936 witnessed the beginning of higher education in the Sudan each school was attached to the government department in which the graduated were expected to work. In 1945 all, these schools were brought under a special relationship with the University of London.

In 1951, the college was upgraded to become Khartoum University College and by the end of the same year, University of London was setting the examinations and awarding the degrees. The outstanding students were awarded bachelor degrees from the University of London while the rest got the college diplomas. The present University of Khartoum is the result of the natural innovation and adaptation of the Gordon Memorial College

About Faculty of Architecture (http://arch.uofk.edu/eng/site/index.html)
The Faculty of Architecture approved in 2007 is the result of the progression of the department at the Faculty of Engineering .The department was established in 1957 and graduated its first batch of four graduates' in1961 with a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture.

In 1971 the department settled into its new buildings at the University of Khartoum Central Campus, which is situated on the west bank of the River Nile.

Four departments form the Faculty:
1. Department of Design,
2. Department of Urban Design and Planning
3. Department of Construction Management and Economics
4. Department of Housing

Faculty of Architecture / Mission:
The main objective of our Faculty is to pursue architecture as a humanistic and professional discipline, which synthesizes art and science through intellectual rigor, aesthetic judgment, and technical understanding.

Our mission is to educate professionals who will contribute to the socio-economic and cultural development of Sudan and the broader global community through responsible participation in the process of the design, construction and interpretation of the built environment. The faculty achieves its objectives through teaching, learning, research, professional practice, and service.

For further information, kindly contact:
Salah Al Ayoubi - Head of Marketing & Business Development
Mobile: +974 33068397
Email: salah.alayoubi@barwa.com.qa

© Press Release 2011