“Today’s launch of the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development as a non-profit independent organization brings us closer to achieving our vision of seeing QSAS become the regional standard for sustainable development rating systems,” said Dr. Youssef Al-Horr, founder and chairman of the organization.
Although Thursday’s press conference was a coming out party of sorts for the organization, it is actually a rebranding of the three year old Barwa and Qatari Diar Research Institute, which was established in 2009 and developed Qatar Sustainability Assessment System (QSAS).
According to Al-Horr, the aim of the revamped entity aims is to ensure a healthy, rich and diverse environment for present and future generations in support of the environmental pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Recently, the Qatar real estate sector has witnessed the launch of numerous projects from buildings to large urban developments.
Adopting QSAS’s stringent standards, most of which were initiated in March on the heels of Qatar’s first Green Building Solutions conference, provides potential residents of these projects with high-quality and un-sacrificed lifestyles, but built with methods that promote sustainable usage of natural resources, Al-Horr said.
Already, the cities Alwakra and Alkhor cities have both decided to revise their urban planning scheme to include QSAS Standards.
In line with the vision of His Highness the Emir and Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Heir Apparent of the State of Qatar to make the country a regional role model on sustainable development and climate change issues, the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development will strive to enhance the country’s environmental credentials whilst remaining committed to Qatar’s long-term economic and social growth.
“The Gulf Organisation for Research & Development aims to ensure a healthy, rich and diverse environment for present and future generations in support of the environmental pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030,” Al-Horr said.
“Our vision is for Qatar to be the leader in sustainable development, design and construction,” he continued. “The Gulf Organisation for Research & Development will be one of the driving forces behind this transformation, achieving recognition by the construction industry and real estate sector as an invaluable contributor to the delivery of sustainable development.”
The QSAS focuses on the region’s social, economic, environmental and cultural conditions which are different from other parts of the world where issues such as power consumption, scarcity of water and cultural identity are neglected.
“Through adopting QSAS, Qatar will form an economical scene built on the sustainable development requirements such as recycling, energy, and friendly environment materials,” Al-Horr said.
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