The vision to make Qatar the regional capital of green building has received a fillip with the recent launch of Version 2.0 of Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) by the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (Gord).
Described as the ‘world’s most comprehensive’ sustainability rating system for the built environment, the new GSAS version includes the world’s first railroad projects assessment system and the Middle East’s first sustainable parks and public space assessment system.
Systems to assess urban planning, health facilities, sports facilities, green buildings project management system GSAS gate, training programmes for professionals in the real estate sector and launch of GSAS computer-based tests around the world are among the new features.
GSAS Version 2.0 has upgraded the system to handle - through a scientific approach - the technical challenges involved in air conditioning open stadiums, using conventional methods as well as renewable energy, in line with the FIFA 2022 requirements.
Yet another distinctive feature in the new version is “GSAS Publication Series”, which provides all scientific references and technical information on amazon.com as well as international publishing houses to facilitate easy access to information and support Gord’s globalisation goals.
Information released by Gord on the occasion of the launch of GSAS Version 2.0 also indicate that Qatar has emerged as one of the most advanced countries in terms of applying sustainability criteria to real estate projects in cities.
The environment-friendly cities’ area in Qatar amounts to more than 500mn sq ft, the largest in the Middle East. These cities include Lusail, the Ministry of Interior’s Lekhwiya City and Barwa City.
In terms of major developments, there is a total area of 12mn sq ft covered, including Doha Festival City, Bin Tawar Mall and North Gate.
Separate and standalone buildings, that are applying GSAS criteria, include more than 300 new projects, with a total area of 30mn sq ft and comprising commercial towers, schools, medical centres, mosques and towers.
The new version of GSAS will be able to handle projects outside Qatar. Various institutions and individuals in Jordan have been certified in this regard recently after completing the relevant training.
The system is set for modification soon in order to be in line with Jordan’s climate and environmental requirements, before the application of GSAS.
The second version of GSAS will introduce several training programmes in various disciplines for engineers, technicians and professionals with courses held for mechanical, energy, electric, architecture, construction, environment engineering and project management, in addition to others.
In order to offer GSAS professional tests across the world, Gord has entered into a partnership with Prometric for developing a testing platform that enables computer based delivery of exams through more than 300 centres in over 100 countries. The Qatar Financial Centre’s Academy is the approved testing centre in Qatar.
Gord, a non-profit subsidiary of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, is a government organisation located at the Qatar Science & Technology Park.
