United Development Company (UDC), the master developer of The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, has been honoured with five prestigious international environment and sustainability awards from The Green Apple Organisation, which promotes the best environmental practices worldwide.
UDC secured five gold awards for its remarkable accomplishments in pollution control, energy efficiency, waste management, carbon reduction, innovation, and sustainable water management. These areas play a crucial role in driving environmental improvement and sustainable development.
The awards were presented during a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament in London, underscoring UDC’s consistent leadership, innovation, and dedication to sustainable business practices as well as its commitment to fulfilling its environmental strategy and sustainability goals, contributing to the realisation of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
The awards were given to recognise UDC’s best practices in the areas of pollution control, waste management, carbon reduction, innovation, and sustainable water management.
UDC's award-winning practices are a result of its commitment to waste recycling and management, plastic reduction, e-waste and battery management, and other environmentally conscious efforts. Notably, UDC holds the distinction of being the first Qatari real estate company to introduce the Collec’Thor Sea Cleaners, also known as Seabin. These floating trash collectors, made from recycled materials, are capable of holding up to 20kg of waste and have played a crucial role in maintaining a cleaner marina and preventing pollution.
UDC remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental protection, evident in the integration of sustainable development programmes into the company's business decisions and practices. UDC's environmental and sustainability focus encompasses the effective management and recycling of waste across all its operations. This commitment is demonstrated through the utilisation of the ENVAC smart waste disposal system, active recycling measures, and environmentally friendly processes such as the prohibition of non-biodegradable plastic bags.
Furthermore, UDC prioritises the optimisation of energy consumption in all its projects, incorporating environmentally friendly technologies like district cooling provided by its subsidiary, Qatar Cool. The waste management and recycling programme at The Pearl Island, managed by UDC, has resulted in a substantial reduction in air pollution equivalent to over 600,000lbs per year.
UDC is operating the world’s largest district cooling plant at The Pearl Island, delivering eco-friendly cooling to the community while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Powered by UDC subsidiary, Qatar Cool, this plant has been a key contributor to environmental conservation.
In support of sustainable commuting, UDC is encouraging the use of e-scooters and bikes through dedicated lanes. The company has installed four electric vehicle chargers to facilitate the use of electric vehicles and reduce urban heating. Additionally, UDC has established climatised Metrolink bus stops, in collaboration with Mowasalat Qatar, enhancing public transportation experiences in line with sustainable practices.
UDC is committed to creating and implementing services, technologies, and business models that not only generate economic value in Qatar, but also contribute to environmental preservation, social progress, and long-term sustainability. UDC aims to promote responsible business practices and sustainable development following ESG principles.
As such UDC was the first company in Qatar to issue its Environmental, Social, and Governance Report (ESG) to the Qatar Stock Exchange, making it the first listed real estate company in Qatar to officially disclose its sustainability and environmental strategies and achievements.
Since its inception, The Pearl Island has implemented robust sustainable water management practices that conserve freshwater use. Leveraging technology and sustainable methodologies, UDC has successfully saved over 3mn gallons of freshwater by curbing waste and advocating for judicious water consumption.
UDC’s five International Green Apple Awards stand as a testament to its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible business practices. Through pioneering initiatives in waste management, carbon reduction, innovation, and sustainable water management, UDC is particularly setting a new benchmark for real estate development and community management in Qatar, leading by example and demonstrating the transformative impact of sustainable practices on a global scale.
The UDC team with the awards.
