Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), recently saw a wide array of companies and businesses take part in its No Paper Day campaign to raise awareness about global
deforestation.

Held on April 3, the second annual edition of the No Paper Day initiative was part of QGBC’s ongoing commitment to the sustainability objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.

Commenting on the council’s efforts to raise public awareness about the importance of sustainability, QGBC director Meshal al-Shamari said: “Initiatives such as No Paper Day are essential for public education regarding the strengthening of our collective preservation efforts for Qatar’s natural environment for future
generations.”

As part of the campaign, QGBC suggested a variety of useful tips that individuals could adopt in their daily lives at home, at the office or at school to help them stop wasting paper.

Some of the tips included sending emails instead of faxes whenever possible, reducing company junk mail by cancelling unnecessary print subscriptions and opting for e-tickets and mobile boarding passes when travelling.

Participants in this year’s No Paper Day campaign included Qatari Diar Vinci Construction, El Jaish Sports Club, Habtoor Leighton Group, Sukaina Secondary School, InterContinental Doha - The City, Al Khalij Commercial Bank, Advent Worldwide, Amwaj Catering Services, Gasal, Wyndham Grand Regency Doha, Arabian MEP Contracting, ADCC JV (Aktor Qatar), Mövenpick Tower & Suites Doha, Governor West Bay Suites & Residences, National Petroleum Services Qatar, Ooredoo Qatar, United Development Company and Cundall
Qatar Consulting.

Last year, the 20 organisations that took part in the inaugural campaign subsequently reduced their daily paper consumption by 73% by adopting the tips
suggested by QGBC.

 

5.4mn of A4 sheets are used  per day

Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) experts estimate that Qatar’s population uses a total of 5.4mn sheets of A4 paper a day, which translates into the cutting of 540 trees.

Speaking on these figures, QGBC director Meshal al-Shamari said: “Companies and individuals in Qatar have a responsibility to work together to strike a balance between developmental needs and the conservation of the country’s natural resources and
environment.”