Qatar will soon have a laboratory to assess whether new air conditioners conform to the Energy Star ratings set by Kahramaa, a top official told Gulf Times on Tuesday.

Dr Yousef Alhorr, founding chairman of Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (Gord), revealed that an agreement has been signed with a private Qatari company Al Taadhod Group (Gree Qatar) in this regard.

"This is an important agreement for Qatar in ensuring sustainability practices,” he explained after signing the agreement at the opening ceremony of the Sustainable Summit 2018 organised by Gord.

“The company will provide the equipment while Gord will run the facility. It will work as a third party certification agency for the AC units,” said Dr Alhorr.

“We have got the staff for the new facility and are waiting for the equipment to reach. The AC distributors or manufactures must bring sample units to check,” he said.

When the AC shipments come to Qatar, they will be subjected to random sampling and checking.

Similarly when the Gord inspectors check for Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) certification of buildings, they will also check the AC units.

Another agreement, between Gord and Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) aims for GSAS operations and energy efficiency labelling for buildings.

“We have applied the label for appliances and cars. Now we are applying the same for buildings. This is also a unique programme in the Middle East and the outcome of a long-term research funded by QNRF. We will provide energy as well as water performance labels. Many of the leading buildings, stadiums, new metro stations will be labelled as energy and water efficient,” said Dr Alhorr.

An agreement between the United Nations Environment and Gord aims to exchange expertise. “The UN wants to utilise the expertise of Gord and promote sustainability practices outside Qatar. Similarly Gord would like to learn from the best practices of the UN to promote sustainability practices in Qatar. We will announce those specific projects in the near future when they are formally finalised,” added Dr Alhorr.

Related Story