Qatar takes global sustainability initiatives responsibly: al-Rumaihi

Qatar takes global sustainability initiatives responsibly and with full commitment, HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Rumaihi has said. Speaking yesterday at the Sustainability Summit 2018, organised by Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (Gord), he highlighted some of the numerous efforts initiated by the sustainability entrepreneurs in Qatar in various sectors. “Our commitment to sustainability is inspired from Qatar National Vision 2030. We in Qatar, as an active member of the international community, take such global initiatives responsibly and with full commitment. Our ongoing efforts to achieve sustainability and combat climate change embody stressing contemporary challenges that go beyond geographical boarders,” said al-Rumaihi.  The minister also drew the attention of the audience to two key common-ground accomplishments to achieve global sustainability aspirations.“Firstly, the global climate agreement of December 2015, commonly known as The Paris Agreement, which brings all nations, including Qatar, into a common cause to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects, with enhanced support to assist developing countries to do so. Secondly, in September 2015, countries adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which ensure the welfare of the people and prioritise sustainability as a global goal to combat climate change,” he explained.“The Qatar General Organisation for Standards and Metrology has adopted a new chapter in the Qatar Construction Specification standards called the “Green Construction Code,” which includes measurable standards that guide energy, water, resources and infrastructure. The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy has been working on planning and organising a carbon-neutral 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament in addition to constructing all of the tournament infrastructure in accordance with the FIFA approved GSAS sustainability assessment system, which conserves 40% more energy and water compared to average consumption rates,” stated the minister.“The Lusail City, one of the largest modern multi-functional cities in Qatar, has adopted the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) as a main licensing requirement for all public and private buildings in the city, which positions the city on the list of the sustainable cities around the world. The Public Works Authority, ‘Ashghal’, continues to develop the schools, mosques, healthcare centres government administrative projects in accordance with GSAS green building certification system,” described the minister.According to the minister, in the transportation sector, Qatar Rail projects are considered among the most sustainable infrastructure project in the country. These projects have employed strict sustainability standards for the design, construction and operation of the various stations to lower the carbon dioxide emissions by 30% compared to the average carbon emission rates,” he added.