Doha Festival City (DHFC) received a three-star design and build certification from Gulf Organisation for Research and Development’s (Gord) Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) in recognition of its commitment to sustainable development.
Gord ranks companies on GSAS scale, which is the region’s first performance-based sustainability assessment system. It was developed by combining the best practices from 40 different rating systems, available both regionally and internationally.
“DHFC was evaluated on multiple factors, including energy efficiency and consumption, conscientious water usage, re-usability of construction materials and indoor environmental quality,” according to a statement
yesterday.
One of the measures DHFC has taken to avoid water wastage is the implementation of high-efficiency faucets and sanitary fixtures with built-in sensors.
Native and adaptive plant species were also used to create a greater sustainable landscape design while regional materials with high recycled content were selected for construction.
“We have implemented ecologically responsible measures throughout our project with the main aim being to help protect the environment. Being recognised by Gord on the GSAS scale with three stars is a welcome recognition of our commitment towards sustainable solutions, as we strive to deliver environmentally-conscious solutions wherever possible for the well-being of today’s and tomorrow’s generations,” said Kareem Shamma, CEO of Bawabat Al-Shamal Real Estate Company (Basrec), the owners and developers of DHFC.
“DHFC is the first mall in Qatar to achieve GSAS level three-star certification. As a recognised leader in sustainable developments, we are unwavering in our commitment to delivering green strategies as we feel this is our duty to give back to the community” added Shamma.
Commenting on this achievement, Gord’s founding chairman Dr Youself al-Horr said: “Adopting GSAS-D&B recommendation and ideas helps building owners and operators to optimise energy use, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve indoor environmental quality, and improve operational and maintenance efficiency, amongst other benefits.”
“There is an authentic satisfaction in seeing that DHFC is the first mall to successfully fulfil the certification requirements,” he added.
DHFC receives three-star GSAS certification from Gord.
