QGBC director appointed vice-chair of WGBC

Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) director Meshal al-Shamari, pictured, has been appointed regional vice-chair of the World Green Building Council’s (WGBC) Middle East and North Africa (Mena) Regional Network – a group of green building councils working to advance green building within the region.Al-Shamari has been appointed on a two-year term for his leadership in the green building movement, and continued dedication to improving the sustainability of buildings, both in Qatar and at a regional level. QGBC is a member of Qatar Foundation.Al-Shamari said, “During the last decade, Qatar Green Building Council joined efforts with the Government of Qatar and regional and international entities to foster a culture of sustainability. With the timeline of a carbon-neutral 2022 FIFA World Cup coming closer, the journey of sustainability has become quicker and more challenging. I am looking forward to continue working with my colleagues in the Mena region Green Building Council to advance the agenda of sustainability and health in the built environment.”Cristina Gamboa, chief executive officer, WGBC, added: “While climate change is a global challenge, the solutions to it are often local and regional. Championing green building at these levels through our regional networks is therefore essential to deliver on our mission of green buildings for everyone, everywhere. Meshal has been a true champion of sustainability across Qatar, and his leadership as vice-chair will help to strengthen the network of Green Buildings Councils in the region.”The Middle East and North Africa Regional Network comprises nine Green Building Councils based in the Mena region, including Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Palestine. The Mena region is currently home to more than 350mn people and its population growth has been characterised by rapid urbanisation, a press statement notes. This is projected to continue, with the urban population expected to double from 2010 to 2050, from 200mn to nearly 400mn. This implies a large demand for buildings, complicated by the challenges of conflict-induced displacement of people, it adds.