Doha: In a bid to collaborate in the fields of sustainability, energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction, the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Waseef, a subsidiary of Barwa Real Estate. The initiative aligns with Qatar National Environment and Climate Change Strategy (QNE) and the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030.
The MoU was signed by Engineer Saleh Abdullah Al Sharafi, Chief Executive Officer of Waseef, and Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD, in the presence of key officials from both entities. The MoU signing ceremony was organized as part of GORD’s 15th anniversary celebrated with a knowledge sharing forum during Project Qatar 2024. Themed “Towards a Climate-Resilient Future: GORD’s 15-Year Legacy of Environmental Stewardship,” GORD’s forum highlighted the organization’s extensive work in low-carbon initiatives and sustainable practices.
Under the MoU, GORD will provide Waseef with the necessary support to exp
lore opportunities for obtaining green building certification for the projects it manages. GORD will also develop a benchmarking strategy for existing Waseef-managed buildings concerning their energy and water use. As part of the MoU, GORD will also offer support to enhance the technical services provided by Waseef’s contractors and partners to ensure that they align with sustainability best practices. The collaboration will also extend to aspects related to contractual and building-related aspects to optimize energy and water efficiency.
Speaking about the MoU, Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD), said, “Energy and water efficiency in both new and existing buildings can be a major driver for global decarbonization as buildings are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Through our MoU with Waseef today, we look forward to a collaborative journey aimed at advancing sustainable building practices across Waseef’s rich portfolio of pro
jects. Our goal is not only to reduce carbon footprints of these projects but also to build Qatar’s resilience to climate impacts, foster resource conservation, and drive economic savings.” Engineer Al Sharafi expressed his gratitude to GORD for its efforts across various sectors to catalyze the achievement of sustainable development goals through green initiatives in real estate, facility management, buildings and infrastructure development, and construction material manufacturing, etc.
Engineer Saleh Abdullah Al Sharafi, Chief Executive Officer of Waseef, said, “Our collaboration with GORD through the signing of this MoU will enhance Waseef’s sincere efforts to incorporate green features in the projects it manages. This reaffirms our commitment to our operational strategy aimed at elevating the development of the real estate projects we manage and operate. Our goal is to provide our clients, whether property owners or beneficiaries, with long-term value that meets their aspirations and ambitions. At the sa
me time, we aim to support all efforts made by the State to enhance sustainability best practices in the real estate sector in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.” Apart from the MoU signing ceremony, GORD’s 15th anniversary forum featured insightful presentations from sustainability and carbon finance experts, innovators and specialists directly involved in nature-positive initiatives. During these sessions, a key topic covered was Synergia7n1 as a low-carbon alternative for cooling both open and enclosed spaces, highlighting its potential to mitigate climate impact. Experts from GORD affiliate, Global Carbon Council, shared insights on carbon offsetting strategies aimed at enhancing climate and sustainability outcomes. Qatar’s innovative solutions for low-carbon construction were highlighted by GORD’s research wing, showcasing their approach to reducing the carbon footprint in building practices. Another key topic presented during the forum was the decarbonization of buildings through energy-smart solutio
ns. The role of additive manufacturing in minimizing environmental impact was also covered, demonstrating its effectiveness in promoting sustainability. Finally, the sessions explored the broader theme of developing a sustainable built environment with GSAS in Qatar and beyond. Together, the presentations highlighted comprehensive solutions and strategies to achieve long-term environmental goals.
Source: Qatar News Agency
