Doha, Qatar - Sunday, October 16th 2011 [ME NewsWire]
· Close cooperation with international bodies such as “Elsevier” & “CIBSE” to facilitate international certification for engineers to enhance professional development
· Strategic partnerships with top academic institutions in UK and Germany to pursue research projects and educate human resources about sustainability
The Gulf Organization for Research and Development, Qatar's leading research, consultancy and training institute and the developer of the Qatar Sustainability Assessment System (QSAS), has developed “The International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment”, which was recently launched in the UK during a ceremony attended by editors of various specialized publications from all over the world as well as representatives from Elsevier, the world’s leading provider of science and health information. The International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment is a bi-annual scientific periodical that addresses a number of areas within the built environment sphere inspired by the QSAS initiative.
The Organization has stated that the launch of the Elsevier-published journal is part of its commitment to leverage modern knowledge, encourage sustainable construction practices and promote QSAS as a standard for sustainability assessment in built environments and one of the most comprehensive systems in the world. QSAS’ main objective is to create a strong foundation and find effective means to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainable development without compromising the region’s urban identity, while taking into account the local, regional and global climatic, geological and environmental conditions. Developed by the Gulf Organization for Research and Development, QSAS not only addresses the needs of Qatar and the Gulf region, but is also developed to help enhance sustainability and development worldwide.
In line with expected changes in legal, legislative and environmental conditions in Qatar, the Middle East and the rest of the world, the Organization has designed QSAS to guarantee greater flexibility when laying down future amendments and seeking a balance between developmental requirements and sustainable objectives. This makes QSAS a comprehensive system to build a sustainable civilized environment, reduce carbon footprint and protect the natural resources. Complying with new international partnerships and following the desire of stakeholders in the Gulf region, a draft is currently under review to change the name of QSAS to Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS), which is an integral part of Gulf Organisation for Research & Development to go global.
Gulf Organization for Research and Development announced the signing of a series of memoranda of understanding (MoU) with leading academic organizations, universities and training institutions in the UK and Germany, such as University College London (UCL), University of Aberdeen, University of Reading, Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques (IPM) and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). These agreements are part of the strategy aimed at strengthening its network of partner institutions that have genuine interest and commitment to adopt sustainable solutions, applications and practices in the construction sector to reduce energy consumption, cut down carbon footprint and address various environmental challenges.
Dr. Yousef Mohammed Al-Horr, Founder and Chairman of Gulf Organization for Research and Development, emphasized the importance of establishing strategic partnerships with high-profile universities and educational and academic institutions as a foundation for sharing knowledge and expertise. He said that it is equally important for partner institutions to leverage international experiences in sustainability to develop effective solutions that address key environmental challenges, promote socioeconomic growth and drive the long-term development of the GCC and Middle East countries.
Al Horr also pointed out that these partnerships primarily aim to enhance cooperation in implementing new projects, initiatives and activities to offer technical services and consultation based on modern scientific research, as well as training and rehabilitation programs. He also pointed out joint efforts to implement more faculty and student exchange programs to further promote the transfer of knowledge and stay up-to-date with rapid advancements in sustainable development, innovative construction designs and green building technology around the globe.
Al Horr also expressed his pleasure with the new partnerships with high-profile academic and training institutions, which allow the Organization to have better access to a much wider range of resources and gives it greater flexibility to pursue important research programs that have a positive impact on development and sustainability. The partnership with University of Aberdeen involves the implementation of research projects on creating eco-friendly building materials, techniques to reduce carbon emissions and technologies for sustainable building. Researches to be conducted with UCL will revolve around the “Urban Heat Island” and system modeling. The Organization’s collaboration with the University of Reading aims to conduct studies on smart buildings, while its alliance with Fraunhofer IPM will focus on finding new ways to develop renewable building materials and hybrid solar systems.
“Our cooperation with Elsevier to publish the International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment is a great example of the importance of our strategic partnerships, particularly in highlighting the role of QSAS as an effective system to develop environmentally sustainable solutions and creating a better living environment,” said Al Horr. “No doubt, the launch of this journal is a great step forward in our strategy to facilitate the transfer of expertise, knowledge and information on sustainability, as well as introducing innovative solutions that drive development, create a sustainable urban environment and enhance the quality of life. In addition to the magazine, we will continue to support and organize regular campaigns to educate and raise awareness about green building technologies, integrated designs, eco-friendly building models and energy management systems to consolidate the region’s position as a leader in sustainable development.”
“In the framework of our partnership with CIBSE, a professional body that supports the science, art and practice of building services engineering, we seek to conduct joint research studies for the Middle East, develop relevant training courses and explore future collaboration. We are also committed to provide all facilities and training services across our offices in Qatar to help engineers obtain international certification from CIBSE, giving them the opportunity to further enhance their personal and professional development,” he added.
“These new partnerships reflect the Organization’s position as one of the leading international organizations in leveraging best practices in sustainable building through developmental initiatives, studies and scientific researches. For our part, we are keen to continue to build a strong network of strategic partners that will support our vision of transforming the way buildings are designed, built and operated by promoting healthy, energy and resource-efficient building practices in the entire Gulf region,” Al Horr concluded.
The International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment is among over 2,000 journals and close to 20,000 books and major reference works published by Elsevier, which has been serving more than 30 million scientists, students and health and information professionals worldwide.
The journal covers a wide range of topics related to efforts in developing a sustainable built environment, including original research, policies and practices in energy conservation and efficiency; renewable energy and low carbon technologies; water conservation and recycling; urban planning; eco-materials, building planning, performance, systems, modeling, components and integration and life; thermal, acoustic and visual comfort; air quality; building research and architectural science; applications, techniques and assessments for building design construction and operation; healthy and productive built environment, impacts on climate change and adaptation.
Gulf Organization for R&D, a subsidiary of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, is a governmental organization that aims to make a difference in the construction sector by promoting sustainable building standards and eco-friendly practices. The Organization’s vision is to strengthen the position of Qatar and the rest of the GCC as a leader in the development, design and construction of sustainable buildings. This is achieved through scientific research in collaboration with renowned local, regional and international organizations; research institutions; consulting and technology companies; real estate and construction companies; and professional and governmental organizations to find effective solutions for key environmental challenges. The Organization is committed to engage in various local, regional and international forums and conferences to showcase QSAS.
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Notes to the Editor
About Universities & Institutes:
www.elsevier.com
www.ucl.ac.uk
www.abdn.ac.uk
www.reading.ac.uk
www.cibse.org
www.ipms.fraunhofer.de/en.html
About the
GULF ORGANISATION FOR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
www.gord.qa
About The Gulf Organisation for Research & Development
The Gulf Organization for Research & Development is a 100% government Qatari organization leading the fight to transform the way buildings are designed, built and operated by promoting healthy, energy- and resource-efficient building practices.
Sponsored by Qatari Diar, the Gulf Organisation for R&D aims to build and strengthen a strong and vibrant local, regional and global consortium and network of respected research institutions, consulting and technology companies, real estate and construction companies, governmental and professional organizations that have genuine interest and commitment to support the strategic objectives of the Organization to address the environmental challenges and empower the construction society to apply sustainable applications and practices.
Our vision is for Qatar to be a leader in the field of sustainable development, design and construction, and for the Gulf Organisation for R&D to be one of the driving forces behind this transformation.
Gulf Organization for R&D will run scientific research through its own research programs and partnerships with local and international organizations, from both academic and applied research perspectives, to share knowledge and build networks to enhance the sustainable built environment in Qatar. The research programs, including but not limited to, energy conservation and efficiency, renewable energy, materials, water, waste recycling etc., in addition to developing information databases from new and existing building stock including pilot research projects and feasibility studies and translate it into commercial reality for the best of future local economy and sustainable built environment. Our Objectives
§ Knowledge Creation - Gulf Organisation for R&D engages in research relates to the development of knowledge and processes whose applications range from the building to the urban scale.
§ Research-based Consultancy – Gulf Organisation for R&D offers research based consultancy services on existing buildings and new construction projects as well as testing simulations and system integration.
§ Information Dissemination - Gulf Organisation for R&D provides educational opportunities for professionals through teaching & Research, training & workshops and publications.
§ Business Development – Gulf Organisation for R&D partners with local, regional and international organizations to develop strategic and innovative solutions in the fields of renewable materials & product manufacturing, recycling and transportation.
www.gord.org.qa
Contacts
Salah Al Ayoubi
Head of Marketing & Business Development
+974 4404 9007
s.alayoubi@gord.qa
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