ME NewswireDOHA, Qatar - Sunday, October 27th 2013
The High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh (ADA), in collaboration with Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD), the authority for knowledge on sustainability in the MENA region, has launched the Certified Green Professional (CGP) training workshop, the first of its kind in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The programme is part of ADA’s commitment to promoting sustainability initiatives across the GCC and the MENA region and to ensure that projects are designed and executed in accordance with the highest industry standards.
Through the workshop, the organizers seek to develop the skills and expertise of specialists and engineers to empower them with skills to develop public sector projects in accordance with the requirements of urban sustainability, which contributes to minimizing environmental impact.
The training workshop was conducted between 17 -19 September 2013 at ADA's Tuwaiq Academy and was the first in a series of academic activities which include specialised and professional training programmes for more than 40 engineers and professionals.
Participants had the opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss the requirements of the application of GSAS principles in accordance with the environmental, climatic and cultural data of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as the Gulf region.
"The workshop is a vital tool to support our efforts to develop the competencies and skills of ADA professionals and experts. Through this activity, valuable channels are opened for knowledge transfer and exchange of best practices and the latest information related to sustainability," said Eng. Abdul Rahman Al Shaya, Environmental Planning and infrastructure Department Manager at the opening of the workshop.
In addition, Eng. Al Shaya stressed on the importance of such workshops as they provide an ideal opportunity for industry professionals to be updated on best practices in sustainable design and increase their potential to be accredited as GSAS – Certified Green Professionals.
”By organizing the GSAS-CGP workshops, we aim to foster the growth of construction professionals who deliver world-class sustainable building standards across the region and this initiative in Saudi Arabia comes in response to the great interest in ADA. GSAS is the most comprehensive sustainability rating system in the world and is increasingly adopted as the standard for excellence in sustainability in the MENA region," said Dr. Yousef Al Horr, GORD Chairman. "We are pleased as well with the eager participation of the private sector represented by construction companies and engineering consulting firms from various countries at these workshops, which reflects the growing interest and confidence in G-SAS as the international standard," added Dr. Al Horr. The workshop opened with a lecture from Dr. Esam Elsarrag, GORD Research and Development Director, who highlighted the comprehensiveness of GSAS in terms of evaluating a wide range of real estate facilities including commercial buildings, schools, universities, residential buildings, mosques, hotels, light industry, sports facilities, hospitals, parks, districts and other public facilities. He emphasized that GSAS also includes rating metropolises and cities to address sustainability issues in the early planning stages of the infrastructure. He also spoke about eight categories under GSAS, each with a direct impact on environmental stress mitigation and each measuring a different aspect of a specific project’s environmental impact: energy, water, indoor environment, cultural and economic value, site, urban connectivity, material, management and operations, as well as the associated subcategories. GSAS workshops equip professionals with sustainability tools through discussions and the development of practical examples in collaboration with a number of international leading consultants, researchers and experts in urban sustainability. Following the workshop, participants can register for the online Professional Accreditation Exam to obtain a GSAS-CGP certificate.
About The High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh
www.arriyadh.com
Due to the high importance of Arriyadh as the political and historical capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a high planning Commission has been established for developing the city in all economic, social, cultural, architectural and environmental aspects. The commission is responsible also for drawing policies and procedures aiming at raising the efficiency of services and facilities connected with raising the living standard of citizens and their welfare.
The High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh and its executive branch, Arriyadh Development Authority, have been established by virtue of the resolution of the Council of Ministers No. 717 issued on 28/5/1394H. Other regulations and rules were formulated stating its developmental and planning role by the resolution of the Minister of Interior No 4/212 issued on 20/1/1395 H. These regulations allow for high degree of flexibility in administration and financing and wide range of powers and jobs.
The Council of Ministers, by its resolution No 221, issued on 2/9/1403H, stated the independent nature of the Commission and that it is the authority concerned with planning in the city. To enable and facilitate implementation of its powers, the resolution declared the establishment of Projects and Planning Center. The resolution stated the role of the center and its responsibility for the comprehensive development projects in the city in addition to conducting planning works and studies.
The Council of Ministers has issued a number of resolutions aiming to enable the Authority to handle its increasing responsibilities. On 11/2/1402H, the Council of Ministers decided to give the Authority additional duties to control, coordinate and implement the basic infrastructural projects in the city.
About the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development
www.gord.qa
GORD 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 GCC to be a leader in the field of sustainable development, design and construction, and to be one of the driving forces behind this transformation.
Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) is the standard for excellence on sustainability in the MENA region. Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) is the most comprehensive sustainability rating system for the built environment in the world. The all-inclusive offerings of the system supports in assessing all types of developments starting from macro level such as master plans for cities to micro level such as single buildings. GSAS aims to promote sustainable practices within the framework of a globalized society.
Contacts
Gulf Organisation for Research and Development
Salah Ayoubi – Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications
00974-4404-9007
s.alayoubi@gord.qa
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