ASIF IQBAL

DOHA IN a development that reinforces Qatar’s status as the regional leader in the use and development of “green building’ concepts and technology, Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD), has signed an agreement with the Jordan Engineers Association (JEA).

Qatar’s leading research, consultancy and training institute and the developer of the Qatar Sustainability Assessment System (QSAS), has authorised JEA to use the tools and materials available through GORD’s free and unrestricted educational licence for a year.

The agreement was signed by the Founder and Chairman of GORD Yousef Mohammed al Horr and President of JEA Abdulla Obaidat in Amman, Jordan, on Tuesday.

Under the agreement, GORD and JEA would be submitting a proposal for a joint venture on eco-labelling systems for Arab countries to the Union of Arab Engineers that will facilitate the use of environmentally safe products in green building projects.

The two parties are also considering the creation of a joint Arab Award for sustainable construction and green buildings to highlight and promote eco-friendly projects in the Arab world.

Speaking after the agreement, al Horr said, “Our partnership with the Jordan Engineers Association is a proof of the importance of the system in finding sustainable solutions, creating a positive economic climate and highlighting the important role of GORD as a driving force behind the region’s comprehensive development.” “We developed the QSAS system for sustainability assessment to reinforce the status of Qatar as the ‘green building’ capital of the Middle East.

This system has proven to be effective in enhancing quality within the construction sector in a manner that keeps pace with rapid developments taking place at the national level,” al Horr added.

The agreement between both the parties would also facilitate joint research and development related to environment-friendly techniques and human resources development within the real estate sector.

Commenting on the agreement JEA President Abdulla Obaidat said, “GORD has proven to be one of the most prominent contributors to Qatar’s development and a key supporter for sustainability throughout the region.

It has been successfully spreading knowledge and providing consultation based on the latest scientific research and training and qualification programmes in accordance with best practices.” According to Obaidat, the agreement would give them an opportunity to work with GORD and benefit from its various initiatives and activities such as its workshops and conferences which include the Green Building Solutions Conference & Exhibition.

“This event provides an integrated mechanism for promoting the implementation of sustainability concepts in regional construction projects,” added Obaidat