QGBC Energy Interest Group launched on World Environment Day

In a mission to drive sustainability initiatives in Qatar through education and industry-collaboration, Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) marked World Environment Day with the launch of the Energy Interest Group at the Wyndham Grand Regency Hotel on 5^th June 2012.

As part of QGBC’s Education Committee, the interest group aims to drive the creation of incentives for developers; both existing buildings and new projects, by promoting the installation of energy efficient equipment and solutions ahead of standard testing and commissioning procedures.

The interest group was launched at a full-day conference themed, ‘Sustainable Urbanism in Doha: Energy, Development, and Society’. During the launch, a panel led by Elissa Ghanem, Consulting Sales Manager for Daikin McQuay (Middle East and Africa), and Benjamin Figgis, External Affairs and Technology Advisor for Chevron Qatar Ltd, introduced climate-based energy modeling solutions developed from data gathered on trending local occupant-behaviors. The panel also discussed the prospect of effectively harnessing solar energy in Qatar.

As per the annual Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Powers of Construction report by analyst firm Deloitte, as much as 47% of an estimated $40bn of construction contracts awarded in the first quarter of the year,  throughout the GCC, comprised of energy-related projects.

The conference was opened by Mohamed Jaber, Head of the Education Committee, QGBC; who also chaired the proceedings of the day. This was followed by a lecture on ‘Sustainability Assessment Methods and Tools for Practice’ by Dr. Fodil Fadli, Professor of Architecture; Qatar University.

Founding member-organization Kahramaa was represented by Dr. Mohammad Imad, Senior Technical Engineer; Kahramaa Energy and Water Conservation Department, who highlighted the untapped potential in smart-energy alternatives. A team of students from Qatar University led by Dr. Hussam H. Salama, Professor Of Architecture; Qatar University, presented their ideas on increasing the scope of sustainable tourism in Qatar. Following the networking lunch, a plenary session discussing energy conservation and renewable energy was held.

Mohamed Jaber, also Head of Electrical engineering from the leading consultancy firm KEO discussed QSAS compliant interior lighting guidelines. The event was rounded off with a session from Prof. Ashraf M Salama, Professor of Architecture ; Chair, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, from Qatar University, showcasing the growth of Qatar’s sustainable initiatives to-date.

Mohamed Jaber commented, “In line with His Highness The Emir’s Qatar National Vision 2030, the launch of the energy interest group is a milestone in QGBC’s continued efforts in developing a knowledge-based society that champions the development of alternative energy sources.”

The event brought together QGBC’s wide membership network that includes universities, government organizations, real estate developers and independent architects and engineers.

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