GSAS Paves Way For Sustainable Development

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Joel Johnson | The Peninsula

Doha, Qatar: Smart cities across Qatar including Lusail and Msheireb Downtown Doha have adopted the 'Global Sustainability Assessment System' (GSAS) enabling the country to achieve its sustainable development goals, noted a top industry expert.

Adam Stewart (pictured), Partner and Head of Qatar at Knight Frank told The Peninsula in an interview that“With one of the highest per capita carbon footprints in the world due to its reliance on the oil and gas sector, Qatar has fully committed to a green future. This green future is set out clearly within the 2030 vision, and the efforts to make the vision a reality can be clearly seen.”

He explained that predominantly, Qatar has a regulatory framework positioned to deal with industrial emissions, waste disposal, and the conservation of natural resources.

In the realty sector, the development of smart cities and districts such as Lusail and Msheireb Downtown Doha have adopted GSAS.“Through Knight Frank's interaction with many developers in Qatar, it is clear that sustainable development is now very much a major consideration when delivering projects,” Stewart said.

Meanwhile, green infrastructure and water and energy conservation measures are prerequisites to obtaining sustainable development, he remarked. The developers enforcing water-saving technologies reduce the extraction of fresh water, and in Qatar's case, will decrease the load on the desalination plants.

Steward mentioned that“Reduced loads mean less energy usage and less emissions - It's a cycle. Energy efficient homes and businesses consume less electricity, which can lead to significant cost savings for landlords and tenants.”

In order for Qatar to attain sustainability, the market expert elucidated that efforts toward the 2030national vision must be continued.

“More stringent environmental regulations and enforcement could be necessary."

"Incentives for green practices will help - continued economic diversification will reduce the reliance on the oil and gas sector, and continued public awareness and education will go a long way to achieving their goals,” he mentioned.

In order to make the construction drive more sustainable, a broad approach is essential throughout the entire development lifecycle.

Policy to encourage green practices is pivotal as the expert states that during the setup stage, the implementation of green building certifications, such as GSAS, LEED, and BREEAM, is imperative.

Smart and innovative construction techniques will lower waste and enhance efficiency. Focusing on the highlighted issues will vastly reduce the environmental influence of the construction sector.

On the other hand, green infrastructure and sustainability measures can significantly impact tenants in Qatar. Green spaces like parks, improve air quality, reduce heat, and encourage physical activity, all of which lead to better health and quality of life.

Stewart further added“Energy and water-efficient buildings will result in economic savings, which you can argue will also lead to less stress and a better quality of life."

"At the same time, pushing the green agenda will naturally lead to a diversified economy. Increased education and awareness will encourage the next generations to consider careers that will continue to protect the world's natural reserves.”

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