Expo 2023 Doha Qatar welcomes GORD as a sustainability partner

AIPH recently visited the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) at their Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) headquarters to discuss Expo 2023’s sustainability initiatives.
GORD is a semi-government, non-profit organisation established in 2009 to drive the transformation of its nation towards sustainability and to align with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the UN SDGs.
During the meeting, senior management from GORD highlighted the introduction of the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) certification – a performance-based sustainable building rating system developed for the creation of a sustainable built environment that not only minimises its ecological impact but also preserves the values, traditions, and identity of the region.
It is the first performance-based system in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, developed for assessing and rating buildings and infrastructure for their sustainability impacts. In 2016, FIFA officially endorsed GSAS as the sustainability assessment system for Qatar’s eight stadiums which hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Dr Yousef Alhorr, the Founding Chairman of GORD, shared details about a new certification introduced by GORD as part of the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS), designed to significantly enhance the sustainability and environmental performance of mega-events, such as Expos and festivals. By incorporating sustainability best practices into every stage of planning, design, construction, operations and dismantling of such events, GSAS EcoLeaf aims to reduce the carbon footprint of purpose-built and temporary facilities while ensuring the well-being of users and protecting the environment.
Mr Tim Briercliffe, the Secretary General of AIPH, praised Qatar’s impressive progress towards sustainability and the introduction of the GSAS EcoLeaf certification. He expressed his confidence in their ability to positively contribute to Expo 2023’s sustainability goals.

Following AIPH’s visit, the Expo 2023 Doha organising committee signed an agreement with GORD to ensure the sustainable delivery of Expo 2023 Doha.
Mr Mohammed Al-Khoury, Secretary-General of Expo 2023 Doha and Director of the Public Parks Department, emphasised the importance of sustainability for this event. He said: “GORD’s dedication and expertise in environmental sustainability will undoubtedly add significant value to the Expo. With GORD’s support, Expo 2023 Doha is confident in its ability to host a transformative event that will inspire a sustainable future.”
Dr Alhorr expressed his honour to be part of Expo 2023 Doha’s sustainability journey. He said: “GORD will assist the Expo organisers in implementing and reporting on sustainability requirements set by AIPH. We aim to create an event that addresses climate challenges and inspires future events and organisations to implement best practices from Expo 2023.”
Apart from the implementation of GSAS EcoLeaf, GORD’s expertise will also contribute to the formulation of the Expo’s Sustainability Strategy and Legacy Plan, followed by a detailed Sustainability Implementation Plan providing a roadmap for the effective execution of the strategy. Alongside the development of sustainability education, communication and engagement plans and management system reports, GORD will also be reporting on the sustainability performance of the Expo during the pre-event and post-event stages.
By engaging GORD as a sustainability partner, Expo 2023 Doha is working towards its commitment to leave a lasting positive impact on both the environment and the future of sustainable event management.

Sustainability Domains in Expo 2023 Doha

At Expo 2023 Doha, four key areas of sustainability aligned with the 12 objectives set by AIPH. GORD is taking care of the following domains:

Achieved through Global Sustainability Assessment System-Design & Build Certification

EXPO HOUSE

The Expo 2023 Doha House is currently under GSAS-D&B Certification, targeting a 4-star rating.

In this context, many sustainability requirements are met, including, but not limited to:

Energy saving by 20% compared to the baseline recommended by international standards of mechanical and electrical designs for buildings.
Water saving by 25% compared to the international water systems design standards.
Achieving the requirements of the standards for building indoor air quality.
Achieving waste management requirements during the operation phase.

EXPO PARK

The Expo 2023 Doha seeks to achieve GSAS-D&B with a 3-star rating.

Obtaining this certificate means:

Reducing the consumption of potable water needed for irrigation; alternatively, use TSE.
Reducing energy consumption by using efficient lighting systems &control systems.
Using vegetation that is adapted to the environment with less water consumption.
Reducing the thermal impact resulting from the project.
Improving the quality of walking and cycling pathways, enhancing public health.