The Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) has awarded the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) Operations certification for the Ramlah Bint Abi Sufyan Secondary School for Girls project.

In 2020, BARWA Real Estate Group and the Public Works Authority “Ashghal", signed a first-of-its-kind agreement for Public-Private Partnership (PPP). Accordingly, Barwa Real Estate has developed 8 public schools for which it is providing maintenance support over a period of 25 years under the Qatar Schools PPP Development Program – Package 1 through its subsidiary Waseef. Upon completion of all construction works, these schools have been leased to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

GORD, in collaboration with Waseef, Barwa Real Estate, Ashghal, and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE), has awarded the Silver rating for the school’s environmentally responsible operations and maintenance practices. An award ceremony was held at the school, attended by senior representatives from all involved parties, including Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD, and Mr. Saleh Abdulla Al Sharafi, CEO of Waseef.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD, said, “Schools are more than just buildings. Investing in green building operations for these vital spaces is an investment in our children's health, well-being, and ultimately, our future. It's about fostering thriving environments where students can learn, grow and flourish, all while minimizing our collective footprint on the planet. The Ramlah Bint Abi Sufyan School, the first out of 8 PPP schools, has gone beyond initial construction, prioritizing the ongoing sustainable operation of the facility. The initiative, coupled with awareness programs that empower students and staff, demonstrates a holistic approach to ecological responsibility."

The GSAS Operations certification evaluates the environmental, economic and health impacts of buildings after they are occupied. This certification is designed to assess the operational practices and maintenance of buildings to ensure that their environmental footprint is minimized while enhancing the well-being of their occupants. Ramlah Bint Abi Sufyan Secondary School, which spans a built-up area of approximately 13,500 square meters, is designed to foster a sustainable and energy-efficient learning environment. The school achieved its GSAS Silver rating due to a number of green credentials integrated into the building's design.

The school boasts a high-performance thermal envelope, incorporating low U-value walls and glazing to minimize heat transfer and improve indoor thermal comfort, thus reducing cooling energy demands. A high-efficiency LED lighting system, coupled with motion sensors, optimizes energy use while maintaining adequate illumination. The building's design maximizes daylight utilization and provides ample external views, further enhancing occupant well-being and reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

In addition to energy efficiency, the school has incorporated several water conservation strategies. Aerated water fixtures and dual-flush toilets are used throughout the facility to reduce water consumption. A comprehensive water sub-metering system has also been implemented, allowing for the monitoring and efficient management of both indoor and outdoor water usage.

Waste management is another area where the school excels. The project features a structured waste management program, prioritizing paper waste diversion from landfills through recycling initiatives.

Apart from the implementation of sustainability best practices, the school also actively promotes climate awareness through educational programs and campaigns, encouraging energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and responsible resource management among students and staff.

The GSAS certification for Ramlah Bint Abi Sufyan Secondary School for Girls reinforces the ongoing collaborative efforts between GORD and all involved parties, in alignment with Qatar National Environment and Climate Change Strategy (QNE) and the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030.