Adding to its list of awards and recognitions in the field of environmental excellence, Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) announced that the Doha Metro's Administration and ICC Building (B14) at Al Wakra has achieved Platinum rating for GSAS Operations, Premium Scheme.

This recognition from the Gulf Organization for Research & Development (GORD), the developer of the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS), follows a thorough evaluation and audit of the project, reflecting its outstanding performance in terms of sustainability and operational efficiency.

The award ceremony, held at B14, saw Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD, present the plaque and certificate to Eng. Abdulla Saif al-Sulaiti, Chief of Service Delivery at Qatar Rail.

The Administration & ICC Building serves as the operational hub of the depot. It houses the Integrated Control Centre (ICC), which is responsible for ensuring the seamless operation of Doha Metro services.

Eng. Abdulla Saif al-Sulaiti, Chief of Service Delivery at Qatar Rail, said, “We are proud to achieve this new milestone in sustainability and environmental excellence. Commitment to sustainability is at the core of our mission to provide integrated railway services that are sustainable, reliable, attractive, and safe. The implementation of GSAS certification for our projects, perfectly aligns with this mission. By incorporating the rigorous standards of GSAS, we are ensuring that our infrastructure not only meets the highest levels of efficiency and sustainability but also contributes to a greener, more resilient future.”

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Dr. Yousef Alhorr, GORD’s Founding Chairman, said, “By achieving GSAS green building certification not only for its state-of-the-art metro stations but also for critical support facilities like the Administration & ICC Building, Qatar Rail has set a remarkable precedent for environmentally conscious infrastructure development. This proactive approach showcases a long-term vision that promotes a sustainable urban future in line with Qatar’s national sustainability goals.”

The B14 has been able to achieve the highest GSAS Operations rating because of several key green features. Notably, the building is optimized for energy efficiency, with a central chilled water plant used to supply cooling throughout the structure. Additionally, energy-saving equipment and lighting fixtures have been installed, reducing overall energy consumption. Another significant feature of the project is its water management strategy, which includes the recycling of wastewater for irrigation purposes. This sustainable approach to water usage helps conserve potable water resources.

Waste management at the site also adheres to high environmental standards, with the majority of the waste generated being diverted from landfills or incineration. Instead, it is recycled, reducing the environmental impact of the operation. Notable, the project has incorporated a solar hot water system to meet the building’s hot water needs, further reducing its reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

These sustainable initiatives have collectively contributed to the building's exceptional performance under the GSAS rating system, setting a high standard for future green building projects in the region.

The latest GSAS Operations certification of the Administration & ICC Building complements the building's existing green building credentials, having previously earned a 4-star rating under the GSAS Design and Build Scheme as part of the overall Doha Metro Depot in Al-Wakra, and class A* under the GSAS Construction Management Scheme.