• Post category:News

Expo 2023 Doha’s Sustainability Strategy and first Sustainability Progress Report

Expo 2023 Doha releases sustainability reports

The International Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha (Expo 2023 Doha) has released its first sustainability progress report, developed by the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) in its capacity as the Sustainability Partner of the mega event.  Scheduled to take place from October 2023 until March 2024, Expo 2023 Doha is expected to attract a diverse audience of three million visitors from 80 countries.

The newly published sustainability report outlines a wide array of initiatives undertaken by Expo 2023 Doha to ensure the event’s sustainability in accordance with the standards set by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH). The 169-page document extensively covers essential sustainability aspects, including sustainable hosting venues, sustainable overlay works, sustainable transport and mobility, sustainable operations and management, and sustainability capacity building and engagement.

Apart from the Progress Report, GORD has also developed the “Sustainability Strategy: Guidance and Implementation” for the Expo. This comprehensive strategy encompasses various sections, addressing key aspects such as environmental and social issues, governance, and economic impact, while emphasizing the importance of policies, goals, education, communication, legacy and a robust management system. The document comprising 300+ pages serves as a cornerstone, guiding all Expo stakeholders toward the event’s sustainability objectives and setting a remarkable precedent for future international expos.

Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD, said, “GORD takes great pride in developing the first sustainability progress report for Expo 2023 Doha. This progress report delves into the pre-event stage, laying the groundwork for the positive results that will unfold in the future as the event draws closer. Featuring all relevant aspects of environmental performance, this 169-page document does not only showcase Expo 2023 Doha’s sustainability efforts, but also sets a powerful precedent for transparency in large-scale events. By sharing the details of the Expo’s sustainability initiatives, we hope to inspire and lead the way for other events to embrace eco-friendly practices.”

Key topics covered in the report include the Expo’s hosting venue Al Bidda Park and permanent building ‘Expo House’, both of which are certified under the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS). This has ensured resource efficiency and mitigation of environmental impact through sustainability measures focusing on healthy environment, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, urban connectivity and biodiversity, among other aspects.

Another section of the report details the strategies adopted to ensure ecologically responsible development and preparation of pavilions and overlay works. Through the introduction of green building certification called GSAS EcoLeaf, sustainable pavilion design, waste management, energy and water conservation, and the use of sustainable materials, Expo 2023 is working towards minimizing its environmental footprint.

Efforts to promote sustainable transport and mobility within Expo 2023 have also been documented in the report. By encouraging sustainable connectivity and access to the Expo site, the organizers are striving to reduce carbon emissions and congestion. These initiatives include promoting public transportation, encouraging walking and cycling, and implementing efficient traffic management strategies. At the same time, enhanced accessibility within the Expo has been ensured to provide equal access to participants of all abilities. Other sections of the report cover aspects related to the Expo’s commitment to sustainable operations and management as well as sustainability capacity building and engagement.

The sustainability report developed by GORD for Expo 2023 Doha is now available for download on GORD’s website: https://www.gord.qa/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/expo-2023-doha-sustainability-progress-report.pdf
as well as the sustainability strategy report: https://www.gord.qa/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Expo-2023-Doha-Sustainability-Strategy-Report.pdf