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Highlighting its contribution in reducing and diverting construction waste from landfills, the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) participated in the 2ⁿᵈ Waste Management Conference & Exhibition 2022 organized by the Ministry of Municipality on June 13 and 14 in Doha, Qatar. Concluding on a high note, the event gathered participants and visitors representing local, regional and international businesses as well as government institutions. During the two-day event, GORD representatives participated through technical presentations in addition to hosting their exhibition space where the organization’s sustainability specialists shared insights on sustainability best practices guided by the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS).  

Giving a context to GORD’s participation in the conference and exhibition, Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman, said, “Transitioning towards a sustainable future is impossible without changing the way we consume and treat our earthly resources. In the absence of concrete measures, the World Bank has warned of a colossal 73% increase in waste production by 2050 compared to 2020. To address the issue in the field of built environment, GORD developed GSAS as the first performance-based green building system that provides a roadmap for stakeholders to integrate circular economy principles right from project design through to operations phase. Through the implementation of various programs, GSAS offers a comprehensive and practical approach to diverting both construction and municipal waste from landfills. We are participating in this event to create awareness that any kind of business can enhance its waste management practices at any stage and play its role in helping the nation meet its climate goals guided by Qatar National Climate Change Action Plan 2030 and Qatar National Environment and Climate Change Strategy.”   

Roughly 70% of solid waste generated in developing countries comes from construction. That said, responsible use of resources during construction can significantly reduce the environmental impact of the built environment. To address the issue within Qatar and the GCC region, GSAS Construction Management program guides contractors on waste segregation at construction sites thereby providing a foundation for treatment and disposal at a later stage. The system further incentivizes projects for materials reuse, recycling and ethical disposal. Presenting on the role of GSAS in enabling circular economy strategies, Engineer Ruben Munoz, Head of Civil Group at GORD, highlighted World Cup Qatar 2022’s successful case study. In the development of seven new venues for the tournament, as much as 79% of construction waste was diverted from Qatar landfills through efficient waste management practices guided by the GSAS Construction Management framework.

Hosting GORD’s booth at the exhibition were representatives of GORD Institute – the research and development hub from which GORD develops novel technologies that foster its vision for sustainable development in the built environment. Researchers from the Institute showcased samples of green building materials invented by GORD and highlighted how the entity’s multidisciplinary long-term research projects are helping innovate sustainable building solutions in areas of eco materials, energy efficiency, HVAC solutions, environmental sciences, renewable energy, and carbon capture & climate change.

In line with Qatar National Vision 2030, the idea behind Waste Management Conference & Exhibition is to gather key players in optimizing the country’s circular economy strategies. Through this multisectoral forum, the organizers aim to develop a robust waste management system leveraged by academic research, latest technologies, and experience from advanced countries. To this end, GORD’s participation in the event served to underscore the organization’s role in accelerating ecologically responsible management of construction waste through the implementation of the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) – the Gulf region’s fastest growing green building framework for new developments.