The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) has endorsed the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) to represent AEE Qatar Chapter.

The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) has selected the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) to lead the official AEE Qatar Chapter. Coinciding with annual general board meeting, the chapter launch event was held in October at GORD headquarter located in Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP).

With the sustainability organization being endorsed as AEE Qatar Chapter, GORD is now the first and only organization in Qatar to provide certifications and trainings on behalf of AEE. The selection of GORD as AEE Qatar Chapter follows a rigorous and transparent evaluation process exercised to ensure expertise in energy efficiency. With 27 student chapters worldwide, AEE’s presence in Qatar will also make local students eligible to access AEE scholarship program. In line with AEE’s broader goals, AEE Qatar Chapter will work to promote the scientific and educational interests of those engaged in the energy industry.

Highlighting the importance of this partnership in the context of MENA region’s energy scene, Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD said, “As one of the most energy intensive regions, MENA’s sustainability discourse is incomplete without energy transition. To facilitate the development of energy efficiency projects, it is vital for us to prioritize capacity building and outreach programs in this area. The idea behind GORD’s collaboration with AEE is to open more avenues for energy professionals. With AEE’s world-class standards and GORD’s regional experience, we look forward to enhancing Qatar’s overall energy performance in the coming years.”

One way Qatar will benefit from the launch of AEE Qatar Chapter is through the implementation of energy efficiency in the country’s built environment. A major thrust of GORD’s green building program – titled the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) – lies in ways building and infrastructure projects can reduce their energy footprint during design, construction and especially operations stage. Real estate projects certified by GSAS are saving from 30% to 60% energy. With AEE Qatar Chapter, GORD will have even greater capacity to serve the growing demand for energy efficient building solutions.

AEE training and certification programs provide a competitive edge to energy engineers, managers, consultants and technicians. The courses on offer deal in areas related to energy engineering, energy management, energy efficiency and conservation, energy auditing, renewable and alternative energy, power generation, energy services, sustainability, techno-economics and lifecycle costing of energy systems etc. Apart from courses, the association provides industry certifications in Building Commissioning, Business Energy, Carbon Reduction Management, Distributed Generation, Energy Auditing, Energy Procurement, GeoExchange Design, Green Building Engineer, Indoor Air Quality, Lighting Efficiency, Measurement & Verification, Power Quality, and Sustainable Development.

AEE currently has 30,000 certified industry professionals. With the development of AEE Qatar Chapter, energy professionals will now have an entity providing AEE certifications previously not available locally. Individuals joining AEE Qatar Chapter will benefit from a range of exclusive opportunities. Alongside affiliation with internationally recognized engineering body, AEE Qatar Chapter members will have access to technical publications. Professionals joining AEE Qatar Chapter will also be eligible to receive discounts on certification courses and training, while also having networking opportunities with industry leaders from all over the world. With its online platform expected to be operational soon, AEE trainings and certifications will be conducted as a part of GORD Academy.

Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, AEE is a global society of 18,000 energy professionals, representing more than 100 countries through local chapters. It is a non-profit organization with a mission to further education in areas of energy and management. To this end, the association “specializes in training, membership development, chapter development, and certification for professionals practicing in the fields of energy management, renewable energy and green buildings.” AEE Qatar Chapter will benefit from the experience and knowledge of 10 energy experts from GORD and other organizations based in Qatar.