The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD, and Dr. Ali Al-Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer for Zones Development at QFZ. The signing ceremony took place at the Business Innovation Park in Ras Bufontas Free Zone, attended by key representatives from both organizations.
Under this agreement, QFZ and GORD will collaborate to implement the Global Sustainability Assessment System within the free zones. GSAS, developed by GORD, is a performance-based green building certification system tailored to the region's specific environmental and cultural context. It encompasses various sustainability categories, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor environmental quality.
Dr. Alhorr emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating that integrating GSAS into the development of free zones will not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance the well-being of occupants. He noted that this initiative sets a benchmark for sustainable development in the region.
Dr. Al-Khalifa highlighted QFZ's commitment to creating a business environment that prioritizes sustainability. He mentioned that adopting GSAS standards will attract investors seeking eco-friendly infrastructure and contribute to Qatar's broader environmental goals.
The collaboration will involve joint efforts in research and development, training programs, and the implementation of green building standards across all new projects within the free zones. Both organizations aim to foster a culture of sustainability by encouraging businesses operating in these zones to adopt environmentally responsible practices.