Msheireb Properties, a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation and Qatar’s leading sustainable developer, were presented with an award at the fifth anniversary of the National Programme for Conservation and Energy (Tarsheed) at a ceremony held at Kahramaa Awareness Park, Doha.
Launched as part of Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation’s (KAHRAMAA) National Programme for Conservation and Energy, the Tarsheed Awards’ ceremony is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al- Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar and was attended by His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. The annual Tarsheed Awards are judged by a panel of industry experts and regional professionals.
Winning the Best Conserving Building Award in the Government category of the Tarsheed competition, the Cultural Forum building is located at Msheireb Properties’ flagship project, Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD). With aims to have the largest concentration of gold and platinum LEED certified buildings – Msheireb Downtown Doha is set to be the world’s first sustainable regeneration project.
Receiving the awards, Mr. Abdulla Hassan Al-Mehshadi, CEO, Msheireb Properties said: “We are extremely pleased to receive acknowledgment for our commitment to sustainable urban regeneration which translates our endeavours to support the plans of sustainable development as stated in Qatar vision 2030. Msheireb Downtown Doha is emblematic of our mission to build sustainable modern communities that change the way people think about urban living.”
He continued: “Our groundbreaking project is aiming to adopt methods which reduce the consumption of energy in the buildings. The project has already broken records, proudly boasting the largest number of buildings to have achieved Gold and platinum LEED certification. Msheireb Downtown Doha is a blueprint for other developers in the region and from around the world to respect the environment, preserve cultural traditions and improve the quality of life for communities. “
The Culture Forum was honoured for its energy and water saving features, use of non-potable water, rainwater recovery and on-site renewable energy generation. Its energy efficient building design includes improved building envelopes of walls and windows, recessed windows, energy recovery to the outside air entering the building, optimised ventilation using carbon dioxide (CO2) detectors and a high efficiency district cooling plant. The overall energy savings for the Cultural Forum is 25.2 percent.
Sustainability is central to Msheireb Downtown Doha, in terms of both the conservation of natural resources and the quality of its design. Building design included thicker walls, and orientation that enables building to benefit from the shade of adjacent buildings, which cools the local environment and reduces air-conditioning requirements. While adoption of the latest technology enables Msheireb Properties to produce renewable energy, monitor electricity use, and make the most efficient use of water. Translating in reduced emissions, energy and water savings and minimised waste.
The objectives of the 4th annual Tarsheed Conserving Building Competition, led by KAHRAMAA are to motivate developers to adopt building conservation practices and encourage them to embrace energy conservation strategies that work towards Qatar’s National Vision 2030.