The Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) has awarded the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) Design & Build certification to two projects developed by Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), the 8 Boutique Warehouses (Regional Distribution Hubs) Project and the New Light Industrial Unit, both located within Ras Bufontas.

The awarding ceremony took place at the Business Innovation Park in Ras Bufontas, in the presence of Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD, Eng. Ali Al-Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer for Zones Development at QFZ, and senior leadership from both entities.

On the occasion, Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD, said: “Leveraging Qatar’s position as a global industrial and logistics hub, QFZ oversees and regulates world-class free zones in Qatar, with a strong focus on sustainability as a core principle of its operations. As we celebrate the award of GSAS certification to QFZ’s latest projects, it’s important to recognize that these achievements are part of the organization’s larger journey towards sustainability. From the 200-meter-wide coastal protection and rehabilitation buffer to meticulous material selection aimed at mitigating the heat island effect and prioritizing local sourcing, QFZ’s green initiatives underscore its dedication to preserving our planet for generations to come.”

Eng. Ali Al-Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer for Zones Development at QFZ, said: “QFZ envisions being among the world’s most sustainable free zone groups, offering modern green infrastructure for investors, and as such we are committed to sustainability in every aspect of operations. Acquiring GSAS Design & Build certification for our 8 Boutique Warehouses (Regional Distribution Hubs) Project and New Light Industrial Units highlights that we are not just constructing buildings; we’re building a sustainable legacy for Qatar. Each brick laid and every system implemented underscores our dedication to pioneering eco-conscious solutions in industrial development, setting a precedent for conscious growth.”

The 8 Boutique Warehouses (Regional Distribution Hubs) Project spans over 15,000 square meters and encompasses eight light industrial units alongside supplementary facilities. Similarly, the New Light Industrial Unit is designed to accommodate low-impact industrial activities such as warehousing, logistics, assembly and related operations. Both projects have implemented measures aimed at mitigating their environmental footprint. To enhance energy efficiency and thermal comfort, the projects incorporate wall and roof insulation, controlled glazing, and ASHRAE 90.1-2010 standards for equipment. Water conservation strategies include low-flow faucets, dual-flush tanks, and rainwater collection systems. Robust waste management and recycling mechanisms are in place, with proper sorting of recyclables and removal of harmful industrial substances to prevent environmental contamination.

While the 8 Boutique Warehouses (Regional Distribution Hubs) and the New Light Industrial Unit are the latest additions to QFZ’s growing portfolio of GSAS-certified projects, several other QFZ projects are on track for completion soon, all targeting sustainable features aligned with the rigorous GSAS standards.

Notably, Ras Bufontas Free Zone, Parcel A, overseen and regulated by QFZ, achieved the GSAS Design & Build 3 Stars Certificate for the ‘Districts & Infrastructure Scheme’ back in 2021. By opting to comply with GSAS green building standard rating system for individual projects within Ras Bufontas, QFZ has maintained its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.