In the midst of burgeoning infrastructural development within the GCC comes the growing need for more sustainable construction technologies.

Qatar alone has US$80 billion worth of construction projects in the pipeline leading up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It is fitting, then, that Doha should play host to the Green Building Solutions Conference and Exhibition 2011 from March 2 to 4.

The Middle East’s largest sustainable construction development event will bring together more than 500 delegates and exhibitors from all sectors of the industry, including property developers, government and financial institutions, energy professionals, civil engineers, architects, waste management firms, and environmental technology providers. Key themes will be the use of sustainable technologies, green architectural practices, and legislative developments.

Under the banner ‘Creating the Green Legacy for Future Generations’, the conference, held at the Intercontinental Hotel, Doha, will host workshops and presentations from some of the leaders in sustainable planning, architecture, and technology. A Master Class will focus on how to build cities that are enjoyable to live in, resource-effective, and that support health and the environment.

The exhibition, held at Doha Exhibition Centre, will feature sustainable products and services in water and waste management technology, noise and air pollution, and environmental measuring systems. Other technologies on display will be the production of energy-renewable sources for solar heating and cooling, plus low-energy geothermal and hydroelectric applications to minimise energy requirements and reduce CO2 emissions.

Many within the sector will consider the Green Building Solutions Conference and Exhibition 2011 as a major positive step in the region’s expanding construction sector. “If we want to challenge the crucial challenges of our time, we have to encourage participation (in the event),” says Karim Zarka, CEO of Qatar Expo, the exhibition organiser. “Green Building Solutions 2011 will forge a partnership in the building industry to ensure that sustainable development is the foundation of Qatar’s construction boom for generations to come.”

In 2012, it is planned to expand the event into the Asia-Pacific market. With the huge number of projects in the pipeline, the green issue is set to remain high on the agenda.

For more information, visit www.greenbuildingsolutionsdoha.com.

Rewarding Innovation

A key aspect of the conference is the first Qatar Sustainability Assessment System (QSAS) Award, recognising real estate project designs with outstanding sustainability features within their planning, design, construction, and maintenance. The awards will be presented by HE Abdullah Bin Mubarak Bin A’aboud Al Mahdadi, the Qatari Minister of Environment, at a Gala Dinner on March 3, 2011.