Qatar District Cooling Company (Qatar Cool), a major district cooling company in the region, took part in the global Earth Day initiative on April 21, by organising an event aimed at raising environmental awareness among the future generations of Qatar.
The company was involved with Vision International School (VIS) in Wakrah, organising an Earth Day presentation to around 300 students and explaining the different ways of saving energy as well as the importance of energy conservation.
In addition, Qatar Cool partnered with Nakheel Landscapes, to introduce and create an arid ecosystem in the grounds of the school, which supports Xeriscaping, which reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation.  
Xeriscaping is promoted in regions that do not have easily accessible, plentiful, or reliable supplies of fresh water, and is gaining acceptance in other areas as access to water becomes more limited.
Xeriscaped landscapes use up to two thirds less water than regular landscaping methods.  As well as lowering water consumption it reduces maintenance and costs whilst reducing waste and pollution.
Yasser S al-Jaidah, CEO of Qatar Cool, said: “Through such environmental initiatives, we strive to educate the next generation about the merits of adopting a green attitude and conserving the use of natural resources, this is further enhanced by our partnerships with prestigious companies such as Nakheel Landscapes.”
Ghassan Oueijan, managing director, Nakheel Landscapes, said the company has gained advance expertise and unique experience in the collection of seeds, propagation and production of native plants.
“Over 120 species of indigenous plants from Arabian Peninsula have been tested at the Nakheel Landscapes’ Sheehaniya Nursery in co-operation with the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development,” he explained.
“Native plants are well suited to the local conditions, do not require imported soil additives or fertilisers, and once established can thrive without regular watering. The use of native plants drastically reduces the costs associated with the construction and maintenance in landscaping,” he added.