Government experts and practitioners of renewable energy from around the world have gathered in Doha to tackle sustainability issues and climate change at the Green Expo Forum 2016 which opened yesterday.
Hosted by the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) in collaboration with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, the three-day forum features two major events: “The Carbon and Climate Change Summit” and the “Sustainable Built Environment Conference”.
“GORD and its strategic partners strive to introduce efficient and innovative solutions to address crucial issues pertaining to the environment and to help the region deliver its commitments to reduce its carbon footprint,” said GORD founding chairman Dr Yousef Alhorr.
He noted that the forum coincides with the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference (COP22) at its 22nd session in the city of Marrakesh, Morocco.
Participants at the event include experts from the International Energy Agency, European Union, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, as well as experts from the government and private sector.
The Carbon and Climate Change Summit yesterday highlighted the climate change challenges, as well as to seek long-term solutions in attaining “low-carbon and climate-resilient future.”
Decision-makers and scientists of carbon capture and greenhouse gas reduction technologies, as well as government officials, had the opportunity to get high-level strategic updates from experts, hear case studies on emerging technologies and research in the industry. The Sustainable Built Environment Conference, which takes place today and tomorrow, aims to drive innovation in the design of built environment, as well as promoting education and collaboration in the field, according to GORD.
The conference serves as a platform for exchange between researchers and practitioners of the construction industry to foster the implementation of sustainability standards in the built environment, GORD added.
Some of the sessions will include urban planning and integration of energy systems, public sector leadership in driving sustainability in civic projects, technologies for sustainable built environment and buildings design, technologies and materials, among others.
At the opening ceremony yesterday, GORD awarded a number of local and international companies and organisations for their  leadership and commitment to adopting sustainability best practices in the design, construction and operation of different types of developments, including new construction, existing buildings, renovations and interior design projects.
Dr Alhorr explained that the recommendations following this event will be beneficial not only for Qatar but for the whole region.
“We believe that the recommendations will touch upon the policies and legislations supporting the drive towards cleaner and low carbon communities,” the GORD official stressed.
He believes that adopting sustainability or green practices needs to have technologies and materials supporting the drive.