UDC Tower wins 'Green Apple Environment Award for Beautiful Buildings 2023'

UDC Tower has won the ‘Green Apple Environment Awards for Beautiful Buildings 2023’, a prestigious international award from the Green Organisation that recognises organisations, which adopt the best environmental practices around the world.
UDC Tower, headquarters of United Development Company (UDC), the master developer of The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, received the silver Green Apple Environment Award for beautiful buildings within the category of "mixed-use buildings" due to its distinct design features and eco-friendly practices, such as maintaining a carbon neutral footprint, use of recycled materials, solar panels, and regeneration.
The award was received by UDC’s representative, Abdullatif Ali al-Yafei, executive director (Public Services) during an award ceremony held in London, last month and attended by more than 200 companies’ representatives worldwide.
UDC has also been named among the Green World Ambassadors by the Green Organisation, which will plant 100 trees for each ambassador.
UDC will be honoured in Westminster Palace, London, next year in recognition of its efforts in the field of sustainability and will be presented with a prestigious green plaque.
UDC is the first real estate developer and Qatari public shareholding company to receive this award, in light of its efforts and commitment to sustainability and environmental development.
It is worth noting that UDC Tower is the first GSAS certified building on the Pearl Island, due to its compliance with the required qualifications for sustainable operations.
UDC received the award and was declared a winner based on the following criteria; building analysis, air quality and waste management, water efficiency, lighting and noise pollution.
UDC Towers building analysis revealed opportunities for savings in annual operating costs which equals 26% of the building’s annual electricity and 24% of water expenses. The building's as-built construction is 10% more efficient than similar stock in the region, which highlights UDC's dedication to sustainability and efficient use of resources.
Additionally, UDC Tower is the first building with a vertical green plantation on the Pearl Island, which makes it a uniquely built commercial tower that meets all the criteria of a sustainable building.
At UDC Tower, air quality levels were within Qatar's acceptable limit, as demonstrated by normal levels of common air pollutants such as Fine particle matter (PM2.5), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Formaldehyde. Additionally, the analysis of waste management practices at UDC Tower building indicated that its waste management plan demonstrates compliance.
The water fixtures inside the tower come with sensors, and a high-efficiency piece is installed to reduce water pressure. According to the water consumption breakdown, ultra-low flow, flush fixtures, and submeters that detect leaks and capture appropriate water consumption have reduced water consumption.
The lighting design ensures that the building occupants will have proper visual comfort during the daytime, while also allowing energy conservation.
The building's lighting design was found compliant in terms of the light quality produced by artificial lighting. Daylight within UDC Tower is harvested and integrated with the artificial lighting that is used for the occupied spaces on the building perimeter.
Majority of the occupied spaces within UDC Tower had access to external or internal views creating a sense of comfort and wellbeing. These features allow occupants to enjoy natural light.
Low noise levels reduce distractions and provide a comfortable environment to work in. Indoor noise levels within UDC Tower were found to be within the range specified by the relevant standards to ensure the health and wellbeing of the tower users.