Qatar Museums (QM) announced its attainment of the Gold Level Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) accreditation, marking a significant milestone in the organisation's commitment to social and ecological responsibility.
QM made history as the first cultural institution worldwide to attain this recognition on its inaugural attempt, demonstrating its pioneering role in advancing sustainable and responsible business practices.
In a press statement, CEO Mohammed Saad al-Rumaihi said: “At QM, we believe that success also means bringing a positive change to the world around us. Whether it's supporting local communities, reducing our environmental footprint, or championing ethical business practices, our commitment to CSR reflects our core values and mission.
“Together, we will continue to strive towards building a more sustainable and responsible future, not just for QM and our country, but for the world at large.”
QM made significant developments in integrating sustainability across its operations, focusing on eco-conscious practices in building design, construction, and daily activities. It has achieved notable milestones such as phasing out single-use water bottles, obtaining esteemed international green building certifications like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) for its museums, and receiving recognition in prestigious awards.
Through community engagement and waste management initiatives, QM revolutionised waste disposal practices, diverting a substantial amount from landfills. Looking ahead, it is working on achieving carbon neutrality certification for the Fire Station: Artist in Residence.
QM already clinched carbon neutrality certification for the Museum of Islamic Art in 2022, an unprecedented feat that solidifies its position as the trailblazer among cultural institutions in the Mena region.
The CSR Accreditation, awarded by CSR-A, a renowned UK-based association setting a global benchmark for social responsibility, recognises organisations that exemplify a persistent dedication to integrating social, environmental, and ethical considerations into their operations.
Engineer Dhabya Jamal Sayar, director of Facilities Management, said: “We are honoured to have been recognised for our efforts in integrating CSR principles into every aspect of our operations. To achieve the highest level of accreditation on the first attempt highlights QM’s dedication to excellence and sets a new standard for social and environmental responsibility within the global cultural sector.”
QM also previously achieved two coveted Sustainability Awards by The Green Organisation, showcasing its ongoing dedication to sustainability.