UDC achieves GSAS 3-Star design & build certification for Crystal Residence

The United Development Company (UDC), a leading public shareholding company and the master developer of The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, has announced that its Crystal Residence mixed-use development on Gewan Island has recently been awarded the esteemed GSAS (Global Sustainability Assessment System) 3-Star Rating in Design and Build.

The milestone, the statement said, highlights the UDC’s commitment to sustainability and innovative approach to design and construction.

The GSAS 3-Star Rating, it added, reflects the UDC’s dedication to incorporating sustainable practices throughout the development process, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of eco-friendly materials.

The statement said that this achievement further cements the UDC’s position as a trailblazer in sustainable real estate development in Qatar, aligning with global environmental objectives.

In a ceremony held on Gewan Island, the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) officially presented the GSAS certification to the UDC, in the presence of senior representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC).

“Achieving the GSAS 3-Star Rating underscores our commitment to responsible and forward-thinking development,” said UDC president and chief executive Yasser Nasser al-Jaidah. “Crystal Residence at Gewan Island exemplifies our vision of creating vibrant, sustainable communities that cater to modern lifestyles while meeting global sustainability aspirations.”

“The attainment of GSAS certification by Crystal Residence demonstrates how diverse projects of innovative design can seamlessly integrate with environmental consciousness,” said GORD founding chairman Dr Yousef al-Horr. “The project's unique features with climatised walkways and captivating illuminated installations, not only enhance the urban landscape but also prioritise the well-being of visitors and the environment.”

“On behalf of the GORD, I congratulate the UDC on reaching this milestone,” he said.

Crystal Residence represents the UDC’s first design-and-build development to secure GSAS certification, setting a new benchmark in Qatar’s real estate sector.

This accomplishment, the statement said, strengthens the UDC’s leadership in sustainable development and enhances its competitive advantage by demonstrating its commitment to environmental responsibility and innovative practices.

Key features of the Crystal Residence development include:

* Energy efficiency: the building design achieves a 30% improvement over ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers) standards, demonstrating significant energy savings; thermal insulation: low thermal conductivity in the external walls and roof, achieved through the installation of advanced insulation materials; shading and heat reduction: strategic building elevation and external overhangs reduce heat gain, contributing to improved energy efficiency

* Ventilation efficiency: low specific fan power (SFP) and low supply air specific fan power, optimising air circulation and energy consumption; water conservation: low-flow fixtures, promote efficient water use; sustainable landscaping: the use of native and adaptive plants, alongside community-supplied TSE for irrigation, reduces water consumption

* Underground parking: the project features underground parking for the entire development, contributing to space optimisation and environmental sustainability

* Local Sourcing: over 50% of the materials used in the project were sourced locally, supporting Qatar’s national economy.

The statement added that the certification reaffirms the UDC’s role as a leader in the integration of sustainability practices within Qatar’s real estate sector, marking a significant achievement in its ongoing efforts to promote environmentally responsible and innovative developments.