Forum launches Qatar Green Directory

By Joseph VargheseStaff ReporterThe Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) has launched a Qatar Green Directory, an online interactive platform, aimed at increasing awareness of sustainable products and services in the state and the region.This was announced at the inaugural Qatar Green Building Conference that opened at the Qatar National Convention Centre yesterday. More than 500 delegates from Qatar and around the world are taking part in the two-day conference and exhibition. The first of its-kind in the country, the  directory features a comprehensive search engine and database, providing information and analysis about  green building products and services available in Qatar and the region. Issa al-Mohannadi, chairperson of QGBC and Qatar Tourism Authority, said the directory would give a big push to sustainability. “The directory is the right platform in revolutionising green building practices in Qatar. Qatar is fifth in the number of registered green buildings in the world and second in the Mena region. Along with several buildings that have come up with green building specifications, we are heading in the right direction and the green directory is the right step in sustainability.”Meshal al-Shamari, QGBC director, said: “The Qatar Green Directory is aimed at filling the existing gap between supply and demand in Qatar’s green buildings market. The directory will greatly help local manufacturers and distributors of green building materials make their products and services easily available and accessible to industry.”“Within the last month, we have received over 1,000 listings from local and regional companies, indicating the overwhelming interest and demand available in the market. We look forward to welcoming on board manufacturers and suppliers operating in Qatar and the region to join QGBC’s online comprehensive platform.”The directory forms a major part of QGBC’s support of Qatar Foundation’s commitment to deliver the sustainability goals set out in the Qatar National Vision 2030 by raising awareness and promoting best practices in Qatar’s green building sector.Dr Alex Amato, head of sustainability at QGBC, said: “The Qatar Green Directory is a direct outcome of QGBC’s innovative research of the green building industry in Qatar. QGBC is working closely with other stakeholders in Qatar and the region to identify the mainstream needs and suggest innovative solutions. The directory is one of these solutions that will revolutionise the green buildings market.”The Qatar Green Directory is available online and can be accessed at http://qatargreendirectory.com