United Development Company (UDC), a leading Qatari public company and the master developer of the Pearl and Gewan Islands, recently published its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report on the Qatar Stock Exchange, making it the first listed real estate company. company in Qatar to officially disclose its sustainability and environmental strategies and achievements.
As an organization created to play a key role in Qatar’s development, UDC’s business practices are closely aligned with the broader goals of sustainable economic and social development that Qatar has set out in its 2030 vision, as in demonstrates the attention given to integrating sustainable development programs into the company’s business decisions and practices.
UDC’s environmental and sustainability focus areas therefore cover the proper management and recycling of waste through the use of the ENVAC intelligent waste disposal system and active recycling measures, in addition to environmentally friendly processes and packaging through the prohibited use of non-biodegradable plastic bags. , as well as the optimization of energy consumption in all projects and developments operated and managed by UDC, including the use of environmentally friendly technologies, such as district cooling provided by Qatar Cool, a subsidiary of SVP.
Since the inauguration of the Qatar Cool district cooling plant on The Pearl Island in 2010, environmental impact has contributed significantly to UDC’s commitment to sustainability on the island. To date, the cooling plant has saved more than 1.7 billion kWh of energy, in turn removing more than 950 million kilograms of CO2 from the atmosphere since 2010. If converted, the CO2 reduction is equivalent to removing more than 182,000 cars from the roads or crashing more than 11 minutes. mature trees, which would populate more than 32,000 football pitches.
Regular training, events and awareness campaigns promoting activities aimed at reducing environmental impacts and the use of natural resources are also designed to highlight environmental issues and initiatives to employees and members of the community.
In this context, UDC and its subsidiaries are currently certified for their Integrated Management System Policy, as well as for their Environmental Management System (ISO 14001:2015), which ensures consistent qualitative assessment of operational risks and impacts related to the environment.
Some of UDC’s recent sustainability and environmental achievements at The Pearl Island include: the renovation of Hadyiq Centrale (Grand Park) to encourage greater walkability for community enjoyment; tree planting initiatives to enhance biodiversity; beach clean-up initiative on World Oceans Day; installation of two recycling units on an existing solid waste landfill, in partnership with a waste management service provider, and use of recycled water for landscape irrigation;
First green-colored sustainable public car park adjacent to the Pearl Showrooms and new shaded residential car park in the Qanat district for residents, which reduces district heating and promotes sustainability; the installation of ‘Seabins’ to maintain clean waters and protect marine species at The Pearl Island, the first of its kind in the State of Qatar, with a plan to add another 10 seabins, covering more locations in Porto Arabia ;
Launch of electric scooters and Metrolink air-conditioned bus stops in addition to the installation of four electric vehicle chargers which all promote sustainability, the use of electric vehicles and the reduction of district heating; and active participation in the development of Qatar’s national environment and climate change strategy with a commitment to reduce the average carbon footprint per employee by 25% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 12%. energy-related greenhouse by 2026.
Environmental highlights further include the recycling of 22.7% of total waste, the saving of 7,948 trees, 8 billion liters of drinking water and 2,126 m3 of landfill space, as well as conserving 3.2 million kW hours of energy and 3.3 million gallons of water.
Following in the footsteps of The Pearl Island, considered a forerunner of sustainable living in Qatar, Gewan Island promises to take sustainability to the next level by deploying urban innovation and resource conservation mechanisms to generate value economic, social and environmental sustainability. .
Various features have been incorporated into the island’s master plan highlighting its sustainability attributes, including building and landscape design, environmentally friendly technologies, and water and energy saving measures.
Going forward and as part of its commitment to Qatar’s National Climate Change Action Plan, UDC is working to further reduce its environmental footprint and carbon emissions associated with its buildings and facilities by reducing consumption of direct and indirect energy in all its offices and projects.
These will be progressively powered by renewable energy with energy-efficient measures and installations, including the incorporation of energy-efficient and motion-activated lighting and water equipment, which will allow UDC to obtain GORD-GSAS certification for its sustainable buildings. UDC will also ensure that more water can be reused and recycled and less fresh water is needed by using hydroponic green roof systems to collect rainwater from roofs and reusing it for non-potable purposes.
UDC further aims to be at the forefront of modern transport in Qatar by switching 50% of its transport fleet from petrol to electric vehicles, promoting micro-mobility modes, such as the use of water taxis, electric scooters and bicycles on dedicated lanes, in addition to providing more electric car charging outlets around The Pearl Island.
As smart cities are at the forefront of the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon world and investors are increasingly integrating sustainability factors into their investment decisions, the design of UDC of the Pearl and Gewan Islands proves that its goals go far beyond technological innovation, economic prosperity, and reducing environmental impacts to truly connecting people and places and creating long-term value.
In this sense, The Pearl and Gewan islands fully offer integration, mobility, accessibility and connectivity that aim to improve the social, cultural and economic interaction of people in development, thus facilitating more healthier, happier and more fulfilling. community as a whole.
2022-06-21