King Fahd university to adopt QSAS in curriculum

In a major sign of growing understanding of building rating-system in the region, Barwa Qatari Diar Research Institute (BQDRI)-designed QSAS will be adopted in the curriculum of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.

The (QSAS) Qatar Sustainability Assessment System will be taught to students, while faculty at King Fahd will be able to conduct research on it using QSAS tools and calculators, officials said yesterday at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

The MoU was signed by King Fahd University for Petroleum and Minerals’ Cities and Districts Planning Department head Dr Adel bin Shaheen al-Dosari and BQDRI founder and chairman Dr Yousef al-Horr.

“After four years of hard and continuous work in developing QSAS, we believe with no doubt, it provides strong scientific base to accomplish sustainable development in the urban scene in whole GCC countries” said Dr al-Horr.

Earlier, Lusail City, Barwa Real Estate Company, and Ashghal announced to implement QSAS standards in their projects, in what is said to be the first rating system in the Middle East to incorporate local aspects.

“QSAS has been chosen because it’s customised for our environment. We believe our students and teachers can benefit immensely,” Dr al-Dosari said.

Under the terms of the MoU, QSAS will be integrated into the teaching and academic research curriculum at King Fahd University. While the research outcome by King Fahd University will be shared, plans are also afoot to share lecturers.

“The partnership will advance the reliability of the system and will open new horizons for mutual co-operation in the fi elds of research, development and training, which will have positive impacts on QSAS,” Dr al-Horr maintained.

“By introducing QSAS in our curriculum, King Fahd University is teaching the engineers and architects of the future to adopt a sustainability ratings assessment system that contributes to preserving the architectural identity of the Gulf region, preserve the natural resources and maintains the economic and environmental balance for the benefit of the region,” Dr al-Dosari said.

Meanwhile, BQDRI yesterday also announced that QSAS will be at the heart of the first Green Building Solutions Conference & Exhibition (GBS), to be held in March 2011.

The largest- event in the Middle East related to sustainable development in the construction industry will be held under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani.

It is being organised by BQDRI in partnership with Qatar Expo Event Management and Grey Doha, and will take place in Doha from March 2-4, 2011, when over 500 local, regional and international delegates are expected to attend, officials said.

More information on the event can had at qgbt2010.com.qa.