Qatar Foundation partners Qatar Today Green Awards

The prize was initiated by Qatar Today magazine with the purpose of recognizing and promoting eco-friendly campaigns across a broad spectrum of economic sectors.

These awards aim to spread the message, 'recycle, reduce and reuse' not only in Qatar, but throughout the region as well.

The formal partnership agreement signed on 24 February highlighted Qatar Foundation's future ambitions to get involved in environmental affairs.

On the occasion, Mr Yousef Fakhroo, Acting Marketing Manager, Public Relations & Marketing at Qatar Foundation commented: "By supporting Qatar Today Green Awards we aim to educate the public on environmental issues. Through this partnership Qatar Foundation hopes to achieve an important step in promoting environmental awareness in our community. We feel that the green awards initiative provides a platform for people to make an effort in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. We are excited to be part of this and hope it yields positive results."

The award categories cover a wide array of environmental endeavors, such as: best public awareness campaign, green roof and green building design, environmental vision in energy and youth and community projects.

Businesses, institutions and individuals are all invited to submit projects and initiatives, which have created a positive impact on the environment. A panel of judges will determine the winners of each award category and they will be acknowledged at the QT Green Awards ceremony scheduled for June 2008.

Speaking on Qatar Today Green Awards Mr Ravi Raman, Sr Business Manager at Oryx Advertising Company said: "Getting the right partners for this initiative was vital, we are overwhelmed with the response and support shown by Qatar's leading institutions and corporate houses. Qatar Foundation is a well respected entity and a source of inspiration for many. More importantly it prepares the future generations to be responsible eco-citizens."

Qatar Foundation has been engaged in other eco-friendly endeavors. Its new student residence halls project, currently under construction at Education City is certified by US Green Building Council with the status of platinum LEED. The future dormitories will enable resident students to live in zero-waste halls and implement green lifestyles. In addition, Qatar Foundation has announced plans for Qatar Institute for Environmental Research.