Sabban Property Investments seals a double win at the inaugural 'Qatar Today Green Awards 2008'

The developer is the only company to win two titles at the prestigious event, as it was also named as runner-up in the 'Environmental Leadership' category.

Present at the ceremony was John Browne MBE, Managing Director; Nicola Clarke, Environmental Advisor; and Douglas Brown, Project Manager from Sabban Property Investments along with other leading figures from the Qatari business community.

As the region's first carbon neutral developer, SPI excelled in reducing carbon emissions from the construction of its iconic 'Sabban Towers' project to net zero, making it the first carbon neutral development in the region.

It has invested considerable resources and undertaken pioneering methods in measuring, reducing and offsetting baseline emissions -making the developer a strong contender for the 'Green Roof & Green Building Design' award.

This groundbreaking contribution to the environmental sustainability of Qatar, led to the company being named as one of the top environmental leaders through this award.

"We are honored to be the only company to receive two awards at the 'Qatar Today Green Awards 2008', and we are very proud that as a result of our initiative Qatar can claim the status of having the Middle East's first ever carbon neutral development within its borders."

said John Browne MBE.

"These awards stand as a testament to our commitment to uphold our CSR policy on the environment, which guides us to become a responsible corporate citizen and motivates us to continue building corporate and social awareness of the importance of a sustainable environment."

he added.

The 'Qatar Today Green Awards 2008' was created to awaken the eco-consciousness of Qatari citizens and residents and catalysing behavioural change in relation to the protection and preservation of the environment, amidst reports that the Arab world is the producer of about 44% of the world's wastes. The awards recognise and promote voluntary contributions across a broad spectrum of activities - from individual to collective efforts - of businesses, educational, medical, and governmental institutions, and individuals.

As the most awarded of all the nominees, SPI has proven its leading position in Qatar's environmental causes - achieved through its openness to engagements with global organisations, which is reiterated by its recent membership with the United Nations Global Compact, the world's largest network for businesses that are committed to responsible corporate practice.

"With Qatar ranked as fourth among the world's top 10 offenders in term of it's ecological footprint - preceded only by the UAE, USA and Kuwait - a large-scale transformation is needed if we are to live within the means of our planet and not deplete or pollute natural resources. In line with this, we are seeking to share our carbon neutral journey with other companies and with universities and schools to educate and raise awareness of the responsibility and accountability for damage that an individual inevitably creates. This reiterates the calibre of environmental leadership that Sabban Property Investments is hoping to instil within Qatari people, and I would like to thank everyone involved in the achievement of this honour given to us."

concluded Nicola Clarke.

At present, SPI is working on a comprehensive climate change policy, in line with Qatar's growing role in climate change mitigation in the Middle East.

Having set a precedent for property developers in the Middle East with its carbon neutral development in Qatar, the developer is fully committed to continue being environmentally-friendly with all its future developments.

In addition, the developer has also laid out plans to educate and raise environmental awareness among its residents by ensuring that they know how to use the provided services most efficiently, and within universities and schools all over the region.