Qatar Green Building Council signs MoU with the Wyndham Grand Regency Hotel

Under the agreement, the two organisations will work together to disseminate environmental knowledge, promote awareness of key issues concerning sustainability, and encourage youth involvement in the country's green projects.

A member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, QGBC was established in 2009 through a decree signed by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser to provide leadership and encourage collaboration in green building design and development in Qatar.

"QGBC is devoted to helping the hospitality sector reduce pollution and other harmful environmental effects generated by hotel operations. Through this renewed partnership, we will work together to develop sustainable practices and green targets for the hotel that still successfully deliver economic benefits," said Eng. Rasha K. AlSulaiti, Vice-Chairperson of QGBC and Project Management Director at Qatar Foundation's Capital Projects and Facilities Management division.

"The MoU signed today also holds promise for sparking change across the nation's wider hospitality industry," he continued. "The Wyndham Grand Regency Hotel provides a prime model for hotels in Qatar to follow and improve their environmental performance through similar simple but effective adjustments at their own facilities."

In addition to the large number of housing developments currently underway in the country, 800 additional buildings, including hotels, are planned for construction in Doha's downtown area alone. QGBC recently launched a Green Hotel Interest Group to encourage best green practices across the nation's expanding hospitality sector.

A leading member of the interest group, WGRH has already made significant progress in'greening' its operations.Power consumption from room lighting has been reduced by around 75% due to its decision to install energy-efficient lamps.

The hotel also separates its garbage into paper, plastic and glass and carefully prepares buffets for total guest count to help ensure food is not wasted.

Ghada Sadek, Assistant General Manager and the Head of Sustainability Projects at WGRH, commented, "WGRH is honoured to serve as QGBC's hospitality partner for a second year. We look forward to working together to continue our successful journey towards sustainability throughout 2013. QGBC has improved our ability to address the environmental issues associated with the industry, and our team now takes sustainability into consideration for all aspects of the hotel's development and operation. In the next year, we will be hosting an exciting line-up of educational workshops and seminars by QGBC, as well as contributing to the council's efforts to empower Qatar's communities to take part in building a more sustainable future- both for ourselves and for our children."

The MoU was signed by Eng. Al Sulaiti and WGRH General Manager Ayman Lotfy at a ceremony on 6 March.

Through its Green Hotels Interest Group, QGBC will continue to collaborate with leading organisations, like WGRH, to work towards offsetting carbon emissions generated by hotels.