Tribune News Network
doha
United Development Company (UDC), the master developer of The Pearl and Gewan Islands, has been honored with eight prestigious international awards in environment and sustainability from The Green Organization’s Green World Awards 2024.
Additionally, UDC has been recognised as the Qatar National Gold Winner in the property and real estate management category at the International CSR Excellence Awards 2024, reflecting its unwavering commitment to the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility.
UDC received gold, silver, and bronze accolades across various categories, including innovation, pollution and emission control, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, waste management, water management, and conservation and wildlife projects. These awards highlight UDC’s dedication to environmental improvement and sustainable development.
A notable achievement for UDC was being named a Green World Champion in the Energy Management category, underscoring its exceptional contributions to energy efficiency and conservation. The awards were presented during a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament, London, UK, in recognition of UDC’s Environment and Sustainability Strategy 2026. This strategy demonstrates UDC’s leadership, innovation, and commitment to sustainable business practices at The Pearl Island, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030.
UDC’s commitment to energy efficiency and conservation earned it the prestigious title of Green World Champion in Energy Management. UDC’s initiatives, aligned with Qatar’s National Climate Change Action Plan, focus on reducing carbon emissions associated with buildings and facilities on The Pearl Island. These efforts include transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing energy-efficient practices, and minimising embodied carbon emissions.
By 2026, UDC aims to achieve substantial carbon emission reductions through renewable energy adoption and efficient energy practices, resulting in significant savings equivalent to 142 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles, 124 kWh homes’ electricity use, and 1,474 barrels of oil consumed annually. The company’s efforts in waste and pollution management also translated into recycling 221 tons of waste, 27,594 trash bags, and saving 714,086 pounds of coal from being burned.
UDC’s innovative practices extend beyond economic value generation to actively contribute to environmental preservation and social progress. The company prioritizes responsible business practices and sustainable development in alignment with ESG (environment, sustainability, governance) principles and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, supporting local and regional businesses and promoting sustainable consumption and production.
UDC’s efforts in pollution and emission control encompass waste recycling, plastic reduction, e-waste management, and other environmentally conscious initiatives. A significant milestone is the Seabin project, aimed at cleaning marinas and preventing pollution. This project has filtered approximately 2.5 billion liters of seawater, removed over 2.4 tons of waste, and recycled 8.46 kg of plastic. UDC’s marine and coastal environmental strategy focuses on energy conservation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting a cleaner environment.
UDC’s achievements in Corporate Social Responsibility are reflected in its international accreditations and awards, including the Gold Certification from CSR Accreditation and the "Best in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)” award at the Qatar CSR Summit. These accolades highlight UDC’s commitment to sustainable practices.
UDC’s Sustainability Strategy and island-wide sustainable development policy prioritize climate change mitigation, strategic planning, and alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030. UDC has released its second Environmental, Social, and Governance report to the Qatar Stock Exchange, leading as the first listed real estate company in Qatar to disclose its sustainability and environmental strategies officially.
UDC’s waste management practices focus on recycling, waste reduction, and environmentally friendly processes. Initiatives like the ENVAC smart waste disposal system and the Collec’Thor Sea Cleaners highlight the company’s dedication to sustainable waste management.
UDC’s water management strategy emphasizes conserving and diversifying water resources, including saltwater reverse osmosis, groundwater, and recycled water. These practices have conserved billions of liters of freshwater and utilized treated sewage effluent for landscape irrigation, supporting Qatar’s water sustainability goals.
UDC is committed to preserving Qatar’s natural environment through conservation and wildlife projects, such as planting mature trees and promoting biodiversity, aligning with Qatar’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.
UDC’s holistic approach to CSR focuses on four fundamental pillars: responsibility towards employees, the community, the environment, and corporate governance. This comprehensive model integrates social and environmental concerns into every facet of UDC’s operations.
Certified for its Integrated Management System Policy and Environmental Management System, UDCevaluates and minimises its environmental impact. Its partnership with the Public Works Authorityhas led to the treatment and supply of over 19 million cubic meters of treated sewage effluent for irrigation, enhancing Qatar’s green spaces. The company’s tree-planting initiatives and commitment to recycling further reinforce its dedication to environmental stewardship.