Tribune News Network
Doha
The College of Business and Economics (CBE) at Qatar University (QU) has achieved a prestigious milestone by earning the Gold-rating GSAS (Global Sustainability Assessment System) Operations Certification from the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD).
This significant milestone underscores the college’s unwavering commitment to advancing sustainability by developing responsible future leaders and providing knowledge-driven, context-specific solutions to address the region’s unique sustainability challenges. Over the past two years, the college has actively engaged not only students and educators but also practitioners, policymakers, and governments to drive sustainable change and contribute to the broader mission of integrating sustainability into business education and practice.
Prof Rana Sobh, dean of the College of Business and Economics, stated, "I am proud that we have achieved GSAS certification, demonstrating our commitment to practicing what we teach. Sustainability is at the core of our values, and this certification shows that we are not just talking about environmental responsibility—we are living it. By creating a sustainable campus environment, we aim to be a role model for our students and faculty, inspiring them to embrace and lead sustainability efforts in their own careers and lives.”
Dr Yousef Mohammed Alhorr, founding chairman of the GORD, emphasised the importance of sustainability in the educational sector stating, "While sustainability standards in design and construction are essential, they are only the starting point. The long-term carbon footprint of a project largely depends on effective operational management. As educational institutes increasingly prioritise sustainability to enhance campus life—focusing on energy efficiency, community well-being, and technological innovation—these efforts contribute to a vibrant and resilient environment for living, working, and studying.”
Eng. Mai Fetais, director of the Facilities and General Services Department at QU, stated, "We are proud to announce that the (H08) building, the CBE, has been awarded the first GSAS Gold certification for operation. This achievement marks a significant milestone as the first GSAS Operations certification for the university, and we are committed to expanding sustainable operations across other areas of the campus in the coming years. From this position, I would like to thank all those who worked hard to make this project a success.”
The CBE sees this certification as the beginning of a wider movement within Qatar’s educational landscape.
With this milestone, the college hopes to inspire other institutions to follow its example, creating a ripple effect that strengthens the sustainability culture throughout the country’s academic institutions.