Tribune News Network
Doha
United Development Company (UDC), the master developer of The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, has been honored with five prestigious international environment and sustainability awards from The Green Apple Organization, which promotes the best environmental practices worldwide.
UDC secured five gold awards for its remarkable accomplishments in pollution control, energy efficiency, waste management, carbon reduction, innovation, and sustainable water management. These areas play a crucial role in driving environmental improvement and sustainable development.
The awards were presented during a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament in London, UK, underscoring UDC’s consistent leadership, innovation, and dedication to sustainable business practices as well as its commitment to fulfilling its environmental strategy and sustainability goals, contributing to the realization of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
UDC accepts these awards, having been recognized as a winner based on the following:
Pollution Control
UDC’s award-winning practices are a result of its commitment to waste recycling and management, plastic reduction, e-waste and battery management, and other environmentally conscious efforts. Notably, UDC holds the distinction of being the first Qatari real estate company to introduce the Collec’Thor Sea Cleaners, also known as Seabin.
These floating trash collectors, made from recycled materials, are capable of holding up to 20 kg of waste and have played a crucial role in maintaining a cleaner marina and preventing pollution.
In 2021, UDC launched the Seabin project in Porto Arabia, deploying 10 seabins that effectively collected 1,740 kg (1.74 tons) of debris from Porto Arabia Marina. To date, approximately 2.5 billion liters of seawater have been filtered, and over 2.4 tons of environmental waste have been collected, including the recycling of 8.46 kg of plastic.
On November 6th, The Pearl Island unveiled its new Collec’Thor Sea Cleaners in an event attended by a delegation from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), the Executive Director of Earthna, and representatives from UDC. The event took place at Corinthia Yacht Club in Porto Arabia.
All of these initiatives underscore UDC’s commitment to a marine and coastal environmental system that prioritizes energy conservation in communal areas, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Waste Management
UDC remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental protection, evident in the integration of sustainable development programs into the company’s business decisions and practices. UDC’s environmental and
sustainability focus encompasses the effective management and recycling of waste across all its operations.
This commitment is demonstrated through the utilization of the ENVAC smart waste disposal system, active recycling measures, and environmentally friendly processes such as the prohibition of non-biodegradable plastic bags.Furthermore, UDC prioritizes the optimization of energy consumption in all its projects, incorporating environmentally friendly technologies like district cooling provided by its subsidiary, Qatar Cool.
The waste management and recycling program at The Pearl Island, managed by UDC, has resulted in a substantial reduction in air pollution equivalent to over 600,000 lbs. per year.
On November 9th, UDC hosted a recognition ceremony to applaud retailers who participated in the six-month recycling initiative on The Pearl Island.
During the campaign, 1,095 kg of plastic waste was collected, contributing to a total of 2,295 kg since the last campaign.Trophies crafted from recycled material were awarded to participating retailers.
In collaboration with Earthna Centre, Seashore Group, and Power Waste Management & Transport Co, the event also distributed 1,200 retail discount vouchers.
UDC, in partnership with retailers, initiated a campaign to minimize plastic usage in daily catering operations, enforcing a new policy to eliminate single-use plastic cutlery from all retail food and beverage outlets at The Pearl Island.
In the preceding year, UDC Tower achieved the GSAS Operation certificate in the Gold category from GORD, marking its compliance with sustainable operation standards.
The certification addresses critical sustainability aspects such as energy efficiency, water use, and indoor air quality.
Additionally, UDC Tower boasts the distinction of featuring the first vertical green plantation on The Pearl Island, enhancing its overall green landscape.
