The design of Khalifa International Stadium, which is currently under renovation and due to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2016, has been recognised as achieving sustainability standards. Khalifa International Stadium recently received the provisional four-star rating in the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS), administered by the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD). This is the first certificate for a renovation project to be issued by GORD.

Talking about the achievement, Eng. Mansoor Al-Muhannadi, Khalifa International Stadium – Project Manager of Aspire Zone Foundation, said: “We are very proud of this recognition which highlights our undertaking during the renovation of Khalifa International Stadium to also make it a more sustainable venue. In addition to this, fans will have the possibility to opt for the more sustainable means to reach the stadium, through easy access to transportation infrastructure including the nearby Doha Metro stations.”

Eng. Mohemed Ahmed, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) Project Manager for Khalifa International Stadium and Al Bayt Stadium – Al Khor City said: “This is a huge step for Khalifa International Stadium. It has taken a lot of hard work to ensure this redeveloped facility meets stringent sustainability targets.

“The stadium scored particularly highly in several areas, including its location, the proximity of public transport, sourcing materials regionally and the fact it was renovated and redeveloped to the highest international standards rather than being built from scratch as a brand new facility.”

The award from GORD – a Qatar-based organisation – means the SC is also supporting a local company as it continues to make regular progress towards 2022. Ahmed added: “We are pleased to work with both Aspire Zone Foundation – the delivery organisation for Khalifa International Stadium, and GORD in establishing a sustainable legacy not only in Qatar, but across the region.”

Federico Addiechi, Head of Sustainability at FIFA, said: “Greener stadiums are essential for the sustainability and legacy of FIFA World Cups and that is why FIFA expanded its requirements, making sustainability certification mandatory for all stadiums. As part of this process, we analysed and approved the GSAS standard chosen by the Supreme Committee and are very pleased to see that the redevelopment of the Khalifa stadium has already fulfilled the requirements for provisional certification."

The SC requires every proposed 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ stadium be awarded a minimum four-star GSAS rating in order to meet FIFA sustainability requirements for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ competition venues. Al Wakrah Stadium received a four-star rating for its design in 2015.

GSAS ratings for both Khalifa and Al Wakrah stadiums projects mean they are two of the most sustainably designed stadiums in the Middle East and North Africa region. The provisional rating for Khalifa, which is set to be the first 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ stadium to have LED lighting system, was awarded by letter of compliance. The final certificate will be awarded once the stadium has been constructed and undergone further inspections.

GSAS is a green building certification system. It was established in 2009 with collaboration from the University of Pennsylvania, USA. The system took into consideration well-known international green building codes, applied expert composition and modified it to suit GCC countries’ climate and traditions.

When making an assessment, GORD takes the following into consideration: urban connectivity, sites, energy, water, materials, indoor environment, cultural and economic value and management and operations.

In the last two years the SC has arranged for 35 employees to take part in the GSAS professional Accreditation scheme, and some of those have taken an exam to become GSAS Certified Green Professionals.