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Yousef Alhorr

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Yousef Mohamed Alhorr
Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD
Born
(1967-01-10) January 10, 1967 (age 57)
NationalityQatari
EducationB.Sc in Mechanical Engineering from Qatar University (1989), M.Sc Materials Engineering from the George Washington University (1996), PhD Materials Engineering from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology
OccupationEngineering
Known forEnvironmental Efforts
Notable workGlobal Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) Synergia 7n1 hybrid ultra-efficient patented, smart cooling technology

Yousef M. Alhorr  (Arabic: يوسف الحُر, born January 10, 1967) is a Qatari environmentalist known for his work in the field of sustainable built environment and climate actions. He is the founder and chairman of the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD)[1][2] and adviser for sustainable delivery and legacy of 2022 FIFA World Cup.[3] He is the founding chairman of Global Carbon Council, which is one of the eight international programs approved by ICAO’s CORSIA and ICROA to supply carbon credits to international airlines to meet their carbon neutral growth.[4][5][6] Alhorr is also the founding chairman of Global Accreditation Bureau – an accreditation body which is Associate Member of Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC), and an Accreditation Body Member of International Accreditation Forum (IAF). He is the president of Green Building Committee at the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO).[7][8]

Alhorr led the research and development of innovative energy-efficient solutions, including Synergia7n1 – a hybrid ultra-efficient patented, smart cooling technology for fresh air, that earned him the award for AEE’s Energy Innovator of the Year 2022.[9] He is also the recipient of Takreem Award for Environmental Development and Sustainability Leadership presented during the 13th edition of the Arab Excellence Awards Ceremony 2023.[10]

Alhorr helped draft the first version of Section 7 entitled Green Construction of Qatar Constructions Specifications (QCS).[11] The 1800-page document launched in 2010 has been replaced with 2014 edition that is being used as a guide setting forth the building codes to be followed by the industry.[12] Alhorr is also a member of the board of trustees for the University of Doha for Science and Technology (2017-2022) and advisory board member of the College of Engineering at Qatar University[13] His name comes in the list of the Qatar University’s most notable alumni.[14] He has worked as a sustainability consultant for a variety of projects in the MENA region, providing strategic guidance on sustainable development for projects including all the stadiums currently being prepared to host the 2022 World Cup.

Academic background

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Alhorr received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Qatar University’s College of Engineering in 1989,  followed by Master of Science in Materials Engineering from the George Washington University, USA, in 1996. In 2000, he earned a doctorate degree in Materials Engineering from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, UK.

Professional background

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From 2000 to 2004, Alhorr was the assistant professor at Qatar University’s College of Engineering. In September 2004 until 2006, he joined the institute’s active research wing, taking up the position of Assistant Vice President for Research. From then onward up until 2011, he held several positions at Qatar’s leading Barwa Real Estate Company as a deputy CEO, strategic adviser and president for strategy and investment, and CEO and chairman of Barwa Knowledge.[15][16][17]

In 2009, Alhorr set the foundation of the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) and directed the development of the Middle East’s first regionally incorporated sustainability system called Qatar Sustainability Assessment System (QSAS).[18][19] QSAS was later re-branded as the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) and has since been used in Qatar and the Middle East as one of the chief sustainability systems alongside LEED.[20][21][22][23][24][25] As the Chairman of GORD, Alhorr supervises the authorization of green certification for construction projects in Qatar and the MENA region.[26]

Alhorr was the recipient of the Emerging CEO – Green Buildings prize from the Federation of GCC Chambers[27][28] as well as the Environment & Sustainability Award.[29]

Speaking engagements

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Alhorr has lectured several seminars during and after his time as a faculty member and director of research at his alma meter, Qatar University.[30] He has chaired several conferences[31] and has been regularly invited as a keynote and guest speaker at regional and global industry events including the 2012 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP18),[32][33] 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26),[34] International Real Estate Finance Summit (IREF) 2009,[35] World Stadium Congress 2013,[36] 18th Gulf Engineering Forum 2015, Kuwait Green Building Forum 2012, Qatar Sustainable Building Forum 2012[37] and 7th Annual Façade Design and Engineering Middle East.[38]

References

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  1. ^ Fahy, Michael (9 Apr 2013). "Qatar makes progress implementing green standards". Construction Week Online.
  2. ^ "Green for go: The private sector looks on with interest as the government focuses on sustainability". Oxford Business Group. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  3. ^ "Qatar aims for 80% of 2022 World Cup projects to be sustainable". IFP Info. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  4. ^ "ICAO Document: CORSIA Eligible Emissions Units" (PDF). International Civil Aviation Organization. March 2021. Retrieved 18 April 2021.
  5. ^ "Chairman's Message". Global Carbon Trust. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  6. ^ "Global Carbon Council receives approval under ICAO's CORSIA to help international airlines meet carbon neutral growth targets". Yahoo Finance. 11 April 2021. Retrieved 18 April 2021.
  7. ^ "GSO Technical Subcommittee for Green Buildings". GCC Standardization Organization. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  8. ^ Varghese, Joseph (22 March 2017). "Gulf body to develop regulations for green products". Gulf Times. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  9. ^ "Congratulations to AEE's 2022 International Award Winners!". Association of Energy Engineers. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  10. ^ "Laureates". Takreem Foundation. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  11. ^ Gerbich, Carlin (5 December 2011). "CW Conference: Qatar to launch new building codes". Arabian Industry. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  12. ^ Gerbich, Carlin (5 Dec 2011). "CW Conference: Qatar to launch new building codes". Construction Week Online. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  13. ^ "Joint oversight board". College of North Atlantic Qatar. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  14. ^ Azher, Mohammad. "The 'Nation-builders' Qatar University has given to Qatar". Qatar Day. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  15. ^ "Barwa and Qatari Diar develops the first performance-based sustainability rating system in the Middle East". AME Info. 8 April 2009. Archived from the original on 17 January 2013. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  16. ^ "QSAS - Certified Green Professional 3days training workshop ends". AME Info. 16 July 2009. Archived from the original on 2010-10-18. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  17. ^ "Qatar: Fuelling growth". Construction Week Online. 12 June 2009. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  18. ^ "Barwa, Qatari Diar, TC Chan sign deal". Emirates 24/7. 9 April 2009. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  19. ^ Zafar, Salman (13 December 2018). "Green Buildings Rating System in Middle East". Blogging Hub. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  20. ^ "ASHGHAL to adopt QSAS sustainable development practices in Public Building Projects". Albawaba News. 27 May 2010. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  21. ^ "GORD, Jordan Engineers Association sign MoU to apply QSAS concepts to Jordan's green building practices". Business Intelligence Middle East. 20 July 2011. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  22. ^ "GSAS to be adopted in Kuwait following a strategic partnership between GORD and NTEC". E-MC2. 18 April 2019. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  23. ^ O'Keefe, Faisal (22 June 2012). "Qatar's GSAS Turns Other Rating Systems Green". Green Prophet. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  24. ^ "Qatar code for green building goes global". Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment Council. 18 June 2012.
  25. ^ "KPTC signs MoU with GORD for development". Arab Times Online. 27 November 2017. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  26. ^ "Jordan's green building MoU". ME Construction News. 21 July 2011. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  27. ^ "Federation of GCC Chambers Honors Dr. Yousef Al-Horr the "Emerging CEO – Green Buildings" Prize at 1st Middle East Business Leaders Summit and Awards". Business Wire. 3 May 2010. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  28. ^ "Dr. Yousef Al Horr". Green Building Forum. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  29. ^ "QPM hails legacy of 'HSE for Life' conference in Doha". 4 December 2011. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  30. ^ "DAUP Profile" (PDF). Qatar University. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  31. ^ "Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue". DICID. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  32. ^ "UN Framework Convention on Climate Change" (PDF). UNFCCC secretariat (UN Climate Change). December 2012. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  33. ^ "COP18: Yousef Al Horr, Founding Chairman, Gulf Organisation for Research and Development". ClimateChangeStudio (YouTube). 29 November 2012. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  34. ^ "Qatar-based Global Carbon Council highlights climate solutions at COP26". Gulf Times. 25 November 2021. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  35. ^ "IREF Summit Testimonials". International Real Estate Finance Summit (IREF). Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  36. ^ "World Stadium Congress 2013 (Speakers List)" (PDF). Dutch Sports Infrastructure. 2013. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  37. ^ "Qatar green building council holds Sustainable building forum". ME Construction News. 12 June 2012. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  38. ^ "Standards and Codes For Sustainable Construction in GCC" (PDF). ASTM International. 6 May 2015. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
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