It is well known that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) of countries resides at or close to the top of the global table of CO2 emissions per capita and its economy relies heavily on its fossil fuels. This provides a context for green building programs that initially aim to create an understanding of emission pathways within the GCC and hence develop approaches to their reduction in the built environment. A set of criteria will allow specific...

The interactions between water, energy, and food in terms of economic and environmental outcomes under conditions of a changing climate are something that all countries will need to understand if they intend to effectively manage the consequences. Qatar’s measures to increase food security and diversification of the energy system and economy can provide valuable insights to other countries with similar climates but who have a lower capacity to respond. Through Qatari-based organisations, best practice reflecting...

The accompanying CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions have been identified as a primary cause of global warming and the demand for electricity is expected to rise sharply within two decades. New energy-efficient, environmentally friendly power systems are, therefore, urgently required to ensure a sustainable built environment and also to meet the current building regulation standards. Buildings, new and old account for 50% of global energy consumption and related emissions. As citizens of the world,...