Seed germination and growth performance of Aerva javanica (Burm.f.) Juss ex Schult
The present investigation emphasizes the significance and conservation values of an important medicinal plant Aerva javanica for sustainable utilization and urban landscaping in Arabian Desert. Seeds of A. javanica germinated well under laboratory as well as nursery conditions, indicating their little dormancy. Germination percentage was significantly higher under darkness as compared to light at lower temperature (15/25 °C). Despite the seeds attained highest germination percentage (81%) in the darkness at the low temperature, it was...
Climate Change Mitigation through Energy Benchmarking in the GCC Green Buildings Codes
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...
Ethnobotanical magnitude towards sustainable utilization of wild foliage in Arabian Desert
The present investigation was deals with identifying traditional uses of medicinal plants for curing a variety of ailments and degree of religious conservation for retention of ethnobotanical knowledge. The study was carried out in the State of Qatar to document the ethnobotanical uses of 58 medicinally important plant species including identification, botanical name, Arabic name, family, habit, habitat, distribution pattern, and the plant parts used for curing variety of ailments. The documented species belong to...
Approaches to reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the built environment: Low carbon cities
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...
Environmental Impact Assessment Of New District Developments
Over the last decade, the term “sustainability” has figured prominently in city planning discussions aiming to create comfortable places to live, work, learn and relax. In an accelerated world, the need to set standards that guide city development becomes necessary and important. In the case of Qatar, where globalization has proclaimed new types of projects and facilities, GSAS, the Global Sustainability Assessment System (formerly known as QSAS, Qatar Sustainability Assessment System) has emerged as a...
A Novel Solar Desiccant Cooling System with Low Grade Heat Source for GCC Countries
Amidst the growing commitment of reducing energy consumption across the Gulf Region, the rising discourse and practice of sustainability in institutions of higher learning has led to energy- efficiency investments to improve the overall environmental performance. There is an increasing level of legislation addressing energy and environmental issues. Recently, Qatar Construction Specifications upgraded requirements aimed at improving the energy-efficiency of domestic, public and commercial buildings by adopting the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) requirement hence,...
Modelling the thermal energy demand of a Passive-House in the Gulf Region: The impact of thermal insulation
The built environment has a direct impact on the Gulf Region natural environment, the economy and human health. Buildings have to respond to local climate and site conditions to maximize building users’ comfort and health while minimizing energy use. Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) developed a simplified, standalone, building energy standard to support Qatar’s and the MENA region building energy ratings. Air conditioning counts for more than 60% of the electricity consumption in GCC countries....