File photo of Msheireb Downtown Doha
Doha: Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) uses more than 5,200 rooftop solar panels and solar hot water panels to power the buildings’ efficient designs, Eng. Ali Al Kuwari, Acting CEO, Msheireb Properties, told a virtual International Conference on sustainable smart cities and territories organized by Texas A&M University-Qatar.
The three-day conference was attended by dignitaries, high-level executives, and representatives of the public and private sectors from across GCC and outside. Several leading personalities and heads of centers and institutions from sustainable development also participated in the conference.
Eng. Al Kuwari presented and discussed the vision of Msheireb Properties in delivering a smart and sustainable city since its inception, making it promising contemporary urban development which combines traditional architectural language with modernity and technology.
Talking about how MDD adopts the highest standards of sustainability, Al Kuwari stated: “Sustainability is central to Msheireb Downtown Doha in both the conservation of natural resources and the quality of its design; this reiterates our commitment to the environment and preserving natural resources.”
“At Msheireb, over 5,200 rooftop solar panels and solar hot water panels are used to generate electricity. 32% of energy is saved due to the efficient building design, improved building envelopes of walls and windows, recessed windows, energy recovery to the outside air entering the building, optimized ventilation using carbon dioxide (CO2) detectors, and a high-efficiency district cooling plant. Efficient irrigation systems and native green species have been adapted to survive in dry conditions reduce landscape irrigation requirements”, he added.
Msheireb Downtown Doha is the world’s first fully built smart and sustainable downtown regeneration project. It reflects the vision of Msheireb Properties to revive the old commercial district of Msheireb to a contemporary city with a new architectural language that is modern yet inspired by traditional Qatari heritage and architecture. Besides, Msheireb Properties aims to change the way people think about urban living to improve their overall quality of life and to achieve one of the pillars of Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
Al Kuwari discussed the smart aspects of Msheireb Downtown Doha, saying, “Msheireb Downtown Doha is smart from inception. Its infrastructure, applications, and systems are smart. The infrastructure is well prepared for the city to be smart, including telecommunication infrastructure, data centers, connections between the city buildings and facilities.
“Smart applications for monitoring and managing power and GPS have been installed within the city and a data analysis App that counts the numbers of visitors in each event or activity, along with a 3D data analysis system that allows collecting and analyzing data, comparing it, and draw conclusions. Services that end users can use are smart customer services, free WIFI across the city, smart and connected signages, wayfinding, and much more.
“We are offering a city that is changing the way of life, enhanced water and energy efficiency, and meet the requirements of the current and future generations and businesses,” he added.
Msheireb is the world’s largest certified sustainable community. All the planned buildings meet the LEED Gold standard for environmental performance, and some facilities have a platinum rating.
Msheireb Downtown Doha is Qatar’s latest sustainable and walkable city district and destination for living, leisure, and business.
