Ibrahim Jassim Al-Othman Honored Among Pioneering Sustainability Leaders at 2023 SEAL Awards
Doha – Qatar, 15 April 2023: United Development Company (UDC), master developer of The Pearl and Gawan Islands, has won the 2023 SEAL Sustainability Leader Award honoring President, CEO and Board Member Mr. Ibrahim Jassim Al-Othman for his role in leadership, innovation. , and commitment to sustainable business practices.
Al-Othman was selected among 9 top executives who received the Sustainability Leader Award and was chosen based on achievement of ESG goals, leadership skills and ability to attract and retain talent. By winning this award, UDC sets the highest standards for environmental integration, setting the path for other organizations, adopting and delivering long-lasting sustainable impacts on communities and the world.
SEAL stands for Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership; and recognizes organizations in four award categories: environmental initiatives, sustainable innovation, sustainable products and sustainable services.
Additionally, UDC was selected for various initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and reducing carbon emissions at The Pearl Island, such as the employee tree planting initiative, the Biodiversity Map and the Seabin Project, as well as developing a sustainability and environmental strategy. 2022-2026 To reduce carbon emissions, and encourage a circular economy based on reducing waste and encouraging rational water use.
It is noteworthy that UDC has won several awards for its sustainability efforts and initiatives, as part of its strategic plan that prioritizes environmental governance and in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030, which is reflected in Qatar’s National Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
Green Apple Award
In October 2022, UDC won two Green Apple Awards from ‘Green Apple Environment’, a prominent UK environmental organisation. UDC won the ‘Best Development Award’ for reducing carbon emissions while building projects in The Pearl Island and the ‘Best Waste Management Company’ for adhering to eco-friendly practices.
ESG Report 2022
UDC was also the first listed real estate company to publish its ESG report on the Qatar Stock Exchange in 2022. The report formally outlines UDC strategies and achievements in environmental governance and sustainability.
Tree planting initiative
UDC started a unique initiative early last year to help reduce carbon emissions by planting a tree for new employees, where a tree is planted for every new employee who joins the company and periodically for every five years spent at UDC. for
By pulling carbon dioxide from the air and replacing it with oxygen, trees help in the process of reducing the effects of climate change, conserving natural resources. Green space and tree planting create a natural barrier to noise pollution, which is important to the health and well-being of Pearl Island residents.
In total, 600 trees were planted for employees, and each new employee received a certificate stating the date of joining, and planted trees. Currently, The Pearl Island has about 7,700 trees that offset about 197 tons of carbon dioxide.
Zero Carbon Mobility
UDC recently launched the first hybrid limo service in The Pearl Island with the aim of reducing carbon footprint and GHG emissions by over 65% by converting 50% of its transport from petrol to electric vehicles, promoting alternative modes of transport such as using water taxis, electric scooters, and cycle on dedicated routes, and offer more charging outlets for electric vehicles across Pearl Island.
GSAS certification
In August 2022, UDC Tower, the company’s headquarters, received GSAS Gold Operations Certification, becoming the first building in Pearl Island to receive the highest regional sustainability rating from the Gulf Organization for Research and Development (GORD) for implementing sustainability best practices. UDC Tower is the first GSAS certified project to achieve full indoor air quality compliance, qualifying it as a healthy building.
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