The Barwa & Qatari Diar Research Institute (BQDRI) and University of Khartoum (Sudan) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate in the field of teaching.

The MoU also covers implementation of the Qatar Sustainability Assessment System (QSAS) in the university curriculum and cooperation in the field of research and development of environmental issues.

The MoU was signed by Dr Gamal Mahmoud Hamid, dean of faculty of architecture at University of Khartoum and Dr Yousef Al-Horr, BQDRI's founder and chairman in the company of senior management from both organizations.

“Without doubt QSAS is the Mena’s most advanced and sustainable development solution. By creating a system that addresses sustainability goals specific to the region – and also meets the toughest international standards - QSAS is the perfect solution to the region’s need to establish a single, consistent standard for sustainable development in the construction industry,” said Dr Al-Horr.

“Our partnership with University of Khartoum, one of the leading educational institutions in North Africa, will advance the adoption, implementation and development of QSAS in the Arabic speaking world.” added Dr Al-Horr.
 
“By introducing QSAS in our curriculum, University of Khartoum is educating Sudan’s architects and engineers of the future to adopt a sustainability ratings assessment system that reduces energy consumption and maintains the economic and environmental balance for the benefit of Sudan and the surrounding countries,” says Dr Gamal.

Under the terms of the MoU, QSAS will be integrated into the teaching and academic research curriculum at University of Khartoum, supporting student education and research projects with scientific results being shared between both parties.

Developed by the BQDRI in co-operation with experts and researchers from the T C Chan Center for Building Simulation and Energy Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, QSAS focuses on local needs and implements the best practices taking into consideration the region’s social, economic, environmental and cultural conditions that are different from other parts of the world.

Issues such as resource smoothing, power consumption, scarcity of water and cultural identity are at the core of QSAS and are interpreted in a way which meets the needs of the GCC climate and environment. –TradeArabia News Service