After establishing a building systems office in Doha last year, Hydro has followed up with its first "green building" seminar.

Hydro invited to Doha some 200 building professionals from Qatar and other parts of the region to listen to industry experts talk about various aspects of the green building challenge. The presentations were each linked to the subject of sustainable buildings, from smart design to recyclable solutions to green rating systems, set within the local and regional context.

The seminar is in line with the ambitions of Qatar Vision 2030 and the goals of sustainable development advocated by most of the countries in the region. The Qatar Green Building Council, which is opening up for membership in April, is one of the bodies following up this objective.

The not-for-profit organization is committed to developing a sustainable approach to the design and development of buildings for Qatar. This includes industry collaboration with companies like Dohaland, and Barwa and Qatari Diar, which have created a joint research institute and a locally tailored rating system that champions sustainable development.

"We are listening closely. Our seminar is an action that supports the positive activity that is happening in Qatar," says Hélène Roux, who is responsible for Hydro's aluminium building systems activities outside Europe.

"Hydro is very good at this, and we believe we can support Qatar's green ambition by bringing technical expertise and adapting our aluminium systems to the conditions and requirements that are here. Having a local base in Doha helps us understand the challenges more clearly. Hosting a seminar focused on green buildings is valuable for our customers and potential clients."

Expertise in green buildings

The seminar was held on April 13, one day after the formal opening of Qatalum, the 585,000-tonne-per-year aluminium plant that is owned by Qatar Petroleum and Hydro. Qatalum's administration buildings in Mesaieed have been constructed with aluminium facades from Hydro.

The presentations, from internal and external speakers, covered topics including:
 

• Energy-efficient building
• Sustainable solutions for buildings in the Middle East
• Green buildings in India
• Sustainability in Qatar

Wicona and Tornado Tower

Hydro markets three global aluminium systems brands, each specializing in distinct segments of the building market. Wicona is best-suited to serve the market in Qatar, offering competence in project execution and systems solutions that are high-tech in almost every way, including environmental aspects.

Wicona is not unknown in Qatar. The brand is building a good name, partly because its energy-efficient aluminium facades have been utilized in one of the state's most stunning buildings, Tornado Tower. Honored recently as the "best tall building" in the Middle East and Africa, Tornado Tower adds brilliance to the Doha skyline.

Energy-saving aluminium systems from Hydro have been chosen for building projects in Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates. The company also has an office in Bahrain.