Dr. Yousef Alhorr

Dr. Yousef Alhorr - Qatar

Environmental Development and Sustainability - 2023

Dr. Yousef Alhorr is the Founding Chairman of the Gulf Organization for Research & Development (GORD), a pivotal non-profit based in Qatar known for advancing sustainability on a global scale. Under his leadership, GORD introduced the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS), the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), designed to evaluate and rate green buildings and infrastructure. His innovative contributions, such as the award-winning Synergia 7n1 cooling technology, have revolutionized sustainable practices across multiple sectors. Significantly, Dr. Alhorr has been an influential adviser for high-profile events like the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, integrating sustainability into sports. Currently, he heads the sustainability planning for the International Horticultural Expo 2023 in Doha, setting a detailed execution roadmap that includes pre-event and post-event assessments. He also chairs the Global Carbon Council (GCC), the first internationally accredited voluntary carbon offset program in the MENA region. This initiative supports eco-friendly projects to mitigate carbon emissions and accelerate global climate action. Furthermore, he is at the helm of the Global Accreditation Bureau (GAB), Qatar's first accreditation body. GAB offers certification to organizations meeting international standards, including ISO 14065:2020 related to greenhouse gas assertions. Regionally, he presides over the Technical Subcommittee for Sustainable Buildings, part of the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO), where he plays an active role in defining sustainable building norms. His exceptional work has earned him several honors, notably the Energy Innovator of the Year 2022 award. Dr. Alhorr's unparalleled commitment to sustainable development and technological innovation has not only impacted industries in the Gulf but has also established him as a global leader in sustainability. His strategic vision and proven ability to implement sustainable solutions have garnered him widespread recognition, solidifying his reputation both in Qatar and on the international stage.