The first of its kind in the region, the centre’s design includes 3,500sqm of solar panelling.
Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), one of the most environmentally friendly large scale event venues of its kind in the world, is harnessing the power of solar energy to help power the crucial COP18/CMP8 climate talks.
The first of its kind in the region, QNCC’s design includes 3,500sqm of solar paneling which will provide up to 12.5% of the centre’s energy needs across the complex each day during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP18/CMP8). The roof’s impressive solar energy system produces 1,225MWh of electricity and offsets 1,140 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. This equates to an impressive 40.8MWh of electricity produced during the 12 days of the COP18/CMP8 event.
QNCC is the landmark venue for the conference, scheduled to take place from 26 November-7 December with an estimated 17,000 participants attending the Doha round of talks.
QNCC is the first of its kind designed and built to achieve Gold Certification from the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED). As a result, the building is designed to be 32% more efficient than buildings of similar size, scope and usage.
In addition, a host of environmentally sustainable and energy efficient features were built into the design of the QNCC including: the installation of high efficiency water fixtures has reduced the use of potable (drinkable) water within the centre by 40%; daylight is used where possible throughout the centre and the natural light reduces the energy consumption normally used for lighting; automated shade devices are provided to shade the east and west elevations of the exterior window walls from the direct sun, thus reducing air-conditioning requirements.
It is not just the building that is adding to the sustainable nature of the COP18/CMP8 gathering. QNCC will be using biodegradable and environmentally friendly food packaging for the 21 "grab and go" food outlets that will cater for the delegates and visitors during the event.
Qatar National Convention Centre harnesses the power of the sun to deliver Cop18/Cmp8
About the Qatar National Convention Centre
A member of the Qatar Foundation, QNCC features a 4,000-seat conference hall in theatre layout, a 2,300-seat theatre, three auditoria, and a total of 52 flexible meetings rooms to accommodate a wide range of events. It also houses 40,000sqm of exhibition space over nine halls, and is adaptable to seat 10,000 for a conference or banquet. The centre’s stunning architecture and cutting-edge facilities are ideal for hosting local, regional and international conventions and exhibitions, gala events, theatrical productions and banquet functions.
For further information, please contact Janet Leow at: Jleow@qatarconvention.com.
