Regulations · Buildings
GSAS, Global Sustainability Assessment System
GSAS is the performance-based green building rating system developed in Qatar and run by the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD).
What it is
GSAS assesses buildings and infrastructure across their life cycle, with separate schemes for design and build, construction management and operations.
The score depends on categories such as energy, water, materials, indoor environment, site and management.
Certification is run by GORD, and evidence is submitted at defined stages of the project. Check the current scheme manuals on gord.qa for the version that applies to your project.
Who it applies to
- Developers, owners and contractors on projects in Qatar where a GSAS rating is required by the authority or the client.
- Design consultants and contractors who must produce the evidence.
Key dates
| Concept design | Set the target rating and assign credit owners. |
|---|---|
| Design submission | Design and build certificate evidence. |
| Construction | Construction management evidence through site audits. |
What to do now
- Confirm whether your permit or client brief requires GSAS, and at what level.
- Run a credit-by-credit pre-assessment before design freeze, when changes still cost little.
- Put GSAS evidence requirements into contractor scopes and site procedures.
Sources
Summary for orientation only, not legal advice. Always check the current text with the issuing authority.