Approaches to reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the built environment: Low carbon cities

The interactions between water, energy, and food in terms of economic and environmental outcomes under conditions of a changing climate are something that all countries will need to understand if they intend to effectively manage the consequences. Qatar’s measures to increase food security and diversification of the energy system and economy can provide valuable insights to other countries with similar climates but who have a lower capacity to respond. Through Qatari-based organisations, best practice reflecting local characteristics can be shared throughout the region and beyond.The aim of this paper is to arrive at projections of CO2 emissions in new cities in Qatar by 2020 using GSAS standards under a number of scenarios coupled with specific interventions that help them meet national and regional targets. The estimated CO2 equivalent savings were calculated using GSAS energy calculator and based on the total area of the registered project and anticipated projects provided by different entities applying GSAS in Qatar. The projected annual savings of CO2 emissions due to energy use reduction can be realised by 2020 when projects planned or under construction are completed. The projected CO2 emission reduction is reported and compared with the international standards.