Qatar International Golf Club ushers in sustainable developments

Qatar International Golf Club is working to become one of the most sustainability-led golf developments in the world as it confirms its aim to become a GEO Certified Development.

 

QIGC began its partnership with the Golf Environment Organization in 2012. QIGC is currently working through GEO’s OnCourse Developments program to achieve GEO Certified Development status with the aim of maximizing the role of the project in enhancing nature, conserving resources and supporting local communities.

 

“What we’re trying to achieve has never been done before in the region, or the world, and sustainability is at the heart of it,” said Ed Edwards, general manager of Qatar International Golf Club. “There is no better partner than GEO and its OnCourse Developments program to guide and support us in delivering sustainability both from a social and an environmental perspective.”

 

QIGC’s achievements as part of the program will center around three main pillars–resource efficiency, nature enhancement and social value. The project is committed to delivering a wide range of net positive benefits in these areas.

 

Resource efficiency is a key element of sustainability at QIGC. Compared to the regional industry average, QIGC will benefit from 1,400 cubic meters less water utilization per month, due to factors including large areas of drought and heat-tolerant planting, the minimization of turfgrass areas and smart irrigation and sprinkler systems. A root zone design that creates a perched water table under all grassed areas, the choice of Platinum TE Paspalum as a main grass type due to its salt tolerant capabilities and a drainage system that retains and recycles excess irrigation and rainwater, also support the reduction in water usage on site. 

 

Solar panels, energy-efficient lighting and a zoned flood-lighting system will also contribute to reduced energy consumption. Wastage on-site is sorted to ensure the maximum amount of material can be recycled.

 

In terms of nature enhancement, the development will use predominantly native Qatari plant species, while a series of naturalised lakes and the restoration of an old Wadi will provide resources for migratory birds to colonize in the region. Bird boxes are already installed in the most complete areas of the development to encourage habitation.

 

“Qatar International Golf Club is showing real leadership in its aim to become a GEO Certified Development and we commend them for setting this as one of their key project goals,” said Jonathan Smith, chief executive of GEO. “They have embedded the principles of sustainable golf from the onset of the project and are showing a genuine commitment to nature enhancement, resource efficiency and community value.”

 

The development has already started showing its contribution to the local community through the live Pearl Coaching Programme, which aims to get golf clubs into the hands of 4,000 school children during the construction phase of the project. QIGC continues to provide opportunities for the community to take part in fun golf-themed activities in the lead up to the opening of the development, through various activities such as the most recent event for Qatar National Sports Day.

 

Qatar International Golf Club was unveiled at the Golf Business Forum in Shanghai last November. The cutting edge facility has been designed to support every member of society—from complete beginners to the world’s leading professionals—and focuses on accessibility and enjoyment. It comprises a range of short game formats, a learning and practice facility and an 18-hole championship golf course, 6-hole championship course and 9-hole par-3 course all designed by two-time major winner Jose Maria Olazabal.

 

Progress at Qatar International Golf Course is well underway with greens on the Back 9 holes already grassed.