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The Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) is harnessing the power of solar energy to help power the crucial COP18/CMP8 climate talks.

The first of its kind in the region, the Centre's design includes 3,500 metres2 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 1,225 MWh of electricity and offsets 1,140 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. This equates to an impressive 40.8 MWh 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 26th November to 7th 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.

QNCC General Manager Adam Mather-Brown explains "energy efficiency was a specific consideration during the design and build phase of the project. Qatar has a desert climate and cooling systems are of paramount importance. The Centre was designed and built to the highest environmental standards and conceived with a focus on sustainability, a feature that complements the objectives of COP18/CMP8.

"Its use of solar power is an innovative way to reduce the building's impact on the planet, a benefit that is very relevant for this event."

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%;

• Day-light 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 the air-conditioning requirement.

It's 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.

37,500 bowls made from Sugar Cane residue, 20,200 salad bowls and 30,000 drinking cups for cold drinks produced from natural starch, 120,000 knives, forks and spoons along with 150,000 coffee cups made from natural cellulose, are among some of the CO2 neutral, biologically degradable items that will be used in the Centre's catering outlets.

Mather-Brown adds "hosting COP18/CMP8 is a tremendous honour but it is also an opportunity to showcase Qatar's world-class environmentally friendly venue from the design and technology of the building through to our take-away food packaging."

As a result, the QNCC is now one of the most environmentally friendly large scale event venues of its kind in the world.

The Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC)

A member of the Qatar Foundation, QNCC features a conference hall of 4,000-seats theatre style, 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 40,000 metres2 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.

QNCC was conceived with a focus on sustainability. The Centre was successfully built according to gold certification standards on Lead ....

For more information go to www.qatarconvention.com

3rd July 2012 - QATAR NATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

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