Qatar Museums Achieves Carbon Neutrality Certification Across Four Landmark Sites

Reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and cultural stewardship, Qatar Museums (QM) has secured Carbon Neutrality Certification for the operations and services of four of its most prominent institutions: the National Museum of Qatar, the Museum of Islamic Art, the Fire Station, and Al Zubarah Fort.

The certification, awarded in line with the internationally recognized ISO 14068‑1:2023 standard for the 2025 reporting period, represents a milestone in QM’s sustainability journey. Notably, Al Zubarah Fort has become the first UNESCO World Heritage site in the Middle East to achieve carbon neutrality, setting a new benchmark for sustainable heritage management in the region.

The achievement was formally recognized during a ceremony at the National Museum of Qatar Auditorium, where Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of the Gulf Organization for Research & Development (GORD), presented certificates to QM’s Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi.

Dr. Alhorr emphasized that the initiative demonstrates how cultural preservation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. He noted that the certification was achieved through internationally aligned greenhouse gas accounting methodologies and credible third‑party verification, establishing a model for the wider cultural sector.

Al Rumaihi highlighted that the certification reflects QM’s role as custodian of Qatar’s cultural heritage, stressing that protecting museums and heritage sites also requires safeguarding the environment for future generations. He praised GORD’s technical expertise and reaffirmed QM’s commitment to embedding sustainability across its operations.

The certification process involved structured greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, covering electricity and water consumption, refrigerant use, solid and wastewater generation, and commuting patterns of visitors and employees. Reporting was conducted in line with ISO 14064‑1, ISO 14068, and the WBCSD GHG Protocol.

GORD developed a carbon management plan outlining measures to be implemented by 2030, including renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency, sustainable transport, optimized water use, and ongoing carbon footprint assessments. A carbon offsetting strategy was also introduced, relying on high‑integrity credits from internationally recognized programs. Independent verification was carried out by Earthood Services Limited before certification was issued.

Looking ahead, QM plans to expand sustainable practices across its institutions, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030 and reinforcing its role as a leader in responsible cultural and environmental stewardship. (QNA)

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