Founder of GORD and GCC
Dr. Yousef Alhorr
A Qatari scientist, innovator, and sustainability leader best known as the founder of Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) and the Global Carbon Council (GCC). He is widely recognized for advancing sustainable building practices, climate action initiatives, and the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) across the region and internationally.
- PhD in Materials Engineering
- Led regional sustainability frameworks
- Developed GCC construction standards
- Innovator in energy-efficient technologies
- Advisor on major MENA projects
- Born: January 10, 1967
- Occupation: Engineering
- Known for: Environmental Efforts
- Notable work: GSAS, SYNERGIA9n1 patented cooling system
Education:
- B.Sc in Mechanical Engineering from Qatar University (1989),
- M.Sc in Materials Engineering from the George Washington University (1996),
- PhD in Materials Engineering from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology
300
+ Years of Experience
30
Academic Degrees
100
+ Awards & Recognitions
100
+ Patents & Innovations
Sustainability Systems
GSAS Development
Regional Adoption
Implemented across Qatar and the Middle East
Founded
2009 at Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP)
GSAS Impact
2,500+ Projects Certified
The Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) led the development of the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS), a performance-based green building rating system designed to integrate sustainability principles into the built environment.
GSAS has been applied across a wide range of projects in Qatar and the Middle East as part of broader efforts to advance sustainable development and resource efficiency in the built environment.
Alhorr has also contributed to the development of the first Gulf Sustainable Construction Code for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries, published under the umbrella of the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO).[12]
Alhorr’s earlier work involved leading the drafting of the first version of Green Construction (Section 7) of Qatar Construction Specifications, which later evolved into a national framework for sustainability requirements in the construction sector.[13][14]
Establishing a benchmark for environmentally responsible products, he led the development of the International Green Mark (IGM) scheme and authored its manual.[15]
Policy & Urban Impact
Carbon & Accreditation
Innovation & Manufacturing
Dr. Yousef Alhorr’s influence as a key figure in sustainability policy enforcement has extended across multiple domains, shaping urban planning for new cities such as Lusail City and Qatar Economic Zones and establishing sustainability benchmarks for the public buildings sector and large-scale infrastructure projects such as railways, stadiums, and airports.
Dr. Alhorr has also contributed to developing host country sustainability strategies for mega events such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the International Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha, supporting the integration of sustainability considerations into large-scale projects and international events.
Alhorr is the founding chairman of Global Carbon Council. In the Global South, GCC is the first international program fully accredited by ICAO’s CORSIA to supply carbon credits to international airlines to meet their carbon neutral growth.[18][19]
GCC is also accredited by ICROA. It has received approximately 1600 projects from 50 countries seeking accreditation for their mitigation activities by issuing high-quality, high-integrity carbon credits.
Alhorr is also the founding chairman of the Global Accreditation Bureau – an accreditation body which is a Full Member of Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC), and an Accreditation Body Member of International Accreditation Forum (IAF).
He is the president of Green Building Committee at the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO).[20][21]
On the technological front, Alhorr led the research and development of innovative energy-efficient solutions, including Synergia9n1 – a hybrid ultra-efficient patented, smart cooling technology for fresh air, that earned him the award for AEE’s Energy Innovator of the Year 2022.[22]
Synergia9n1 also earned him the Best Patent in Energy Efficiency from the League of Arab States[23] as well as the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) award and Gold Medal at the 15th International Invention Fair of the Middle East held in Kuwait.[24]
He is also the recipient of Takreem Award for Environmental Development and Sustainability Leadership presented during the 13th edition of the Arab Excellence Awards Ceremony 2023 as well as the Emirates Energy Award by Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.[25][26]
For the MENA region, Alhorr has pioneered the sustainable manufacturing landscape by introducing an advanced additive manufacturing facility serving diverse industries by housing nine different 3D printing technologies under one roof.
The center provides functional metal and non-metal parts, offers reverse engineering services, and also advances knowledge in this emerging field through research and publications in peer-reviewed journals.[27]
Assistant Professor
2000 – 2004
Qatar University – College of Engineering
Served as faculty member in engineering education with focus on academic development and research supervision.
Assistant Vice President for Research
2004 – 2006
Qatar University Research Wing
Led research development initiatives and contributed to strengthening institutional research capacity.
Executive Leadership Roles
2006 – 2011
Barwa Real Estate
Executive Leadership Roles: Deputy CEO, Strategic Adviser, President (Strategy & Investment), CEO & Chairman – Barwa Knowledge
Founder
2009
Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD)
Established and led a sustainability-focused organization advancing green building systems and climate action frameworks.
Board Member
2017 – 2022
University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST)
Contributed to governance and institutional development as a board member supporting higher education strategy.
Sustainability Adviser
Ongoing
MENA Infrastructure Projects
Provided strategic advisory on sustainability integration across regional infrastructure and development projects.
Adviser
2022
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Provided sustainability strategy support for infrastructure delivery and legacy planning associated with the tournament.
Adviser
2023
Expo 2023 Doha
Supported sustainability planning and implementation for the International Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha.
A collection of national and international awards recognizing leadership in sustainability, engineering innovation, and environmental development.
2026
State Incentive Award – State of Qatar
HH the Amir Honors Dr. Yousef Alhorr with State Incentive Award
Recognized by His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during the State Appreciation and Incentive Awards ceremony at the Amiri Diwan. The award acknowledges Dr. Alhorr’s exceptional contributions to civil engineering, sustainable development, environmental innovation, and the advancement of green building technologies in Qatar and the region. It highlights his role in supporting national scientific progress and his long-term impact on sustainable infrastructure and climate-focused engineering solutions.
01
Climate Conferences (COPs)
02
Energy & Sustainability Forums
03
Climate Policy & Carbon Governance
Participated as keynote speaker and expert contributor at United Nations Climate Change Conferences, engaging in global discussions on climate action, sustainability frameworks, and carbon market mechanisms.
🇶🇦 COP18 – Doha, Qatar (2012)
🇬🇧 COP26 – Glasgow, United Kingdom (2021)
🇪🇬 COP27 – Egypt (2022)
🇦🇪 COP28 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates (2023)
🇦🇿 COP29 – Azerbaijan (2024)
🇧🇷 COP30 – Brazil (2025)
Delivered keynote speeches and expert talks at international conferences focused on energy efficiency, sustainable development, and climate innovation across global platforms.
🇺🇸 AEE World Conference – Atlanta, USA (2023)
🇭🇰 Hong Kong Connect (2024)
🇪🇬 Cairo Sustainable Energy Week (2024)
Contributed to high-level policy dialogues and international climate negotiations addressing carbon markets, Article 6 mechanisms, and regional climate governance frameworks.
🇰🇼 UNEP Regional Dialogue on Article 6 Readiness – Kuwait (2025)
🇪🇬 41st Meeting of the Arab Negotiating Group on Climate Change – Cairo, Egypt (2025)