The Challenges and Future Aspirations of Implementing Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) in the Urban Facilities of Mega Sport Events [MSEs] in Qatar

Abstract

Sports facilities are built for a specific function and purpose. Once the demand for such purpose no longer exists, it is important to know how both the buildings and the city will adapt to the existence of such megastructures as to prevent turning them into ‘white elephants’ in the city. This paper aims to study the environmental impact assessment tools and techniques used in promoting and implementing sustainability in mega sports projects in Qatar. The investigation focuses on assessing the cultural impact of the architectural design of sports facilities in Qatar using the global sustainability assessment system (GSAS) as a sustainability/EIA assessment tool. Most of the sports facilities in Qatar are GSAS-certified at the design and build (D&B) level and are ongoing their operational assessment. Data collection involves desktop and literature review of the current Qatar EIA methods. The findings of this paper include an objective overview of the global sustainability assessment system (GSAS) and its linkage to holistic sustainability. The recommendations involve the inclusion of mixed-methods analysis to integrate the long-lost concept of ‘culture’ in the realm of sustainability to prove that behind the modern exteriors of these newly-built structures lies a deep culture and a vernacular tradition. This study would be significant in the region and worldwide and a promising overview of utilizing local tools on an international level.