GSAS

GSAS
TECHNICAL GUIDE 2017
Dr. Yousef Mohammed Alhorr, Founding Chairman ISSUE 2

GSAS
PUBLICATIONS SERIES
GSAS TECHNICAL GUIDE 2017 - ISSUE 2
Dr. Yousef Mohammed Alhorr

Founding Chairman
COPYRIGHT © 2017
The information contained in this document is the property of

Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) unless
explicitly stated to the contrary. All rights reserved. No part of
this document may be reproduced in any form by any means
without permission in writing from GORD, except by a reviewer
who may quote brief passages. Requests for permission should
be emailed at info@gord.qa.
This Technical Guide shall not be used in a derogatory manner,

in a misleading context or for commercial purposes. Its use for
assessment, certification or conformance must be in accordance
with GSAS Trust internal procedures and requires interpretation
by GSAS specialists.
Crafting a Green Legacy

A member of Qatari Diar
GSAS Technical Guide 2017 - Issue 2 PAGE 4
GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENT
PART (I) OVERVIEW............................................................................................................... 9
Chapter 1 GSAS Development, Structure and Tools....................................................................10
1.1 Purpose of Technical Guide.......................................................................................................................10

1.2 GSAS Framework Development.............................................................................................................10
1.3 GSAS Categories..........................................................................................................................................14
1.4 GSAS Energy Standards.............................................................................................................................18
1.5 GSAS Criteria and Submittal Requirements........................................................................................18
1.6 Scoring Mechanism.....................................................................................................................................19
1.7 GSAS Scoring Sheets..................................................................................................................................22
1.8 GSAS Toolkits................................................................................................................................................23
1.9 GSAS Calculators.........................................................................................................................................25
1.10 GSASgate™....................................................................................................................................................27
1.11 Resource Center...........................................................................................................................................27
PART (II) GSAS CERTIFICATIONS AND SCHEMES.............................................................. 29
Chapter 2 Overview of GSAS Certifications and Schemes..........................................................30
2.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................................................30
2.2 GSAS Certification Types............................................................................................................................30
2.3 GSAS Assessment Schemes....................................................................................................................30
2.4 GSAS Certifications and Projects Stages..............................................................................................32
Chapter 3 GSAS Design & Build Certification...............................................................................33
3.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................................................33
3.2 GSAS Design & Build Certification Process..........................................................................................33
Chapter 4 GSAS Design & Build Assessment Schemes ..............................................................45
4.1 List of Schemes............................................................................................................................................45

GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 5 GSAS Construction Management Certification ...........................................................50
5.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................................................50
5.2 GSAS Construction Management Certification Process...................................................................50
Chapter 6 GSAS Operations Certification......................................................................................55
6.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................................................55
6.2 Types of Labeling in Operations Certification ......................................................................................55
6.3 Evaluation Period.........................................................................................................................................56
Chapter 7 GSAS Credential Requirements....................................................................................57
7.1 Overview of GSAS Corporate Licenses..................................................................................................57

7.2 GSAS Design & Build License Types......................................................................................................59
7.3 GSAS Construction Management License............................................................................................60
7.4 GSAS Operations License..........................................................................................................................60
7.5 Individual (GSAS-CGP) License................................................................................................................60
7.6 Energy Assessment (CGP-EN) License.................................................................................................60
Chapter 8 GSAS Requirements and GSAS Trust Support............................................................61
8.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................................................61
8.2 Mandatory Requirements..........................................................................................................................61
8.3 Technical Support Services of GSAS Trust...........................................................................................61
PART (III) GSAS PUBLICATIONS......................................................................................... 59

9.1 Reference Manuals for GSAS Certifications.........................................................................................64
9.2 Other Reference Documents....................................................................................................................65

GUIDE
TABLE OF FIGURES
FIGURES
Figure 1: GSAS Framework Development.....................................................................................................................11
Figure 2 : Environment Challenges Resulting from Built Environment..................................................................13
Figure 3 : Integrated Life Cycle Approach of GSAS.......................................................................................................14
Figure 4: GSAS Categories..................................................................................................................................................15
Figure 5: GSAS System Weighting Methodology..........................................................................................................16
Figure 6: GSAS Categories Weights..................................................................................................................................17
Figure 7: Sample GSAS Criterion.......................................................................................................................................20
Figure 8: GSAS Weights for Commercial Scheme.......................................................................................................21
Figure 9: Sample GSAS Commercial – Project’s Achieved Score............................................................................22
Figure 10: Sample GSAS Design & Build Scoring Sheet............................................................................................23
Figure 11: GSAS Toolkit-Part I............................................................................................................................................24
Figure 12: GSAS Toolkit-Part II...........................................................................................................................................25
Figure 13: Sample GSAS Calculator.................................................................................................................................26
Figure 14: GSAS Certification Types and Assessment Schemes..............................................................................31
Figure 15: GSAS Certifications and Project Stages......................................................................................................32
Figure 16: GSAS Certifications Flowchart.......................................................................................................................34
Figure 17: Provisional GSAS Design & Build Certification Flowchart.....................................................................35
Figure 18: GSAS Star Rating Table for Design & Build Certification........................................................................36
Figure 19: GSAS Cumulative Scoring Chart for Design & Build Certification.......................................................37
Figure 20: Final GSAS Design & Build Certification Flowchart.................................................................................39
Figure 21: Sample Letter of Appointment......................................................................................................................41
Figure 22: GSAS Design & Build Certificate....................................................................................................................43
Figure 23: GSAS Star Rating Plaque.................................................................................................................................43
Figure 24: GSAS Construction Management Certification Flow Chart...................................................................51
Figure 25: Table of GSAS Service Providers and CGPs...............................................................................................58

PART (I)
PART (I)
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW

PART (I)
OVERVIEW
Chapter 1 GSAS Development, Structure and Tools
1.1 Purpose of Technical Guide
1.1.1 This technical guide intends to provide an overview of the Global Sustainability Assessment System
(GSAS) for practitioners in the application of GSAS certifications for design, construction, and
operations of the built environment.
1.1.2 For more detailed technical discussions, the reader should refer to other relevant GSAS Publications
and technical workshops organised by GORD Academy.
1.2 GSAS Framework Development
1.2.1 In the entirety of this document, GSAS refers to the Global Sustainability Assessment System, the
first performance-based system in the MENA region, developed for rating the green buildings and
infrastructures.
1.2.2 The primary objective of GSAS is to create a sustainable built environment, considering the specific
needs and context of the region.
1.2.3 The groundwork of GSAS begins with the comprehensive review of best practices from established
international and regional sustainability rating systems.
1.2.4 The development of GSAS, is based on a bottom up approach, that is followed to allow for
seamless integration of the country’s specific requirements with high level and multi-dimensional
sustainability goals.
1.2.5 The framework development of GSAS, Figure 1, started in 2007 and went through four stages
of development process, described in subsequent sections. The development process conducted
rigorous technical analysis by deploying rule-based process of analysis and feedback.

PART (I)
OVERVIEW
Groundwork Development New

2007- 2009 Teams Rating System
STAGE (I) UK: International STAGE (IV)

BREEAM
140+ [1] Energy Experts GLOBAL
BUILDING RATING US: [2] System Developers SUSTAINABILITY
SYSTEMS TOOLS LEED [3] Industry Specific ASSESSMENT
GUIDELINES SYSTEM
Canada: Expert Reviewers
Green Globes Design Guidelines
[1] US
REGIONAL CONTEXT
STAGE (II)
Hong Kong: [2] UK
40
WHOLE BUILDING CEPAS [3] Netherlands
Rating Elements
RATING SYSTEM [4] Canada
Japan: [5] Japan
CASBEE [6] China
STAGE (III) [7] Hong Kong Weighting + Scoring
6 International:
SBTool
[8] Australia
ESTABLISHED
RATING SYSTEMS
Local
EU:
EXISTING ENERGY CEN-ISO [1] In-house Team GSASS ENERGY
STANDARDS [2] Public Sector STANDARDS
US:
ASHRAE [3] Private Sector
Figure 1: GSAS Framework Development
1.2.6 Stage (I) of the development process involved examination of more than 140 building rating systems,
tools, and guidelines around the globe. The applicability of the sustainability rating systems, tools,
and guidelines to the context of the region were evaluated in terms of the following parameters:
• Ecology + Climate
• Materials + Resources
• Policies + Laws
• Culture + Heritage
1.2.7 Stage (II) of the development process focused on narrowing down the choice to 40 whole building
rating systems which were further analyzed based on their scope, applicability, adaptability,
transparency, and relevance.
1.2.8 Further investigation of the chosen systems revealed that information for many of the frameworks
were inaccessible in the public domain. Systems which did not provide information publicly were
screened from the next stage of analysis.
1.2.9 The screening results yielded the 6 chosen frameworks namely from BREEAM in UK, CASBEE in
Japan, CEPAS in Hong Kong, Green Globes in Canada, LEED in USA, and the International SBTool.

PART (I)
OVERVIEW
1.2.10 Stage (III) of the development process begins with the review analysis of the selected frameworks.
Criteria were established to rate the credibility and effectiveness of the 6 chosen systems’ methods
and structures. Using the Pacific Northwest Laboratory’s Sustainable Building Rating Systems
Summary as a guideline, each of the 6 systems were reviewed using the following criteria:
• Development: The ideal rating system makes use of Life-Cycle Analysis, consensus-based
standards and expert opinion.
• Usability: Any procedure applied must be relatively easy and simple to use.
• System Maturity: A proven track record is an indication that the tool is effective.
• Technical Content: The system needs to address the environmental areas of concern to the
region through its site optimization, energy and water use, environmental quality, and materials
selection.
• Measurability + Verification: A defined, standardized method for collection and analysis is
required for the efficacy of the tool.
• Communicability: The results should be easily understood.
1.2.11 Stage (IV) of the development process evaluates the achievements and limitations of the rating
systems. The result of the evaluations yielded the unique GSAS framework, evaluation methodologies,
weightings and scorings, translated in GSAS categories and criteria.
1.2.12 GSAS identifies several sustainability challenges of a built environment as depicted in Figure 2. The
challenges include air pollution, land use and contamination, fossil fuel depletion, water depletion,
water pollution, materials depletion, human discomfort and sickness and climate change. These
challenges were used to guide the identified framework to ensure its robustness in mitigating the
adverse environmental impacts of the built environment.

PART (I)
OVERVIEW
Air Pollution
Land Use &

Climate Change Contamination
Environmental
Challenges Fossil Fuels
Human Health Resulting From Depletion
Built
Environment
Materials Water
Depletion Depletion
Water Pollution
Figure 2 : Environment Challenges Resulting from Built Environment
1.2.13 GSAS framework is comprehensive and designed to follow an integrated life cycle approach,
as depicted in Figure 3, to improve the sustainability performance of built environment. GSAS
addresses the sustainability impacts during the design, construction and operation stages of
buildings and infrastructure projects.
1.2.14 GSAS framework addresses eight categories of micro and macro level aspects for multidimensional
focus on sustainability. These categories are comprising of: Urban Connectivity; Site; Energy; Water;
Materials; Indoor/Outdoor Environment; Cultural & Economic Value; and, Management & Operations.
See figure 4.
1.2.15 Together with the review of the existing energy standards from other countries, the GSAS Energy
Standard looked deeper into ASHRAE Energy Standard and CEN-ISO Energy Standards. Details are
provided in subsequent sections.

PART (I)
OVERVIEW
System Environmental
Categories Impacts
Urban Air
Connectivity Pollution
Land Use &

Site
Contamination
Fossil
Energy
Fuel Depletion
Integrated Project Life-Cycle Approach
Water
Water
Depletion
DESIGN CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS
Water
Materials
Pollution
Indoor/Outdoor Materials
Environment Depletion
Cultural & Human Health &

Economic Value Comfort
Management & Climate

Operations Change
Figure 3 : Integrated Life Cycle Approach of GSAS
1.3 GSAS Categories
1.3.1 The sustainability goals of built environment were first identified to be those, which can contribute
to minimize the negative environmental sustainability impacts pertinent to the region.
1.3.2 These goals were then translated to what is known as eight categories of GSAS that define
performance to be achieved to minimize the urbanization impacts on the environmental
sustainability and improve human well-being.
1.3.3 Each GSAS Category is associated with a direct impact on environmental sustainability and/or
human well-being, and provides indicators to measure different associated aspects. See Figure 4.

PART (I)
OVERVIEW
Urban
Connectivity
Management
Site
& Operations
Cultural &
Economic Energy
Value
Outdoor/Indoor
Water
Environment
Materials
Figure 4: GSAS Categories
1.3.4 These categories are then broken down into specific criteria that measure and define the individual
issues. Categories, criteria, and measurements are defined to be performance-based and
quantifiable, as far as possible.
1.3.5 Best practices pertaining to the implementation of measures under each criterion are provided as
guidelines in GSAS Guidelines manuals.
1.3.6 Scores are provided against each criterion, and each criterion has a weight in overall score.
Aggregation method of the scoring weights is applied as bottom up approach and is applied at the
levels of criterion, and category, which allow for the flexibility of modifying an individual component
of GSAS without interfering with the entire system.
1.3.7 The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to determine the relative importance or weights of
GSAS Categories. See Figure 5. GSAS uses the concept of relative impact as a measure of weighting
for each criterion within a category.

PART (I)
OVERVIEW
MEASUREMENT
METHODS_ SCORING_
Criteria Criteria
SCALE_ CATEGORY_ CRITERIA_

Scale value
Percentage AHP (Analytic Impact weighting
(%) for each
criterion: Hierarchy Process) (Extend, Intensity, Duration)
Normalised Results
determined
Extend Intensity Duration
3 Final Score
Unit weighting
(m, m/sec, m2, etc)
2
x x 1. <10m or space Weak Transient for each
SCALE
2. 10<100m or building Low Single Impact <25hr Criterion
3. Site Low Multiple Impact Weeks (=a x x x z)
1 1. Equal Important
Yes / No 2. Moderate Important 4. Neighbourhood Moderate Single Impact months
(questionnaire) 0 Baseline 3. Strong Important 5. Urban Moderate Multiple Impact Years
4. Very Strong Important 6. Regional / National Strong Single Impact Decades
5. Extreme Important
-1 7. Global Strong Multiple Impact Centuries
a x z
Weighting for each criterion
Figure 5: GSAS System Weighting Methodology
1.3.8 The AHP method provides a comprehensive and rational framework for structuring a problem,
representing and quantifying its elements, relating those elements to overall goals, and evaluating
alternative solutions. It is used throughout the world in a wide variety of decision situations, in fields
such as government, business, industry, healthcare, and education.
1.3.9 AHP is a systematic decision-making method whereby stakeholders determine the relative
importance or weights of a series of factors by comparing one factor to another. The comparisons
are carried out on a 9-point intensity scale for all unique pairs of factors.
1.3.10 AHP analysis involved the three following steps:
1. Defining factors based on the main objective of the exercise

2. Determining the relative importance of each factor by pair-wise comparison of key stakeholders
representatives views
3. Verifying logical consistency between factors

PART (I)
OVERVIEW
1.3.11 The relative weights of GSAS categories as determined by AHP are indicated in Figure 6. All criteria
associated with different categories have their own relative weights identified by the AHP.
Urban Connectivity [UC] 7%

MO UC
7% 7%
CE Site [S] 13%
7% S
7%
IE Energy [E] 24%
16%
Water [W] 16%
E Materials [M] 10%

M 24%
10% Indoor Environment [IE] 16%
W Cultural and Economic Value [CE] 7%

16%
Management and Operations [MO] 7%
Figure 6: GSAS Categories Weights

PART (I)
OVERVIEW
1.4 GSAS Energy Standards
1.4.1 The energy assessment methodology is composed of performance-based normative calculations

that follow the framework of the CEN-ISO standards, and NEN standards.
1.4.2 Based on CEN-ISO framework, energy is assessed from four perspectives namely, Energy Demand,
Energy Delivery, Primary Energy, and Emissions.
1.4.3 The normative calculation procedure introduced in GSAS has distinctive advantages: ease of
calculation; transparency; robustness; and reproducibility.
1.4.4 The normative calculation method based on the CEN-ISO standards is increasingly applied in EU
countries for building energy regulatory purposes and is adopted in the development of the GSAS
energy performance calculators.
1.4.5 The energy calculators require only the minimum input parameters and are transparent with the
CEN-ISO calculation method.
1.4.6 The energy calculator calculates the building’s energy demands and consumption in addition to CO2,
NOX, and SOX emissions due to energy use.
1.4.7 GSAS calculator then translates the calculated consumption and emissions into effective Energy
Performance Coefficient or EPC values based on reference values, and determines the appropriate
criterion scores.
1.5 GSAS Criteria and Submittal Requirements
1.5.1 Each criterion in GSAS is provided with explanations of measurement principle and method that
can be found in the guidelines and assessment manuals.
1.5.2 Each criterion requires certain measurement and verification to demonstrate compliance.
1.5.3 In the assessment manuals of GSAS, each criterion is provided with explanations of the submittal
requirements. The text on each criterion specifies a process for measuring its individual aspect that
has an environmental impact and supporting it with the required documentation. A score is then
awarded to each criterion based on the level of achievement as per pre-defined scoring mechanism.
1.5.4 The project is required to submit the documentations required for each criterion to demonstrate
compliance.

PART (I)
OVERVIEW
1.5.5 Submittal requirements are generally design documents and plans supporting the input values in
the GSAS calculators and toolkits.
1.5.6 Submittals including drawings, schematics, sketches, design reports, simulation reports, and
vendor’s data are required to be developed in appropriate format and dimensions.
1.5.7 All submittals are required to highlight the information supporting the input values in the GSAS
calculators and toolkits.
1.5.8 All submittals are to be saved in clear and legible copies.
1.5.9 Submittals involving calculations are to be developed in appropriate formats.
1.6 Scoring Mechanism
1.6.1 GSAS scoring is quantifiable on the scale of -1 to 3 (-1, 0, 1, 2, 3), which represents an underlying
uniform ordinal scale from negative level (-1) to optimal level (3). Using negative scale allows
criteria with greater impact to be emphasized and to work on achieving the incremental levels of
score in the ordinal scale. In GSAS score of -1 for a criterion represents an unacceptable level of
performance.
1.6.2 However, some exceptions for the rule of negative scoring are given below.
• Negative scoring is not used for Urban Connectivity (except in GSAS Districts & Infrastructure
scheme) and Management & Operations categories of GSAS-Design & Build certification.
• Negative scoring is not used for GSAS Construction Management Certification and GSAS
Operations Certification.
Refer to subsequent chapters for more details on GSAS certifications.
1.6.3 A score of 0 is given for ‘non-conformance’ to the criterion requirements or that the submission
does not demonstrate compliance.
1.6.4 Criterion score lists the range of possible compliance levels and the measurement range associated
with each level. See Figure 7. In this example the score for E.1 criterion is determined by first
calculating the EPC value achieved by the project for energy demand performance. Then from the

PART (I)
OVERVIEW
scoring table, a score is given corresponding to the achieved EPC value. Assuming that the project
complies with the required documentations as per the requirements of EPC calculator and the
calculated EPC result is 0.90. Therefore, as per the table given in Figure 7, the project is awarded
with score of 0 for E.1 criterion.
[E.1] Energy Demand Performance

Criterion Score Measurement Range
-1 EPC>1.0
0 0.8<EPC ≤ 1.0
1 0.7<EPC ≤ 0.8
2 0.6<EPC ≤ 0.7
3 EPC ≤ 0.6
Where: EPC = Energy Performance Coefficient
Figure 7: Sample GSAS Criterion
1.6.5 Each criterion is required to have the corresponding scoring weight and the total of all criteria must
be 100%. See Figure 8. Extra bonus weights are allocated for specific criteria to emphasize their
importance. Such bonus is given to encourage projects to pursue these criteria.
1.6.6 As an example, the score obtained from previous section should be multiplied by the scoring weight
to get the equivalent scoring points for that criterion. In this example the scoring points for E.1 must
be based on score of 0 and 7.00% weights for criterion E.1 as per scoring weights applicable to
GSAS Commercial scheme. See Figure 8.

PART (I)
OVERVIEW
GSAS Commercial Scoring Weights
Elements % Elements % Elements % Elements % Elements %
UC.1 1.22 S.5 1.27 E.1 7.00 M.6 1.60 CE.1 3.12
UC.2 1.48 S.6 0.62 E.2 6.87 M.7* 3.00 CE.2 3.88
UC.3 1.15 S.7 0.78 E.3 3.04 IE.1 1.57 MO.1 1.20
UC.4 0.38 S.8 0.67 E.4 5.04 IE.2 1.13 MO.2 1.58
UC.5 0.94 S.9 0.58 E.5 2.05 IE.3 2.33 MO.3 068
UC.6 0.26 S.10 0.83 W.1 6.00 IE.4 1.37 MO.4 1.07
UC.7 0.68 S.11* 2.65 W.2 10.00 IE.5 1.83 MO.5* 2.17
UC.8 0.89 S.12 0.87 M.1 2.05 IE.6 1.37 MO.6 1.30
S.1 1.10 S.13 0.84 M.2 0.95 IE.7 1.37 TOTAL 100.00
S.2 1.04 S.14 0.72 M.3 2.70 IE.8 1.37
S.3 0.65 S.15 0.72 M.4 1.75 IE.9 1.83 BONUS 6.00
S.4 1.03 S.16 0.63 M.5 0.95 IE.10 1.83
* Incentive Weights
Figure 8: GSAS Weights for Commercial Scheme
1.6.7 All scoring points accumulated for each criterion is totaled to obtain the cumulative or aggregated
score of the project.
1.6.8 The project cumulative score always falls within the range on -1.00 points to 3.00 points. After
completing the assessments for each criterion, the scoring points are obtained and then tabulated.
See Figure 9. The cumulative score determines the star rating of the project. In this example case,
the project’s cumulative score of 0.964 points receives a 2-star rating based from the project scoring
table depicted in Figure 11.

PART (I)
OVERVIEW
Sample GSAS Commercial - Project Achieved Score (rounded-off to 2 decimal places)
Elements % Elements % Elements % Elements % Elements %
UC.1 0.000 S.5 0.038 E.1 0.000 M.6 0.000 CE.1 0.094
UC.2 0.000 S.6 0.019 E.2 0.000 M.7* 0.020 CE.2 0.116
UC.3 0.012 S.7 0.000 E.3 0.000 IE.1 0.016 MO.1 0.012
UC.4 0.000 S.8 0.000 E.4 0.000 IE.2 -0.011 MO.2 0.016
UC.5 0.028 S.9 0.000 E.5 0.000 IE.3 0.047 MO.3 0.020
UC.6 0.000 S.10 0.025 W.1 0.120 IE.4 0.041 MO.4 0.011
UC.7 0.007 S.11* 0.022 W.2 0.200 IE.5 -0.018 MO.5* 0.027
UC.8 0.009 S.12 0.017 M.1 0.021 IE.6 -0.014 MO.6 0.013
Cumulative
S.1 0.011 S.13 0.000 M.2 0.000 IE.7 0.000 Score (x) 0.964
S.2 -0.010 S.14 0.022 M.3 0.000 IE.8 -0.014
S.3 -0.007 S.15 0.022 M.4 0.000 IE.9 0.000
S.4 -0.010 S.16 0.000 M.5 -0.010 IE.10 0.055
* Incentive Weights
Figure 9: Sample GSAS Commercial – Project’s Achieved Score
1.7 GSAS Scoring Sheets
1.7.1 Scoring sheets are simple tools which can be used to quickly generate case scenarios for a project
and used to assess the viability of various design options in meeting the targeted GSAS star rating.
1.7.2 Criteria scores can be adjusted in the toolkits or scoring sheets allowing the user to conduct
sensitivity analysis to predict the overall star rating of the project. Figure 10 shows a sample sheet
which can be generated to compare design options of scenario one (SC 1) and scenario two (SC 2)
for conformance with the criteria related to Urban Connectivity (UC).

PART (I)
OVERVIEW
Design & Build Scoring Sheet
SC 1* SC 2 SC 1 SC 2
Weight Score
Criteria Score Score Criterion Criterion
% Range
Level Level Scores Scores
UC.1 Proximity to
1.22% (0,1,2,3) 0 0.000 0.000
Infrastructure
UC.2 Load on Local

1.48% (0,1,2,3) 0 0.000 0.000
Traffic Conditions
UC.3 Public
1.15% (0,1,2,3) 1 0.012 0.000
Transportation
UC.4 Private
0.38% (0,1,2,3) 0 0.000 0.000
Transportation Total Total
UC.5 Sewer Points - Points -
& Waterway 0.94% (0,1,2,3) 3 0.028 0.000 SC 1 SC 2
Contamination
UC.6 Acoustic
0.26% (0,1,2,3) 0 0.000 0.000 0.964
Conditions
UC.7 Proximity to
0.68% (0,1,2,3) 1 0.007 0.000
Amenities Level Level
Achieved - Achieved -
(0,3), SC 1 SC 2
UC.8 Accessibility 0.89% 1 0.009 0.000
(0,1,2,3)
7.00% 0.055 0.000 2 Stars
SC 1*: Scenario one
Figure 10: Sample GSAS Design & Build Scoring Sheet
1.7.3 All criteria scores in the GSAS Categories must be inputted by user in the scoring sheet to determine
the overall star rating of the project.
1.8 GSAS Toolkits
1.8.1 The toolkits compute the final project score and certification level for the project using each criterion
score entered by the user. See Figure 11 and Figure 12.
1.8.2 The user is required to use the GSAS toolkit to assign the initial scores to individual criterion. GSAS
toolkit performs the summation to obtain the final score for the project, hence the corresponding
star rating is demonstrated. For performing these calculations toolkit requires initial inputs, on the
scores of each criterion, from the user.

PART (I)
OVERVIEW
1.8.3 The graphical representation provided in the toolkit displays points earned for each category,
combined total points, and rating level achieved by the project.
1.8.4 Bar chart illustrates points achieved and the maximum attainable points for each category.
1.8.5 Line chart displays GSAS rating level achieved by the project.
GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT SYSTEM (GSAS)
DESIGN STAGE
Project Information
Project ID:
Project Name:
Project Location:
Gross Area (m2):
Typology COMMERCIAL
Point
No Category
0.964
UC Urban Connectivity 0.055
S Site 0.148
E Energy 0.000
W Water 0.320
M Materials 0.031
IE Indoor Environment 0.101
CE Cultural & Economic Value 0.210
MO Management & Operations 0.099
Level Achieved 2 Stars
Figure 11: GSAS Toolkit-Part I

PART (I)
OVERVIEW
Categories Achieved Point vs. Points Attainable
0.055
0.133
0.015
0.011
0.020
0.101
0.084
Level Achieved
0.964
Figure 12: GSAS Toolkit-Part II
1.9 GSAS Calculators
1.9.1 Calculators are computational tools for calculating individual scores for many criteria based on results
of normative measurements provided in order to evaluate the project’s overall performance under the
relevant GSAS schemes. An example of one of the GSAS calculators is shown in Figure 13.

PART (I)
OVERVIEW
Building General
Construction Type New Build
Terrain class Urban / City
Total gross floor area: internal dimension1 [m2] 21686.00
Building volume [m3] 65058.00
Height [m] 60.00
Occupancy schedule [days / week] 5.00
Internal Temperature Set Point

Occupied internal set point for cooling [°C] 23.0
Unoccupied internal temperature setback Yes
Material
Roof U-value [W/(m2K)] 0.255
Opaque Wall U-value [W/(m2K)] 0.418
Door material U-value [W/(m2K)] 0.000
Window Type 1
Window Type 1 U-value [W/(m2K)] 1.82
Window Type 1 Solar Transmittance 0.430
Window Type 1 Frame Fraction 0.25
Window Type 2
Window Type 2 U-value [W/(m2K)] 1.7
Window Type 2 Solar Transmittance 0.16
Window Type 2 Frame Fraction 0.25
Figure 13: Sample GSAS Calculator

PART (I)
OVERVIEW
1.10 GSASgate™
1.10.1 GSASgate™ is an online portal for managing project’s submission, assessment and certification
processes seeking GSAS accreditations. GSASgate™ is an integrated system, catering for the needs
of all stakeholders involved in the GSAS certification process, including project developers/owners,
consultants, contractors, government entities and GSAS Trust. A user manual for GSASgate™ is
available for download from https://www.gsas.qa/GSASgate_Manual.pdf.
1.11 Resource Center
1.11.1 Resource Center is a web page in GORD’s website at www.gord.qa that contains useful GSAS
information and documents that are accessible to the public.

PART (I)
PART (II)
OVERVIEW
GSAS
CERTIFICATIONS
AND SCHEMES

PART (II)
GSAS CERTIFICATIONS AND SCHEMES
Chapter 2 Overview of GSAS Certifications and Schemes
2.1 Introduction
2.1.1 The purpose of this chapter is to provide interrelationship between types of certifications, and
assessment schemes. The details of each of them are discussed in details in subsequent chapters.
See Figure 14.
2.2 GSAS Certification Types
2.2.1 There are three types of certification that GSAS offers to the construction industry which are used to
assess the sustainability performance throughout the entirety of the project/development stages
(i.e. Design, Construction, and Operations stages). These certification types are as follows.
• Design & Build Certification

• Construction Management Certification
• Operations Certification
2.2.2 These certifications are administered by GSAS Trust, the certifying body that qualifies the level of
certificate granted to the assessed project.
2.3 GSAS Assessment Schemes
2.3.1 GSAS Assessment Schemes are defined only for Design & Build Certification type. A scheme
defines the built environment that is developed to meet a specific broad use or functionality e.g.
Districts, Sports, Healthcare, Commercial. Each scheme may consist of different building types for
different applications within the functional area. For example kindergarten and college represent
different building types within ‘Education’ assessment scheme. Within a building type there may be
spaces (or zones) which meet different purposes requiring specific design & build considerations.
For example, a school building may have spaces or zones such as classrooms, administration,
cafeteria, outdoor play area etc.

PART (II)
GSAS
CERTIFICATION Construction
Design & Build Operations
TYPES Management
ASSESSMENT Residential Core & Shell Commercial Sports Healthcare

SCHEMES
Railways Parks Light Industry Education Mosques
Districts & Workers’

Neighbourhoods
Infrastructure Accommodation
Figure 14: GSAS Certification Types and Assessment Schemes

PART (II)
2.4 GSAS Certifications and Projects Stages
2.4.1 GSAS certification types in relation to project stages are shown in Figure 15. The processes for
obtaining each type of certification are described is listed in subsequent chapters.
GSAS CERTIFICATIONS & PROJECT LIFE CYCLE
PROJECT DESIGN CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS

STAGES STAGE STAGE STAGE
Conformance to Design
Provisional
Audit (CDA) Report
Design & Build GSAS Design & Build
Certificate -
Certification Letter of Conformance GSAS Design & Build
(LOC) Certificate
Audit Advisory
Audit Advisory
Construction Notice (AAN)
Notices (AAN)
Management
Certification GSAS Construction Management
Certificate
GSAS Energy
Labelling Certificate
GSAS Water
Operations Labelling Certificate
Certification GSAS Indoor Environment
GSAS Waste Management

Figure 15:FORM
GSAS- 01
Certifications and Project Stages
/ 29 JAN 2017

PART (II)
Chapter 3 GSAS Design & Build Certification
3.1 Introduction
3.1.1 GSAS Design & Build Certification is issued to new building and infrastructure projects where the
building (and/or infrastructure) is developed following a design that demonstrates high sustainability
performance of the building in line with a level stipulated under this certification. The certification
requires measurements of relevant parameters and aspects in accordance with accepted practices,
considering the impacts the building can mitigate. The sustainability issues covered under this
certification are related to categories of Urban Considerations, Site, Energy, Water, Materials, Indoor
Environment, Cultural & Economic Value, and Management & Operations. This certification ensures
that building design and development meets the targeted level of sustainability performance.
3.2 GSAS Design & Build Certification Process
3.2.1 GSAS Design & Build certification is process has two stages. The first stage of the certification
process is obtaining the provisional Design & Build certificate in the form of Letter of Conformance
(LOC) based on the results of design phase. The second stage is during the construction phase
where the project must meet the requirements of Conformance to Design Audit (CDA) to qualify for
the final Design & Build certification.
3.2.2 The Design & Build certification flowchart is shown in Figure 16. The first stage and second stage
of the certification process, and roles and responsibilities of the GSAS-CGP, GSAS Trust, and the
Contractor are listed in the Sections ahead.

PART (II)
OVERALL GSAS CERTIFICATIONS DIAGRAM
DESIGN & BUILD CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS

CERTIFICATION CERTIFICATION CERTIFICATION
Project Registration Contractor's Facility/Tenant's

on GSASgate Project Registration Project Registration
on GSASgate on GSASgate
CERTIFICATION
(Design Stage)
PROVISIONAL
Assessment of Design
Provisional
GSAS Design & Build Certificate -
Letter of Conformance (LOC) Assessment Audit of
of Contractor's Construction
Submittals Practices
Audit of Audit of
Audit of Audit of
Indoor Waste
Energy Water
Environment Management
Performance Performance
Performance Performance
Project Registration on GSASgate

(Construction Stage)
CERTIFICATION
Audit Advisory Notice(s)

FINAL
Conformance to Design Audit (CDA) GSAS GSAS GSAS Indoor GSAS Waste
Energy Water Environment Management
Certificate Certificate Certificate Certificate
GSAS Construction
GSAS Design & Build Certificate Management Certificate
FORM - 02 / 29 JAN 2017

Figure 16: GSAS Certifications Flowchart
3.2.3 Step 1: Registering the Project
3.2.3.1 Registering the project at GSASgate™ is the starting point for all projects being designed to obtain
the GSAS Design & Build certificate. See Figure 17. Project Owners/Clients is required to nominate
a GSAS Service Provider with valid GSAS corporate license who is responsible for managing the
certification for design. The nominated Service Provider is required to appoint a GSAS-CGP with
valid license who registers at GSASgate™ and pays the associated fees for the gateway registration
and project certification to activate the project account.

PART (II)
PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATION FLOWCHART
Design & Build Certification
(Design Stage)
Registration on GSASgate
Selection PCR
Project Registration
of Certification
Option
STANDARD
• Payment of GSASgate • Payment of GSASgate

Registration Fees Registration Fees
• Payment of Standard • Payment of Pre-Certification
Certification Fees Review (PCR)
Activation of Project
on GSASgate
Certification PCR
Option
• Initiation of STANDARD
Submission for
Appeal Request
Screening
Design Assessment
• Payment of
Submission for Screening
Appeal Fees
Submission & Review

Submission of of Work-In-Progress (1)
Passing YES
Appealed GSAS
Screening Process
Criteria
NO Submission & Review

of Work-In-Progress (2)
Verification Re-Submission
for GSAS Verification
Submission for
Verification
Verification
Issuance of GSAS Issuance of GSAS

Certification Completion
Verification Report Verification Report
Acceptance NO Acceptance
of GSAS Verification of GSAS Verification
Report Report
YES
Obtaining Provisional GSAS Design & Build Certificate -

Letter of Conformance (LOC)
FORM - 03 / 29 JAN 2017

Figure 17: Provisional GSAS Design & Build Certification Flowchart

PART (II)
3.2.4 Step 2: Assessing the Project Design
3.2.4.1 Upon activation of the project account, the project may start using the facility of GSASgate™ to
support the sustainability assessment of the project’s design deliverables. See Figure 17.
3.2.4.2 The Design & Build certification team of GSAS Trust assesses the project’s design deliverables from
design stage up to post-construction stage.
3.2.4.3 Design & Build certification has six levels of certification to measure the project’s environmental
impact. Each level of certification corresponds to a star rating from a minimum of 1-star up to a
maximum of 6-stars. See Figure 18.
Cumulative or Aggregated GSAS

Score (X) Star Rating ( )
x≤0 Certification Denied
0.00 < x ≤ 0.50

0.50 < x ≤ 1.00
1.00 < x ≤ 1.50
1.50 < x ≤ 2.00
2.00 < x ≤ 2.50
2.50 < x ≤ 3.00
Figure 18: GSAS Star Rating Table for Design & Build Certification

PART (II)
3.2.4.4 Each level of certification or star rating achieved by the project has a corresponding range of
cumulative scores. See Figure 19.
3.00
2.50
Cumulative or Aggregated Score
2.00
1.50
Achieved GSAS
Certification Level
(Cumulative Score = 1.08)
1.00 (Equivalent to 3-star rating)
0.50
Certification Denied 1 2 3 4 5 6
0.00
Certification Achieved
-0.50
-1.00
Figure 19: GSAS Cumulative Scoring Chart for Design & Build Certification
3.2.4.1 A project that obtains a cumulative score equal to 0 receives a certificate. However, the project does
not receive certification if:
• The project obtains a cumulative score below zero.

• The project achieved a score of -1 in any Energy criterion.
• The project receives a score of -1 in any Water criterion.

PART (II)
3.2.5 Step 3: Obtaining Provisional GSAS Design & Build certificate –

Letter of Conformance (LOC)
3.2.5.1 Project is required to receive Provisional GSAS Design & Build certificate in the form of Letter of
Conformance (LOC) by the end of the design stage and upon approval of submission indicating the
achieved GSAS star rating of the completed design documents that are ready for construction. See
Figure 17.
3.2.6 Step 4: Registering Project at GSASgate™ for Final Certification
3.2.6.1 Upon receiving the LOC from GSAS Trust, the Owner (or Client) is required to nominate a
representative, with a valid Service Provider license, who is responsible for managing the Design &
Build certification process during construction stage of building. See Figure 20.
3.2.6.2 The appointed client representative (Project GSAS-CGP) needs to register the project at GSASgate™
to activate the project account for LOC Compliance Audits.

PART (II)
FINAL CERTIFICATION FLOWCHART GSAS CERTIFICATIONS AND SCHEMES
Design & Build Certification
(I) Audits Plan:

The required number of routine and random audits for a project as outlined in Form - 08 shall be
implemented during the following phases:
Phase (A) Phase (B) Phase (C)
Envelop Construction Works Systems Installation Commissioning Stage/Pre-occupancy

(Walls, Windows, Claddings, etc.)
(II) Audit Process

Registration on GSASgate
• Payment of GSASgate
Registration Fees
• Payment of Conformance
to Design Audit (CDA) Fees
on GSASgate
CASE 1 Checking CASE 2

Criteria Status Based
on LOC ?
Conformance to Design Audit
CASE 3
Failed Criteria in LOC and Criteria Targeted in LOC

Targeted During Criteria Targeted in LOC
But Not Pursued in
Construction & Pursued in Construction
Construction
Apply for New Criteria

Assessment and Pay Fees
(QR 2,000/Criterion)
Submission for Submission

GSAS Review Facilitation for GSAS
(Calculators/ Submittals/ of Reviews
Evidences for Audit Visits (Submittals/
New Criteria) Evidences)
Confirmation of Level Confirmation of Level Assignment of

for New Criteria for Pursued Criteria Minimum Level for Not
Submitted (Maintain-Upgrade-Downgrade) Pursued Criteria
Update of Project
Toolkit Score
Issuance of CDA Report
Obtaining
GSAS Design & Build Certificate
FORM - 04 / 1 FEB 2016

Figure 20: Final GSAS Design & Build Certification Flowchart

PART (II)
3.2.7 Step 5: Pursuing Conformance to Design Audit (CDA)
3.2.7.1 During construction and commissioning, GSAS Trust team conducts routine and random audits
which must be facilitated by the Client Representative. The goal of these audits is to verify the
validity of information provided during the design stages as well as to ensure that the sustainability
performance objective of the project is adequately met as per the initial design assessment.
3.2.7.2 Audit visits will be conducted by GSAS Trust or its ‘Authorized Representative’ on a ‘routine’ or
‘random’ basis. In the ‘routine’ audit the time and scope is agreed beforehand, while in the ‘random’
audit, a short notice is given to the Client Representative.
3.2.7.3 Sample Appointment Letter of Client Representative for the LOC Compliance Audit works needs to
be issued by project. See Figure 21.

PART (II)
ON PROJECT OWNER’S
LETTERHEAD
Date:
Ref:
Client Representative Appointment Letter
Att. GSAS Trust,

Gulf Organisation for Research & Development,
QSTP,
Doha-Qatar.
Dear Sirs;
We are pleased to appoint ___________ (name of appointed Firm), holding a valid Service
Provider license (SP no.xxxx), as our representative for GSAS Conformance to Design
Audit (CDA) for the ________________ (project name) which issued the GSAS Design & Build
Provisional Certificate (LOC) Ref. No. (____________) on the following terms and conditions:
1. The appointee will carry out the duties and responsibilities as outlined by GSAS
Trust.
2. The delegation of the authority however, does not relieve us from the responsibility
and accountability for this project.
3. Should the appointee-unable to deliver within GSAS Trust expectations, we are
hereby responsible to find a suitable replacement within (4-6) weeks upon the
receipt of a written notice from GSAS Trust.
By: ____________________ Signature:________________

(Name of the Owner/Client Authorized Signatory)
Title: _____________________ Date: ____________

(Title or Position of the signatory)
Owner/Client Stamp: _______________________
Figure 21: Sample Letter of Appointment
3.2.7.4 Audit visits during construction phase follow the GSAS Trust audit protocol where the compliance
requirements submitted during the design phase are validated. The project GSAS-CGP is required
to fill up the CDA questionnaire of GSAS and return to GSAS Trust prior to site audit.
3.2.7.5 Audits are conducted on sample basis to collect the samples of evidence towards conformance to
design, as part of GSAS Trust quality assurance process.

PART (II)
3.2.7.6 For the stipulated number of visits, refer to GSAS Trust published schedule of visits from GORD
website.
3.2.7.7 For projects with multiple phases of construction, site visits are conducted depending on the project
schedule and decided on a case-to-case basis.
3.2.7.8 During the CDA, the pursued criteria levels are verified against appropriate submittals and evidences.
Consequently the scores from the design stage can be maintained, upgraded or downgraded.
3.2.7.9 Assessed criteria in the LOC, if not pursued during construction, are assigned with minimum level
as indicated in the applicable scheme.
3.2.7.10 Project may opt to target failed (not accepted or non-conforming) criteria as indicated in the LOC
to improve the levels during the construction stage. For such case, project is required to apply for
the required number of criteria and pay applicable assessment fees as per GSAS Trust’s published
rates.
3.2.7.11 Following successful completion of the audit visits and review of relevant submittals and evidences,
a Conformance to Design Audit (CDA) report is issued indicating the as-built updated criteria levels
and star rating.
3.2.8 Step 6: Obtaining GSAS Design & Build Certificate
3.2.8.1 Upon successful completion of the Conformance to Design Audit (CDA), the Final GSAS Design &
Build Certificate is issued to the project (Figure 22), for having conformed with the performance
set forth in the GSAS Design Assessment manual and a Plaque is issued indicating final GSAS star
rating, (Figure 23), achieved by the project.
3.2.8.2 GSAS Design & Build certificate is issued only after completing the CDA visits and receiving CDA
report indicating the final GSAS star rating.

PART (II)
Figure 22: GSAS Design & Build Certificate
Figure 23: GSAS Star Rating Plaque

PART (II)
3.2.9 Roles and Responsibilities
3.2.9.1 Project GSAS-CGP may belong to a design consultancy firm, contractor, program/project
management firm, construction management firm, construction supervision firm or an independent
sustainability advise firm that holds a valid GSAS Service Provider corporate license type. See
subsequent sections for applicable license type. The roles and responsibilities of the project GSAS-
CGP include, but not limited to, the following.
• Leading the overall planning, scheduling, and coordinating of the required LOC compliance
audit.
• Ensuring seamless audits by extending the required assistance and necessary support to the
Client Representative for the successful implementation of audits and collection of data.
• Preparing and signing-off all submittals and evidences relevant to the design parameters of
the issued Provisional Certificate (LOC) for the project.
• Sufficiently demonstrating that evidences, such as reports, photographs, bill of materials, data
sheets and other construction documents are supporting the measurement principles of the
GSAS criterion before submitting to GSAS Trust for final review.
3.2.9.2 GSAS Trust is the certifying body that assesses the project and qualifies it for the level of certificate
granted to the applicant. The roles and responsibilities of GSAS Trust includes, but not limited to,
the following.
• Initiates the CDA site audit process with the details in coordination with the project CGP.
• Provides briefing about the GSAS CDA Site Audit procedures and documentation requirement.
• Coordinating with the project CGP to conduct the audit visits along with the project team upon
documentation scrutiny.
• Conducting audit visits during various stages of the construction.
• Reviewing the submitted data and evidences provided by Client Representative as mentioned
above.
• Advising the project CGP for the final submittal requirements for the required criteria for the
final assessment / final certification.
3.2.9.1 Contractor must hold a valid GSAS Design & Build Service Provider license. See subsequent
sections for the applicable license types.

PART (II)
Chapter 4 GSAS Design & Build Assessment Schemes
4.1 List of Schemes
4.1.1 The available GSAS assessment schemes for obtaining GSAS Design & Build certification are
described hereafter. The schemes are supported by GSAS manuals for design assessments and
design guidelines. Refer also the PART 3 of this document for the latest GSAS publications. The
schemes can be used for different types of projects from macro level, i.e. Districts & Infrastructure
to micro level i.e. different building types.
4.1.2 Districts & Infrastructure Scheme
4.1.2.1 The scheme is used for assessing the planning and design of an urban development and/or its
infrastructure
4.1.2.2 Districts can be of mixed-use type that caters to the varying needs of population. Also districts
can be of specific nature with specific purpose e.g. economic zone/city, entertainment city, media
city, health district, etc. In addition, infrastructure components consist of interrelated systems and
services such as roads, bridges, tunnels, water supply, sewers, electrical grids, telecommunications
etc.
4.1.2.3 For assessing a district, the score of some of the applicable criteria to a master plan can be inherited
by individual buildings in that district.
4.1.3 Neighborhood Scheme
4.1.3.1 The scheme is used to assess a zone within a district comprising of group of buildings. The
neighborhood may serve as development for mixed-use or a specific-use.
4.1.3.2 There are two categories of Neighborhood. Category (I) Mixed-use neighborhood which may
include various building types such as retail stores, residential, commercial, hotels, railway station
etc. Category (II) Specific-use neighborhood which includes major functionality with supporting
facilities. For example a residential neighborhood consist mainly of residential units with supporting
facilities of grocery store, community spa etc.
4.1.3.3 For assessing a neighborhood, the GSAS categories of Urban Connectivity, Site, Cultural & Economic
Value and Management & Operations for the main building will be based on the scheme relevant to
the main use, i.e. commercial, educational, or light industry and all other buildings will inherit the
scores of above mentioned GSAS categories achieved by the main building.

PART (II)
4.1.3.4 The assessment of the other GSAS categories namely Energy, Water, Materials and Indoor
Environment will be conducted for each building within the neighborhood and aggregated score for
all buildings will be issued to the project.
4.1.4 Commercial Scheme
4.1.4.1 The scheme is used for the assessment of buildings developed for business and merchandising
purposes.
4.1.4.2 Types of commercial buildings include corporate offices, retail stores, general purpose working
areas, etc.
4.1.4.3 Commercial buildings includes spaces or zones to serve various functions such as offices,
conference hall, foyers, retail spaces, and ancillary areas.
4.1.5 Core & Shell Scheme
4.1.5.1 The scheme is used for assessment of a Core & Shell building where the infill of the building is
wholly or partly undesigned and the owner/developer may not have control over the fit-out of
certain spaces.
4.1.5.2 GSAS recognizes that the final building design and the fit-out of tenant spaces can be unknown for
Core & Shell projects. Nevertheless, to comprehensively and accurately evaluate a Core & Shell
building, all criteria must be assessed.
4.1.5.3 Example for a type of Core & Shell building type includes shopping malls.
4.1.5.4 These buildings also include variety of spaces or zones including shops, lobbies, offices, food court,
entertainment spaces etc.
4.1.6 Residential (Single and Group) Scheme
4.1.6.1 The scheme is used for assessment of a residential buildings. There are varying scales of residential
projects, from single-family, detached homes to high rise condominiums. To accommodate this range
of projects, this scheme defines two residential types: Single and Group. Single residential type is an
individual house, attached or detached. Whereas, group residential type includes all other residential
building types including: a residential grouping of houses attached or detached; and/or, any other
residential projects such as multi-unit apartment, condominium building, or group of buildings.

PART (II)
4.1.6.2 Group residential buildings may include zones such as housing units, community spa, and shopping
complex.
4.1.7 Mosques Scheme
4.1.7.1 The scheme is used for assessment of a mosque building. Mosque includes building containing the
congregational worship areas and ancillary buildings such as Imam house.
4.1.7.2 Mosques are categorised as either daily prayer mosque or Friday mosque. The latter, in general,
accommodates more people with more facilities such as car parking, open court, dedicated female
zone etc.
4.1.8 Hospitality Scheme
4.1.8.1 The scheme is used for assessment of hospitality buildings. The types of hospitality buildings which
can be assessed using this scheme are: hotels, resorts; hotel apartments etc.
4.1.8.2 This building type includes a variety of spaces or zones such as guest rooms, lobbies, banquet halls,
offices, conference halls, dining areas and kitchens, fitness centers, retails spaces, and ancillary
areas.
4.1.9 Light Industry Scheme
4.1.9.1 The scheme is used for assessment of a light Industry buildings. The intent is to assess the building
performance but not the production line or process hosted by such facilities.
4.1.9.2 The building types under this scheme include warehouses and workshops. Various spaces or zones
are developed for operational, administrative and general purposes.
4.1.10 Education Scheme
4.1.10.1 The scheme is used for assessment of education buildings. Typical building types include
kindergarten, school, college, university and research institute.
4.1.10.2 Various spaces or zones in these buildings include classrooms, libraries, auditoriums, cafeterias,
kitchens, offices, and other spaces that are part of academic buildings, such as research laboratories.

PART (II)
4.1.11 Parks Scheme
4.1.11.1 The scheme is used for assessment of parks. Parks include any area of open space, either largely
preserved in its natural state or highly developed with landscaping, hardscapes, and/or recreational
and resting areas provided for the enjoyment of the public are preservation or enhancement of
public space.
4.1.11.2 Parks are of various types such as mini park, district park, large urban park, regional park, and
zoological park. Which serve different purposes.
4.1.12 Worker’s Accommodations Scheme
4.1.12.1 The scheme is used for assessment of workers’ accommodation. Workers’ accommodation can
be of single or group residential units and include several facilities to support welfare of workers
living in the accommodation.
4.1.13 Sports Scheme
4.1.13.1 The scheme is used for assessment of sport buildings or venues that are designed to host a sporting
event that support activities for athletes/competitors, support staff, and spectators, whether it’s
indoor or outdoor air-conditioned or non-air-conditioned spaces.
4.1.13.2 The building types include outdoor stadiums, indoor arenas, and outdoor courses.
4.1.14 Railways Scheme
4.1.14.1 The scheme is used for assessment of railway station buildings. Station types include underground,
on-ground and elevated stations.
4.1.14.2 Main station buildings includes spaces or zones that serve various functions of a railway station
such as, but not necessarily limited to, platform/concourse, offices, station control room, ticketing,
retail, food/beverage areas, and ancillary areas.

PART (II)
4.1.15 Healthcare Scheme
4.1.15.1 The scheme is used for assessment of healthcare buildings. The building type includes specialist
hospitals, general hospitals, out-patient hospitals, primary care health centers and especially
bio-medical research laboratories.
4.1.15.2 There are typical spaces or zones meeting different purposes, such as patient wards, offices,
outdoor patient department, intensive care unit, cafeteria, training halls etc.
4.1.16 Existing Buildings
4.1.16.1 The scheme is used for assessment of sustainability impact of renovation of an existing building of
any type, where more than 50% of the building is renovated or retrofitted.
4.1.16.2 As existing building has pre-determined footprint, orientation and structure, the scheme has less
number of criteria and their associated benchmarks are more relaxed compare to new construction
projects undergoing through GSAS Design & Build various assessment schemes.
4.1.17 Bespoke Scheme
4.1.17.1 Although most of the building types are covered by the schemes described above, there is a
possibility that a certain isolated types of buildings may not fit in above schemes. This Scheme
intends to serve such buildings, where GSAS Trust helps to provide special assistance to align
the existing guideline and assessment documents as well as calculators to the specificity of such
buildings.
4.1.17.2 Current Bespoke Schemes cover the following building types:
• Car parks
• Museums
• Data centers

PART (II)
Chapter 5 GSAS Construction Management Certification
5.1 Introduction
5.1.1 GSAS Construction Management Certification is issued to a project where the construction contractor
follows the sustainable practices and processes. The certification requires measurements of
relevant parameters and aspects in accordance with accepted practices, considering the impacts
that construction project can mitigate. The sustainability issues covered under this certification are
related to categories of Urban Considerations, Site, Energy, Water, Materials, Outdoor Environment,
Socio-Cultural Dimensions, and Management & Operations.
5.1.2 This certification ensures that contractor’s practices and processes during the entire stage of the
project’s construction phase meet the targeted level of sustainability performance. All types of
projects/developments can be certified for their sustainability performance during construction
using the GSAS Construction Management Certification.
5.1.3 As a pre-requisite, Construction Management Certification requires development and submission

of GSAS Construction Management Plan (GSAS-CMP) highlighting the targeted categories, criteria,
and rating, the management resources and processes required to meet the targets. The second
part of compliance requires submissions for assessment of targeted criteria.
5.1.4 Construction Management Certification requires that all projects shall compulsorily target Energy
and Water categories and shall not receive a score of zero in these categories.
5.1.5 For obtaining GSAS-CM certification it is mandatory that a project targets some or all criteria from at
least six categories including Energy & Water. Failure to do this will result into denial of certification.
5.2 GSAS Construction Management Certification Process
5.2.1 The Construction Management certification process flowchart is shown in Figure 15. The certification
process for obtaining the GSAS Construction Management certificate is listed in sections ahead.
5.2.2 Step 1: Registering Contractor’s Project at GSASgate™
5.2.2.1 All projects obtaining certification for the construction management are required to register at
GSASgate™ and pay the associated fees for the gateway registration and Construction Management
certification to activate the account for the Contractor’s project. See Figure 24.

PART (II)
CERTIFICATION FLOWCHART GSAS CERTIFICATIONS AND SCHEMES
Construction Management Certification
Registration on
GSASgate
Payment of:
i. GSAS Registration Fee
ii. Certification Fees
on GSASgate
GSAS CM Assessment
Process
CS.1 CS.2 CS.3

GSAS Construction Management Assessment
Project Submits Project Submits Project Submits

Documents/Responses Documents/Responses Documents/Responses
Request GSAS Trust Conducts Request GSAS Trust Conducts Request GSAS Trust Conducts
Further Desk Review Further Desk Review Further Desk Review
Information Information Information
NO NO NO
Documentation of Documentation of Documentation of
Sufficient Quality? Sufficient Quality? Sufficient Quality?
YES YES YES
GSAS Trust conducts GSAS Trust conducts GSAS Trust conducts

Site Audit(s) to verify Site Audit(s) to verify Site Audit(s) to verify
the implementation the implementation the implementation
GSAS Trust issues the GSAS Trust issues the GSAS Trust issues the
second Interim Audit second Interim Audit second Interim Audit
Advisory Notice Advisory Notice Advisory Notice
Average Out Scores

from the Three Stages
Issue the GSAS

Construction Management
Certificate
Notes: C.S. 1, 2 & 3 refer to the first, second and third construction stages of the project
FORM - 05 / 29 JAN 2017

Figure 24: GSAS Construction Management Certification Flow Chart

PART (II)
5.2.2.2 The Contractor registering for its project is required to be an authorized GSAS Service Provider
with a valid corporate license type and must nominate a representative with a valid certificate of
Certified Professional on Construction Management to be qualified for managing the Construction
Management certification process during construction phase of the entire project.
5.2.2.3 A kick-off meeting is recommended between GSAS Trust and project team after project registration
to discuss the assessment process requirements.
5.2.3 Step 2: Assessing Contractor’s Project Submittals
5.2.3.1 Upon activation of the project account, the Contractor may start using the facility of GSASgate™ to
support the assessment of the project’s construction submittals. See Figure 24.
5.2.3.2 The Construction Management certification requires evaluation of sustainability impact of

contractor’s practices and processes over the course of the construction project. It is based on the
evaluation of the GSAS categories and their associated criteria throughout the three main stages of
the project construction based on the targeted star rating:
• Enabling/Foundation Stage,
• Substructure & Superstructure, and
• Finishing Stage
5.2.3.3 At each construction stage project representative is required to select targeted criteria to achieve
the desired GSAS star rating and start online submissions of the required documents through
GSASgateTM to help assess the sustainability impacts of the construction processes and practices
of the contractor. The submitted documents include GSAS-CMP, reports, evidences, supporting
documents, calculators and other applicable documents as stipulated under the submittal section
of each criterion.
5.2.3.4 GSAS Trust team conducts a full review for all submitted documents and uploads the first review
comments to the GSAS gate for project’s information and further action.
5.2.3.5 The project needs to act based on the review comments given by GSAS Trust and prepare for the
final stage submission which will take place after conducting the site audit(s).

PART (II)
5.2.4 Step 3: Auditing Contractor’s Construction Practices and Processes at Site
5.2.4.1 Site Audits are conducted by GSAS Trust or its ‘Authorized Representative’ on a ‘routine’ basis
wherein time and scope is agreed beforehand with the Project Representative.
5.2.4.2 At least one GSAS Site Audit is conducted for every construction stage depending on the construction
progress.
5.2.4.3 For projects with multiple phases of construction, site audits are conducted depending on the
project schedule and decided on a case-to-case basis.
5.2.4.4 For number of stipulated visits refer to GSAS Trust’s published schedule of visits.
5.2.4.5 For projects with multiple phases of constructions, site visits are conducted depending on the
project schedule and treated on a case-to-case basis.
5.2.5 Step 4: Obtaining Audit Advisory Notices (AAN)
5.2.5.1 After successful review of submitted documents and conducting the site audit(s) for the construction
stage under evaluation (see Figure 24), GSAS Trust issues an interim AAN indicating the evaluation
scores for each criterion targeted and assessed under the designated construction stage. It is not
necessary that project achieves the same score for each criterion at each construction stage. The
scores are provided independently for each criterion on the basis of assessment conducted for each
construction stage.
5.2.5.2 Final scoring points for each criterion are determined by averaging out the scoring points from the
three stages. These scoring points are then aggregated to determine the final star rating of the
project for the GSAS Construction Management certificate.
5.2.6 Step 5: Obtaining GSAS Construction Management Certificate
5.2.6.1 Upon successful completion of the construction activities of the entire project site, GSAS Construction
Management certificate and a Plaque displaying the final GSAS star rating are issued to the project.
5.2.6.2 GSAS Construction Management certificate is issued only after completing all the construction
activities for the site development and upon successful completion of the documentation
assessment and auditing processes.

PART (II)
5.2.7 Roles and Responsibilities
5.2.7.1 GSAS Trust is the certifying body that assesses the project and qualifies it for the level of certificate
granted to the contractor.
The roles and responsibilities of GSAS Trust includes but not limited to the following.
• Conducting ‘routine’ site audits at various stages of the construction.

• Reviewing and verifying the documents, data and evidences submitted by the representative
of the project.
5.2.7.2 The project is represented by an authorized GSAS CM Service Provider who has a valid GSAS-CM
license. The Service Provider may be the contractor or other third party who nominates a certified
professional with valid GSAS-CM certificate who is the focal person registering and measuring
the construction practices applied to the project. The roles and responsibilities of the Contractor
includes, but not limited to, the following.
• Facilitating site audits and collecting data to validate the claimed scores.
• Ensuring that evidences such as reports, photographs, surveys, site measurements, and other
construction documents are in accordance with the measurement principles of the targeted
GSAS criteria before submitting them to GSAS Trust for its final review.
• Developing GSAS-CMP in consultation with the staff and sub-contractor’s teams.
• Providing complete and accurate information in GSAS-CMP and managing GSAS-CMP
submissions.
• Updating GSAS-CMP, in case of change in targeted categories/criteria and/or plans for
resources/processes.
• Communicating GSAS-CMP to staff and sub-contractors that play key roles in the successful
delivery of the plan.
• Upholding the commitments of GSAS-CMP with utmost importance throughout the course of
construction.

PART (II)
Chapter 6 GSAS Operations Certification
6.1 Introduction
6.1.1 GSAS Operations Certifications is issued to buildings where tenant/user follow high level of
sustainability practices in building operations to: optimize energy consumption; optimize water
consumption; minimize waste disposal and/or adopt sustainable waste treatment/disposal
practices; and, maintain healthy, productive and effective indoor environment. The certification
requires auditing the facility or tenants’ operations to evaluate Energy, Water, Indoor Environment,
and Waste Management performances for the period of assessment.
6.1.2 The certification requires information on computation or documentation that the project needs
to submit to demonstrate compliance with requisite parameters. The evaluation of the facility or
tenants’ operations over the course of its lifetime is required, based on the repeated data collection
for the whole year cycle. This certification ensures that Energy, Water, Indoor Environment, and
Waste Management performance of building during the assessment period meet the targeted level
of sustainability standard.
6.2 Types of Labeling in Operations Certification
6.2.1 GSAS Operations Certificate offers four types of labeling:
• Energy Performance Labelling (EPL),

• Water Performance Labelling (WPL),
• Indoor Environment Labelling (IEL), and
• Waste Management Labelling (WML)
6.2.2 Certification Options
The client may opt to choose one of the following options for certification:
6.2.2.1 Option -I Basic Labelling
The Operation certificate displays only the EPL and WPL as a minimum requirement.
6.2.2.2 Option -II Full Labelling
The Operation certificate displays the four types of labels EPL, WPL, IEL and WML.

PART (II)
6.3 Evaluation Period
6.3.1 GSAS Operations is an ongoing process that can evaluate a building over the course of its lifetime. A
building, existing or new, is evaluated over the course of a 12-month period prior to submitting the
necessary documentation for assessment based on when the building is under normal operations.
While certain measurements are taken in different times of the year and for varying durations, the
12-month period prior to certification is when a building is under evaluation. The selection of the
12-month period is key to assess new buildings in which the first several months of operations may
involve varying adjustments or refinements to the building systems.
6.3.2 After the initial certification, buildings are re-certified every Four years. However, if the client would
like to improve the performance of the development it is possible to apply and update the existing
certificate at any time. It is essential to have at least 12-month data followed the initial certification.

PART (II)
Chapter 7 GSAS Credential Requirements
7.1 Overview of GSAS Corporate Licenses
7.1.1 Accredited Service Providers managing GSAS certifications are required to acquire appropriate
GSAS Corporate licenses. See Figure 25. Service Providers may obtain one or more types of
corporate licenses listed in sections ahead.
7.1.2 The corporate license types for Design & Build certifications, Construction Management certification
and Operations certifications are listed in sections ahead.
7.1.3 Contractor who plans to construct a project that has already obtained Provisional Certificate (LOC)
under Design & Build certification, needs to acquire the appropriate Design & Build Service Provider
license, to comply with LOC Compliance Audit requirements. See Figure 25.

PART (II)
Extra
Corporate Credential
GSAS Servcie Qualifying Assessing License Pre-
License Requirements Remarks
Providers Applicants Privileges requisites
Types (effective
from 2017)
• Commercial
• Core and Shell
• Residential
• Design
• Education
Consultants
• Mosques
• Design Basic
• Hospitality GSAS-CGP
& Build Schemes
• Light Industry
Contractors
• Parks
• Project
• Workers’
Managers
Accommodation
• Construction CGP-EN
• Neighbourhood
For Design Supervision (Certified
& Build Consultants Districts & to perform
Certification • Program Districts & the Energy
Infrastructure GSAS-CGP
Managers Infrastructure Assessment)
Scheme
• Owners/
Clients/ GSAS Service
Developers Providers
• Main Healthcare Healthcare Scheme GSAS-CGP must
Contractors hold valid
• Sustainability corporate
Consultants Railways Railways Scheme GSAS-CGP license
type with
Sports Sports Scheme GSAS-CGP applicable
certificates
• Main in order to
Contractors register and
GSAS-CM
• Sub- pursue the
For (Certified to
contractors Construction required
Construction Construction perform the
• Specialist Management Not applicable certification
Management Management Construction
Contractors Scheme
Certification Management
• Builders
assessment)
• Sustainability
Consultants
• Facility
Managers/
• Energy Labelling
Operators
• Water Labelling
• Building GSAS-OP CGP-EN
• Indoor
For Tenants (Certified to (Certified
Environment
Operations • Building Operations perform the to perform
Labelling
Certifications Owners/ Operations the Energy
• Waste
Clients/ assessment) Assessment)
Management
Developers
Labelling
• Sustainability
Consultants
Figure 25: Table of GSAS Service Providers and CGPs

PART (II)
7.2 GSAS Design & Build License Types
7.2.1 Basic License:
7.2.1.1 Authorized GSAS Service Providers are entitled to register the project for design assessment
under GSAS. Basic license is the starting license for Service Providers managing and submitting
assessments for GSAS Design & Build certification with respect to all the assessment schemes
listed previously. Assessment schemes that fall under this types of service provider license include:
• Commercial
• Core & Shell
• Residential
• Education
• Mosques
• Hospitality
• Light Industry
• Parks
• Workers’ Accommodations
• Neighborhood
7.2.2 Districts & Infrastructure License
7.2.2.1 This type of license is for Service Providers managing and submitting assessments for GSAS
Design & Build certification with respect to Districts & Infrastructure scheme referred previously.
7.2.3 Sports License
Design & Build certification with respect to Sports scheme referred previously.
7.2.4 Railways License
Design & Build certification respect to Railways scheme referred previously.
7.2.5 Healthcare License
Design & Build certification respect to Healthcare scheme referred previously.

PART (II)
7.3 GSAS Construction Management License
7.3.1 This type of license is for Service Providers managing and submitting assessments for GSAS
Construction Management certification referred to earlier sections.
7.4 GSAS Operations License
7.4.1 This type of license is for Service Providers managing and submitting assessments for GSAS
Operations certification with respect to GSAS Operations certification referred in earlier sections.
It includes license to manage and assess the energy, water, indoor environment, and waste
management performance of the operating facilities.
7.5 Individual (GSAS-CGP) License
7.5.1 An individual is required to obtain the GSAS-CGP license from GORD to practice assessment of
GSAS scheme and management of the project certification process on behalf of Service Provider.
GSAS-CGP license is obtained by attending the GSAS 3-day workshop and passing the online exam.
7.5.2 Employment of a licensed individual holding a valid GSAS-CGP is a pre-requisite for obtaining a
corporate license. A GSAS Corporate License is required for companies applying for accreditation
to become a GSAS Service Provider.
7.6 Energy Assessment (CGP-EN) License
7.6.1 CGP-EN license is an extra credential required for individuals to practice energy assessments for
the Design & Build certifications. Applicants for CGP-EN license is required to be a practicing GSAS-
CGP before applying for CGP-EN license from GORD.

PART (II)
Chapter 8 GSAS Requirements and GSAS Trust Support
8.1 Introduction
8.1.1 This section outlines the high level information on mandatory GSAS requirements and support
services of GSAS Trust which are useful for service providers. These requirements and services
have implications on the application of GSAS to the projects and interaction between Service
Providers and GSAS Trust.
8.2 Mandatory Requirements
8.2.1 Mandatory requirements listed in Sections ahead are prerequisites for projects seeking Design &
Build and Construction Management certifications.
8.2.2 For GSAS Design & Build certification, the assessed Energy & Water categories of the project shall
not receive a negative score.
8.2.3 For GSAS Construction Management certification, the assessed Energy & Water categories of the
project shall not receive a score of zero.
8.2.4 For Districts & Infrastructure assessment, at least eighty percent (80%) of the built-up area must
be certified.
8.2.5 For energy centers or central plants within a development/project, the performance of the cooling
system shall be assessed and verified per EN 14825 standard, amended where necessary for the
local climatic and operational conditions.
8.2.6 Energy center must be registered for assessment and certification based on GSAS Schemes fees
schedule.
8.2.7 GSAS Trust accepts claimed Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) used in the energy calculator
for any project only when all relevant calculations and supporting documents are verified and a
Compliance Report is issued by GSAS Trust.
8.3 Technical Support Services of GSAS Trust
8.3.1 Support services for projects requiring interactive guidance and multi-disciplinary technical advise
in relation to GSAS certifications and assessment schemes are listed in sections ahead.

PART (II)
8.3.2 Pre-Certification Reviews (PCR)
8.3.2.1 In GSAS Design & Build certification process, the project has an option to follow the PCR route
for certification. See Figure 16. PCR is an integrated delivery process for project certification. The
project’s technical team gets to meet GSAS Trust’s technical team through physical meetings and/
or video conferencing to obtain clarifications to queries on project’s certification management and
criteria assessments.
8.3.3 Technical Advisory
8.3.3.1 Technical advisory is the support service offered that requires a separate engagement between
GSAS Trust and Service Provider within the duration of project contract. Responses to queries and
request for information from the project’s technical team are provided by GSAS Trust. Responses to
queries are in the form of verified meeting notes, supplementary guides, and technical clarifications
issued to the initiator of request.
8.3.3.2 Support for program-wide and project-specific sustainability requirements are provided through
drafting of requests for proposal and the development of technical requirements and progress
reporting templates required for compliance of GSAS requirements.

PART (I)
PART (III)
OVERVIEW
GSAS
PUBLICATIONS

PART (III)
GSAS PUBLICATIONS
9.1 Reference Manuals for GSAS Certifications
9.1.1 GSAS guideline manuals are intended to be used as a practical resource containing best practices
to be implemented to meet GSAS requirements. They contain descriptive guidance to help achieve
the targeted scores for each criterion in the GSAS categories. These guidelines are in the form
of recommended practices, measures, and technologies. Projects may consider and assess the
potential advantages and benefits of guidelines in relationship to the specific targets, requirements
and conditions of the project.
9.1.2 GSAS assessment manuals provide measurements, criteria and steps for assessment of
sustainability impact of projects based on various documents and evidences including design
documents of the project.
9.1.3 Following is the list of GSAS guidelines and assessment manuals:
• GSAS Building Typologies Design Guidelines 2017
• GSAS Building Typologies Design Assessment 2017
• GSAS Districts & Infrastructure Design Guidelines 2017
• GSAS Districts & Infrastructure Design Assessment 2017
• GSAS Sports Design Guidelines 2017
• GSAS Sports Design Assessment 2017
• GSAS Railways Design Guidelines 2017
• GSAS Railways Design Assessment 2017
• GSAS Healthcare Design Guidelines 2017
• GSAS Healthcare Design Assessment 2017
• GSAS Existing Buildings Design Guidelines 2017 (To be published)
• GSAS Existing Buildings Design Assessment 2017 (To be published)
• GSAS Construction Management Guidelines & Assessment 2017
• GSAS Operations Guidelines & Assessment 2017 (To be published)

PART (III)
GSAS PUBLICATIONS
9.2 Other Reference Documents
9.2.1 There are several cross-cutting publications by GSAS that help to enhance the overall understanding
of user and build capacity on GSAS, its processes, standards and technical requirements. Following
are the details of these documents.
9.2.2 GSAS Technical Guide 2017: The purpose of this guide is to provide overview of the Global
Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) for the beginners and professional practitioners in the
application of GSAS certifications for design, construction, and operations of the built-environment.
9.2.3 Training Manuals – Parts 1 and 2: A comprehensive resource for GSAS users throughout the
entire design phase of a project consisting of two volumes (Parts 1 and 2). The main highlights are
as follows:
• They are used as a study guide to become a GSAS Certified Green Professional (GSAS-CGP) or
Trainer.
• They incorporate two schemes, Commercial and Residential (Single and Group) with complete
description related to the implementation of relevant measures in building design and the
assessment of building designs under of these two schemes.
• They introduce each GSAS category and criterion and provide comprehensive description and
examples for each criterion, followed by justifications and performance improvements as
deemed necessary to improve GSAS score.
9.2.4 GSAS Energy Assessment Guidelines for Air Conditioned Stadiums: this manual addresses
the aspects of development of a building energy standard for air-conditioned open stadiums and
helps to implement sustainability enhancement initiative related to HVAC system in open stadiums
to help achieve higher rating in GSAS Energy Category.
9.2.5 Guide for Request for Proposal (RFP) Preparation: This is a guide to facilitate the preparation
of an RFP and Project Brief in the pre-design stages of development.

A globally recognised
symbol of sustainable
engineering
The GSAS system awards one of six levels of
certifications to projects, from one star to six stars,
depending on their environmental and social impact.
Assessment can be conducted to certify the project in
the design, construction and operations phases.
Gulf Organisation for Research & Development

T: +974 4404 9010, F: +974 4404 9002
Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP)
Tech 1, Level 2, Suite 203
P.O. Box: 210162, Doha, Qatar
www.gord.qa

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TECHNICAL GUIDE 2017

Dr. Yousef Mohammed Alhorr, Founding Chairman ISSUE 2

GSAS TECHNICAL GUIDE 2017 - ISSUE 2

Dr. Yousef Mohammed Alhorr

The information contained in this document is the property of

This Technical Guide shall not be used in a derogatory manner,

Crafting a Green Legacy

PART (I) OVERVIEW............................................................................................................... 9

Chapter 1 GSAS Development, Structure and Tools....................................................................10

1.1 Purpose of Technical Guide.......................................................................................................................10

PART (II) GSAS CERTIFICATIONS AND SCHEMES.............................................................. 29

Chapter 2 Overview of GSAS Certifications and Schemes..........................................................30

Chapter 3 GSAS Design & Build Certification...............................................................................33

Chapter 4 GSAS Design & Build Assessment Schemes ..............................................................45

4.1 List of Schemes............................................................................................................................................45

GSAS Technical Guide 2017 - Issue 2 PAGE 5

Chapter 5 GSAS Construction Management Certification ...........................................................50

Chapter 6 GSAS Operations Certification......................................................................................55

Chapter 7 GSAS Credential Requirements....................................................................................57

7.1 Overview of GSAS Corporate Licenses..................................................................................................57

Chapter 8 GSAS Requirements and GSAS Trust Support............................................................61

PART (III) GSAS PUBLICATIONS......................................................................................... 59

GSAS Technical Guide 2017 - Issue 2 PAGE 6

GSAS Technical Guide 2017 - Issue 2 PAGE 7

GSAS Technical Guide 2017 - Issue 2 PAGE 9

Chapter 1 GSAS Development, Structure and Tools

1.1 Purpose of Technical Guide

1.2 GSAS Framework Development

GSAS Technical Guide 2017 - Issue 2 PAGE 10

Groundwork Development New

STAGE (I) UK: International STAGE (IV)

Figure 1: GSAS Framework Development

GSAS Technical Guide 2017 - Issue 2 PAGE 11

GSAS Technical Guide 2017 - Issue 2 PAGE 12

Land Use &

Figure 2 : Environment Challenges Resulting from Built Environment

GSAS Technical Guide 2017 - Issue 2 PAGE 13

Land Use &

Cultural & Human Health &

Management & Climate

Figure 3 : Integrated Life Cycle Approach of GSAS

1.3 GSAS Categories

GSAS Technical Guide 2017 - Issue 2 PAGE 14

Figure 4: GSAS Categories

GSAS Technical Guide 2017 - Issue 2 PAGE 15

SCALE_ CATEGORY_ CRITERIA_

Weighting for each criterion

Figure 5: GSAS System Weighting Methodology

1.3.10 AHP analysis involved the three following steps:

1. Defining factors based on the main objective of the exercise

GSAS Technical Guide 2017 - Issue 2 PAGE 16

Urban Connectivity [UC] 7%

E Materials [M] 10%

W Cultural and Economic Value [CE] 7%

Management and Operations [MO] 7%

Figure 6: GSAS Categories Weights

GSAS Technical Guide 2017 - Issue 2 PAGE 17

1.4 GSAS Energy Standards

1.4.1 The energy assessment methodology is composed of performance-based normative calculations

1.5 GSAS Criteria and Submittal Requirements

GSAS Technical Guide 2017 - Issue 2 PAGE 18

1.5.8 All submittals are to be saved in clear and legible copies.