GORD launches EcoLab, Qatar’s first energy efficiency testing facility for ACs and home appliances.

The Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) has launched EcoLab – Qatar’s pioneering facility measuring energy efficiency and safety for air conditioners and home appliances through high quality and reliable testing facility and well-trained technical experts. 
Unveiled on Monday, December 9, in the presence of representatives from concerned government agencies, EcoLab has emerged as the sole provider of novel energy efficiency testing services within the State of Qatar. The testing of all types of window and split units are done using a state-of-the-art environmental chamber that can simulate the region’s tough climate conditions in terms of temperature and humidity.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD, said, “Representing the government's efforts to conserve power, regulations have been passed in favor of energy-efficient air conditioners, which all suppliers in the market must adhere to. Putting this in context, the idea behind EcoLab is to provide testing services necessary to meet the country’s regulatory requirements.” Providing a glimpse into the development phase of the laboratories, Dr. Alhorr added, “We hired specialists from all over the world who worked tirelessly to build and equip EcoLab in record time. Today, we are proud to present a laboratory that houses latest testing equipment in the region, using advanced control systems that emulate local weather conditions.” Revealing future plans and the idea behind EcoLab, Dr. Alhorr added, “Going forward, we hope to expand EcoLab’s offerings in areas of product quality testing. Eventually, in bringing EcoLab, GORD’s efforts are driven by our sincere intention to protect consumer rights by fostering transparency needed for informed decision making.” 

Addressing the audience, Eng. Nawaf Ibrahim Al Hamad Al Mana, Assistant of the Chairman of Qatar General Organization for Standards and Metrology (QS), said, “Today, it is with great pleasure to witness the opening of Qatar’s first laboratory that measures energy efficiency and safety of ACs and home appliances… We strongly believe that this initiative will boost collaboration between various entities within Qatar, starting from setting standards through to conducting necessary tests to verify the compliance of appliances with the specifications required in order to improve the overall quality of products in the local market.” Another guest of honor speaking at the event was Mr. Yosouf Abdulrahman Saleh, Executive Director of Qatar Science & Technology Park, who said, “We are proud to see the launch of EcoLab, which is a first-of-its-kind facility in the State of Qatar. The lab features latest instruments and equipment for measuring energy efficiency of ACs and home appliances. We cannot stress enough the importance of such initiatives that not only benefit multiple sectors but are also in line with the government’s efforts. We wish GORD continuous success in its constructive endeavors towards sustainable development.”

Delegates at the ceremony included senior leadership from prominent public organizations such as the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA) represented by Tarsheed, Qatar General Organization for Standards and Metrology (QS), Qatari Diar for Real Estate Company and Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO).

With the facility now formally inaugurated, EcoLab will offer a wide range of comprehensive testing facilities sprawled across 20,000 square feet at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP). With ISO 17025 certification, EcoLab will operate in accordance with the highest international standards, making the laboratory the first in Qatar to determine the quality of home appliances based on their performance on energy and safety metrics, in addition to indoor air quality (IAQ) testing, portable appliance testing (PAT) and PV testing. Executing these latest testing procedures are specialized industry personnel, trained to conduct inhouse as well as mobile on-site tests.
With its current capacity, EcoLab can test all types of commercially available home-use air conditioners ranging from 9000 BTU to 70000 BTU. Apart from HVAC, other appliances that can be tested at the facility include exhaust fans, hair dryers, hair straightener and steam iron. The next phase of testing will include refrigerators and freezers, washing machines, water heaters and clothes dryers. Moving forward, the laboratory is planned to add non-electrical consumer goods in the scope of products tested within EcoLab.

ABOUT ECOLAB
Powered by the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD), EcoLab is a pioneering facility measuring energy efficiency and safety of air conditioners and home appliances by offering high quality and reliable testing services in Qatar’s fast changing economic and business scenario. The internationally accredited independent laboratory tests and verifies appliances’ performance against their electrical consumption as well as safety levels.

9 December 2019

GORD