The initiative helped identify priority conservation areas and ensured 75% of the islands within The Red Sea Project area were left untouched, with nine islands designated as special conservation zones.
By Anup Oommen
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund-backed (PIF)-backed The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) – which is driving the development of the kingdom’s 28,000km2 The Red Sea Project, one of the world’s most ambitious tourism initiatives — has completed the first stage of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Cities platinum certification in the ‘plan and design’ category of the project.
The LEED Platinum certification recognises TRSDC’s implementation of practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at improving the sustainability and standard of living for those involved in the project.
LEED for Cities is an internationally recognised urban sustainability rating system and certification programme that provides third-party verification of the current performance of built-out cities and communities.
USGBC benchmarks current performance and establishes targeted metrics that enable continuous improvement and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, human health, and economic prosperity.
TRSDC revealed that the destination-wide final certification is set to be awarded in Q2 2021. The developer is working with the USGBC to achieve certification on a number of buildings on site, including 15 hotels, an international airport, and staff accommodation buildings.
Commenting on the certification, the chief executive officer of TRSDC, John Pagano, said: “As part of our ambition to become standard-bearers in luxury ecotourism, we are proud to have passed this first stage of LEED accreditation.
“The award is a recognition of our efforts to go beyond the current expectations associated with sustainable tourism, and to become one of the first global destinations to demonstrate a regenerative approach to tourism.”
Pagano added: “We look forward to working with the US Green Building Council as we continue to develop our world-class destination, ensuring we protect, preserve and enhance our natural environment throughout our construction period and beyond.”
TRSDC’s commitment to regenerative tourism was recognised during the assessment process, specifically the master plan which was formed by a comprehensive Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) exercise.
The initiative helped identify priority conservation areas and ensured 75% of the islands within The Red Sea Project area were left untouched, with nine islands designated as special conservation zones.
Commenting on the achievement, the president and CEO of USGBC, Mahesh Ramanujam, said: “The work of cities and communities such as The Red Sea Project is a driving force in ensuring a more sustainable future for all.
“Cities and communities that achieve LEED certification are lowering carbon emissions, creating a healthier environment and striving to improve the quality of life for their residents.”
Originally published at Mechanical electrical & plumbing middle east