JEDDAH: The Red Sea Development Co. (TRSDC), the developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism project, has completed the first stage of platinum certification in the “Plan & Design” criteria of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED for Cities).
The award recognizes the company’s execution of practical strategies aimed at improving sustainability and the standard of living for those involved in the project.
“As part of our ambition to become standard bearers in luxury ecotourism, we are proud to have passed this first stage of LEED accreditation,” said John Pagano, CEO of TRSDC.
“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.”
The company is looking forward to working with the US Green Building Council (USGBC) to ensure the natural environment is protected and enhanced during the construction period and beyond.
LEED for Cities is an internationally recognized urban sustainability rating system and certification program that provides third-party verification of the performance of built-out cities and communities.
USGBC provides targeted metrics that enable continuous improvement, and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, human health and economic prosperity. As the destination-wide final certification is set for the second quarter of 2021, TRSDC 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.
USGBC President and CEO 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.”
He added that 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.
“The Red Sea Development Company is setting the standard for what it means to be a high performer and their efforts and achievements should be an example for all,” he said.
TRSDC’s commitment to regenerative tourism was recognized during the assessment process, specifically the master plan, which was informed by a comprehensive marine spatial planning exercise.
This initiative helped identify priority conservation areas by ensuring 75 percent of the islands within the Red Sea Project area would be left untouched, with nine islands designated as special conservation zones.
Moreover, TRSDC is committed to delivering a 30 percent net conservation benefit by 2040. As part of this, it is creating the world’s largest battery storage facility, which will help power the entire site with renewable energy 24 hours a day, including the island sites.
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Project passes first stage in green rating award
https://arab.news/2g9hg
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Project passes first stage in green rating award
- The award recognizes the company’s execution of practical strategies aimed at improving sustainability
Northern Borders rock art reveals ancient life
- Among the most notable remains are stone structures scattered northwest of Arar
- Evidence ranges from the Neolithic era to Islamic times, forming a chronological record
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region contains numerous archaeological sites, reflecting a long history of human settlement dating back to early periods, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Among the most notable remains are stone structures scattered northwest of Arar.
Varying in shape, size and design, specialists believe these structures date to the end of the Neolithic period and the beginning of subsequent eras. They are thought to have been used as stone tombs to preserve the remains of the dead.
Evidence ranges from the Neolithic era to Islamic times, forming a chronological record that highlights the diversity of communities that once lived in the region and how they interacted with their natural environment over centuries.
Ajab Al-Otaibi, director general of antiquities at the Heritage Commission, said the stone structures and rock art sites in the Northern Borders region represent an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s national cultural heritage and serve as an important resource for archaeological studies and scientific research.
He highlighted the importance of surveys, documentation and protection efforts to preserve these cultural landmarks as a historical legacy for future generations.
The region is also home to several important rock art sites, such as Shu’ayb Hamer, which features a wide and diverse collection of drawings carved on natural rock surfaces, marking it as a key site that documented early human activity in the area.
The artworks depict scenes of hunting, horsemanship, dancing, daily life and social rituals. They were created using a variety of artistic styles, most notably framed and abstract forms, and produced through different techniques including incizing and pecking, both direct and indirect.
The carvings portray human figures and a range of animals, including camels, horses and gazelles, as well as some wild and predatory species that have long since disappeared.
These images provide insight into the richness of the natural environment in earlier periods and help researchers understand the evolving relationship between humans and their surroundings.
