RIYADH: The first phase of Diriyah’s master plan has been awarded platinum level LEED for Cities certification by the US Green Building Council.

The council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability, providing a framework for healthy, efficient and cost-saving green buildings and communities, and is the world’s most widely known sustainability certification scheme.

LEED for Cities provides communities with a globally consistent way to measure and communicate performance, offering a new way forward for resilient, green, inclusive and smart cities.

The accreditation for Diriyah is the first time a project in the Middle East has received the accolade.

Platinum certification is the highest level within the LEED framework, and recognizes Diriyah’s commitment to a smarter, more resilient, sustainable and inclusive future.

Group CEO of the Diriyah Company Jerry Inzerillo, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded LEED platinum certification for the first phase of the Diriyah master plan. As the first project in the Middle East to achieve this formidable accolade, alongside our recent milestone of 50 million safe man-hours, we continue to set a new benchmark for our peers.

“Diriyah Company’s sustainable approach, rooted in a reverential celebration of the city’s past, and showcasing its culture, community and values, has again been validated by this significant global recognition.”

The first phase of Diriyah’s master plan features a luxurious, mixed-use project with entertainment, shopping, cultural, commercial and residential assets.

With SR63.2 billion ($17 billion) of projects under construction, these assets are anchored around key public squares and open spaces.

The project’s urban form encourages a cooling microclimate, with narrow streets and courtyards, providing shade and enhancing favorable winds.

Central aspects of the first phase will be car-free, promoting a sustainable and pedestrianized public area.

Peter Templeton, president and CEO of the USGBC, said: “LEED has been a transformative tool for buildings, and we are now seeing the impact it can have at the city and community level, particularly in key areas of human and environmental health.

“As the first community in the Middle East to earn platinum certification on LEED v4.1 for Cities: Plan and Design, the first phase of Diriyah’s master plan is leading the way to a better world, and helping USGBC continue toward our goal of sustainability by prioritising issues such as resilience and green infrastructure for all.”