Alila Jabal Akhdar resort is the first development in Oman to achieve the LEED certification and to be recognised internationally for its sustainability credentials. An OER report.
Alila Jabal Akhdar, developed by the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran), has been awarded LEED Silver Certification in the ‘building design and construction rating system for new construction’ by the US Green Building Council. The first development in Oman to obtain the prestigious international LEED certification, Alila Jabal Akhdar represents a milestone achievement for the development of infrastructure in the Sultanate.
LEED certification is recognised across the globe as the premier mark of achievement in green building. To receive the LEED certification, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, building projects require multiple energy saving and environmental criteria to be met including; sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in design.
Alila Jabal AKhdar has been honoured for its focused objective to maximise the use of local materials in the construction phase and minimise the ongoing energy usage footprint in the long term. The resort incorporates various eco-friendly elements such as innovative water treatment facilities for use in irrigation, solar panels that provides up to 60 per cent of the energy required for hot water supply and energy saving lighting and thermal control systems. During the development phase, the construction team implemented an ongoing policy of pollution prevention and a recycling scheme through the re-use of local building materials in harmony with the surrounding environment.
Commenting on the award recognition, Eng Wael Al Lawati, CEO of OMRAN said, “We are proud that the resort is the first development in Oman to achieve this LEED certification and to be recognised internationally for its sustainability credentials. The vision of sustainability for Alila Jabal Akhdar goes beyond the architectural design and construction phase; it also reflects the guiding principles of Omran, as well as the day-to-day operation and management of the resort which is centered on the principles of sustainability and environmental safety.”
“The certification underscores the vital role of Omran in developing innovative and sustainable tourism destinations with advanced environmental specifications. At Omran, we place a great emphasis on implementing sustainable measures and practices across all areas of our mandate. We have eight other developments in our portfolio that have achieved, or are in the process of achieving, LEED accreditation. Being awarded is a positive motivation that pushes us forward for more developmental achievements that are based on the highest criteria for sustainability. It is our aim to see further Omran projects and developments awarded with LEED certification in the years to come,” said Eng Al Lawati.
Richard Fedrizzi, CEO and founding chairman of US Green Building Council said, “On behalf of the US Green Building Council, I am proud to award the Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort and recognise Omran for its groundbreaking contribution to sustainable building and design in the Sultanate of Oman and the wider region. LEED is the premier international certification for environmentally sustainable construction and it is deeply pleasing to bestow this prestigious award for the first time in Oman. It is our sincere hope that Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort’s new green credentials will raise awareness of the importance of sustainable development and will serve as a model for environmental standards for construction in the Middle East.