DIRIYAH - The Wadi Safar masterplan, developed by the Diriyah Company, has made significant strides in promoting sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life. In a remarkable achievement, it has become the first project in the Middle East to receive the prestigious Gold Pre-certification from the Sustainable SITES Initiatives (SITES®). This renowned rating system, overseen by the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), thoroughly assesses the sustainability of landscape projects throughout their entire lifecycle, encompassing planning, design, construction, and management.
The Wadi Safar masterplan is centered around the creation of a truly authentic and luxurious living experience, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. This vision is carefully crafted to harmonize with the surrounding natural environment, offering residents a unique and unparalleled lifestyle. The masterplan also boasts a range of exclusive recreational and leisure amenities, further enhancing the overall appeal of this remarkable development. The project places a strong emphasis on restoring and safeguarding the wadi's pristine natural allure, with a foundation built upon three key principles: environmental equilibrium, socio-cultural heritage, and economic prosperity.
In a significant development for the Middle East, Jerry Inzerillo, the CEO of Diriyah Company Group, has announced that the masterplan of Wadi Safar has been honored with the prestigious SITES Gold pre-certification. This remarkable achievement marks the first-ever recognition of its kind in the region. Inzerillo expressed his satisfaction, stating that this recognition is well-deserved for Wadi Safar's exceptional masterplan. With this achievement, our project has firmly positioned itself among the ranks of the most groundbreaking advancements on a global scale. Diriyah Company and Wadi Safar have recently been certified for their unwavering dedication to transforming into a premier destination, drawing in both residents and visitors who align with their vision for a sustainable and resilient future. The Wadi Safar team and Diriyah Company's Environmental Sustainability team have showcased their collective dedication to these crucial principles through the successful attainment of this certification.
Wadi Safar, a renowned natural area in the Kingdom, has recently achieved a significant milestone by being awarded the prestigious SITES Gold Precertification. This recognition places Wadi Safar in the esteemed company of other exceptional projects from around the globe, including the United States, Japan, Brazil, China, and Canada. The demonstration of a commitment to the principles of sustainability and resilience is a central aspect of the Wadi Safar masterplan. The growing recognition of this commitment is evident as SITES Gold Precertification showcases the project's exceptional and invaluable attributes. By catalyzing community-level support and raising the project's profile, it is expected to attract some of the best commercial partners from around the world.
Diriyah Company, a prominent Saudi developer, is swiftly gaining recognition for its commitment to sustainability. In a groundbreaking achievement, the first phase of Diriyah's masterplan has been awarded the prestigious LEED Platinum Certification. This remarkable accomplishment has propelled the company to establish new standards for regional and global development.
In a statement made by Peter Templeton, the esteemed president and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council and GBCI, it was revealed that Diriyah Company has come to acknowledge the true essence of landscapes. No longer seen as mere aesthetically pleasing elements, these landscapes are now recognized as vibrant and dynamic systems that play a crucial role as the Earth's natural infrastructure. In a groundbreaking development, the SITES initiative has emerged as a powerful tool to shape the future we envision. By employing innovative strategies that prioritize the preservation and improvement of our land, this initiative holds the potential to safeguard our communities from potential disasters and promote human well-being. With SITES, we are poised to construct a future that aligns with our aspirations while simultaneously prioritizing the conservation and enhancement of our natural resources. Anticipation builds as the completion of the SITES-certified Wadi Safar draws near.
In an exclusive statement, Danny Aoun, the esteemed Regional Director of Operations at Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners), expressed his profound gratitude and reverence for the esteemed Diriyah Company Group. Aoun emphasized the exceptional privilege and honor bestowed upon his organization as they join forces with the visionary group in their noble endeavor to revitalize Diriyah. This historic city, known as the cultural and historic capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is set to undergo a remarkable transformation into a cutting-edge, sustainable, resilient, and globally renowned destination. Aoun further emphasized that this ambitious project will be deeply rooted in the Kingdom's unique heritage and rich history, solidifying its position as a world-leading hub. The vision and design for Wadi Safar's public realm and landscape were carefully crafted to align with the Diriyah Company's dedication to regional leadership in sustainability and resilience. This commitment resonates with Dar's own impressive track record of creating cutting-edge sustainability solutions for our clients. In a groundbreaking achievement, the Middle East has secured its inaugural SITES Gold pre-certification. In the wake of this momentous victory, our attention turns towards the forthcoming realization of this groundbreaking and unparalleled endeavor, which promises to revolutionize not only the Kingdom but also the global community."
In an impressive display of global participation, the Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES) has garnered the involvement of over 315 projects spanning across 20 countries. These projects collectively encompass a staggering 1.26 billion gross square feet of landscapes and outdoor spaces. From university campuses to hotels and resorts, government facilities to public parks, and commercial headquarters to mixed-use developments, a wide array of projects are being undertaken.
In a groundbreaking development, the SITES Gold Pre-certification program has revolutionized the way compliant sites such as Wadi Safar can measure and evaluate their performance. Instead of relying on rigid and inflexible practices, this innovative approach focuses on key performance measures, allowing sites to effectively track and monitor their progress. This shift towards a more dynamic and adaptable system marks a significant step forward in the field of sustainable site design and management. In a noteworthy display of their dedication to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, both Wadi Safar and Diriyah Company have obtained certification. This achievement serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to upholding these crucial values.
The successful attainment of this certification was achieved through a groundbreaking collaboration between the entire Wadi Safar team and the Environmental Sustainability team of Diriyah Company.
