Alila Jabal Akhdar Obtains the Sultanate's First LEED Certification

The certification underscores the resort’s commitment to sustainable design and construction methods
 
Dubai | 4 March 2015: Alila Jabal Akhdar has been awarded LEED® Silver Certification in the Building Design and Construction rating system for New Construction by the U.S. Green Building Council. Developed by the Oman Tourism Development Company SAOC (Omran), Alila Jabal Akhdar is the first development in Oman to obtain the prestigious international LEED certification and 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 awarded for its focused objective to maximize the use of local materials in the construction phase and minimize 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% 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, Mark Edleson, President of Alila Hotels & Resorts said, “A sound environment is essential to social wellbeing and business sustainability. We are proud to be partnering Omran in this meaningful quest.  At Alila, our vision is to integrate natural conservation, community and commerce hence our green efforts extend to and beyond the operational aspects so that we can make a positive impact on the community - economically, socially and culturally.”

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, including economic, environmental, cultural and within local communities. 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.

In congratulating Alila Jabal Akhdar’s achievement, Richard Fedrizzi, CEO and Founding Chairman of U.S. Green Building Council said, “On behalf of the U.S. Green Building Council, I am proud to award the Alila Jabal Akhdar 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’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.”

Located 150km from Muscat, Alila Jabal Akhdar has been welcoming many local and foreign guests since it’s opening in May 2014, and has since become a desirable tourist destination for those who visit the Sultanate.  Nestled in the breath-taking Jabal Akhdar area, 2,000 metres above sea level in the western Al Hajar Mountain range, the five-star resort is a quality addition to the high-end tourist destinations in the Gulf region, a catalyst for further developments in this part of the Sultanate. The resort features 86 suites of varied categories and spaces, a first of its kind Omani spa, meeting facilities, restaurants as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The resort has already received a number of awards since it’s opening.