Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East North Africa and Turkey (MENAT) region, revealed that its Al Quds branch in Riyadh has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) V4 ID+C:CI Gold certification, making it the first bank branch in Saudi Arabia to receive this certification.
The kingdom is one of Emirates NBD’s largest footprints outside the UAE and a key market for the banking group. Emirates NBD also remains the first in the MENA region to achieve the prestigious LEED Gold certification for its branches.
Four of the bank’s branches in the UAE such as Nakheel Mall branch, Arabian Centre, Umm Suqeim and Burj Khalifa branch had previously secured the certification, demonstrating the bank’s dedication to social responsibility and sustainability in its operations.
Emirates NBD Al Quds branch in Riyadh awarded LEED V4 ID+C:CI Gold Certification
The LEED rating system, formed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, built, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance. Buildings that obtain the gold certification have lower carbon emissions, create a healthier environment and reduce operating costs while prioritizing sustainable practices.
Abdulla Qassem Group COO Emirates NBD
“We are delighted to be the first bank in KSA to be awarded the highly reputed LEED ID+C:CI Gold certification. The bank had to meet stringent criteria to achieve this recognition reflecting our deep commitment to changing the built environment. As a responsible financial institution, we are proud to be recognized as a leader in sustainable development and remain committed to setting an example for the banking sector.”
Emirates NBD has ongoing sustainability efforts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UAE Vision 2030, and the Dubai Declaration for Sustainable Finance.
The bank, a regional leader in sustainability initiatives, has been formally reporting on its efforts since 2016 when it first published its annual Sustainability Report. The report discusses the banking group’s social, ethical, corporate governance, and environmental performance across last year.
