Dubai South's Festival Plaza earns LEED Gold certification
The achievement strengthens the mall's reputation as an eco-friendly shopping destination and positions it as a sustainability leader within the retail sector.
Since it first opened its doors in 2019, Festival Plaza has been dedicated to supporting national sustainability goals. The certification highlights the mall's commitment to maximising energy efficiency, improving air quality, conserving resources, boosting resilience, safeguarding the health of its visitors and tenants, enhancing inclusivity and accessibility, and advancing positive impact on the community.
During the LEED evaluation process, Festival Plaza earned 65 points, positioning it among the top-performing sustainable retail destinations in the region. By adopting green building practices, the mall has achieved a 17.9% reduction in energy intensity, 14.6% savings in water usage, and an 85% waste diversion rate. Additionally, its carbon footprint has been reduced by 1,250 metric tons CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) per year, contributing to significant environmental benefits.
In addition, Festival Plaza has one of the healthiest and most accessible shopping environments in the UAE. The mall boasts high indoor air quality with CO₂ levels at 600 parts per million (ppm) and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) at 110 micrograms per square metre. Meanwhile, easy access by public transport, with a Transportation Score of 92/100, significantly reduces emissions from commuting. Occupants were generally 'Very Satisfied' with the destination, while shoppers' appreciation of its steadfast focus on elevating the visitor experience, comfort, and well-being was reflected in the Human Experience Score of 85/100.
'At Festival Plaza, we firmly believe that green initiatives drive both profitability and planet-friendly results. We are immensely proud of the LEED Gold certification that strengthens the mall's brand image by officially testifying to its alignment with global sustainability standards. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our teams that have been instrumental in earning this accolade, which will go a long way in attracting eco-conscious consumers, tenants, and investors while driving long-term loyalty. This success motivates us to pursue a journey of continuous improvement and leverage the latest innovations to minimise our environmental impact,' said Felizardo Orticio, Senior Operations Manager at Al-Futtaim Real Estate.
LEED, the most widely used green building rating system in the world, provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. LEED-certified buildings are critical to addressing climate change, meeting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, enhancing resilience, and supporting more equitable communities. – TradeArabia News Service
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
6 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Plans Massive Expansion Of Its Transport Network
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Logistics Services has outlined the Kingdom's ambitious plans to double the transport and logistics sector's contribution to its gross domestic product (GDP). This will include expansion of its railway network by over 50 per cent, and more than double the current passenger capacity at its airports. Minister Saleh Al-Jasser revealed the targets during a ministerial session titled 'Shaping the Future of Transport: People, Technology, and Policy' at the Global Aviation and Maritime Transport Summit. He said the Kingdom is advancing steadily to build an integrated transport ecosystem centered on people and powered by technology and modern policies and highlighted ongoing efforts to develop logistics zones and enhance multimodal integration by connecting transport systems with customs and digital infrastructure, improving service efficiency and nationwide coverage. A key initiative for Saudi is the integrated logistics zone at Jeddah Islamic Port, directly linked to the main seaport, customs warehouses, and air cargo facilities. The minister said that the zone will soon be connected by rail to King Abdulaziz International Airport through an upcoming land bridge project. Launched in mid-2021, the National Transport and Logistics Strategy is part of Saudi Vision 2030. It aims to unify the country's multimodal logistics framework and solidify its position as a leading global hub. It includes the unified national digital logistics platform, which links customs, ports, airlines, and freight forwarders, and has already cut customs clearance times by more than 30 per cent. Al-Jasser stated that Saudi Arabia is developing a fully integrated logistics model that combines infrastructure, policy, and technology to future-proof the sector and enhance international partnerships.
Daily Tribune
14-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
First in Bahrain: Polytechnic Supply Chain Accredited
TDT | Manama Bahrain Polytechnic has become the first educational institution in the Kingdom to receive international accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) for its Master of Science in Supply Chain Management programme. The globally recognised endorsement positions Bahrain Polytechnic as a regional leader in the field, reaffirming its commitment to high-quality, market-aligned education in one of the world's most critical sectors. Rigorous Standards Met The accreditation followed a comprehensive review by CIPS, which assessed the programme against its global standards for procurement and supply education. This included evaluation of the curriculum, quality assurance systems, faculty qualifications, student support mechanisms, and infrastructure. Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin, CEO of Bahrain Polytechnic, said the milestone demonstrated the institution's strategic focus on equipping students with practical, globally relevant skills. 'This is a testament to our deep commitment to providing high-quality education that is directly aligned with labour market needs, not only in Bahrain but also regionally and internationally,' he said. 'This accomplishment opens up broader opportunities for our graduates and enhances the Polytechnic's capacity to support Bahrain's economic vision.' International Recognition CIPS Regional Director for Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, Sam Achampong, said the recognition reflected the Polytechnic's strong alignment with international benchmarks. 'This accreditation clearly demonstrates their dedication to excellence and their alignment with CIPS Global Standard,' he said. 'It's truly inspiring to see this new partner in our region committed to developing the next generation of highly skilled procurement and supply chain professionals.' Graduate Advantage Dr Lorraine Cowley, Head of the School of Logistics, said the endorsement would offer graduates substantial employability benefits and help fast-track their path toward becoming MCIPS-certified professionals.
Daily Tribune
10-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
Work Progresses on Sitra Housing Project with 90% Completion in Phase Two
She also pointed out that Phases Two and Three incorporate improved housing designs, developed based on citizen feedback gathered through earlier surveys. Some units are also being tailored to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. The Minister praised CMEC's collaboration and responsiveness to the ministry's observations and ongoing development requirements. Minister Al-Rumaihi emphasized that the progress seen in the Sitra Housing Project reflects the government's commitment to providing housing solutions swiftly for citizens — whether through new housing cities or financing options and partnerships with the private sector. She noted that the project is a key component of the Government Program 2023–2026 and has been included in the national budget for 2023–2026. The Sitra Housing Project is considered one of the ministry's flagship initiatives, offering a modern residential environment complete with essential services and community facilities — including schools, health centers, shops, mosques, and parks — aimed at enhancing family stability across Bahrain.
