Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye) region, has set a new standard in sustainability by becoming the global leader with the highest number of LEED Platinum certifications.
The bank has been awarded 16 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certifications, the highest sustainable building rating by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), further affirming its position as an industry pioneer.
As of September 2024, Emirates NBD has achieved 35 LEED Platinum and Gold certifications across the UAE, KSA and India branches - the recently opened King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) branch achieving a significant milestone as the first bank in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to attain a LEED Platinum certification.
Additionally, the bank is the first financial institution in the Middle East to receive the Parksmart Gold certification for its parking facility in Nad Al Sheba, Dubai.
In 2024 alone, 20 of Emirates NBD’s branches across the UAE, KSA and India were awarded LEED Platinum and Gold level ratings, the highest rating achievable internationally.
Most recently, the Emirates NBD branches at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, Ibn Battuta Mall and Electra were awarded LEED Platinum (v4 Interior Design and Construction), while the Al Taif branch received Gold.
Eman Abdulrazzaq, Group Chief Operating Officer at Emirates NBD, said: “We are humbled and honoured to lead the way with the highest number of LEED Platinum certifications globally. As a leading bank group in the Middle East, we are committed to environmentally responsible business practices to achieve the world-class standard of green building performance.
“Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and we endeavour to set the flagship example for other organisations and encourage our colleagues, customers and community to partner alongside.”
Vijay Bains, Group Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of ESG at Emirates NBD said: “As a pioneer in sustainability initiatives in the region, we are proud to receive this notable and prestigious milestone, a testament to the bank’s efforts toward Net Zero, aligning with the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030 and Vision 2050.
“Sustainability is an essential pillar in our overall strategy and this achievement further reinforces our aspiration to create a greener future for the banking industry and community.”
Deepthy K B, Regional Director, GBCI Middle East, said: “We congratulate Emirates NBD on achieving LEED Platinum and Gold level certifications across its retail branches. This remarkable milestone recognises Emirates NBD’s consistent commitment as a financial institution to embrace the highest possible levels of sustainability, emphasising the bank’s social responsibility to its stakeholders.
“Emirates NBD’s continued efforts in the ESG and built environment space sets an example for the region and beyond to follow, offering optimal environmental performance, enhanced human comfort and an exemplary in-person banking experience through the LEED-certified branches.”
The LEED framework, developed by USGBC, is the foremost program recognised for implementing several sustainable strategies including energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, transportation and human experience.
LEED is the most widely used sustainable building rating system in the world. It provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving sustainable buildings and has gained global recognition for its comprehensive approach to evaluating and certifying sustainable building practices.
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