New Murabba partners USGBC to get LEED certification across the development

Saudi’s New Murabba, a Public Investment Fund company, has signed an agreement to explore potential collaboration in sustainable urban development with the Washington, DC-based US Green Building Council (USGBC).

New Murabba is one of the mega projects, a mixed-use development of over 14 million square metres being built as a new walkable downtown in the Saudi capital of Riyadh. New Murabba has also joined USGBC as a Platinum member, further demonstrating its commitment to sustainability leadership.

Founded in 1993, the USGBC is a private membership-based non-profit organisation that promotes sustainability in building design, construction, and operation. Its LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building rating system is one of the most desired sustainability certificates in the world.

New Murabba strengthens green building ambitions

New Murabba and USGBC will examine how global sustainability frameworks, including LEED, could be applied across the development. This includes exploring advanced models such as LEED v5 and LEED for Communities, along with opportunities to strengthen design, construction and operational practices in line with global best practice.

Both organisations will also look at areas such as knowledge exchange, training, sustainable community development and alignment with international benchmarks that support long-term environmental performance.

Eissa Almunif, Chief Business Excellence Officer at New Murabba, commented: “This MoU is an important step in our journey of learning, innovation and sustainability. Working with the US Green Building Council allows us to explore how global best practices can shape the future of New Murabba. We aim to create a destination that places people, the planet and long-term prosperity at its centre.”

Peter Templeton, President and CEO of USGBC and Green Build Certification, added: “We are proud and honoured to partner with New Murabba as it creates a new downtown for residents, businesses, and visitors of Riyadh.

“Through this agreement, we look forward to supporting New Murabba’s commitment to building sustainability and pursuit of LEED certification. We are also excited to work together to share New Murabba’s lessons in leadership and innovation with other stakeholders.”

New Murabba promises to deliver a destination that not only meets international standards but transforms the way cities are built – setting a new standard in sustainability, smart infrastructure and quality of life.