February 18, 2025

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia––King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC) has been awarded three LEED Platinum certifications by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for three different projects, reinforcing its status as the world’s largest LEED Platinum-certified business district.

The certifications, presented during an official visit by USGBC President and CEO Peter Templeton, recognize KAFD’s fire station, headquarters, and PIF Tower for their excellence in sustainability and smart infrastructure. For the fire station , KAFD has been awarded the LEED Platinum for Building Design and Construction (BD+C) , and for the KAFD Headquarters, it has been awarded LEED Platinum for Interior Design and Construction (ID+C). Finally, for the PIF Tower, Riyadh’s tallest building, received LEED Platinum for Operations and Maintenance (O+M).

Templeton’s visit included high-level discussions on LEED v5, the newest version of the LEED rating system, KAFD’s sustainability roadmap, and the district’s future plans for integrating green technologies into its infrastructure. KAFD executives also led a tour showcasing the district’s LEED-certified buildings, including the newly certified assets.

The KAFD Fire Station is the first LEED Platinum v4-certified fire station in the world to achieve Platinum certification under LEED v4 for BD+C, setting new standards in emergency response infrastructure and energy efficiency. Designed with advanced safety systems, cutting-edge technologies, and a louvered glass façade illuminated by matrix LED lights, the facility is optimized for climate-conscious operations while enhancing firefighting capacity and public safety within the district.

“The role of cities in addressing climate change is undeniable—urban areas account for 75% of global CO2 emissions, with buildings and transportation as the primary contributors,” said Faddy AlAql, Chief Asset Delivery Officer of KAFD DMC. “KAFD is committed to operating with a climate-conscious perspective, integrating sustainable infrastructure that enhances urban resilience while ensuring a high quality of life. The new ultra-energy-efficient fire station, the only LEED-Platinum certified fire station in the world, not only boosts the safety of KAFD’s community but also reinforces our commitment to environmentally responsible development. Additionally, the LEED Platinum-certified KAFD Headquarters and PIF Tower exemplify our approach to high-performance green buildings, setting a new benchmark for sustainable urban environments. Through these initiatives, we continue to foster a thriving, forward-thinking district that values both innovation and sustainability.”

Templeton emphasized the importance of KAFD’s achievements, stating: “The work of innovative building projects—from KAFD’s headquarters, to the PIF Tower, and the KAFD fire station—is a fundamental driving force in transforming the way our buildings are built, designed, and operated.”

“Achieving LEED certification is more than just implementing sustainable practices. It represents a commitment to making the world a better place and influencing others to do better. Given the extraordinary importance of climate protection and the central role buildings play in that effort, KAFD is creating a path forward through their LEED certification,” Templeton added.

KAFD has positioned itself as a pioneering smart and green business district, becoming the first WiredScore Global Smart Neighborhood in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). With more than 40 Silver and Gold LEED-certified buildings, KAFD continues to integrate intelligent infrastructure, energy-efficient design, and innovative urban solutions to enhance business, lifestyle, and sustainability.