Diriyah Company has been awarded two prestigious Mostadam (Ajwad) sustainability certifications by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable urban development under Vision 2030. The announcement was made on the opening day of Cityscape Global, the international real estate event titled “The Future of Living,” held in Riyadh from November 11 to 14, 2024. The certifications recognize Diriyah Company’s projects in the Northern Diriyah area and at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, highlighting the developer’s alignment with the Quality of Life Program.
Context and Background
The Mostadam certification, supported by the Ajwad initiative, is awarded to residential and community projects based on ratings that measure their sustainability performance. The certifications are achieved by applying rigorous standards, including increasing green spaces, providing safe pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, and reducing water waste through reuse for irrigation. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals to enhance quality of life and promote environmental stewardship as part of Vision 2030.
Key Details
The two certified projects include Diriyah North, which achieved a Masterplan certification at the Diamond Level—the highest Mostadam rating—with 86 points on the certification scale. The Ritz-Carlton Residences received an Asset certification at the Gold Level. Diriyah North’s sustainability achievements include meeting 100 percent of irrigation demand with treated sewage effluent, providing 46 percent shaded walkways for pedestrians, and dedicating 25 percent of the area to parks and open space. The Ajwad initiative has registered 74 projects to date, including five Diriyah projects, with the remaining three scheduled for certification next year.
Implications and Impact
This recognition reinforces Diriyah Company’s leadership in sustainable urban development in the region. Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo stated, “The Diriyah project is fully committed to sustainability. These latest accreditations are a significant endorsement of our dedication to employing the highest standards of environmental protection in construction and design, enabling us to deliver a brand-new concept in urban development with a unique, people-first urban regeneration project for everyone to enjoy.” The certifications follow a series of accolades, including LEED Platinum in 2023 for the first phase of the Diriyah Masterplan—the first project in the Middle East to achieve the highest level of certification at the masterplan level—and SITES Gold precertification for the Wadi Safar masterplan.
Vision 2030 Alignment
These certifications underscore Diriyah Company’s central role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly the Quality of Life Program, which aims to create vibrant, sustainable communities. By integrating world-class sustainability standards, Diriyah is setting a benchmark for future urban developments in the Kingdom, contributing to a diversified economy and enhanced living standards for residents and visitors alike.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the Mostadam certification?
A1. The Mostadam certification is a sustainability rating system for residential and community projects in Saudi Arabia, awarded by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing under the Ajwad initiative.
Q2. Which Diriyah projects received the Mostadam certifications?
A2. Diriyah North received a Masterplan certification at the Diamond Level, and The Ritz-Carlton Residences received an Asset certification at the Gold Level.
Q3. What is the Ajwad initiative?
A3. The Ajwad initiative is a program that supports sustainable urban development by registering and certifying projects that meet sustainability and quality of life standards.
Q4. How many projects has the Ajwad initiative registered?
A4. The Ajwad initiative has registered 74 projects to date, including five Diriyah projects, with two achieving certification.
Q5. What was the score for Diriyah North on the Mostadam scale?
A5. Diriyah North achieved 86 points on the Mostadam certification scale, earning the Diamond Level, which is the highest rating.
Q6. What sustainability features does Diriyah North include?
A6. Diriyah North meets 100 percent of irrigation demand with treated sewage effluent, provides 46 percent shaded walkways, and dedicates 25 percent of the area to parks and open space.
Q7. When were the certifications announced?
A7. The certifications were announced on November 11, 2024, the first day of Cityscape Global in Riyadh.
Q8. What is Cityscape Global?
A8. Cityscape Global is an international real estate event titled “The Future of Living,” held in Riyadh from November 11 to 14, 2024, showcasing developments.
Q9. Who is the Group CEO of Diriyah Company?
A9. The Group CEO of Diriyah Company is Jerry Inzerillo, who expressed pride in the sustainability achievements.
Q10. What previous sustainability accolade did Diriyah receive in 2023?
A10. In 2023, Diriyah received LEED Platinum certification for the first phase of the Diriyah Masterplan, the first project in the Middle East to achieve this at the masterplan level.
Q11. What is the Quality of Life Program?
A11. The Quality of Life Program is a Saudi initiative under Vision 2030 that aims to enhance living standards, promote sustainability, and create vibrant communities.
Q12. How does the certification relate to water conservation?
A12. The certification requires reducing water waste by reusing treated sewage effluent for irrigation, as demonstrated by Diriyah North meeting 100 percent of irrigation demand.
Q13. Are other Diriyah projects planned for certification?
A13. Yes, three additional Diriyah projects are scheduled for Mostadam certification next year, with other districts aiming for Diamond Level certification.
Q14. What is the Diamond Level in Mostadam?
A14. The Diamond Level is the highest tier in the Mostadam certification, indicating exceptional performance in sustainability and quality of life standards.
Q15. What is the Wadi Safar masterplan’s certification?
A15. The Wadi Safar masterplan received the region’s first SITES Gold precertification, highlighting its sustainable landscape design.
Q16. Which parking facilities received Parksmart Gold pre-certification?
A16. Bujairi Car Park and Samhan Car Park received Parksmart Gold pre-certification in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Q17. How does Diriyah Company contribute to Vision 2030?
A17. Diriyah Company supports Vision 2030 by developing sustainable, people-first urban projects that enhance quality of life and promote environmental protection.
Q18. What is the significance of the Ritz-Carlton Residences certification?
A18. The Ritz-Carlton Residences received a Gold Level certification, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability in luxury real estate development.
Q19. What percentage of Diriyah North is dedicated to green spaces?
A19. Diriyah North dedicates 25 percent of its area to parks and open space, enhancing community well-being and environmental health.
Q20. What message does Jerry Inzerillo convey about Diriyah’s approach?
A20. Jerry Inzerillo emphasized Diriyah’s full commitment to sustainability, stating the certifications endorse their use of high environmental standards in construction and design.
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