
Ithra earns diamond certification for its green credentials
Ithra, as it is more commonly known, is the first project in the Kingdom to achieve the top level of certification in the operations and existing buildings category.
Abdullah Al-Buqami, technical services manager at Ithra, said: 'This recognition reflects our commitment to making Ithra a model of sustainability. We believe that innovation in design and environmental practices can truly shape the future.
'Being the only project receiving a certification in this category in Saudi Arabia is a major milestone in our sustainability journey, reinforcing our dedication to leading by example and inspiring others to elevate sustainability standards across the Kingdom.'
The certification is awarded to existing projects that meet the highest environmental standards and reflect local values. Seen as a benchmark for environmental and social impact, the scheme promotes sustainable practices by enhancing energy and water efficiency, improving environmental performance, optimizing resource management and reducing carbon footprint.
Developed by the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, the Mostadam program is tailored to the local climate and environmental conditions. It promotes sustainability in building practices and aims to enhance the efficiency of energy, water and resource usage, while fostering economic growth and job creation. It also aligns with the wider goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Projects can achieve one of five ratings, from green to diamond, based on their adherence to the sustainability criteria.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Leaders
3 days ago
- Leaders
GACA President Crowns Winners of 2025 Aviation Hackathon
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) concluded the 2025 Aviation Hackathon (AVITHON) in Riyadh yesterday, held in collaboration with Elm Company and the Digital Saudi Program. During the closing ceremony—attended by officials, experts, and innovators—GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej highlighted the hackathon as a pioneering national platform that reflects the Kingdom's commitment to transforming innovation into reality. He noted its role in advancing the aviation sector, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, and driving operational efficiency, exceptional user experiences, and global competitiveness through innovation and advanced technologies. Al-Duailej praised the participants' creative solutions as inspiring examples of determination and ingenuity in building a more advanced and efficient future. He also extended his gratitude to partners, supporters, and organizing teams for their role in the event's success. The ceremony featured a video recap of the hackathon's journey, followed by the unveiling of the top five innovative ideas. Al-Duailej then crowned the winning teams after months of competition that brought together talented young innovators from across the Kingdom, and honored both the organizing team and supporting partners. Related Topics : GACA Unveils Integrated Digital Platform and New Corporate Identity GACA Spotlights Saudi Aviation Achievements at Egypt International Airshow 2024 King Khalid Int'l Airport Tops GACA Report for Sept. 2024 Saudi GACA denies fake news on the resumption of international flights next October Short link : Post Views: 192 Related Stories


Saudi Gazette
3 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Ministry announces new regulatory requirements for factories within and outside urban areas
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has formulated new regulatory requirements for factories within and outside urban areas. This comes within the ministry's efforts to improve the industrial investment environment and raise the level of compliance. It also aims to make available suitable and safe locations that align with urban development plans across the Kingdom. The ministry clarified that the requirements cover all types of factories, whether located within urban areas as well as within in support service areas, or within approved plans for industrial use. The ministry explained that issuing a license requires a valid commercial registration, industrial license from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, environmental permit from the National Center for Environmental Compliance, and approval from Civil Defense, in accordance with fire protection and building safety requirements. The ministry explained that the requirements include specific spatial controls, most notably that the site shall be within areas designated for industrial or commercial use, and that its area shall be no less than 300 square meters and no more than 600 square meters. The ministry stipulated that there should be parking lots for trucks and vehicles, and designated loading and unloading areas. It also required an approved engineering design that outlines tracks for movement of trucks and pedestrians, entrances and exits, and control points. The ministry emphasized that the technical and architectural requirements mandate investors to comply with the Saudi Building Code, using fire-resistant materials, provision of ventilation, air conditioning, alarm, and fire-fighting systems, provision of accessible paths for people with disabilities, and adherence to the design of facades in accordance with the urban code or approved design ministry emphasized the need to adhere to operational requirements, which include installation of security surveillance cameras, placement of internal signage, provision of electronic payment methods in the presence of sales outlets, and prohibition of operating outside the boundaries of the licensed site or after the expiration of license. It also emphasized the display of a unified electronic code (QR) associated with the license data, ensuring transparency and ease of ministry pointed out that the requirements stipulate the separation of primary and secondary activities, implementation of waste management mechanisms, and standards for public hygiene and periodic maintenance. It noted that municipal authorities monitor the implementation of these requirements on the ground and enforce the municipal penalties listed on violating facilities. This is part of improving the quality of industrial activities, enhancing compliance, and creating a safe and organized environment that supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.


Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Regulations updated for billboards to improve urban landscape and enhance visual appeal
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has updated regulations for permanent and temporary billboards and advertising in the cities across the Kingdom. This is part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to develop the urban landscape and enhance the visual appeal of the urban environment, achieving a balance between urban beauty and advertising activity. The ministry stated that the new regulations set precise standards that take into account the local architectural character of each region and are consistent with design guidelines or the approved urban code. This contributes to regulating the use of billboards on roads, buildings, and public facilities, taking into account safety and general appearance, and opens the way for creative advertising content. The updated requirements emphasize the importance of removing signs immediately upon the expiration of the license or upon cancellation of the activity, and restoring the site to its previous condition. This is to preserve the visual landscape, enhance adherence to urban identity, and prevent practices that may negatively impact the aesthetics and functionality of cities. The ministry explained that these requirements are framed as part of its efforts to reduce visual distortion, instill a culture of compliance, and achieve an integrated urban environment that supports the aspirations of residents and respects the rights of pedestrians, drivers, and users alike. It also supports private sector investment, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to build integrated, modern cities. The ministry called on advertisers, business owners, and interested parties to review the details of the requirements on the ministry's website or through the Balady platform.