Latest news with #LeadershipinEnergyandEnvironmentalDesign
Mid East Info
a day ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
LEED Platinum Certification Places Emirates Electrical Engineering's Al Waha Headquarters Among UAE's Elite Green Buildings
Only 141* buildings in the UAE have achieved Platinum status, the highest level of recognition under the global Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. Emirates Electrical Engineering (EEE), a member of Al Rostamani Group, founded by Abdulla Hassan Al Rostamani in the early 1950s and a key contributor to the UAE's power infrastructure, has been awarded the LEED Platinum Certification ( LEED v4 ID+C Platinum ) for the sustainable design of its new, energy-efficient headquarters at Al Waha Complex, placing it among a select group of LEED Platinum-certified buildings in the UAE, including landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and Mall of the Emirates. The new headquarters serves as a live demonstration of EEE's in-house capabilities in delivering integrated sustainable energy solutions. By completing all design, engineering, and implementation internally, EEE has set a practical example for other businesses looking to reduce their energy footprint. The company now aims to extend these services to clients seeking to enhance operational efficiency and align with the UAE's Green Agenda 2030 and Net Zero by 2050 objectives. Industry Leadership and Global Standards LEED is the world's most widely used green building rating system, distinguished by its rigorous benchmarks in energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor environmental quality. There are 713** LEED-certified buildings across the UAE at various levels, with a growing number of applications driven by the country's sustainability goals, regulatory frameworks, and market demand. Al Waha Complex stood out during the LEED Platinum certification process for its zero-waste transition and exceptional performance in the Energy and Atmosphere category, earning the full 36 points, which is a rare achievement for a retrofitted building. Key features include: High-performance energy- and water-efficient systems On-site solar power generation and smart grid integration Use of sustainable materials and landfill waste diversion Enhanced indoor air quality and infrastructure for green commuting Prabash Manthara, General Manager of Emirates Electrical Engineering, stated: 'Our office integrates cutting-edge energy-saving technologies and on-site solar power generation, demonstrating the tangible benefits of sustainable design—from cost savings to healthier workplaces as well as contributing surplus energy to DEWA's Smart Grid. This achievement exemplifies our role in advancing the UAE's energy transition and inspires industry-wide adoption of green practices' 'Achieving the LEED Platinum Certification positions EEE as a leader in green building practices, potentially attracting environmentally conscious clients and partners. Moreover, our commitment to sustainable operations can have a ripple effect on the community by promoting eco-friendly initiatives and contributing to a cleaner, greener future for all.' Ms. Deepthy K B, Senior Director, GBCI MENA, commented: 'The LEED Platinum certification of Al Waha office demonstrates the commitment of Emirates Electrical Engineering & Al Rostamani Group towards achieving the highest level of recognition in green building design and construction. This achievement further strengthens their organizational vision towards creating healthy and equitable workspaces for their employees and stakeholders through actionable net-zero and climate action targets. It is an honour to recognize this project during the 25th anniversary of LEED.' The adoption of internationally recognised standards such as LEED plays a critical role in advancing the UAE's Green Agenda 2030, particularly in clean energy, carbon reduction, and sustainable infrastructure. Projects like Al Waha Office demonstrate how technical capability and in-house delivery can support measurable, scalable progress in sustainable development. As more companies align with these frameworks, the collective impact will help accelerate national progress toward Net Zero by 2050 and reinforce the region's leadership in sustainable development. Sources : numbers accurate based on the time of publishing * **
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Aurora joins yearlong national sustainability program
The city of Aurora has recently been picked to join a yearlong program that brings together communities from around the country to improve sustainability. As one of only 16 local governments to be chosen as part of the 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort, Aurora will be supported by the U.S. Green Building Council in sustainability, resilience and quality of life efforts, according to a city news release announcing the partnership. 'The City of Aurora is honored to take part in the LEED for Cities cohort,' Mayor John Laesch said in the news release. 'This partnership will allow Aurora to develop a more sustainable planning process, while taking significant steps toward reducing climate change and promoting a more resilient and equitable city.' LEED stands for 'Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design' and is typically used to certify green buildings. However, whole local governments or communities can be LEED certified, which is what Aurora will be working towards under the yearlong cohort program. The city's participation in this program seems to align with Laesch's stated vision for the city, which includes a focus on fostering green-building jobs, but the city applied to be a part of the cohort before he was elected. According to the news release, Aurora is planning to use the program to 'engage the public around data-driven goals and identify opportunities to strengthen local climate and sustainability efforts.' Through the program, the city will be given resources to measure and improve sustainability performance through the LEED for Cities rating system, the news release said. But according to Randal Stephens, the city grant writer who helped secure the city's spot in the cohort, Aurora will also benefit from sharing resources and best practices with others in the program. Throughout the yearlong process, she said, the cohort will meet twice a month and work through nine different areas of focus: integrative process, natural systems and ecology, transportation and land use, water efficiency, energy and greenhouse gas emissions, materials and resources, quality of life, innovation and regional priorities. For example, in the natural systems and ecology category, Aurora will take a comprehensive look at the city's natural systems, identify invasive species, study soil composition and inventory typical pollution sources, according to Stephens. She said that, once the information is gathered, it can be used in future policy improvements or projects. Beyond the environmental side of sustainability, Stephens said, the program will also take a look at things like vulnerable populations through the quality of life category to identify gaps in social infrastructure instead of focusing only on built environments. LEED certification would show that Aurora took a holistic approach to evaluating its policies and practices, fostered collaboration between departments and developed a framework for continued improvement — plus, it would help the city in future grant applications, since it would show the city has the capacity, experience and ability to manage these sorts of complex programs, according to Stephens. In the short-term, being in the cohort will give the city a free yearlong membership to resources through the LEED online portal, which is normally paid, plus will offer discounted training courses and individual certifications, she said. According to the U.S. Green Building Council's own news release announcing the 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort, nearby Cook County is also participating in the cohort program. Other local governments in the 2025 cohort include Ashland, Massachusetts; Brighton, Colorado; Delray Beach, Florida; Farmers Branch, Texas; Harris County, Texas; King County, Washington; Lafayette, Indiana; Lincoln, Nebraska; Mercer Island, Washington; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Riverside, California; Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and West Lafayette, Indiana. 'City governments play a critical role in advancing public and environmental health, resilience and economic prosperity across their communities,' Peter Templeton, U.S. Green Building Council president and CEO, said in the organization's press release. 'We applaud this cohort for prioritizing these outcomes and committing to meaningful actions on sustainability and community well-being.' Stephens said Aurora was invited to apply for the cohort around late last year. The idea was then discussed internally to make sure the city had the capacity to participate in the program since it covers a large range of topics and involves nearly every city department, she said, and an application was turned in around last December. One of the main reasons the city applied was to work toward goals laid out in the 2019 Sustainability Plan, including expanding renewable energy and piloting zero waste initiatives, according to Stephens. She said that, as the city reviews its current policies and procedures through the cohort program, hopefully opportunities for improvement will be identified that contribute to that plan's goals. The U.S. Green Building Council's website about the Local Government Leadership Program, which the LEED for Cities Certification Cohort is a part of, says cities in the cohort are expected to be LEED certified within 12 months of starting the program. A timeline in an info packet linked on the website shows that program graduation is planned for March 31, 2026. First started in 2017, the Local Government Leadership Program has in total provided direct support to around 120 local governments across the country, which represents around 55 million people, according to the U.S. Green Building Council's news release. Beyond the certification cohort, the program also includes regional leadership summits and accelerators. rsmith@
Chicago Tribune
4 days ago
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Aurora joins yearlong national sustainability program
The city of Aurora has recently been picked to join a yearlong program that brings together communities from around the country to improve sustainability. As one of only 16 local governments to be chosen as part of the 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort, Aurora will be supported by the U.S. Green Building Council in sustainability, resilience and quality of life efforts, according to a city news release announcing the partnership. 'The City of Aurora is honored to take part in the LEED for Cities cohort,' Mayor John Laesch said in the news release. 'This partnership will allow Aurora to develop a more sustainable planning process, while taking significant steps toward reducing climate change and promoting a more resilient and equitable city.' LEED stands for 'Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design' and is typically used to certify green buildings. However, whole local governments or communities can be LEED certified, which is what Aurora will be working towards under the yearlong cohort program. The city's participation in this program seems to align with Laesch's stated vision for the city, which includes a focus on fostering green-building jobs, but the city applied to be a part of the cohort before he was elected. According to the news release, Aurora is planning to use the program to 'engage the public around data-driven goals and identify opportunities to strengthen local climate and sustainability efforts.' Through the program, the city will be given resources to measure and improve sustainability performance through the LEED for Cities rating system, the news release said. But according to Randal Stephens, the city grant writer who helped secure the city's spot in the cohort, Aurora will also benefit from sharing resources and best practices with others in the program. Throughout the yearlong process, she said, the cohort will meet twice a month and work through nine different areas of focus: integrative process, natural systems and ecology, transportation and land use, water efficiency, energy and greenhouse gas emissions, materials and resources, quality of life, innovation and regional priorities. For example, in the natural systems and ecology category, Aurora will take a comprehensive look at the city's natural systems, identify invasive species, study soil composition and inventory typical pollution sources, according to Stephens. She said that, once the information is gathered, it can be used in future policy improvements or projects. Beyond the environmental side of sustainability, Stephens said, the program will also take a look at things like vulnerable populations through the quality of life category to identify gaps in social infrastructure instead of focusing only on built environments. LEED certification would show that Aurora took a holistic approach to evaluating its policies and practices, fostered collaboration between departments and developed a framework for continued improvement — plus, it would help the city in future grant applications, since it would show the city has the capacity, experience and ability to manage these sorts of complex programs, according to Stephens. In the short-term, being in the cohort will give the city a free yearlong membership to resources through the LEED online portal, which is normally paid, plus will offer discounted training courses and individual certifications, she said. According to the U.S. Green Building Council's own news release announcing the 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort, nearby Cook County is also participating in the cohort program. Other local governments in the 2025 cohort include Ashland, Massachusetts; Brighton, Colorado; Delray Beach, Florida; Farmers Branch, Texas; Harris County, Texas; King County, Washington; Lafayette, Indiana; Lincoln, Nebraska; Mercer Island, Washington; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Riverside, California; Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and West Lafayette, Indiana. 'City governments play a critical role in advancing public and environmental health, resilience and economic prosperity across their communities,' Peter Templeton, U.S. Green Building Council president and CEO, said in the organization's press release. 'We applaud this cohort for prioritizing these outcomes and committing to meaningful actions on sustainability and community well-being.' Stephens said Aurora was invited to apply for the cohort around late last year. The idea was then discussed internally to make sure the city had the capacity to participate in the program since it covers a large range of topics and involves nearly every city department, she said, and an application was turned in around last December. One of the main reasons the city applied was to work toward goals laid out in the 2019 Sustainability Plan, including expanding renewable energy and piloting zero waste initiatives, according to Stephens. She said that, as the city reviews its current policies and procedures through the cohort program, hopefully opportunities for improvement will be identified that contribute to that plan's goals. The U.S. Green Building Council's website about the Local Government Leadership Program, which the LEED for Cities Certification Cohort is a part of, says cities in the cohort are expected to be LEED certified within 12 months of starting the program. A timeline in an info packet linked on the website shows that program graduation is planned for March 31, 2026. First started in 2017, the Local Government Leadership Program has in total provided direct support to around 120 local governments across the country, which represents around 55 million people, according to the U.S. Green Building Council's news release. Beyond the certification cohort, the program also includes regional leadership summits and accelerators.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Fiserv Forum becomes second NBA arena to receive top sustainability certification
Fiserv Forum has been recognized as one of the nation's top environmentally sustainable venues. On May 30, the Milwaukee Bucks announced that Fiserv Forum has been awarded platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED. It is the second NBA arena to earn this distinction, joining Portland's Moda Center, and the first such venue in Wisconsin. The award comes after the Baird Center achieved gold certification earlier this year. The LEED award ranks buildings on a point-based system with certified being the lowest and platinum being the highest. This year, the building won based on four categories: water, waste, transportation and human experience. To win the award, Fiserv Forum tracked its performance in the four categories by using Arc, a software platform that monitors sustainability efforts, officials said at a May 30 press conference. Fiserv Forum, which received gold designation in 2022, improved water and waste by adding touchless faucets and implementing the Orca Food Digester to help reduce food waste. In addition, the building added Bublr Bikes and a Lyft station to encourage walking, biking and ridesharing. Fiserv Forum improved human experience by installing Kaiterra sensors, which monitor air quality inside buildings and workplaces. Dennis Williams, senior vice president and general manager of Fiserv Forum, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that sustainability has been a top priority since the arena opened its doors in 2018. At the May 30 press conference, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said the award is a symbol of the city's progress in sustainability. 'It's a city that's on the rise, and as we grow, we've got a responsibility to do it in a sustainable way and a way that is equitable and with a long-term impact in mind,' Johnson said during the May 30 announcement. With the new platinum certification, Williams said he wants to continue to make the building more sustainable the potential use of waste diversion. 'For us, we wanted to be good stewards of the community and make sure we're leaving the Earth the way we found it," Williams said. "If we can better the community around us (then) there's a lot of value in that." This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Fiserv Forum receives Platinum LEED certification for sustainability
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Therma-Tru Doors earns Green GOOD DESIGN® Award for its energy-efficient options for every home
MAUMEE, Ohio, May 29, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In recognition of a commitment to providing sustainable design innovation for homes across the U.S., Therma-Tru® Doors has been named a 2025 Green GOOD DESIGN® award-winner. Presented annually by The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, the Green GOOD DESIGN award program, "identifies and emphasizes the world's most important examples of sustainable design." Nearly all—99.8%—of Therma-Tru products are NFRC-certified, helping homeowners make informed decisions on buying products that save on energy costs. NFRC-certified products are independently tested by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) for energy performance across key categories. "Because Therma-Tru doors are qualified to help keep heating and cooling sealed inside the home, the products also deliver energy savings straight to homeowners' pockets," said Eric Dotson, vice president of product management B2B. Some of the features that help Therma-Tru doors stand out in energy efficiency include: Pressure-injected foam core: Therma-Tru's fiberglass doors feature a pressure-injected foam interior, providing four-times the insulation of a wood door, helping enhance a home's energy efficiency. Flush-glazed glass: Intentional design for exceptional performance—sleek frameless flush-glazed glass provides increased protection against air and water infiltration. Complete door systems: Therma-Tru doors and glass are engineered to work together with components like weatherstrips that help create a tighter seal and reduce air leakage around the edges. Therma-Tru's energy-efficient doors also provide points toward the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, supporting green building goals. Therma-Tru is America's leading manufacturer of fiberglass and steel exterior door systems. Proven to perform, protect and preserve, a Therma-Tru complete door system is the culmination of more than 60 years of expertise in material science, engineering and manufacturing. The company tests its on-trend entryways against extreme environmental conditions—far beyond industry standards—to ensure maximum durability and safety. Learn more at About Therma-Tru Therma-Tru is the leading entry door brand most preferred by building professionals. Founded in 1962, Therma-Tru pioneered the fiberglass entry door industry, and today offers a complete portfolio of entry door system solutions proven to outlast and outperform wood and steel. Therma-Tru is part of Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. (NYSE: FBIN). Learn more at About Fortune Brands Innovations Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. (NYSE: FBIN), headquartered in Deerfield, Ill., is a brand, innovation and channel leader focused on exciting, supercharged categories in the home products, security and commercial building markets. The Company's growing portfolio of brands includes Moen, House of Rohl, Aqualisa, Emtek, Therma-Tru, Larson, Fiberon, Master Lock, SentrySafe, Yale residential and August. To learn more about FBIN, its brands and environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments, visit View source version on Contacts Amy Evans317-873-8100amy@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
