RIYADH — King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the district at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s capital, has been awarded the "US Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership Award” in recognition of its cutting-edge sustainability initiatives. The award solidifies KAFD’s position in the region and globally as a prime example for sustainable cities. KAFD has also been recognized as the largest mixed-use development globally for achieving (LEED) platinum certification. USGBC leadership awards recognize globally the leadership of organizations and individuals in achieving the vision of creating healthier, equitable and resilient buildings, cities, and communities. KAFD is regarded as the leader of sustainability in the region; from its unique architectural designs which are inspired by the local environment, to its energy consumption, which focuses on preserving and recycling natural resources. Amongst KAFD’s landmark achievements include central district cooling which has reduced energy consumption by 50%, using recycled water for greenification and an automated system for waste collection that uses an underground pipeline to collect and segregate recyclable waste. The unique urban design of KAFD, in particular the ‘Wadi’ promotes walkability and a healthy lifestyle. This distinctive shaded pedestrian walkway sits 5.5 meters below street level and provides naturally cooler airflow in addition to a unique entertainment experience. KAFD is Riyadh’s first mega mixed-use development spread across 1.6 million SQMs in land area with 83 buildings including 61 towers designed by 22 world-renowned architects to provide a sustainable and dynamic environment. The district is a unique architectural masterpiece that blends business, world-class entertainment, leisure, and lifestyle. The US Green Building Council (USGBC), which has developed the Leadership in Energy, Sustainability and Environmental design (LEED) certification, was founded in 1993 and is a world-leading non-profit organization in promoting sustainability in the structure, design, and operation of buildings. — SPA