— As a part of its efforts in ensuring a sustainable future of coffee and caring for people in Saudi Arabia, Starbucks announced on Wednesday the official inauguration of its first Silver LEED-certified store in the MENA region, located at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh. By being the first and only coffee retailer to be granted this certification in the region, Starbucks is contributing to the Kingdom’s sustainability endeavors, in line with Vision 2030 which places the development of green buildings at the helm. The Starbucks’s Silver LEED-certified store at KAFD sets new standards in the coffee retail industry given the incorporation of green construction best practices. In fact, the store optimizes water efficiency by reducing potable water waste by 53%, saves 20% of energy, reduces waste by 75% and had diverted 75% of construction waste. Commenting on the launch, the President of Starbucks MENA at Alshaya Group, Andy Holmes said:” We, at Starbucks, are committed to being a resource positive company – driving innovation at scale and solidifying our commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sustainable future for its people and the planet. We chose KAFD as the main location for the opening of the first Silver LEED-certified store, for it symbolizes our commitment to the Kingdom and its sustainable vision”. As one of the most prestigious sustainable developments located in KAFD, the store aims to inspire a culture of sustainability in the Kingdom and offers a perfect co-working space for eco-conscious professionals and entrepreneurs who strive to lead a sustainable lifestyle.