Kuwait’s largest financial institution, the National Bank of Kuwait’s (NBK) Headquarters in Kuwait City has earned another achievement by obtaining the LEED v2009 for New Construction Gold-certified status from U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
The NBK headquarters is the first LEED Gold certified building in Kuwait under LEED v2009 Certificate, with a building design approved by the USGBC. It is the third-largest building in the MENA region to receive this certification and the top 2 percent of the largest buildings in this category.
This achievement shows the NBK’s commitment to adopting the highest ESG standards and redefining Kuwait’s building concept. The Bank joined with leading institutions around the world in adopting green building and sustainability practices.
NBK’s building is Gold Certified with a total of 67 points. It reflects the Bank’s commitment to adopting the most sustainable standards and its steps to reduce its environmental footprint by creating this ideal model for construction in Kuwait.
On this occasion, Mr. Isam Al-Sager, Group CEO of National Bank of Kuwait stated that “By receiving this prestigious certificate, NBK demonstrates the progress it is making in achieving the strategic pillars of sustainability.”
LEED
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world’s most widely used green building rating system for Sustainable sites, Water efficiency, Process, and Regional Priority, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation in Design.
In line with its CSR commitments, NBK supports the global trend of converting to a low-carbon economy and mitigating the risks of climate change. NBK seeks to develop its ESG practices to become one of the key considerations for developing long-term strategies, Mr. Al Sager added.
The LEED Gold Certificate is issued after numerous evaluations and tests. To this end, the Bank focused on the various characteristics of the building, design innovation, and other technical aspects, and subsequently succeeded in joining the list of world-leading institutions and projects incorporating the green building principle and sustainable practices in its business. NBK achieved this as a result of months of dedicated commitment aimed at improving the lives of people and communities.
LEED provides a framework for healthy, high health efficiency and low-cost green buildings with reduced air pollution with innovative ventilation systems, positive impact on the environment by reducing carbon emissions and hazards. Employees working in LEED-certified buildings are guaranteed to reduce water and electricity consumption, recycle, and a better environment.
NBK’s top priority is environmental protection, along with its commitment to environmental responsibility by actively measuring and evaluating the environmental impact of business, controlling activities to reduce water and energy consumption, and focusing on recycling materials and reducing GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions.
Green Building
In keeping with the modern architecture of green buildings, NBK has designed its headquarters to be environmentally friendly with low pollution materials including paints, coatings, and adhesives. Waste segregation and management system for construction activities, and 20 percent of all materials used are recycled content.
The headquarters also features a large open area of 60 percent of the land footprint and a 100 percent energy-saving light-emitting diode (LED) lighting system.
Green Energy
The building also includes vertical shielding fins that carry structural, architectural, and energy performance roles, and thermal energy storage, overnight chilling ice to be used in the tower’s air conditioning during the day, plus energy-efficient under-floor air conditioning on all levels, which improves thermal comfort and air quality for residents.
Water recycling
The Gray water recycling system is used to meet 60 percent of the drinking water requirement for HVAC systems using zero ODP and very low GWP refrigerants as well as prevent ozone depletion and to reduce global warming impacts.
The Art of Building
The artistically designed building with 63-storey, 300-meter-high, 1.22-million-square-foot, has become one of the new milestones in the economic district in the heart of Kuwait City.
As reflected in the innovative and eco-friendly design, engineering, and world-class features, the building embodies a rich past and future, demonstrating the Bank’s proud position in the national and banking sectors.
It should be noted that the USGBC (US Green Building Council) measures performance and sets standards that promote continuous improvement and commitment to promoting sustainability and economic growth. The LEED-certified cities and communities are working to reduce carbon emissions to create a healthier environment and improve the lives of their people.
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