LEED Certifications Drive Red Sea Global To Record Sustainability Milestones

Red Sea Global announced that several flagship assets across The Red Sea and Amaala destinations have secured major LEED certifications, covering buildings, logistics facilities, and community master plans, placing the company among global leaders in sustainable development while supporting Saudi Vision 2030 goals for low-carbon tourism and environmentally responsible infrastructure.

Red Sea International Airport received LEED Platinum certification, placing it among only four airports worldwide with this level of recognition. The facility operates entirely on renewable energy and uses efficient energy management systems, while seaplane flights rely on sustainable aviation fuel, reflecting years of coordinated work to embed long-term environmental, social, and economic value in its design.

Chief Sustainability and Environment Officer of Red Sea Global Raed Albasseet said: "These certifications are not merely technical achievements; they embody a deeply rooted approach that places sustainability at the core of everything we do. From full reliance on renewable energy, to advanced water reuse systems, circular waste management that transforms waste into resources, and low-emission mobility solutions, we are integrating sustainability and regeneration across all our operations."

Turtle Bay International School secured LEED Platinum certification with 92 points under the LEED v4 Building Design and Construction rating system, the highest score ever awarded to a school under that framework. Only 15 schools worldwide have reached this standard, and it is the first educational facility in Saudi Arabia to do so, setting a strong benchmark for sustainable learning environments.

Albasseet highlighted the wider impact of the school’s performance, stating: "Turtle Bay International School achieved LEED Platinum certification after receiving 92 points, the highest rating ever recorded under the LEED v4 system for schools. Globally, only 15 schools have attained this level of accreditation, making it the first educational facility locally to achieve this milestone and establishing a new benchmark in sustainable education, advanced architectural design, and regenerative learning environments."

The company’s Central Distribution Center achieved LEED Gold certification with 73 points, positioning it among the most sustainable storage and logistics facilities in the Middle East. The design introduces smart energy management, optimised material use, and improved operational efficiency, reflecting Red Sea Global’s focus on low-impact industrial infrastructure that supports large destinations without increasing environmental pressure.

The master plans for Turtle Bay and the Staff Village at Amaala were both granted LEED Platinum certification for Communities, confirming that sustainability principles are embedded beyond individual buildings and into wider urban planning. These plans consider energy, water, mobility, social inclusion, and long-term liveability for residents and workers across the destinations.

Amaala received LEED for Communities certification at the Planning and Design phase, placing the project within a select group of only 45 developments worldwide that hold this recognition. Of those, 16 projects, including the first phase of The Red Sea destination, have achieved Platinum status, emphasising a consistent framework for sustainable urban development across Red Sea Global’s portfolio.

This first LEED certification for Amaala helps build a solid base for future stages, supporting its role as an international example of responsible development. The assessment covers environmental and social factors, economic growth, urban resilience, governance, and quality of life, aligning the project with advanced standards for sustainable communities and large-scale destination planning.

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The Red Sea destination is one of the central pillars of Saudi Vision 2030 and currently offers nine luxury resorts that are open to guests. Shura Island, described as the heart of the destination, began welcoming visitors in 2023 with the launch of the first of its planned 11 resorts, with further properties still under development.

Red Sea Global stated that both The Red Sea and Amaala destinations operate on 100% renewable energy, which is expected to reduce emissions by up to one million tons of CO₂ equivalent each year. This reduction is comparable to removing around two million cars from roads for a full year, and supports national climate and sustainability targets while preserving local ecosystems.

Looking ahead, Red Sea Global has announced that the Amaala destination will open as a luxury wellness and regenerative tourism hub, designed to welcome no more than 1.5 million visitors annually. This controlled capacity is intended to protect the surrounding natural environment while maintaining high service standards and ensuring the long-term viability of the project’s sustainability commitments.

With inputs from SPA