Media

The headquarters of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) has achieved Gold certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system in the Operations and Maintenance category, becoming the first building in the zone to secure the international accreditation.

The certification reflects SEZAD’s commitment to sustainable facilities management and improved operational efficiency, in line with Oman Vision 2040. It follows the completion of the assessment and documentation requirements through coordinated efforts by the project’s technical and administrative teams and relevant stakeholders.

Eng Ahmed bin Ali Akaak, Chief Executive Officer of SEZAD, said: “Achieving LEED Gold certification for our headquarters reflects our commitment to embedding sustainability in the way we manage our facilities. It supports the adoption of best practices to improve operational performance, use resources efficiently and provide a healthy, sustainable working environment.”

He added that the achievement demonstrated the project team’s expertise and ability to exceed its targets through effective planning, ongoing monitoring and collaboration. SEZAD would build on this experience to strengthen sustainability practices and drive continuous improvement across future projects, he said.

Eng Asim bin Juma Al Amri, Project Manager, explained that LEED, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is one of the world’s leading green building rating systems. Its assessment criteria cover energy and water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, resource conservation and the reduction of buildings’ environmental impact.

“Applying these standards helps improve operational performance and reduce long-term costs, while supporting the health and comfort of building occupants,” he said.

Certification in the Operations and Maintenance category recognises sustainability practices in the day-to-day management of existing buildings, with an emphasis on operational efficiency, resource use and indoor environmental quality.

The achievement forms part of SEZAD’s wider efforts to improve the performance of its facilities and support an investment environment that combines economic growth with responsible resource management and sustainable development