Bahrain-based Naseej, the first fully-integrated real estate and infrastructure development company in the Mena region, has become a member of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

An independent, non-profit trade association founded in 1993, USGBC is now recognised as the world leader in sustainability and environmental quality through its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Leed) system. One of the most stringent and advanced standards of its kind, Leed is a voluntary, consensus-based standard that supports and certifies successful green building design, construction and operations.

Naseej is the first real estate development company in Bahrain to become a member of  USGBC. The company aims to adopt the highest Leed accreditation on all its affordable housing and value-based commercial projects, said a statement.

Commenting on this latest development, chief executive officer of Naseej, Christopher Sims, said: “Our membership of USGBC and adoption of Leed reinforce the policy of Naseej to comply with the highest international standards and global best practice. These include key areas such as sustainable development, environmental protection and the use of natural materials from renewable sources. As a socially-responsible corporate citizen and a leading professional developer, we are committed to delivering sustainable developments for the citizens of Bahrain and elsewhere in the region.”

In collaboration with USGBC, Naseej is currently planning a customised training programme for its employees, to help them achieve professional Leed accreditation. Workshops will be based on the Leed Curriculum and delivered by leading international experts from the USGBC Leed Faculty.

Through its membership of the Bahrain Property Development Association, the Company also plans to host a series of seminars and workshops through which to spread awareness of USGBC in the local marketplace, and promote adoption of the Leed standard for sustainability in Bahrain’s built environment. - TradeArabia News Service