Bahrain-based Naseej, an affordable housing company, has become a member of the US Green Building Council (USGBC), recognised as the world leader in sustainability and environmental quality.

One of the most stringent and advanced standards of its kind, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (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.

"Our membership of USGBC and adoption of LEED reinforce the policy of Naseej to comply with the highest international standards and global best practice," said chief executive officer Christopher Simms.

"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