Diriyah Company is taking part in the UNCCD’s 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16), taking place for the first time in Riyadh from December 2 to 13, 2024, under the theme “Our Land, Our Future.” The participation of Diriyah Company in the conference marks its inaugural involvement in this global gathering through its special pavilion in the Green Zone. This initiative aims to create a collaborative space for companies and institutions to enhance sustainability and provide solutions to address the challenges of desertification and drought.
Diriyah Company, through its participation in the Green Zone, is showcasing several pioneering projects being developed in Diriyah, distinguished by the highest standards of sustainability and quality of life, in an effort to create a global destination capable of adapting to climate change and becoming one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly cities globally. Additionally, Diriyah Company highlights its ongoing efforts to achieve environmental sustainability within the Diriyah project, which is among the foremost projects focusing on the preservation of natural resources in the Kingdom.
The project encompasses over 8 public parks and more than 20 kilometers of tracks for horses, bicycles, and walking. Additionally, it features the planting of over 6.5 million indigenous trees, plants, and shrubs across the project. The project will also provide a comprehensive sewage treatment plant, along with two mobile water treatment units and over 4,000 electric car charging stations.
To date, the project has achieved over 10 certifications in a range of sustainability pillars, with assets aiming to achieve 30% energy savings and 50% water savings in some cases, including the Platinum Level LEED for Cities Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the first project to do so in the Middle East.
Jerry Inzerillo, GCEO of Diriyah Company, remarked on the company's involvement in the conference, emphasizing that
Our participation in COP16 will serve as a significant opportunity to showcase our pioneering projects which embody our commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation. Our achievements in the development of the Diriyah project as the Kingdom’s most important heritage and cultural destinations, and our efforts to develop sustainable solutions for substantial savings in energy and water, underscore our ability to realize a sustainable future for generations to come. We take pride in our contribution to the Kingdom's efforts to address global environmental challenges.
He added that
The conference serves as a worldwide forum for collaboration aimed at fostering a sustainable future. We anticipate establishing robust partnerships with governments, international organizations, and major companies in this field to share expertise and knowledge, as well as to create innovative solutions to tackle the challenges posed by climate change. We will continue to work with our partners to contribute to the preservation of our planet, as the Diriyah project is a living example showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainability.
In its ongoing efforts to achieve a more sustainable future, Diriyah Company recently obtained two Mostadam sustainability certifications under the Ajwad Initiative, in recognition of its endeavors in the development projects of Northern Diriyah and Ritz-Carlton Residences.
Diriyah Company, through its participation in the significant event that includes 197 countries, reaffirms its commitment to achieving the highest levels of sustainability in its current and future projects. Diriyah Company also seeks to explore avenues for collaboration in environmental sustainability and to identify the latest technologies for land protection, ensuring its sustainability for future generations.
