Jordan Kuwait Bank (JKB) in collaboration with Izzat Marji Group announced that JKB’s Headquarters has been LEED GOLD-certified. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence. Through design, construction and operations practices that improve environmental and human health, LEED-certified buildings are helping to make the world more sustainable.   An award ceremony was held, with the presence of JKB’s management and representatives from Izzat Marji Group - as the LEED consultant, during which the LEED Gold Certificate was presented to JKB by the representative from USGBC, Ms. Deepthy - Regional Director for GBCI Middle East.   JKB achieved the LEED Operation & Maintenance certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in areas including; sustainable site development, water conservation and energy efficiency programs, materials and indoor environmental quality. Green buildings grant companies and their employees a more sustainable and healthier work environment.   Several strategies have been implemented at JKB throughout the project, mainly water efficiency through the implementation of low flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting and grey water treatment; Energy and atmosphere through the use of efficient LED lighting, efficient VRF system, VRF central control, solar photovoltaic system, no CFC based refrigerants; Materials and Resources by storing and collecting recyclable materials; and indoor environmental quality through the provision of appropriate ventilation, green areas, thermal comfort and sufficient daylight.    Mr. Haethum Buttikhi - Chief Executive Officer at Jordan Kuwait Bank stated: “We are proud to be recognized as a leader in Sustainable Development. JKB is the first bank in Jordan to receive the LEED Gold Certification. Today, we take the opportunity to express our gratitude towards the valuable partners who made this possible. At JKB we recognize the importance of implementing sustainable practices and shall continue to be strongly committed to the sustainable development, which is at the core of our strategy.   Noting that our strategy is directed by our goal to be the financial provider of choice for clients who wish to assemble capital towards the achievement of the 17 United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the achievement of the Jordan Vision 2025. This determines our focus on making JKB a force for driving positive and long-term change for the environment and humanity. Mr. Buttikhi stressed that the vital role of banking institutions on the environmental and local community levels compliments their economic role, whereby it is clearly demonstrated through the provision of programs, projects, and products that promote the development goals both locally and globally.   For his part, Mr. Fadi Marji - General Manager Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency, Izzat Marji Group, commented: “Transforming our buildings and spaces happens one project at a time, the work of innovative organizations like Jordan Kuwait Bank is a fundamental driving force in transforming the way our buildings are operated and maintained”. “Izzat Marji is committed to leading the change toward green buildings in Jordan and the region, our success in achieving LEED for JKB is due to the partnership and support of JKB management and engineering team who are committed to advancing green building and sustainability. Because of JKB, we are increasing the number of green buildings and getting closer to outpace conventional buildings, while being environmentally and socially responsible and improving quality of life for generations to come. Mrs.Deepthy K B, Regional Director, Market Development, GBCI Middle East, said: Jordan Kuwait Bank’s achievement highlights the organization’s commitment towards offering a hugely impactful and high-performing facility for their employees and extended stakeholders. Through LEED Certification, the project has highlighted the capabilities of existing buildings to transform their built environments into resilient, healthy and high-performing assets. We would like to congratulate the Jordan Kuwait Bank on the LEED v4.1 O+M Gold Certification of their Headquarter building in Amman, Jordan.   About GBCI The Green Business Certification Inc. (‘GBCI’) is a premier organization independently recognizing excellence in green business industry performance and practice globally. Established in 2008, GBCI exclusively administers project certifications and professional credentials and certificates within the framework of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating systems, as well as the PEER standard for power systems, the WELL Building Standard, the Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES), EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies), TRUE certification for zero waste, Investor Confidence Project (ICP) for energy efficiency retrofits.     About the U.S. Green Building Council The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a healthy, resilient and equitable future for all through the development of green buildings, cities and communities. For more than 20 years, USGBC has been advancing green building practices through the development of LEED, the world’s most widely used green building program. With the support of thousands of members, volunteers and partners, USGBC provides robust green building education courses, a rigorous professional credentialing program, and advocates for effective public policies.