OCEC awarded LEED gold certification for green buildings

Muscat: The Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), part of Oman Tourism Development Company’s (OMRAN) Madinat Al Irfan Development, is the first tourism development project in the Sultanate to receive an LEED Gold certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) for its exhibition centre, car park, and energy centre or package 2.
Developed by OMRAN, the centre was recently awarded this prestigious international accolade for setting standards for sustainable development that reflect the future of Oman’s growing tourism industry.
Envisioned and pioneered by OMRAN, the centre demonstrates environmental stewardship and leadership in sustainable design and now holds the highest LEED point score in the Sultanate. This accomplishment is a testament to OMRAN’s dedication to sustainable development and leadership in the construction industry.
In line with this achievement, OMRAN hosted a briefing session, titled “LEEDing the Way”, for a number of relevant stakeholders to highlight its efforts in creating green buildings with the benefits of LEED certification for sustainable infrastructure in the tourism industry. The event included a workshop on Green Building by Nikolaus Knebel, Professor at the German University of Technology in Oman, Urban Planning and Architectural Design, and was attended by a number of OMRAN and OCEC employees, as well as university and college students, members of Oman Engineering Society, and the local media.
Eng. Said Al Qasmi, Head of the OCEC Project, OMRAN, said: “We are thrilled that our efforts have been recognised by such a prestigious body. As a leading developer of major tourism projects, we have a duty to ensure that our projects preserve our natural environment to the best of our ability. The Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre is a great example of exceptional design and our dedication and commitment to building a healthy and sustainable future, while benefitting the social and economic growth of the Sultanate.”
He added, “OCEC is being built to the highest standards of sustainable design, incorporating advanced technologies and materials into every part of the project. The intelligent design of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre also complies with LEED standards through daily operations to ensure a world-class visitor experience.”
Trevor McCartney, General Manager of OCEC, said: “Now more than ever, client requirements and the business events industry as a whole are attentive to the way we act in an environmentally sustainable manner. This prestigious recognition will further enhance the commitment the centre has to its environmental footprint. We anticipate that this global recognition will expand our competitive advantage on the international stage and place Oman on the map as a new hub for business events.”
The OCEC precinct is part of phase one of OMRAN’s Madinat Al Irfan urban development project, which has been designed to establish a new urban hub within the heart of Muscat. Since opening its doors in October 2016, the Centre has hosted more than 185 regional and international events, and already confirmed to host more than 50 future events. With unique and world-class offerings, the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre is building a strong reputation as a leading venue for business events in the region and the world.