In brief
The Al Jalila Foundation building in Dubai secured LEED Gold certification on October 29, 2026 for its outstanding sustainable operations, including solar power generation and water‑saving measures. The achievement underscores the Foundation’s commitment to environmental sustainability and supports the UAE’s broader green goals.
The Al Jalila Foundation building in Dubai was awarded LEED Gold certification on Thursday, October 29, 2026 by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) under its LEED EBOM (Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance) rating system. The award was presented to Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, by Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain, Chairman of Positive Zero, during a visit by a Positive Zero delegation to the Foundation’s headquarters.
LEED EBOM is one of the world’s most widely recognised green building standards, evaluating a building’s performance across operational and maintenance efficiency, energy efficiency, water consumption and indoor environmental quality. The certification recognizes those facilities that demonstrate proven performance and sustainable building practices over time.
According to WAM, the Al Jalila Foundation’s achievement is based on data collected across a 12‑month assessment period that recorded energy and water usage, waste management practices and indoor air quality metrics. The Foundation’s solar power project, launched in 2024 in partnership with Positive Zero, provided a comprehensive solution covering installation, operation and maintenance of photovoltaic systems on its buildings and parking facilities.
The solar panels installed in the Foundation’s parking areas generate clean, renewable electricity that offsets a significant portion of the building’s grid demand. This contribution reduces greenhouse‑gas emissions and lowers operational costs, while allowing the Foundation to meet its sustainability targets.
Water consumption during the assessment period totaled approximately 3.16 million gallons, which meets the LEED Gold benchmark for water efficiency. The project implemented advanced water‑saving fixtures and grey‑water recycling systems that contribute to the overall efficiency of the building’s operations.
Beyond energy and water efficiencies, the Foundation has implemented a comprehensive building‑management system that improves indoor air quality and cooling efficiency. The system optimises resource use, maintains a healthier environment for staff and visitors, and supports the Foundation’s mission to promote wellbeing and learning through a science‑inspired, integrated approach to healthcare.
The certification reinforces Dubai Health’s vision to advance health for humanity through Care, Learning, Discovery and Giving. By aligning with the city’s green ambitions, Al Jalila Foundation demonstrates how building operations can drive progress toward public‑health objectives while addressing climate‑change challenges.
Positive Zero’s role in facilitating the solar energy project highlights the growing importance of regional partnerships in advancing the energy transition. The company’s expertise in large‑scale renewable projects ensures the reliability and scalability of the Foundation’s sustainable infrastructure.
While celebrating the LEED Gold status, the Foundation remains focused on continuous improvement. The organisation plans to expand its renewable‑energy footprint across additional campuses and to adopt further measures that enhance resource efficiency and indoor environmental comfort.
By combining advanced renewable systems, water‑efficient technologies and data‑driven management, the Al Jalila Foundation has set a benchmark for sustainable building operations in the Gulf region, illustrating how architectural design and operational excellence can contribute to a resilient, low‑carbon future.
