Abu Dhabi school achieves historic LEED platinum certification, setting sustainability benchmark

Abu Dhabi's Emirates National Schools (ENS) has achieved a remarkable milestone by receiving LEED Platinum certification for its Mohamed bin Zayed City Campus. This certification, the highest under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) system, makes it the first school campus in the Middle East to attain this prestigious level. Globally, the campus is ranked seventh among schools offering the same grade levels.

LEED, administered by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), evaluates a building's performance rather than its aesthetic appeal. The certification recognizes the campus's outstanding achievements in energy and water efficiency, resource management, indoor environmental quality, and environmental impact reduction.

ENS isn't a newcomer to sustainability certifications. Its campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah have all earned LEED Gold ratings, bringing the total number of certified campuses to four across the emirates. Director-General of ENS, Lachlan Ewen MacKinnon, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating that it aligns with the organization's vision of developing educational institutions grounded in global standards.

He also highlighted the connection between sustainability and the student experience, asserting that the educational environment plays a crucial role in preparing future leaders and fostering responsibility, sustainability, and conscious resource use.

ENS plans to continue developing its infrastructure in line with global sustainability standards, aiming to enhance the quality of education and cater to the needs of future generations.