Adding another important milestone to a long list of achievements, Omantel’s HQ has been awarded the LEED Platinum certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), having scored 86 points, making this iconic building the first building in Oman to obtain this level of certification.
This achievement crowns the strategic partnership between Omantel and Oman Tourism Development Company “Omran Group’, the Sultanate’s executive arm for the development of the tourism sector. The headquarters building reflects a unique architectural design and Omantel’s leadership in the telecommunications sector.
This building scores high on inclusion of elements that promote environmental sustainability and is now officially a leader by example in this field. For the building project, Omantel collaborated with Omran, the main developer, which conceptualised the design based on three main elements of which cost-effectiveness and internal layout efficiency were foremost. The third element was to highlight technical advancements in telecommunications through the building design. The building also scores well on renewable energy production, with solar panels installed on the exterior.
Keeping true to the theme of sustainability for this project Omran procured the necessary expertise to ensure success of the building’s engineering design, and chose the best contractors and supervising teams during the construction phase. Omran provided management services for the project, which included leading a number of LEED-compatible environmental initiatives.
Commenting on this distinguished achievement, Talal Bin Said Al Mamari, Chief Executive Officer of Omantel, said, “This is a coveted and prestigious certificate and could not have been achieved without the dedication and hard work from the project teams of Omantel and Omran as well as our consultants and contractors. It is an opportunity for both Omantel and Omran to capitalize on this achievement and show leadership in the sustainability field.’’
He added, ‘’Omantel continues to remain a leader who leads by example. The Company has always walked the talk on every initiative it takes up, beginning with itself. The Omantel HQ had to be one such shining example. While the Company is enabling a digital economy, it is also an example of sustainability as economic growth and environmental sustainability go hand in hand.”
On his part, Eng. Saeed bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Senior Vice President - Project Development and Management, Omran Group, said: “Omantel’s main building obtained the LEED Platinum Certificate as a culmination of the Group’s efforts to take into account the foundations of environmental sustainability in its various development projects. The Omantel HQ is the sixth property by the Group to receive LEED certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). However, it is the first of the Group’s development projects to be awarded the Platinum LEED Certification, which is the highest category of this global award.”
He added, ‘’Omran group plays a pivotal role as a major developer in establishing comprehensive infrastructure projects for the tourism and real estate sector in the Sultanate. Our commitment, strategic approach and sustainable practices are praised by prestigious international institutions. While we are very proud of the appreciation of our tireless efforts at the local, regional and international levels, we look forward to more achievements in the future.’’
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) 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 help make the world more sustainable. LEED certification is awarded for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in areas including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
Omantel is committed to environmental stewardship and reducing the impact of its products and operations by deploying sustainable ways to reduce emissions, waste, and energy consumption. The building, which exemplifies Omani heritage, and spirit and sustainability, had already met 100% compliance in using low energy emitting materials for the interiors. Now, it has been awarded the LEED Platinum Certificate under the New Construction Category. The project's commitment to using low-energy materials for interior décor has reached 100%. The building also scores well on renewable energy production, with solar panels installed on the exterior.
Ensuring environmental responsibility in the building was one of the most important factors that were taken into consideration, starting from the design and every subsequent stage of the project, ensuring all along that the materials used were sustainably procured and that the air quality inside the building was maintained.
The new Omantel headquarters is a distinct addition to Muscat’s urban scene, as it is the first building to be constructed in the business complex located in the eastern part of Madinat Al Irfan. The business complex, which stretches on a total area of about 500,000 m2, will host the main buildings and offices of many prestigious organizations. Omran Group provides wide spaces in a smart and exemplary business environment to attract investors to take advantage of the available opportunities. The area will be the pioneering destination in the heart of the capital and will be a modern urban gateway for visitors, residents and businesses.
Omantel is the Sultanate’s first and leading integrated telecommunications services provider, enabling the digital society to flourish, allowing new ways of doing business and delivering a world of information, news and entertainment. Omantel strives to ensure optimum customer satisfaction.
Source: Omantel Press Release