AECOM
Around the world, demand for sustainability and resiliency has never been greater. The effects of climate change, worsening impacts from extreme climate events and increasing societal challenges compel the organization to act. This is the foundation of it's ESG strategy, Sustainable Legacies; a commitment to ensuring that the work done in partnership with clients leaves a positive, lasting impact on communities and the planet.
Over the past year, AECOM has made noteworthy progress on these initiatives, positioning it at the forefront of sustainable practices. This progress has extended its competitive advantage as an industry leader and enabled it to lead more comprehensively.
Why they won:
El Seif Engineering Contracting Co. and
China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East
Located near the At-Turaif district in Ad-Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Riyadh, Diriyah Gate is an iconic destination celebrating Saudi Arabia's rich history. The mixed-use project includes heritage sites, entertainment, retail, mosques, and residences. Launched in 2021, the ESEC & CSCEC JV is executing this mega project, comprising multi-level tunnels, a gas storage farm, utility services, MSE walls, infrastructure, roads, pumping stations, and other works to provide access and utility connections for the development of super plots within and adjacent to the project area.
Why they won:
ROSHN Group
ROSHN Group is dedicated to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Their recruitment attracts diverse talent from over 44 nationalities, is inclusive of gender and disabilities, and supports female professionals re-entering the workforce. ROSHN Group provides cultural development programs, continuous training and values employee feedback, internal communications, and social events, ensuring employees are engaged in its processes. Recognizing the value of a multigenerational workforce, the HIMAM program, COOP, Leadership Academy, and Youth Committee develop young leaders and shape company culture. These initiatives, and more, have earned ROSHN Group #1 "Best Place to Work" in 2022 and 2023 with over 90% employee satisfaction.
Why they won:
GAUTAM & GAUTAM ASSOCIATES
Initiative: EcoCity Zero
EcoCity Zero is a transformative initiative aimed at creating carbon-neutral cities in South Asia, particularly Northern India. It focuses on reducing embodied carbon through innovative construction methods, sustainable material selection, and energy-efficient designs. The project integrates renewable energy systems like solar and wind and implements extensive carbon offsetting measures. Advanced monitoring and reporting systems ensure transparency and continuous improvement. EcoCity Zero demonstrates significant reductions in both embodied and operational carbon, setting a new benchmark for urban sustainability and resilience. Evidence shows substantial carbon impact reduction, making it a leading model for future city developments.
Why they won:
Msheireb Properties
Initiative: Msheireb Museums
Msheireb Museums, located within the Msheireb Downtown Doha regeneration project, offers a compelling cultural experience that traces Qatar’s social and cultural history. Designed to inspire dialogue and reflection, the Museums provide a space where the public can engage, exchange ideas, and connect with both their heritage and aspirations for the future. This experience is centred around the careful restoration of four historic houses: Bin Jelmood House, Company House, Mohammed Bin Jassim House, and Radwani House, which now form the heart of Msheireb Museums. Together, they reflect a meaningful blend of tradition and modernity within one of Doha’s most architecturally and commercially forward-thinking developments.
Why they won:
China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East
Initiative: Waste Management and Low-Carbon Materials.
The DGCL project's Sustainable Waste Management and Low-Carbon Construction Materials Initiative demonstrates our commitment to minimizing environmental impacts in construction. We recycle 85.47% of waste, surpassing the LEED and Mostadam target of 75%. We prioritize regional materials within a 500-mile radius, recycled content at 50%, and low-carbon materials, reducing emissions and supporting local economies. This initiative significantly lowers our carbon footprint and fosters a circular economy. Leading in environmentally responsible construction, the DGCL project highlights our dedication to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, making it a strong contender for the Big5 Global Impact Awards.
Why they won:
LEAD Real Estate Developer
Sustainable Initiative: Planting 1M Mangrove Trees in Jubail Island
Jubail Island plans to plant one million trees at the Jubail Mangrove Park (JMP) within eight years. The park serves as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife and an educational resource to communicate the significance of mangroves to the ecosystem and its inhabitants.
Additionally, since November 2022, Jubail Island has collaborated closely with major entities from across the UAE, aiming to develop the island into an ecotourism hub in Abu Dhabi. This development prioritizes community development, environmental preservation, and protection of the island's flora and wildlife.
Why they won:
KEO
Initiative: KEO's Digital Transformation Deployment
This entry effectively highlights KEO’s ongoing innovation efforts and the core elements of its digital transformation roadmap—an ambitious digitalization initiative that translates strategic vision into actionable processes. It reflects the strong and explicit commitment of KEO’s team to fostering innovation and adopting a forward-looking approach grounded in operational digitalization.
Through the development and implementation of this roadmap, the initiative emphasizes the integration of cutting-edge technologies and the embrace of continuous change and growth as fundamental aspects of KEO’s business culture. This approach spans both Digital Project Delivery and Digital Business Management, beginning with its largest division, PM/CM International.
Why they won:
Msheireb Properties
Initiative: Msheireb Downtown Doha
Msheireb Downtown Doha is the flagship regeneration development of Msheireb Properties, representing the company’s approach to sustainable urban development. The district officially opened to residents and commercial tenants in 2018. More than a smart and sustainable city, it offers a dynamic urban environment designed to support living, leisure, and business in balance. Situated in the heart of the capital, it is a prime destination for retail, commercial, residential, and civic services. As Qatar’s leading sustainable real estate developer, Msheireb Properties aims to reshape perceptions of urban living and enhance quality of life through environmentally responsible and forward-thinking developments.
Why they won:
ROSHN Group
Initiative: HIMAM
ROSHN Group's Himam Graduate Program is designed to nurture and empower Saudi youth, offering a unique 18-month experience that combines world-class academic programs and on-the-job training. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, significantly increasing participant numbers and fostering innovation, knowledge transfer, and a diverse, inclusive culture at ROSHN Group. The Himam program attracts and develops young talent, equipping them with the skills needed to contribute to ROSHN Group's mission of creating future-ready communities
Why they won:
Muchmore Consultancy
Name of Project: NCM - NAKHEEL COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT, THE GALERIES 4
The "The galleries 4" project focuses on the renovation of an existing building with an emphasis on Interior Design, sustainability, and efficiency. Using eco-friendly materials, LED lighting systems, and energy management sensors, it has reduced energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Indoor green spaces and increased natural lighting have improved air quality and employee well-being. Additionally, the renovation reduced costs compared to a complete demolition, increasing the value of the surrounding area, and stimulating investment. The project has become a model of sustainability and innovation for future corporate initiatives.
Why they won:
Sobha Constructions LLC
Name of Project: The Crest Project
The Crest Residence represents an inspired way of life. Comprising of 3 interconnected residential towers with interlinked Sky Gardens, the project hosts world-class amenities and experiential community living at its best. Considering the volume of the project, we decided to reap the benefits of off-site construction in terms of delivery, quality, cost, and safety. Four key initiatives were identified and implemented to do so - namely Prefabricated Bathroom Units (PBUs), MEP Modular System, Gypsum Prefabricated Unit, and the Tile Craft Center.
Why they won:
Masdar City
Name of Project: Estidama Mosque
Estidama Mosque has been designed by Emirati design studio "X-Architects" and achieves the highest possible sustainability ratings with a LEED "Platinum" accreditation (NB: yet to be obtained) and Estidama PBRS "Pearl 3" rating (NB: Yet to be obtained). Masdar City are proud to have developed this as a gift to the people of the United Arab Emirates as part of the UAE's Year of Sustainability. Note that the project was delivered with the UN's Climate Change Conference - COP28 - held in the UAE in December 2023.
Why they won:
ROSHN Group
Technology Name: ROSHN Worlds
Our ground-breaking Unified Interactive Development Experience Platform is poised to revolutionize the landscape of real estate development. This transformative platform reimagines the way we evaluate development opportunities across ROSHN Group's land bank, seamlessly integrating hyper-realistic gamification, BIM, generative design, and AI algorithms. It immerses stakeholders in VR/AR digital world scenarios, empowering them with data-driven insights. Integrating live analytics elevates decision-making and fosters real-time collaboration, presenting many viable development options. ROSHN Group is at the forefront of the real estate industry and is committed to technological innovation, driving superior results, and aligning with the Saudi 2030 Vision
Why they won:
Ramzi Jaber, Director, e.construct & Cofounder of VAES.ai
Ramzi leads in e.construct with a focus on sustainable design, reducing material usage, cost, and carbon emissions. Through technology and innovation, he aims to reshape design thinking and construction methodologies. His work centers on climate technology, structural engineering, and material science.
Deep Tech: Ramzi is co-founder of VAES.ai, a climate, deep tech startup focused on developing structural and geotechnical optimization that reduces the volume of concrete and steel when designing our cities. By combining civil engineering expertise with machine learning and powerful optimization algorithms, VAES.ai rapidly generates and analyzes millions of design iterations to identify the most efficient, cost-effective solutions, delivering optimal results in a fraction of the time.
Structural Engineering: Ramzi directs projects consisting of complex structures and specialist systems, including precast, post-tensioned and pre-stressed steel.
Material Science: Ramzi is part of an R&D program developing Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) mixtures that reduce steel reinforcement needs while providing versatile, strong, and durable structures. These efficient materials ultimately lower a structure's carbon footprint.
Why they won:
Omnia Halawani, Co-CEO and Founder, grfn
Omnia Halawani stands as an exemplary candidate for the Sustainable Leader Award, grounded in a wealth of experience, transformative project outcomes, and a steadfast commitment to advancing sustainability, energy efficiency, and industry standards. Beyond the quantifiable metrics of energy and cost savings, Omnia's strategic advisory services significantly contribute to the long-term resilience and efficiency of energy systems in the region, making her a standout nominee for this prestigious accolade.
Why they won:
