Khaberni - During her first tour in Aqaba after assuming her diplomatic duties, Mrs. Stella Kloth, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands to Jordan, visited Fountain Mall to learn about its leading experience in implementing green building standards at the beginning of her mission as an ambassador to the Hashemite Court.
The Dutch ambassador viewed the results of the "Green Buildings in Jordan" project supported by the Dutch government, which resulted in a successful partnership leading to Fountain Mall receiving the global EDGE certificate, which is awarded to sustainable buildings that are resource-efficient.
Mrs. Stella Kloth praised Fountain Mall as one of the pioneering landmarks of Aqaba city in launching a new concept regarding green buildings, expressing her happiness for the cooperation in the success of these projects between the Netherlands and Jordan.
The ambassador and her accompanying delegation were received by Mr. Haitham Al-Majali, the CEO of the Jordanian Free Markets Company, Mr. Mukhaimer Abu Jamous, a member of the Board of Directors for the First Markets Company, and the mall management, who welcomed the ambassador and provided her with a comprehensive overview of the mall's pioneering experience in applying sustainability principles.
The ambassador observed during her tour systems for rationalizing energy and water use and green design standards that have contributed to enhancing operational efficiency and increasing environmental practices within the mall, making it a successful model for applying green building standards in the commercial sector.
Mr. Hamza Sabbagh, the economic and commercial affairs officer at the Dutch Embassy, praised the constructive cooperation with the mall management, emphasizing the importance of supporting projects that promote innovation and sustainability in Jordan.
This visit is part of the efforts of the Dutch Embassy to enhance its support for initiatives contributing to the development of a more efficient and sustainable infrastructure in the Kingdom.
Owned by the Jordanian Free Markets Company, Fountain Mall had received the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) certificate, making it the first commercial complex in Jordan and the first building in Aqaba to achieve this global accreditation in green building.
The EDGE certificate is granted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), one of the institutions of the World Bank Group, and is considered one of the most distinguished international certificates awarded to buildings that save energy, water, and building materials, which contributes to reducing environmental impact and enhancing sustainability in the construction and urban development sector.
The receipt of this certificate by Fountain Mall is a culmination of the efforts of the Jordanian Free Markets Company in applying the best practices of sustainable design, reflecting its commitment to developing environmentally responsible projects that support the national orientation towards green development, and enhancing the status of Aqaba city as a modern economic and tourist center that is environmentally friendly.
