The Starbucks store at KAFD, Riyadh. Image Courtesy: Alshaya Group Kuwait: Adding another important milestone to a long list of achievements under Alshaya’s partnership with Starbucks. The Starbucks store at KAFD, Riyadh has become one of the first few Food & Beverage stores in the GCC region to attain this prestigious accolade. Alshaya Group and Starbucks have achieved an historic milestone with KAFD Starbucks becoming one of only six stores globally to achieve LEED Platinum certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Having scored 81 points, the store is also recognised as being the third LEED platinum interior design and construction (ID +C) retail store in the GCC, making it one of the greenest cafés in the GCC. The award-winning store was recognised for incorporating eco-friendly materials including recycled terrazzo and local marble, to create natural patterns throughout the store interiors. It also includes a biophilic design with a collection of green walls, natural trees and planters that provide a sense of calm and relaxation to customers. The store also scores well on the use of water-efficient indoor fixtures, the elimination of CFCs, energy modelling compliance, the use of energy-efficient equipment and lighting fixtures, and the use of chilled water from the base building using compliant refrigerant. Commenting on this distinguished achievement, Andy Holmes, President of Alshaya Starbucks said: “This is a prestigious recognition for us as sustainability is at the core of our business. Earning this important certification demonstrates our tremendous green building leadership and is another testimony of how we act to adopt sustainably best practices at every stage of our processes. The Starbucks store in KAFD is a prime example of how innovative work can create local solutions that contribute to making a global difference. “Sustainability is a key element of our approach to design at Starbucks. Our teams have worked hard to design, construct, and operate our stores to meet LEED requirements on a global scale, as we continue to push the envelope of what our stores can be in the future. I am proud of this recognition, and I would like to thank all of those who have made it possible.” further commented Andy LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), 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. About Starbucks The Starbucks Experience is more than a cup of coffee. From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated the rich tradition of coffee but that also brought a feeling of community, a comfortable third place away from the demands of work and home. And with every cup, we strive to bring both our heritage and an exceptional experience to life. The Starbucks mission statement is more than words on a piece of paper – it’s the philosophy that guides how we do business every day. Our mission is to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighbourhood at a time. We are committed to doing business in ways that are good to the earth and each other. From the way, we buy our coffee, to minimizing our environmental footprint, to being involved in local communities. Today, with more than 31,000 retail locations in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and the Pacific Rim, Starbucks is the premier roaster and retailer of the finest coffee. At Starbucks, we are focused on delivering the best experience to every customer at each of our locations around the world. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with so many communities, and we are committed to providing the Starbucks Experience while respecting the local customs and tastes of each country we operate in. About Alshaya Group Alshaya Group is a dynamic family-owned enterprise, first established in Kuwait in 1890. With a consistent record of growth and innovation, Alshaya Group is one of the world’s leading brand franchise operators, offering an unparalleled choice of well-loved international brands to customers, Alshaya Group’s portfolio extends across MENA, Turkey, and Europe, with thousands of stores, cafes, restaurants, and leisure destinations, as well as a large scale online and digital business. Operating in multiple sectors including Fashion, Food, Health & Beauty, Pharmacy, Home Furnishings and Leisure & Entertainment, Alshaya Group colleagues are united by a commitment to authentically deliver great customer service and brand experiences. Fresh, modern, and relevant, Alshaya’s constantly evolving portfolio reflects the choices and lifestyle of its customers. From flagship stores and restaurants in prestige malls, through to local coffee shops, drive-thrus and online, Alshaya Group brings customers the brands they love in the places they want to be. Brands such as Starbucks, H&M, Mothercare, Debenhams, American Eagle Outfitters, P.F. Chang’s, The Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack, The Body Shop, M.A.C, Victoria’s Secret, Boots, Pottery Barn and KidZania.
