21 September 2024
As we mark Zero Emissions Day, it's important to recognize that greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), are a major driver of climate change, contributing to global warming and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
These emissions are largely the result of human activities like burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, and deforestation. As the world becomes more aware of the urgent need to address climate change, companies like Red Sea Global (RSG) are stepping up to make a difference.
At RSG, sustainability is our core and, as part of our commitment to a cleaner, greener future, we’re focused on significantly reducing our carbon footprint. Our efforts are closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which sets ambitious targets for cutting carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources. By embracing innovative solutions and leading by example, we’re working to create a more sustainable future, not just for our projects and nation, but the entire planet.
RSG’s Carbon Reduction Initiatives
RSG has undertaken multiple initiatives to minimize its carbon footprint across our operations, focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and nature-based solutions.
Renewable Energy Transition
Solar Power: In 2023, RSG launched solar farms at The Red Sea destination, generating 71,600 MWh of clean energy. This avoided the release of 40,000 tons of CO2, marking a significant step towards our goal of powering 100% of our operations with renewable energy. We will expand our solar production in 2024 to match demand, further reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
Biofuel Utilization: We have begun integrating biofuels derived from used cooking oil into our energy mix. In 2023, biofuels replaced a portion of the diesel used in transportation and generator operations, reducing our carbon emissions by 6,350 tons of CO2 equivalent.
Energy Efficiency
LEED Certification: RSG is committed to certify at least 75% of its total development area, as well as LEED certify 100% of our hotels and resorts, ensuring that our buildings meet the highest standards of energy efficiency. This not only reduces operational emissions but also enhances the sustainability of our built environment. To date, we have LEED-certified eight assets (six Platinum and two Gold).
Electric Mobility: We are electrifying our transportation fleet, with the deployment of Saudi Arabia's largest off-grid electric vehicle (EV) charging network and the operation of over 150 EV charging stations. This infrastructure supports our current fleet of electric vehicles, reducing emissions from transportation.
Nature-Based Solutions
Mangrove Plantations: Mangroves are vital for carbon sequestration, capturing carbon dioxide and storing it in their biomass and the surrounding sediment. Through protection, restoration, and enhancement, RSG is well underway to increasing the density of mangroves by 50 million by 2030, in collaboration with the National Center for Vegetation Cover and other stakeholders. So far, we have produced and transplanted approximately 1 million seedlings across carefully selected sites. These efforts will significantly offset our carbon emissions and contribute to the preservation and enhancement of critical coastal ecosystems.
Carbon Accounting and Monitoring
Carbon Accounting Framework: In 2023, RSG developed a comprehensive Carbon Accounting Framework to monitor, report, and verify our emissions across all operations. This framework provides clear visibility on our carbon footprint and guides the implementation of reduction strategies in line with global best practices.
Timeline
RSG’s Renewable Energy and Carbon Reduction Milestones
2021
Inception of Coral Relocation Project: RSG launched its coral relocation project and has so far translocated approximately 98,000 corals from Al Wajh Lagoon and AMAALA sites to designated conservation areas, creating new habitats covering an estimated 37,500 m² of seafloor. This initiative solidifies RSG’s commitment to mitigating environmental impacts through nature-based solutions.
2022
Solar Farms Construction: RSG commenced the construction of its solar farms at The Red Sea, laying the foundation for transitioning its energy needs to renewable sources. These solar farms were crucial to RSG’s strategy to power 100% of its operations with clean energy.
2023
Solar Farms Launch: RSG formally launched five solar farms at The Red Sea destination, generating 71,600 MWh of clean energy. This milestone marked the transition of RSG’s energy supply to renewable sources, contributing to the reduction of 40,000 tons of CO2 emissions.
Introduction of Carbon Accounting Framework: RSG developed and implemented a comprehensive Carbon Accounting Framework across its operations. This provides clear visibility on the organization’s carbon footprint, guiding effective reduction strategies aligned with Vision 2030.
Biofuel Integration: RSG integrated biofuels derived from used cooking oil into its energy mix. This transition replaced a portion of the diesel used in transportation and generators, reducing carbon emissions by 6,350 tons of CO2 equivalent.
Mangrove Nursery Inauguration: RSG inaugurated its first mangrove nursery at The Red Sea, aligning with the Saudi Green Initiative. Over 600,000 mangrove seedlings were transplanted, with the ambitious goal of increasing the density of mangrove ecosystems by approximately 50 million trees by 2030.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Network Deployment: The largest off-grid EV charging network in Saudi Arabia was installed by RSG, comprising over 150 charging stations. This infrastructure supported RSG’s electrified fleet, including 52 Mercedes EQS and 30 Lucid Air sedans, enhancing sustainable mobility.
ISO 21401:2018 Certification: RSG became the first developer in Saudi Arabia to receive this certification, covering environmental, social, and economic dimensions, reflecting the organization’s commitment to regenerative tourism.
2024 & Beyond
Expansion of Solar Farms: Additional solar farms are planned for commissioning, further increasing RSG’s renewable energy capacity to support its operations and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Renewable Energy Transition at AMAALA: RSG is set to begin the construction of AMAALA’s energy infrastructure systems, with early power supplies expected to be ready before the end of 2024. This will include a solar farm with a capacity of 248 MWp and a battery storage capacity of 700 MWh.
Advanced Mangrove Plantation Mapping: RSG will develop advanced mapping tools to select optimal sites for further mangrove plantations, with the goal of planting 1.5 million seedlings in 2024.
Expansion of EV Charging Infrastructure: RSG will significantly expand its EV charging infrastructure to support the opening of new resorts, including Shura Island. The expanded network will feature approximately 1,000 charging points across The Red Sea destination.
Development of AMAALA Solid Waste Management Center: Building on its waste management strategy, RSG will complete the design of the AMAALA Solid Waste Management Center and start construction, further supporting its zero waste to landfill goal.
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