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Tourism Development Fund

Protecting the Planet

Climate Change and Carbon Emissions

TDF recognises the critical importance of understanding and managing its carbon footprint as part of its broader commitment to environmental stewardship. In alignment with its ESG strategy, TDF has prioritised the development of comprehensive emissions baselines and implementing sustainable practices. As part of its commitment to sustainable operations, the Fund has successfully attained ISO 41001 certification for facility management. The certification supports climate resilience and resource efficiency by promoting sustainable practices across energy use, water management, waste reduction, and environmental impact mitigation throughout the built environment.

To this end, TDF has initiated a structured approach to monitoring and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across all relevant scopes. Its Facilities & Administration Services Department has taken the lead in tracking Scope 1 emissions, which primarily arise from fuel consumption in vehicles owned or leased by the Fund. In parallel, it is monitoring Scope 2 emissions, which are associated with electricity consumption across its operations.

Recognising the broader impact of its activities, TDF has begun tracking Scope 3 emissions from business travel (category 6 as per GHG protocol), which are internally monitored and reported. Furthermore, the Fund has launched an initiative to assess and monitor emissions from employee commuting, in accordance with Category 7 of the GHG Protocol.

Scope 1 Emissions
12.8 tons CO2e
Scope 2 Emissions
195.26 tons CO2e

These efforts show TDF’s proactive approach to climate responsibility and its commitment to embedding sustainability into core operations. To support the reduction of Scope 1 emissions, the Fund has introduced an electric vehicle into its fleet. By prioritising its use, it aims to maximise environmental benefits and accelerate its transition to cleaner, low-emission transportation.

Every Action we take at TDF moves us closer to a sustainable future. By managing our resources responsibly, we honour our commitment to reduce environmental impact and drive progress sustainable.

Mohammed Abalkhail

Chief Corporate Services Officer

Alignment

  • 11UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • 12UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  • 13UN SDG 13: Climate Action

Pillar

Transitioning towards a sustainable economy

Target

Establish carbon emissions baseline for setting future reduction targets

Energy Management & Efficiency

The Fund is committed to improving its energy performance as part of its broader environmental objectives. TDF’s energy consumption currently relies on non-renewable sources, primarily fuel used in the Fund-owned or leased vehicles and electricity drawn from the national grid.

To enhance energy efficiency across its operations, TDF has taken proactive steps to reduce consumption and improve performance. One such measure is the installation of LED lighting across all the Fund’s offices.

In 2024, TDF consumed a total of 1,465 GJ of energy

Fuel
187 GJ
Electricity
1,278 GJ
Wind turbines across a desert plateau

Alignment

  • 11UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • 12UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  • 13UN SDG 13: Climate Action

Pillar

Transitioning towards a sustainable economy

Target

Establish carbon emissions baseline for setting future reduction targets

Waste Management

The Fund has set a clear and ambitious target to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2028. This objective underscores its commitment to minimising environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices across all aspects of its operations.

The primary sources of waste within TDF originate from its office environments and include paper, plastic, aluminium, glass, electronic waste, and food waste. To address these streams effectively, the Fund has implemented a comprehensive waste management approach that emphasises classification, recycling, and reuse.

TDF has installed recycling bins throughout its facilities and actively encourage employees to optimise resource utilisation. In support of this, the Fund continues to expand its digital offerings to reduce paper consumption and foster a culture of environmental responsibility.

The Fund has also taken steps to reduce reliance on single-use plastics. As part of this effort, TDF has distributed reusable, personalised cups to employees within the Facilities & Administration Services Department.

In collaboration with its Operations and Maintenance (O&M) contractor, TDF is working to enhance recycling practices across all waste categories. Additionally, the Fund has initiated a partnership with King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) to recycle food waste into compost, further supporting its circular economy goals.

In 2024, TDF generated a total of 2.6 tons of waste and achieved a recycling rate of 69%.

Waste Type and Weight (kg)

Plastic
1,010
Paper
345
Glass
319
Aluminium
98

Recycling Performance (tons)

Recycled waste
69%
Waste sent to land- fill
31%

The Fund is equally committed to the responsible management of electronic waste (E-waste). It established formal guidelines for the handling of all electronic devices used within the organisation. Under these guidelines, obsolete devices are either resold to certified IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) vendors or donated to educational institutions and community groups. This approach ensures environmentally responsible disposal while extending the life cycle of its electronic assets.

Through these integrated efforts, the Fund is continually enhancing its waste management practices, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and operational excellence, including its goal of achieving zero waste to landfill.

Plastic waste washed up on a rocky shore

Alignment

  • 11UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • 12UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  • 13UN SDG 13: Climate Action
  • Saudi Vision 2030

Pillar

Transitioning towards a sustainable economy

Target

Zero Waste to landfill

Water Stewardship

Recognising the significance of water stewardship, TDF collaborated with KAFD to manage all aspects of water use effectively. Its water consumption is limited to kitchens and bathrooms in offices. To reduce wastage, sensor taps, and leak detection systems have been installed, with prompt repairs conducted by the maintenance team.

Alignment

  • 6UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
  • Saudi Vision 2030

Pillar

Transitioning towards a sustainable economy

Target

Establish water footprint baseline for setting future reduction targets

Sustainable procurement

TDF integrates sustainability into its procurement practices by prioritising environmentally and socially responsible sourcing.

It requires facility management service providers to increase the use of green cleaning chemicals and emphasise the procurement of Saudi-made materials, including furniture, cleaning supplies, and office essentials.

In 2024, TDF significantly bolstered its commitment to local content and localisation by expanding opportunities for Saudi SMEs, with 63% of its engaged vendors being SMEs. This initiative not only supports local businesses but also fosters economic growth and innovation within the Kingdom.

To support national enterprises, 95% of employee flights are booked with the national carrier.

In 2024, the Fund was awarded the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Procurement Excellence Standard, a globally recognised benchmark for best-in-class procurement practices. This achievement reflects TDF’s commitment to embedding sustainability, transparency, and ethical governance throughout its procurement operations. The award highlights the strength of the Fund’s procurement governance, demonstrating robust systems for supply assurance, compliance, and responsible sourcing. These efforts reflect its commitment to sustainable operations and support for local economic development.