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Case Study

King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) – PIF/ Parcel 1.16

Project Overview

Building:

King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) – PIF/ Parcel 1.16

Contractors:

Saudi Bin Ladin Group – SBG

Consultant:

Omraniya & HOK

Goal:

Maximize HVAC system efficiency, ensure precise airflow as per design specifications, and significantly improve indoor air quality (IAQ) — all while minimizing the environmental footprint and reducing CO2 emissions.

Before Aeroseal Arabia:

Up to 40% or more of leakage

After Aeroseal Arabia:

Below or around 6% of leakage

Results:

Eliminated duct leakage in a 113,667 CFM system including all HVAC, exhaust, and smoke extract systems.

Optimizing HVAC Performance for Energy & CO2 Reduction

Soaring 385 meters above Riyadh, the Tower is a defining landmark in the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). Formerly known as CMA Tower, this 80-story crystalline skyscraper, designed by Omrania and HOK, represents Saudi Arabia’s push toward global financial leadership, innovation, and sustainability.

With LEED Gold certification anticipated, the project required a state-of-the-art HVAC system to ensure optimal indoor air quality (IAQ), energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility. However, initial inspections revealed significant duct leakage, impacting airflow, cooling performance, and sustainability targets.

To resolve these challenges, Aeroseal Arabia implemented a comprehensive HVAC solution, combining robotic duct cleaning using dry ice and Aeroseal duct sealing to enhance performance, cut energy waste, reduce carbon footprint In Alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 sustainability goals.

"As the MEP Sr. Director at Saudi Binladin Group during the PIF Tower construction, we faced significant challenges in rectifying duct leakages, especially in concealed and inaccessible areas where traditional sealing methods failed. Bringing in Aeroseal was a game changer-leakage dropped well within SMACNA limits without the need for demolition or rework. I now consider Aeroseal a critical tool for complex projects and intend to use it across future developments."

Eng. Fayez Sulaiman

SBG Sr. MEP Director

Results:
Immediate Energy and Airflow Optimization

Following Aeroseal Arabia’s intervention, the project experienced instant improvements:

  1. Restored airflow efficiency, achieving design flow rate
  2. Enhanced IAQ, ensuring healthier indoor environments
  3. Energy optimization, reducing operational costs and waste

Additionally, sealing 113,667 CFM of duct leakage at parcel 1.16 in KAFD resulted in an estimated 142,000 kWh of energy savings annually. This translates to a reduction of over 75 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year— roughly equivalent to:

  • Removing 16 cars from the road
  • Planting over 1,200 trees

These estimates highlight the significant environmental impact of the project, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s sustainability initiatives and reinforcing the importance of net-zero building technologies in commercial developments proven expertise tailored to the Kingdom’s evolving environmental goals.