On May 7, Universal Beijing Resort (UBR) became the world's first theme park resort to receive the prestigious LEED Community Gold certificate after passing the LEED assessment for Cities and Communities.

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, as one of the most commonly adopted environmental sustainability rating systems in the world, has set the global standards for formulating quantifiable strategies to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life.

UBR has satisfied the criteria for LEED gold certification with regards to a number of indicators. For instance, the resort now boasts more than 170 hectares of green space, exceeding the percentage requirement (60 percent) of LEED. The resort has built a permanent green belt using indigenous plants grown in local nurseries while reducing the application of pesticides and fertilizers. Additionally, a green space composed of a landscaping water system and public footpaths will be opened to both tourists and locals. 

In terms of water supply, UBR has designed its water supply and filtration systems in line with international standards to provide high-standard drinking water for tourists and the staff as well. The resort is expected to recycle more than 2.7 billion liters of water on a yearly basis, which will significantly reduce water consumption. Moreover, the resort has raised the standards of internally reused water to meet the human health and safety requirements.

Through high-efficiency infrastructures such as the combined heating, cooling, and power system, solar photovoltaic system and waste recycling system, UBR has achieved per-capita carbon dioxide emissions of less than half the standard prescribed by the LEED Assessment for Cities and Communities.

To boost the resort's development and improve the living standards of people in the vicinity, UBR will build a subway station and two subway lines, open new bus lines and add bus stations, while also  providing electric shuttle buses for employees.

UBR has created nearly 10,000 jobs and is capable of accommodating more than 8,000 staff members. Also, the resort has joined forces with more than 30 higher education institutions in offering tourism courses and providing local talents with more opportunities for career development.

In the contruction period, UBR is always committed to environmental protection. Miscellaneous fills containing large blocks of construction waste can be converted into earth materials for direct backfilling, achieving a soil resources conversion rate of 97 percent.