Telfair, the heart of Moka, has achieved remarkable international recognition by becoming the first neighbourhood in Africa to be certified by the U.S. Green Building Council — the benchmark institution for sustainable development in the United States. So far, just 49 neighbourhoods globally have reached this prestigious standard.
The LEED-ND certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighbourhood Development) is one of the world’s most rigorous standards for sustainable urban planning. It considers not only environmental factors, but also the social, economic, and cultural dimensions essential to truly sustainable development. Awarded at the scale of an entire neighbourhood, this recognition reflects meticulous planning, a long-term vision, and a genuine commitment to integrating sustainability principles at every stage of the urban project. Telfair is not merely a well-designed city centre — it is a model. A model for what a modern, responsible, and forward-looking city can be.
“This international certification is the result of nearly a decade of dedicated effort. From the outset, our vision for Telfair has been to design a place where people are the focus, where well-being takes precedence, and where the environment is respected and celebrated. LEED-ND validates our strategy and inspires us to pursue the sustainable urban transformation we are committed to each day,” underlines Samuel de Gersigny, General Manager of Moka Smart City.
International experts carried out a detailed evaluation of Telfair using more than 40 distinct criteria. These included accessibility, public realm design, mixed-use development, environmental considerations, and responsible resource management. Telfair exemplifies a contemporary urban model where all aspects of daily life are integrated into a healthy and sustainable setting. This certification goes beyond simple recognition. It reflects a deep commitment to responsible development and serves as a benchmark for future city planners.
