Saudi Arabia Emerges as Green Building Leader
A new report by construction consultancy Stonehaven analysed global data to see which country is championing green building practices.
The report focused on two major players in the Middle Eastern construction market: the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Emission Reduction Leader
While the UAE saw an 18% increase in manufacturing and construction emissions over the past decade (2010-2020), Saudi Arabia achieved a significant 24% reduction. This impressive achievement ranks them fifth globally in CO2 and greenhouse gas emission reduction, following Japan, Kazakhstan, and the USA.
Green Building Boom
The report also examined the number of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified projects, a globally recognised green building standard. Both the UAE and KSA landed in the top 10. Saudi Arabia secured fifth place with over 1,190 certified projects, while the UAE followed closely behind in ninth with 641 projects. They are the only Middle Eastern nations to crack the top 10.
Within these countries, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah lead the UAE with 348 and 120 LEED projects, respectively. In KSA, the capital Riyadh has the most projects at 866, with Jeddah trailing behind at 20.
Industry Shift Towards Sustainability
Gordon Rodger, Managing Director at Stonehaven, says, "Although the construction industry has a long way to go in reducing its impact on the planet, accounting for 37% of global emissions, this report shows positive signs that the region is moving in the right direction. At Stonehaven, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact. Investing in the latest technologies has increased design and engineering efficiencies, resulting in less material wastage and energy consumption on our sites.
“Our dedication to sustainability extends beyond our operations. We educate our clients on the benefits of sustainable construction methods, including solar solutions, water reduction systems, and eco-friendly materials. One of our recent projects, the Jetex Al Bateen VIP Airport Lounge in the UAE, has been awarded the Estidama 3 Pearl Rating.”
Looking Ahead
Estidama, similar to LEED but developed specifically for Abu Dhabi, goes beyond the building itself. It considers environmental, economic, social, and cultural factors. This recognition underlines Stonehaven's dedication to innovative and eco-friendly solutions that push boundaries within the construction industry.
The report concludes by offering expert insights on future sustainable construction materials and upcoming trends as the industry progresses towards a greener future.
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Source: Construction Business News
